FdSc Cyber Security with Networking

Standard Entry requirements for Full Time Students The following admissions criteria will normally apply at level 4:
Students applying for this programme will be a minimum age of 18 years old and are expected to hold a relevant Level 3 qualification in a related subject with a minimum of 48 UCAS points (A level, BTEC).
Programmes will require 4 GCSEs at A*- C or 4 or above.

Students are also required to have at least grade 4 or above in GCSE maths and English or equivalent.
All applicants must be interviewed by the curriculum, where applicants live substantially away from the college, this can be conducted over live video chat.

Non-Standard Entry Requirements for Full Time Mature students Mature students (aged at least 21 by the start of the academic year of admission) or Applicants with non-standard qualifications and/or experience and whose qualifications and/or experience is deemed to be appropriate to gain entry onto a named foundation degree may be admitted onto a foundation degree programme.
Such admission is discretionary and will involve an interview. In appropriate cases such applicants may be asked to undertake assessment activity to assist the College in determining their suitability for the programme.

Applicants will be judged using the following criteria:

Evidence of ability for self-organisation.  
Evidence of ability to work independently.  
The motivation to learn.  
Interest in the subject area.  
Evidence of ability to work with others.  

Programme will prefer 4 GCSEs at A*- C or 4 or above, including maths and English or to have demonstrated ability in maths and English within further studies (such as key/functional skills).

You will be required to contribute to trips and visits. We also recommend that students buy texts to support learning, a reading lists are provided in the module handbooks.

All applicants must be interviewed by members of the curriculum team, where applicants live substantially away from the college, this can be conducted over live video chat.

You will meet with a member of curriculum who will ask a set of standard questions. This is also an opportunity to learn about your motivation for the course and career aspirations, and an opportunity for you to ask questions. A tour of the facilities will be available.

The aim of the FdSc Cyber Security with Networking is to provide students with relevant knowledge, skills and behaviours applicable to Level 4 and 5 computing students with regards to the comprehension, design and exploitation of computation and computer technologies. The programme aims are as follows: • Acquire and develop transferable skills and knowledge which will enable them to contribute and develop their full potential in their chosen career.? • Enable students to develop their Cyber Security skills and knowledge through work-based learning. • Demonstrate deep and systematic knowledge of the industry standard concepts, principles and practices in relation to how Cyber Security is implemented and executed within the sector, be that from a technical security or information security perspective. • Examine and develop a systematic understanding of the characteristics of different organisations, the technical and economic environments in which they operate, and the cybersecurity challenges or impacts they may encounter. • Application and demonstration of a range of advanced technical skills, programming and soft skills that can be applied to the wider Cyber Security sector for securing organisational assets. • Appreciate the need for professional legal and ethical standards to be followed when dealing with organisations.

Level 4

Personal & Professional Development 1 – 10 credits

This module challenges you to develop the skills you need to become successful in higher education including report writing, research skills and independent thought. It will also introduce the soft skills needed to work in the computing and IT industry, along with ethical codes of conduct and personal development. You will:
Learn the importance of Professional Practice within the computing and IT industry and how to manage relationships, promote teamwork and interact positively with clients.
Be introduced to goal setting, performance monitoring and self-reflection so that you can evaluate your personal progress while working to develop your transferable and employability skills to a professional standard.

Work Related Learning 1 Ethics and legal considerations (AI and Analytics)– 10 credits

This module will develop students’ knowledge, behaviours and skills to be effective in the workplace. Students will develop their ability to work effectively both independently and with others in a professional manner. They will become confident in their understanding of current legal and ethical standards within the relevant UK and Global digital and cybersecurity domains. Students will also follow any news legislative developments in the use of AI.

Fundamentals of Networking (20 Credits)
This module aims to provide the fundamental knowledge required to understand core Local Area Networking concepts. The basic components of a computer will be covered along with the role of computers and other relevant devices in a networking system. A range of protocols and models will be introduced inclusive of related networking technologies. This will be followed by design and documentation of physical and logical topologies used in LANs will include a structured cabling project.

Switching, Routing and Wireless Essentials (20 Credits)
The aim of this module is to build on the concepts covered in the Introduction to Networks module. The module then aims to describe the architectures, components, and operations of routers and switches in small to medium sized networks. Students learn how to configure functionality on routers, switches, and wireless devices.
By the end of this module, students will be able to configure and troubleshoot routers, switches, and wireless devices, and be able to resolve common issues with DHCPv4 and v6, Virtual LANs, inter-VLAN routing in both IPv4 and IPv6 networks, STP, VTP, EtherChannel, standard access lists, FHRP’s and Wireless LAN’s.

Cyber Security Fundamentals (20 Credits)
This module introduces students to core cyber security networking concepts and helps them develop skills in implementing security policies to mitigate security risks within the architecture, structure, functions, components, and models of the Internet and computer networks. The principles and fundamentals of network security device operation and configuration are introduced to provide a foundation for the continuing curriculum. Students will be introduced to the ASA (Adaptive Security Appliance) and configure Routers, Switches and ASA’s to provide a secure networking fabric. This will involve the design and documentation of physical and logical topologies used in LANs (Local Area Networks) and WANs (Wide Area Networks). By the end of the module, students will have acquired the skills needed to configure, monitor, and troubleshoot network security, providing them with the opportunity to differentiate themselves in the market with specialized skills and expertise to achieve success.

Python Essentials (10 Credits)
This module aims to develop essential Python skills that are invaluable in the cybersecurity field. Students will be introduced to the design, development, and implementation of Python-based computational algorithms using major programming constructs and industry-standard best practices.?? ?Through this module, students will learn to analyse and solve complex problems using programming methodologies and paradigms linked to the Python programming language.?? ?Additionally, the module prepares students for entry-level programming roles and certifications by developing problem-solving skills, understanding Python's structure and flow, and appreciating its application in fields like cybersecurity, data science, web development, and automation.?

Linux Essentials (10 Credits)
The field of cyber security relies on the ability of being able to comfortably use multiple operating systems. Whilst people have heard of Linux, very few are able to satisfactorily say that they are proficient at it. This module aims to remedy this by introducing a basic Linux overview and then moving on to using more advanced features such as shell scripting and system services in a cyber security context.
Learning Linux can open up a wide range of opportunities, from cybersecurity and network management to AI, big data, and game development. It's a key platform for many important technologies. While Linux continues to evolve, its core features remain steady, meaning the skills you gain now will stay useful even as new tools and trends appear. This makes Linux a solid foundation for long-term growth in various tech careers.

Cloud Security Fundamentals (20 Credits)
This module introduces students to the fundamental principles, concepts, and technologies underpinning cloud security. It provides an understanding of the risks, challenges, and protective measures involved in safeguarding cloud infrastructure, data, and services. Students will explore various cloud architectures, shared responsibility models, compliance requirements, and incident response strategies, enabling them to propose informed security designs within contemporary cloud environments.

Level 5

Personal & Professional Development 2 (10 Credits)
The module aims to synthesise learning from other modules from the programme to allow students to devise a security policy for an organisation, in a specific context and ensure that it meets regulatory body requirements, meets legislation, and ensures that any risks to an organisation’s data and information from internal and external sources are mitigated and minimised.
The module requires students to explore concepts and ideas from other modules, incorporating hardware and software such as firewalls, VPNs, Proxy Servers as well as procedural processes to devise a current policy which they must then justify.

Work Related Learning 2 (10 Credits)
Develop students’ employability and technical IT skills with a view to enabling them to enter the employment market. It requires students to undertake some work based experiential activity and to investigate risk assessment methodologies implemented in the workplace and the potential impact of system breakdowns.

Enterprise Networking, Security & Automation (30 Credits)
This module describes the architecture, components, and operations of routers and switches in a large, complex enterprise network. Students learn advanced methods for the configuring of routers and switches to open advanced functionality. By the end of this programme, students will be able to configure and troubleshoot routers and switches and resolve common issues with both single area and multi-area OSPF in both IPv4 and IPv6 networks, extended ACL’s, and NAT in IPv4 networks, advanced Network Security, IPsec VPN’s, QoS, WAN technologies, Network Management and Design, Virtualisation and Automation.

Cyber Security Operations (30 Credits)
The Cybersecurity Operations (CyberOps) module provides students with content to develop practical, relevant, and job-ready knowledge and skills required of cybersecurity analysts employed in a Security Operations Centre (SOC). In this module, students will learn how to detect and respond to security threats using the latest technology. This programme aligns to the Cisco CyberOps certification which demonstrates that the candidate has the skills and knowledge needed to begin a career in cybersecurity operations, addressing cybersecurity threats that enterprises are faced with daily.

Emerging Concepts & Future Trends within Cyber Security (20 Credits)
The module aims to introduce students to a range of new and emerging cyber security threats and possibilities. It allows students to critically evaluate a range of sources used to conduct ‘horizon scanning’ via academic sources, professional journals and government sources that are used in detecting, evaluating, and classifying cyber threats. It examines how cybercrime incidents and security breaches are categorised as well as the methods that are used by criminals to conduct and exploit vulnerabilities. Finally, the motivation, objectives and methods that are used in cyber security incidents will also be explored as will the roles played by AI LLM’s and Agents.

Security Technology & Applied Cryptography (20 Credits)
The module aims to introduce students to some of the technology used (hardware and software) to ensure that systems and information are kept secure from exploits and vulnerabilities. Students will examine the strengths and weaknesses of a range of hardware products, such as firewalls, examining their function, how they operate and protect systems and how they can be exploited. The module will also introduce students to technology and systems that are used to investigate breaches and incidents, prevent them from occurring as well as technology that can be used to help organisations recover following an attack. Finally, the module examines different types of cryptography and various encryption techniques that are used to secure data and reduce the risk of data theft. The way that encryption can be used as part of an investigation will also be examined alongside techniques such public key, symmetric and MD5.

Year 1 L4 Tuesday 09:00 - 16:30, Wednesday 09:00 - 16:30 Year 2 L5 Thursday 09:00 - 16:30, Friday 09:00 - 16:30

Any times indicated are based on current courses and may be subject to change in future years. Full timetables will be confirmed at the start of each course.

The nature of the programme is directly applicable to work situations and the theory is related to practical work-based situations, where possible. Each individual module will use different teaching and learning strategies depending upon the nature of the subject. The teaching and learning methods will include a combination of different approaches including but not limited to:
Lectures: Interactive and engaging lectures with active learning activities at different points throughout the lecture. Providing students with information drawn from multiple sources, sharing experiences, illuminating differences and similarities and clarifying principles or concepts. e.g., Cyber Security Operations Workshops/Seminars: Seminars are small group discussions/workshops organised and led by teaching staff. The purpose of a seminar is to enable students to improve their knowledge and understanding of a topic by engaging with key issues to develop understanding through interaction and participation in learning activities e.g., Introduction to networks where students have to use simulated networking environment software to build simple networks based on previously learnt knowledge or hacking a simulated environment in the Cyber Security module, in order to build upon their skills. Academic Tutorials: To develop academic skills, for example, research, academic writing, and study skills etc. The development of these academic skills will support students throughout the programme. Individual tutorials are held to guide students through their studies and identify targets, progression, and support needs. INDUSTRIAL LINKS The department is currently building links with local employers within the sectors. This section will be updated when confirmed.

If you do not hold GCSE or Level 2 maths and English, you will work towards Level 2 or equivalent in maths and English Language alongside the main study programme (or a minimum 5.5 IELTS in each band for international applicants).

A work placement is a fundamental expectation of this foundation degree programme. You will be expected to source work experience which provides you with an opportunity to stretch your knowledge, understanding and practical skills beyond what you have learned in your modules. This will be a great opportunity for you to demonstrate your positive attitude, ability to use initiative and independent learning skills to future employers.

You could progress to study BSc (Hons) Cyber Security (Top-up) at New College Durham, or gain employment in a cyber security role.