Cyber Security

Please check the Sheffield Hallam University website for the latest information.

Course summary

- Learn how to provide in-depth cyber defences.

- Develop your knowledge of network and application cyber security.

- Understand the principles behind the tools and techniques used to secure data.

- Create complex technical solutions to real-world security problems.

On this course, you’ll develop a deep understanding of practical cyber security – including key concepts of networks, applications and systems. You’ll become a cyber security practitioner who understands and can build upon the fundamental principles – providing complex cyber defences to solve real-world problems.

How you learn

All our courses are designed around a set of key principles based on engaging you with the world, collaborating with others, challenging you to think in new ways, and providing you with a supportive environment in which you can thrive.

You’ll start by developing practical skills in cyber security through lectures and hands-on tutorial sessions. Here you’ll build the knowledge, experience, understanding and critical thinking you need to solve cyber security problems. These sessions will build your insight of how and when to use appropriate processes, tools, technologies and management practices in areas including network fundamentals, cryptography, and information security.

You’ll develop these skills further on real-world projects – collaborating in small teams to produce deliverables inspired by industry. Previous students have worked with the Yorkshire and Humber Regional Cyber Crime Unit to develop security demos. Tackling real projects like these will help prepare you for a career in cyber security, all within a supportive learning environment.

During your final year, you’ll create a significant cyber security deliverable, guided by a dedicated project supervisor. As part of this individual project, you’ll undertake research and apply new skills while you create a solution to a complex cyber security problem. The course team offers guidance and support throughout this process.

The course encourages you to take an active approach to learning and self-development to develop highly sought-after cyber security skills through problem-solving activities, practical implementation and teamwork.

You learn through
- lectures

- hands-on lab sessions and tutorials

- regular feedback

- teamwork and group-based learning

- practice-based applied learning

- discussions

- self-study

You’ll be supported in your learning journey towards highly skilled, graduate level employment through several key areas. These include:

- access to specialist support services to help with your personal, academic and career development

- access to our Skills Centre with one to ones, webinars and online resources, where you can get help with planning and structuring your assignments

- industry-specific employability activities such as live projects, learning in simulated environments and networking opportunities

Applied learning

Work placements

You’ll have the opportunity to complete a year-long work placement between your second and third year. A placement is widely recognised as the gold standard opportunity to gain personal and professional development through real-world experience.

You will be encouraged to take up this opportunity, as it will benefit your long-term career prospects and salary level, as well as your academic achievements and degree classification. Your course will prepare you to succeed in your placement and you will be supported throughout it.

Your placement will allow you to apply the knowledge and skills gained on your course, in areas such as information security, network intrusion, and cyber analysis.