Cyber Security BSc (Hons)

A lock on top of a keyboard

As a result of the continuing digital revolution, computer systems are involved in just about every aspect of modern life.

Year of entry

Location

Coventry University Wrocław (Poland)

Study mode

Full-time

Duration

4 years sandwich
3 year - Degree

Course code

CUPU047

Start date

May 2023
July 2023

How to apply
Book an Open Day
Download a prospectus
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Course overview

As the number of mobile users, digital applications, and data networks increase, so has the number of potential risks and threats, resulting in the need for talented professionals to secure and protect systems and data.

Our BSc (Hons) Cyber Security course is designed to produce high quality graduates who can contribute effectively in one of the fastest growing sectors globally.

The course offers real-life tools and challenges, giving you the opportunity to become an independent learner through practical projects and advanced teaching methods. 

Why Coventry University Wrocław?

At Coventry University Wrocław, we aim to offer a career-focused experience to our students, one that is traditionally academic but is also designed to help you progress in your future career. Our offering is flexible and designed to fit around your life, allowing you to benefit from a modern, forward-thinking higher education institution, reinforced by the quality and reputation of Coventry University. We are dedicated to making higher education accessible and enjoyable for as many people as possible, so we only to cover one module at a time, allowing you to become a specialist in each topic before moving onto the next.

What you'll study

This course examines the principles and threats which underpin computer systems, networks and the software development process. You will become competent and confident in a range of prevalent topics, such as operating systems, network security, programming language, penetration testing, ethical hacking and more.

The first year of the course introduces you to the core fundamentals that underpin computing science. You will explore the importance of IT security, and the risks posed to computer systems globally. In addition, you will develop your professional problem-solving skills, as you understand the basic principles of programming. Most of the modules in this year contain a practical element, so that you receive the best combination of theoretical and hands-on learning.

Modules

  • This introductory module aims to provide knowledge of key networking and computer architectures. Focusing on the origins, structure and fundamental components of a computer network, you will gain foundational knowledge of relevant technologies including wireless, wired and optical computer networking. This includes access controllers, hubs, transceivers and more.

    Compulsory

  • In this module you will learn basic operating system concepts including processes, memory management, drivers and file systems, while examining security risks and security management strategies. You will also examine favoured operating systems such as Microsoft Windows and Mac OSX, with focus placed on the Linux operating system.

    Compulsory

  • Here you will cover the prevalent issue of IT security and risk. You will critically analyse risks a computer may face, from viruses to computer hacking. Exploring the pros and cons of ethical hackers, website hacking and internet security, you’ll gain specialist knowledge of legal, social, ethical and professional issues associated with cyber security.

    Compulsory

  • Basic problem solving and algorithm design techniques will be studied in this module, alongside programming and programming language concepts.  You will learn the syntax and semantics of a high-level programming language (e.g. Python) and the basic principles of developing well engineered software and the supporting tools and techniques.

    Compulsory

Building on knowledge gained in year one, this year is aimed at building your skillset to an advanced standard. You’ll develop object-orientated analysis, design and implementation skills as you explore complex subjects such as cryptography, digital forensic science and algorithms. Towards the end of the year our lecturers work with you to refine transferable employability skills, as you prepare for a career in computing as a global citizen.

Modules

  • In this module you’ll study the methods and use of cryptography at two levels.  Firstly, you will be introduced to cryptographic primitives and their use in developing secure systems. Secondly, you will be given the opportunity to use current implementations of crypto-based security systems for applications such as signing websites and encrypting emails. 

    Compulsory

  • You will develop the skills necessary to gather, analyse and evaluate digital evidence by deploying digital forensic science techniques. The processes of forensic investigation and incident response will be studied, along with the application of digital investigation and evidence recovery techniques within a legal framework.

    Compulsory

  • In this module, you will extend your programming and algorithm design skills and gain the ability to structure and manipulate intricate data sets through extensive work with complex programs. In addition, you will refine object-oriented analysis, design and implementation skills and learn to effectively utilise libraries, components and supporting tools.

    Compulsory

  • In preparation for the final year project, this collaborative module aims to enhance your skillset by developing key skills such as communication, team working, co-operation and collaboration, project planning, commercial awareness, cultural awareness and distributed working. In addition, you will develop the critical thinking, research, academic and professional writing skills required as a reflective practitioner.

    Compulsory

There’s no better way to find out what you love doing than trying it out for yourself, which is why a work placement can often be beneficial. Work placements1 usually occur between your second and final year of study. They’re a great way to help you explore your potential career path and gain valuable work experience, whilst developing transferable skills for the future.

In the final year of study, you look at complex subjects such as the Internet of Things and the underlying principles. You will analyse and evaluate potential risk and exploitation in secure programming, and assess a range of issues such as buffer overflows and how to mitigate a number of security risks. Finally, you’ll get the chance to demonstrate your skills in a number of independent projects, taking charge of processes from inception to delivery.

Modules

  • In this module, you will study advanced programming techniques specifically aligned to developing secure software. A detailed understanding of potential security risks and flaws in software will be developed, along with knowledge on how these flaws and areas of exploitation can be mitigated via defensive means. 

    Compulsory

  • The underlying principles, technologies and architecture of wireless sensor networks will be examined in this module along with current practical applications and future trends. You will critically evaluate the security, privacy and trust implications of IoT technology and explore the approaches and mechanisms that mitigate security risks.

    Compulsory

  • This unit focuses on a range of contemporary and emerging technologies, applications and professional issues in computing. Throughout the module, you will engage with research and advanced practice literature with the aim of extending and broadening your subject knowledge.  There’s a focus on professional, ethical, business and societal issues, through an international lens.

    Compulsory

  • You have the opportunity to focus on an area of interest within the field of Computing Science, which may be aligned to your future career interests. Throughout the project, you will need to demonstrate research, problem solving, design and development skills, through a practical implementation, investigation (possibly including the gathering and analysis of secondary evidence) and evaluation.

    Compulsory

How you'll learn

This course is available as a full-time three year or optional four-year sandwich course, the latter incorporating a work placement or study year in a related field1.

Our teaching methods are varied, offering a number of teaching styles to suit the needs of all our students, so in addition to lectures, we also utilise a blended learning approach, including online aspects, workshops and group work. Additional support is available via email and our online learning platform, Aula.

Progression through the modules develops knowledge and skills, including communication (written and oral), study skills, research methods, project management, presentation and career development. We will also encourage you to consider your employability and/or entrepreneurial development.

Unlike traditional institutions, there are no end of year exams. Instead, learning is assessed through coursework and phase tests, which is more reflective of our learning model.

The contact hours may be made up of a combination of face-to-face teaching, individual and group tutorials, and online classes and tutorials. As an innovative and enterprising institution, the university may seek to utilise emerging technologies within the student experience. For all courses (whether on-campus, blended, or distance learning), the university may deliver certain contact hours and assessments via online technologies and methods.

The number of full-time contact hours may vary from semester to semester, however, on average, it is likely to be around 20 contact hours per week.

Additionally, you will be expected to undertake significant self-directed study of approximately 30 hours each week, depending on the demands of individual modules.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are prepared for courses due to start in or after the 2022/2023 academic year to be delivered in a variety of forms. The form of delivery will be determined in accordance with Government and Public Health guidance. Whether on campus or online, our key priority is staff and student safety.

Assessment

The learning outcomes of modules, assignments and projects will be clearly stated. Your work will be marked according to how well you achieve these learning outcomes and your final feedback will refer to each outcome, as well as providing an overall percentage grade.

Assessment methods vary and include, practical class and project performance, written practical reports, project thesis, laboratory experiments, tutorial tasks and assessments, which take place at the end of each six-week block.

Course Breakdown:

  • Coursework
  • Phase Tests

The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.

Entry requirements

Polish requirements

Requirement What we're looking for
Polish Matura Exam Satisfactory Grade
Polish Matura Extended Level One subject at Grade 4 or 55% if higher. If one Extended Level subject is English at 75% or higher you do not require additional English Language qualifications
International Baccalaureate (IB Diploma) 28 points

EU requirements

Requirement What we're looking for
EU exams We're here to help you understand which qualifications, diplomas and certificates you can use from your own country to meet our entry requirements. Contact us to find out more or find your home country on our EU entry requirements page.
International Baccalaureate (IB Diploma) 28 points

 

International requirements

For international students and regional specific information, find your home country on our regional entry requirements page.

English language requirements

A telephone interview to assess English language skills will be arranged for non-native English speakers.

If you hold IELTS Level 6.0 (with no component less than 5.5) or equivalent, you will not have to complete the telephone interview.

Fees and funding

Student Full-time Part-time
EU 25,995 zł (EU) per year Not available
International 41,595 zł (non-EU) per year Not available

The following are additional costs not included in the tuition fees2:

  • Any optional overseas field trips or visits
  • Any costs associated with securing, attending or completing a placement (whether in the EU or abroad)

Facilities

Coventry University Wrocław will offer you a wide range of facilities to support your studies and help you succeed.

This campus offers the opportunity to study in fully equipped classrooms for interactive and collaborative teaching, IT suites purpose-built to support the needs of our students and also break out spaces3.

Careers and opportunities

An important vocation in the modern digital age, cyber security professionals work with creativity and analytical thinking to understand how systems can be broken, protected and used.

A career in cyber security is challenging, dynamic and highly transferable, meaning graduates may have the opportunity to work internationally throughout their careers as there is a recognised global demand for trained specialists.

Cyber security is a rapidly growing market, with plenty of scope to develop a very lucrative career. Graduates from this course can enter a number of possible career pathways, such as Cyber Security Consultant, Cyber Crime Investigator, Digital Forensics Analyst or Software Developer Programmer.

How to apply

  • Coventry University Wroclaw is a branch campus of Coventry University. Coventry University together with Coventry University London Campus, CU Coventry, CU London, CU Scarborough and Coventry University Online come together to form part of the Coventry University Group (the “University”) with all degrees awarded by Coventry University.

    1 UK, Polish, and International opportunities

    Please note that we are unable to guarantee any UK, Polish or International opportunities (whether required or optional) such as internships, work experience, field trips, conferences, placements or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be subject to additional costs (which could include, but is not limited to, equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire, travel, accommodation and visas), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable travel COVID and visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand the visa requirements, please contact the International Office.

    2 Tuition fees

    The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated on the course webpage and in the prospectus for the first year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year and will be entitled to increase the fees in line with inflation based on the average annual index of consumer goods and services announced in the form of a communication by the President of Statistics Poland in the Official Journal of Poland “Monitor Polski”. If the tuition fees are increased the student may withdraw from their student contract before that increase takes effect without incurring any financial penalty.

    3 Facilities

    Facilities are subject to availability. Due to the ongoing restrictions relating to COVID-19, some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) may vary from those advertised and may have reduced availability or restrictions on their use.

    Student Contract

    By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. A copy of the 2022/23 contract can be found here. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the university will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the university.

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