BSc (Hons) Applied Cyber Security (Degree Apprenticeship)
Course details
Year of entry
2025
Duration
3 YRS (PT)
Institution Code
G53
Location
Wrexham
Why choose this course?
The demand for graduates with the knowledge, understanding and skills required to analyse, design, develop, test, and maintain modern computer systems is high. Organisations rely on the use of computers for information processing and problem solving so the industry requires specialists to create, understand and further advance Cyber Security.
Students will:
- Gain a full degree in three years of part-time study.
- Study one day per week, with the remaining four days in employment.
- Address the advances in cybersecurity through an in-depth understanding of IT security, hacking, forensics, and the future and emerging technologies associated with this rapidly changing field.
- Have opportunities to undertake real-life projects, preparing you for work within the industry.
- Have opportunities to build and configure computer and networked systems, as well as the necessary support systems.
- Explore the issues associated with managing these types of systems and in particular the necessary aspects of network security.
- Apply the knowledge and professional skills developed within the programme to their workplace.
Key course features
- Hands-on teaching of a range of cybersecurity skills, techniques and tools, such as cryptography, authentication, access control, viruses and malware, penetration testing, risk management, and forensic investigation.
- Extensive PC and networked computer facilities with internet access.
- The course team have strong links to the North Wales Cyber Security Cluster, an industry-led forum for cybersecurity practitioners and employers, and students on the programme have opportunities to attend and be involved with their meetings and events.
- The University is home to ARCLab, which specializes in research in the field of computing and computer science.
What you will study
Students will develop and apply the knowledge and professional skills developed within this programme of learning to their workplace. Developed as a three-way learning partnership between the employer, the student and the academic programme team, this route will enable students to develop skills that will be in high demand in the future, meeting regional skills gaps.
By utilising the full calendar year and applying core tenants of work-based learning, students will achieve their award within the same period as a standard full-time student.
YEAR 1 (LEVEL 4)
Level 4 contains essential fundamental material that is relevant in all of our computing programmes and supports your studies in years two and three. You will learn both subject-specific skills along with transferable skills, which will increase your employability prospects.
With the support of your tutors, you will learn about some of the essential facts, concepts, techniques, design processes and context of computer science and security. You will also learn about hardware issues, including interfacing and data communications and their impact on the overall design and performance of computer-based systems.
MODULES
- Computer Systems
- Managing Data
- Problem Solving with Programming
- Discrete Computational Methods
- Fundamentals of Information Security
- Governance
YEAR 2 (LEVEL 5)
Level 5 continues teaching you the fundamentals of the discipline as more specialist modules start to be introduced, such as the Cybersecurity and Forensics and Security in Context modules, which explore how computer systems can be configured to resist and identify cyber-attacks. You will enhance your computing and investigative skills by applying them in laboratory and practical work, to areas that are relevant to the discipline of cybersecurity.
MODULES
- Server Technology
- Data Structures and Algorithms
- Cybersecurity and Forensics
- Secure software design
- Securing networks and Infrastructure
- Work based project
YEAR 3 (LEVEL 6)
Once you reach your final year, you will further develop your skills through taught modules and research, with a focus on the latest developments in cyber security, and study the specialist modules of Network Security and Ethical Hacking, both of which will prepare you to deal with a range of security threats and attacks. You will also undertake an individual final year project, which will help prepare you for the kind of tasks and situations you may encounter in the workplace. The final year practical and project work will further develop your in-depth specialist knowledge, understanding and practical skills within key areas of the discipline, as applied to the development of telecommunications systems and services using current and emerging technologies.
MODULES
- IT Project Management
- Network Security
- Ethical Hacking
- Future Technologies
- Project
The information listed in this section is an overview of the academic content of the programme that will take the form of either core or option modules. Modules are designated as core or option in accordance with professional body requirements and internal academic framework review, so may be subject to change.
Entry requirements & applying
The standard entry requirements of the University for this programme are (for Level 4 entry):
- 48 UCAS tariff points from appropriate level 3 qualification such as A Levels
- 5 GCSEs at grade A*-C, including Maths and English Language/Welsh
Applicants without the necessary UCAS tariff points, or who have qualifications that do not carry UCAS tariff points, will be considered based on their professional experience within the industry they intend to study the apprenticeship in. All applicants who do not meet the above requirements will be interviewed prior to being made an offer, providing those without formal UCAS tariff points the opportunity to demonstrate how their skills and experiences from within the industry make them a suitable candidate for this programme of study.
Teaching & Assessment
Assessment is seen as an integral part of learning, and assessment criteria are linked to individual module learning outcomes.
Assessment methods include practical assessments, reports and essays, analysis of case studies, oral presentations, seminar papers, project work, personal development portfolios, examinations and unseen class tests. Assessment will involve both individual and group/team-based assignments.
In the specialist security modules, students will be able to get hands-on experience of practical assessments that will see them configuring a range of computer systems and going through the processes of penetration testing and ethical hacking.
In addition to the standard assessments, apprentices are expected to demonstrate professional competencies and behaviour within the workplace. A three-way learning plan is agreed between employer, apprentice and University which will detail the on-the-job training and professional competencies, specific to the individual employer (such as working practices, company structure and processes, induction, and professional behaviour).
Students are expected to be in a relevant full-time position and to apply relevant learning to their work-place through applied projects and utilising real-world examples within their assessments.
TEACHING AND LEARNING
Wrexham University is committed to supporting our students to maximise their academic potential.
We offer workshops and support sessions in areas such as academic writing, effective note-making and preparing for assignments. Students can book appointments with academic skills tutors dedicated to helping deal with the practicalities of university work. Our student support section has more information on the help available.
In terms of particular needs, the University’s Inclusion Services can provide appropriate guidance and support should any students require reasonable adjustments to be made because of a recognised prevailing disability, medical condition, or specific learning difference.
Career prospects
Our Careers & Employability service is there to help you make decisions and plan the next steps towards a bright future. From finding work or further study to working out your interests, skills and aspirations, they can provide you with the expert information, advice and guidance you need.
A degree apprenticeship gives you real work experience, alongside the knowledge and theory you'll get from studying a degree. By allowing you to develop the skills and knowledge for specific jobs and careers it could kick-start your career and give you a strong CV tailored to the field you want to work in.
Fees & funding
You do not have to pay your tuition fees upfront.
The fees you pay and the support available will depend on a number of different factors. Full information can be found on our fees & finance pages. You will also find information about what your fees include in the fee FAQs.
All fees are subject to any changes in government policy, view our undergraduate fees.
Programme specification
Accommodation
If you’re looking for a place to stay while you study then take a look at our accommodation pages to get more information on your options, including our on-campus halls of residence Wrexham Village.
Apply
This course is now closed for 2024/25 entry. If you wish to register your interest for 2025/26 entry, please email admissions@wrexham.ac.uk.
