BSc Cyber Security Overview

Cyber space comprises all the interactions with all the networks of digital devices used to store, modify and communicate information, across all time. It is global in reach and vast in scale, extending far beyond the Internet. Its interactions are with people, with the physical environment, and with other digital devices. It is a pervasive enabler in modern society. Most things are possible; not all are desirable; context is everything.

Cyber Security seeks to enable the good and prevent the bad in cyber space. For you to contribute to this task, you will learn a broad range of theory and practice. Most things will be viewed from two perspectives: what should happen, and what does happen. Many cyber security challenges lurk in this gap between concept and reality.

What will you learn?

You’ll develop a deep understanding of cyber space, starting with the fundamentals of software development, computer architecture, networks, operating systems, and information risk management.

You’ll also explore areas such as software engineering, programming languages, human-computer interaction, managing and securing information, and advanced topics in cyber security.

Regular individual and group projects will consolidate your learning, enabling you to apply theory to practical problems. Cyber security professionals are in high demand by businesses worldwide, meaning you’ll have access to a wealth of potential career routes in a highly mobile profession when you graduate.

The course has a strong technical focus so that you understand precisely how the digital parts of cyber systems function. However, the role played by people, processes and the physical environment in achieving cyber security is also a critical part of your study. Taken together, you will learn how to harden the security posture of an organisation's cyber systems.

How is the course delivered?

This course is delivered by subject leaders our Cyber Security Centre. The teaching and learning is structured around high-intensity workshops with structured independent consolidation activities in between.

• The workshops will comprise a mix of conventional lectures, practical laboratory sessions and tutorial sessions. The proportions and emphasis will vary from module to module.
• The consolidation activities typically will involve the application of material covered in the workshop to a practical problem. Some of this consolidation activity will be individual, some will be working in teams. Some development projects will span several workshops and run for several weeks.

Much of the practical activity will take place in the dedicated Cyber Security laboratories within the Cyber Security Centre. Your studies will culminate in your final year individual cyber project.

Class size

Class sizes will be small at around 30 students.

Contact hours

During term time, outside the summer examination period, teaching contact time will normally be 18 hours per week in years one and two.

How will you be assessed?

Your performance will be assessed by a combination of coursework and written examination. The coursework may be individual or group work involving aspects of cyber system development, cyber system analysis, cyber research, and presentation of findings.

Second year and final year assessment contributes 30:70 to your final BSc degree classification.

What careers can a Warwick degree in Cyber Security lead to?

Career paths can be technical, managerial, and strategic in the public, private, or charity sector; enabling social services, commerce, healthcare, transportation, environmental protection and more generally, a secure digital society.

Early career roles could include:
Network Security Administrator, Forensic Analyst, Threat Analyst, Penetration Tester and Secure Software Developer.

Later career roles could include:
Security Architect, Security Assessor, Malware Reverse Engineer, Incident Response Coordinator, Cyber Security Consultant, and Chief Information Security Officer.

Year 1 lays the foundations for you to develop a deeper understanding of cyber space. You'll be studying topics such as software development, computer architecture, networks, operating systems and information risk management.

• Software Development and Security
• Cyber Systems Architecture and Organisation
• Discrete Structures for Cyber Security
• Networks, Communication and Cyber Defence
• Operating Systems in the Cyber Context
• Cyber Security Fundamentals

Year 2 will build on your knowledge and skills by giving you the chance to explore areas such software engineering, programming languages, human computer interaction, secure systems, managing and securing information, all with a cyber security theme.

• The Cyber Context of Software Engineering
• Programming Languages for Cyber Security
• Human Behaviour in Cyber Systems
• Implementing Secure Systems
• Information Management
• Information Security Management

Year 3 exposes you to advanced topics in cyber security. You'll also complete an individual project, where you will apply your skills and knowledge to an area of your choice under the supervision of our academics.

• Low-level Tools and Techniques for Cyber Security
• Data Science, Algorithms, and Complexity in the Cyber Context
• Operational Security Management
• Cyber Security Incident Management
• Individual Project