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BSc (Honours) Cyber Security

Our cyber security degree combines three sought-after computing streams: networking, cyber security and digital forensics. It gives you a thorough understanding of socio-technical systems and skills to prevent or respond to cyber security incidents. And develops your ability to critically analyse and apply digital solutions to security examination and digital forensic investigations. You’ll also acquire an appreciation of tools, techniques and legal requirements. The degree programme, with its well-balanced theory and practice, has a strong technical focus. You’ll develop your understanding of how networked cyber systems function and how they might be abused. The course focuses on the relationship between technology, people, processes, the physical environment and cyber security. You’ll be able to pursue a wide array of career paths across all sectors.

Course Summary

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Degree

Course code: R60

Credits

360

How long it takes
Study method: Distance learning

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Course details Entry requirements Fees and funding How OU study works Careers

Course details

This degree has three stages, each comprising 120 credits.

You’ll start Stage 1 with three 30-credit computing and IT modules and a 30-credit mathematics module.
At Stage 2, you’ll study four 30-credit modules.
At Stage 3, you’ll study two 30-credit modules, choose a further 30-credit module and complete your degree with a 30-credit project module.

Stage 1 (120 credits)

At Stage 1, you’ll study two introductory computing and IT modules and sample some practical information technologies. You’ll also choose a mathematics module based on your confidence and experience.


Modules	Credits
You'll study all three of the following:
Introduction to computing and information technology 1 (TM111)	30
Introduction to computing and information technology 2 (TM112)	30
Technologies in practice (TM129)	30
You'll choose one from:
Discovering mathematics (MU123)	30
Essential mathematics 1 (MST124)	30

Stage 2 (120 credits)

At Stage 2, you’ll study four modules, which will develop your understanding of cyber security, software development, networking, and communications technologies.


Modules	Credits
You'll study all four of the following:
Web technologies (TT284)	30
Cisco networking (CCNA) part 1 (TM257)	30
Communication and information technologies (TM255)	30
Cyber security (TM256)	30

Stage 3 (120 credits)

At Stage 3, you’ll deepen your expertise in cyber security by studying two specialist modules, plus an optional module in networking or web technologies. You’ll complete your studies with a project module where you’ll develop and demonstrate your specialist knowledge and skills.


Modules	Credits
You'll study both of the following:
Information security (TM311)	30
Systems penetration testing (TM359)	30
You'll choose one from:
Cisco networking (CCNA) part 2 (TM357)	30
Communications technology (TM355)	30
IT systems: planning for success (TM353)	30
Web, mobile and cloud technologies (TM352)	30
You'll study the following:
The computing and IT project (TM470)	30

We regularly review our curriculum; therefore, the qualification described on this page – including its availability, its structure, and available modules – may change over time. If we make changes to this qualification, we’ll update this page as soon as possible. Once you’ve registered or are studying this qualification, where practicable, we’ll inform you in good time of any upcoming changes. If you’d like to know more about the circumstances in which the University might make changes to the curriculum, see our Academic Regulations or contact us. This description was last updated on 14 March 2023.

Accessibility

We make all our qualifications as accessible as possible and have a comprehensive range of services to support all our students. This qualification uses a variety of study materials and has the following elements:

studying online OR studying a mixture of printed and online material. Online learning resources may include websites, audio/video media clips, and interactive activities such as online quizzes
using mathematical and scientific expressions, notations and associated techniques
working in a group with other students
using and/or producing diagrams and/or screenshots
undertaking practical work OR using an online laboratory
using specialist software (e.g. online Cisco networking labs in module TM257)
finding external/third party material online.

For more detailed information, see the Accessibility Statements on individual module descriptions. If you feel you may need additional support, visit Disability support to find more about what we offer.

Learning outcomes, teaching and assessment

This qualification develops your learning in four main areas:

Knowledge and understanding.
Cognitive skills.
Practical and professional skills.
Key skills.

The level and depth of your learning gradually increases as you work through the qualification. You’ll be supported throughout by the OU’s unique style of teaching and assessment – which includes a personal tutor to guide and comment on your work; top quality course texts; elearning resources like podcasts, interactive media and online materials; tutorial groups and community forums.

Read the detailed learning outcomes here

Credit transfer

If you’ve already completed some university-level study somewhere else, you may be able to count it towards this qualification – which could save you time and money by reducing the number of modules you need to study. At the OU we call this credit transfer.

It’s not just university study that can be considered, you can also transfer study from a wide range of professional or vocational qualifications such as HNCs and HNDs.

You should apply for credit transfer before you register, at least 4 weeks before the registration closing date. For more details and to download an application form, visit our Credit Transfer website.

Classification of your degree

On successfully completing this course, we’ll award you our BSc (Honours) Cyber Security.

The class of honours (first, upper-second, lower-second or third) will depend on your grades at Stages 2 and 3.

You’ll have the opportunity to attend a degree ceremony.

International recognition

If you intend to use your Open University qualifications to seek work or undertake further study outside the UK, we recommend checking whether your intended qualification will meet local requirements for your chosen career. Find out more about international recognition of Open University qualifications.

Regulations

As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the qualification-specific regulations below and the academic regulations that are available on our Student Policies and Regulations website.

BSc (Honours) Cyber Security

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Entry requirements

There are no formal entry requirements for this qualification.

At The Open University we believe education should be open to all, so we provide a high-quality university education to anyone who wishes to realise their ambitions and fulfil their potential.

Even though there are no entry requirements, there are some skills that you’ll need to succeed. If you’re not quite ready for OU study we can guide you to resources that prepare you, many of which are free.

Answer a few quick questions to check whether you’re ready for study success

Stage 1 includes a choice between Discovering mathematics (MU123) and Essential mathematics 1 (MST124) – decide which is best for you.

How much time do I need?

Most of our students study part time, completing 60 credits a year.
This will usually mean studying for 16–18 hours a week.

Find out if you have enough time to study with our time planner

Preparing for study with an Access module

Students who start their study with an Access module are more likely to be successful when they advance to Stage 1 of their qualification. They’re specially designed to give you a gentle introduction to OU study, boost confidence in your study skills, and help you gain a broad overview of your chosen subject area.

You’ll also benefit from:

feedback from your tutor through regular one-to-one phone tutorials
support from a dedicated team throughout your study
detailed written feedback on your work.

The Access module we’d recommend studying in preparation for this qualification is our:

Science, technology and maths Access module

What you will study

This multidisciplinary module is an ideal starting point if you have little or no previous knowledge of the sciences, technology and mathematics. It’ll help develop your study skills in advance of your OU qualification, and you get to explore a number of STEM subjects including science, engineering and design, environment, mathematics, and computing and IT.

View full details of Science, technology and maths Access module

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Compare the cost of studying at the OU with other campus-based universities in England.

Qualification	Total cost at campus university*	Total cost at The Open University**	Saving with The Open University
Honours Degree	£27,750	£20,772	£6,978 (25%)
Diploma of Higher Education	£18,500	£13,848	£4,652 (25%)
Certificate of Higher Education	£9,250	£6,924	£2,326 (25%)

Honours Degree

Total cost at campus university* £27,750

Total cost at The Open University** £20,772

Saving with The Open University £6,978 (25%)

Diploma of Higher Education

Total cost at campus university* £18,500

Total cost at The Open University** £13,848

Saving with The Open University £4,652 (25%)

Certificate of Higher Education

Total cost at campus university* £9,250

Total cost at The Open University** £6,924

Saving with The Open University £2,326 (25%)

*Based on maximum chargeable fees for 23/24 academic year.

**The fee and funding information provided here is valid for courses starting before 31 July 2024. Fees normally increase annually. For further information about the University's fee policy, visit our Fee Rules.

How will I study this course?

With our unique approach to distance learning, you can study from home, work, or on the move.

You’ll have some assessment deadlines to meet, but otherwise you’ll be free to study at the times that suit you, fitting your learning around work, family, and social life.

For each of your modules, you’ll use either just online resources or a mix of online and printed materials.

Each module you study will have a module website, with:

a week-by-week study planner, giving you a step-by-step guide through your studies
course materials such as reading, videos, recordings, and self-assessed activities
module forums for discussions and collaborative activities with other students
details of each assignment and their due dates
a tutorial booking system, online tutorial rooms, and your tutor’s contact details
online versions of some printed module materials and resources.

If you have additional needs, we can also provide most module materials in alternative formats. Find out more about materials on our accessibility webpage.

Tutor support

You’ll have a tutor for each module, who will introduce themselves before the module begins.

Throughout the module, they will:

mark your assignments and give feedback to help you improve
guide you to learning resources
support you, whether with general study skills or help with a specific topic.

Tutorials

Tutorials usually take place online, and they’re always optional.

Online tutorials are live presentations with module tutors in dedicated online tutorial rooms, and are sometimes recorded.

Assessment

Our assessments are all designed to reinforce your learning and help you show your understanding of the topics. The mix of assessment methods will vary between modules.

Computer-Marked Assignments

Usually a series of online, multiple-choice questions.

Tutor-Marked Assignments

You’ll have a number of these throughout each module, each with a submission deadline.
They can be made up of essays, questions, experiments or something else to test your understanding of what you have learned.
Your tutor will mark and return them to you with detailed feedback.

End-of-Module Assessments

The final, marked piece of work on most modules.
Modules with an end of module assessment won’t usually have an exam.

Exams

Some modules end with an exam. You’ll be given time to revise and prepare.
You’ll be given your exam date at least 5 months in advance.
Most exams take place remotely, and you will complete them at home or at an alternative location.
If a module requires you to take a face-to-face exam, this will be made clear in the module description, and you will be required to take your exam in person at one of our exam centres.

Progressing to a point where I felt more comfortable writing my assignments, and having my scores reflecting that, made me quite happy because it showed the hard work was being rewarded.
Patrick ‘Ricky’ Skene, BSc (Hons) Sport, Fitness and Coaching

Other support and resources

Throughout your studies, you’ll have access to our subject-specific Student Support Teams.

They’ll help you with any general questions about your study and updates to your OU account.

To help with your studies, you’ll also have access to:

our online library, with high-quality online resources to support your study
other university libraries in the UK and Ireland
the online Help Centre, which has general information about OU study and support, along with study skills advice
free Microsoft Office 365 software
IT and computing support from our Computing Helpdesk.

Find out more about student support and being a part of the OU community.

Skills for career development

This degree course is useful if you already work, or would like to work, in computing and IT systems. The degree will impart technical and personal attributes to manage, implement and assess the security of business activities in a global context in addition to a broad understanding of the workings of socio-technical systems and an ability to adequately prevent or respond to cyber security incidents. The course enables development of discipline-specific and personal transferable skills so that during studies and on graduation students may move directly into responsible positions in a variety of careers such as software security architect, software developer, system administrator, penetration tester, digital forensic investigator, security operations analyst, IT consultant or computing researcher that match both learners and employers expectations.

Career relevance

A study by the UK Government’s Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) indicates a severe shortage of cyber security skills is a national challenge and is also an indication of technology growth.

Cyber security graduates will be in demand beyond the traditional workplaces where general computing and IT graduates have sought employment. The extensive range of organisations employing cyber security graduates includes retail, financial services, leisure and gaming, legal and insurance sectors, telecommunications, broadcast media, digital media, manufacturing, transport, tourism, the public sector and healthcare.

Cyber security is top among the areas of high demand while other areas include mobile development, cloud computing and the management of Big Data.

Other careers

Beyond pure technology roles, some graduates also enter careers in policing (cyber crime), insurance companies where digital forensic experts are in demand to support cyber insurance services, management consultancy firms or corporate roles, while others go into technical writing roles or work freelance.

Many graduate-level jobs are open to graduates of any discipline, particularly in business, finance, management consultancy and the public sector. Some careers may require further study, training and/or work experience beyond your degree.

Exploring your options

Once you register with us (and for up to three years after you finish your studies), you’ll have full access to our careers service for a wide range of information and advice – including online forums, website, interview simulation, vacancy service as well as the option to email or speak to a careers adviser. Some areas of the careers service website are available for you to see now, including help with looking for and applying for jobs. You can also read more general information about how OU study enhances your career.

In the meantime if you want to do some research around this qualification and where it might take you, we’ve put together a list of relevant job titles as a starting point (note that some careers may require further study, training and/or work experience beyond your degree):

cyber security apprentice
cyber security manager
IT infrastructure apprentice
IT security administrator

IT/digital security analyst
network administrator
network architect
penetration tester

security analyst
security operations centre (SOC) analyst
software engineer.

Register for this course

Start dates

Oct 2023 - Registration closes 07/09/2023
Feb 2024 - Registration closes 11/01/2024
Apr 2024 - Registration closes 07/03/2024

Credit transfer: apply by 03/08/2023

Credit transfer: apply by 07/12/2023

Credit transfer: apply by 08/02/2024

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