Prepare for a career in cyber security by designing security systems, identifying evidence of cybercrimes and acting as detectives in a digital world.
Develop the skills to design and secure complex information systems.
Learn to respond appropriately to security incidents by gathering evidence.
Understand the legal and regulatory environment around complex information systems.
Study the principles employed in cyber security and digital forensics.
Use the latest digital forensics software and technologies employed in industry.

You will study fundamental cyber security topics, including principles of security, computing, architecture and networking, databases, and programming. You’ll also gain industry certifications such as the Cellebrite Certified Operator (CCO) certification and the Nuix Workstation Forensics Practitioner Foundations and Core certifications.

Work placements

In your third year, you’ll have the opportunity to take a year-long work placement. This will allow you to apply your knowledge and gain industry-required skills that help you advance your career. Organisations are looking for experienced staff, and a work placement in industry will provide you with the experience needed to secure a security and forensics related position in a competitive job market. 

Our dedicated placement team will support you through the application process. And during the placement year, you’ll be mentored by a member of academic staff, who will visit you at your placement. 

Previous students have worked at organisations such as Yorkshire & Humber Regional Cyber Crime Unit, HSBC, CYFOR, 3Squared, Satisnet, Next, Sec-1, Sainsbury’s and the BBC.

Live projects

You’ll have the opportunity to apply the knowledge you’ve gained from your course by working with local organisations and businesses. 

We work in partnership with the North East Business Resilience Centre (NEBRC), a non-profit organisation. NEBRC aims to help protect regional businesses from cybercrime and employs our students to deliver specialist services during their studies. The NEBRC was established in 2019 – funded by a variety of Private and Public Partners including the Police, as well as a wide range of business investors and members across England.

Networking opportunities

We’re a member of the Chartered Institute of Information Security (CIISec) Academic Partner Programme. The CIISec is the only information and cyber security institution to have been granted Royal Charter status. This means you’ll be able to develop contacts within the cyber security community. You’ll have access to world-class speakers and the opportunity to network with prospective employers.

You’ll also have the opportunity to take part in seminars and workshops run by the Institution of Engineering and Technology – and by employers such as IBM, BT, Satisnet and Citrix.

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 gain practical experience by installing, configuring, securing and troubleshooting a range of computer systems and networking technologies. You’ll assess systems for vulnerabilities and detect network intrusions. You’ll also analyse and interpret digital evidence collected from computers and mobile devices – and provide reports on these to clients.

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 use the latest digital forensics software and technologies – including Encase, Magnet Axiom and IEF, FTK, X-Ways, Nuix, Cellebrite UFED Physical Analyser and UFED 4PC.

You will be supported in your learning journey towards highly skilled, graduate level employment through a number of key areas. These include

• access to our unique student support triangle 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

This course prepares you for a career in

• cyber security analysis

• digital forensics consultancy

• security consultancy

• information security analysis

• information security

• incident response analysis

Previous graduates of this course have gone on to work for dedicated security and forensics companies, law enforcement agencies and large-scale businesses and industries such as

• Serious Fraud Office

• West Yorkshire Police

• South Yorkshire Police

• Citrix

• CYFOR

• HSBC

• Intaforensics

• Cisco

• 3Squared

• F-Secure

• NextGen Security

• Servelec Group

• Hewlett-Packard

• IBM

• Sec-1

• Info-Assure

• Sky

• G-Research

• Exponential-e

 

UCAS points

• 112

This must include at least 64 points from two A levels or equivalent BTEC National qualifications. For example:

• BBC at A Level.
• DMM in BTEC Extended Diploma.
• A combination of qualifications, which may include AS Levels, EPQ and general studies

You can find information on making sense of UCAS tariff points here and use the UCAS tariff calculator to work out your points.

GCSE

• English Language or Literature at grade C or 4
• Maths at grade C or 4

• Access - an Access to HE Diploma with at least 45 credits at level 3 and 15 credits at level 2. At least 15 Level 3 credits must be at merit grade or above, from a QAA-recognised Access to HE course, or an equivalent Access to HE certificate.

If English is not your first language you will need an IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in all skills, or equivalent. If your English language skill is currently below IELTS 6.0 we recommend you consider a Sheffield Hallam University Pre-sessional English course which will enable you to achieve an equivalent English score.

We welcome applications from people of any age. We may be flexible in our normal offer if you can show a commitment to succeed and have the relevant skills and experience. This must show that you will benefit from and finish the course successfully.

Please note the University will only admit students who are aged 18 or over at the point of enrolment.

Important notice:

The structure of this course is periodically reviewed and enhanced to provide the best possible learning experience for our students and ensure ongoing compliance with any professional, statutory and regulatory body standards. Module structure, content, delivery and assessment may change, but we expect the focus of the course and the learning outcomes to remain as described above. Following any changes, updated module information will be published on this page.

You will be able to complete a placement year as part of this course. See the modules table below for further information.

 

Year 1 Compulsory modules
Module	Credits	Assessment
Computer Systems And Networks	40	Coursework
Introduction To Cyber Security, Maths And Cryptography	40	Coursework Exam
Professionalism And Employability	20	Coursework
Software Development	20	Coursework

 

 

Year 2 Compulsory modules
Module	Credits	Assessment
Database Administration And Security	20	Coursework
Digital Forensics Incident Response	40	Coursework
Project Based Learning	20	Coursework
Secure Network Services And Administration	40	Coursework Practical

 

Year 3 Optional modules
Module	Credits	Assessment
Placement Year

 

Final Year Compulsory modules
Module	Credits	Assessment
Advanced Cyber Forensics	40	Coursework Practical
Information Security Management	20	Practical
Project (Cyber Security And Networks)	40	Coursework

 

Elective modules
Module	Credits	Assessment
Blockchain And Iot Security	20	Coursework
Data Storage	20	Coursework
Offensive Forensics	20	Coursework