Cyber Security and Networks

This Bachelor's degree program in Cyber Security and Networks at Glasgow Caledonian University is designed to equip students with the essential knowledge and skills required to protect digital infrastructure and manage complex network systems. Throughout the course, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of fundamental concepts such as network architecture, security protocols, cryptography, and risk management. The program emphasizes hands-on learning through practical labs and industry-focused projects, enabling students to develop real-world competencies in identifying and mitigating cyber threats.

Students will explore a wide range of topics, including network design, cyber defense mechanisms, ethical hacking, digital forensics, and information assurance. The curriculum is continually updated to reflect the latest advancements and challenges in the field of cybersecurity, preparing graduates to work in diverse roles such as security analyst, network administrator, penetration tester, or cybersecurity consultant.

Apart from technical skills, the program also promotes critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication, which are vital for addressing complex security challenges in a dynamic digital environment. With strong links to industry partners and opportunities for work placements, students will have the chance to apply their knowledge in real-world settings and build professional networks.

The degree is suitable for individuals passionate about technology and security, seeking to make a positive impact on digital safety. Graduates will be well-prepared to pursue further studies or enter the workforce, contributing to the protection and resilience of information systems in various sectors. This program reflects Glasgow Caledonian University’s commitment to providing relevant, high-quality education that meets the evolving needs of the cybersecurity industry worldwide.

Detailed Course Facts

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Course Content

Year 3: Advanced Routing, Network Penetration Testing and Ethical Hacking, Specialist Option 1, Regulating the Information Society, Specialist Option 2, Integrated Design Project 3. Specialist Options available in: Software Development and Management.

Year 4: Honours Research and Project Methods, Honours Project, Specialist Option 1, Specialist Option 2, Cloud Systems Security, Specialist Option 3.

Placement

The programme features an optional one-year sandwich placement which can be undertaken after completion of Year 3. The placement consists of a year of practical paid work experience in a suitable company position. The different types of posts undertaken can be of quite a diverse range but will always relate to your area of study. Recently students have been placed with companies such as IBM, Dell Corporation, National Australia Group, The Royal Bank of Scotland, Strathclyde Police among others. Undertaking the placement can provide valuable experience to enhance your career prospects following your graduation.

International Study/Exchange

The School has numerous European Exchange agreements through which opportunities are available to study a semester at a partner institution.

Assessment Methods

Students who follow this programme of study can expect to be taught in the best suite of network and security engineering labs in Scotland, and possibly the UK, providing an unmatched hands-on learning experience.
Our substantial Netlab system allows us to offer remote access to our equipment which lets you undertake many of our practical labs off-campus. Web based conferencing tools such as CISCO WebEx will allow our part-time students to engage with our tutorial and seminar sessions. Our full-time students engage in laboratory or tutorial activity through their working week.

Teaching Methods

Our programme places a significant emphasis on developing your advanced practical technical skills and then benchmarking these against industry standard professional qualifications, allowing us to assess you by a number of different methods, depending on the nature of the module studied.

We will also develop the soft skills expected by your future employer as well as writing, research and team working skills and in keeping with the relevant nature of this course, you will solve realistic problems drawn from industry where you will use these skills. Guests from our industrial partners will also come in to deliver lectures throughout the course.

In your third year, you will have the opportunity to undertake an industrial placement and continue to your Honours year at the end of this period.

Requirements

Direct Entry Year 3

HND Computer Networking & Internet Technology or Computing: Technical Support.
HND must include an A in the graded unit and Routing Technology.
Other relevant computing HND programmes may be considered - please contact Admissions Office for further detail.

Direct Entry Year 2

15 credit HNC Computer Networking or Computing.
HNC must include an A in the graded unit and appropriate Mathematics unit.
Other relevant computing HNC programmes may be considered - please contact Admissions Office for further detail.

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

Related Scholarships*

• Academic Excellence Scholarship

  "The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."

• Access Bursary

  Bursary for UK students all subjects where the variable tuition fee rate is payable.

• Alumni Bursary

  Alumni Bursary for UK Undergraduate students

* The scholarships shown on this page are suggestions first and foremost. They could be offered by other organisations than Glasgow Caledonian University.

Accreditation

The School of Engineering and the Built Environment is an accredited Cisco Academy. The curriculum material from the professionally recognised Cisco Certified Network Associate qualification and Cisco Certified Network Professional is integrated into this programme. With additional work and assessments, you can work to complete these Cisco Certified qualifications.