Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity (BSc) Online
Gain a competitive edge by mastering the intricacies of the digital world and fortifying your defences against cyber threats. The Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity (BSc) Online equips you with the necessary tools and knowledge to succeed.
Study a flexible, affordable degree built for online learners. Aston University empowers you to enhance your employability and tackle real-world problems with a curriculum enriched by strong links to industry.
Programme Overview
This comprehensive online course offers a deep dive into the evolving landscape of cybersecurity. You will explore the technical aspects of security dynamics and risk management and the human element that shapes cyber threats. Our unique curriculum fosters a holistic understanding by strategically integrating core cybersecurity concepts with essential computer science skills.
This programme goes beyond theoretical knowledge. You will gain practical experience by engaging in simulated cyberattacks and defence exercises. These exercises, designed to mirror real-world scenarios, will refine your problem-solving skills and provide valuable insights into the practical application of cybersecurity principles within the industry.
College of Engineering and Physical Sciences: The College of Engineering and Physical Sciences (EPS) at Aston University is a hub of teaching and research excellence, engaging in collaborative and impactful research throughout our institutes and schools.
Triple Gold: Aston University has been awarded Triple Gold – the highest possible rating for the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023.
Runner Up for Graduate Employment: Aston University is the University of the Year Runner Up for Graduate Employment in The Times and Sunday Times University Guide 2024. The university is ranked at 18 for graduate prospects and at 22 for continuation rate.
Top 25 UK University: Aston University is ranked 25th in the UK in the Guardian University Guide, 2024.
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What You Will Learn
- Gain a broad computing-based foundation: Our Cybersecurity (BSc) online programme provides a broad computing-based foundation emphasising security that cuts across a range of cybersecurity specialisations.
- Gain essential cybersecurity knowledge and skills: This programme equips you with essential cybersecurity knowledge and skills.
- Become a highly ethical, valuable professional: The Cybersecurity (BSc) online programme establishes high ethical and professional values, making you highly attractive to employers and well-prepared for a rewarding career as a cybersecurity professional, adaptable to a wide range of employment opportunities.
- Enhance career preparation: You will be able to enhance your career preparation through a period of structured professional training.
Why Study Online With Aston University?
Studying online through Aston University offers various advantages, making it an appealing choice for prospective students globally.
Flexibility and convenience – fit your studies into your work-life balance.
Built for online – interactive, engaging, and purpose-designed curriculum available 24/7.
Affordable – spread the cost, pay monthly or in instalments, and earn as you learn.
Supported – dedicated student support and online tutors.
Expert tutors – staff with industry experience and experts in their fields.
Empowering creativity – complimentary full access to Adobe Creative Cloud tools for developing dynamic multimedia content and presentations through video, graphics and audio.
Transparent pricing – apply for free, with no hidden costs.
Ready for work and life – rigorous academic standards and curriculum focusing on the skills sought by employers (for now and the future).
Teaching Excellence Framework
Aston University was awarded Gold – the highest possible rating for the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF 2023)
My advice to anyone thinking of going to Aston university would be to do it.
Career Prospects
This programme will position you at the forefront of an exciting field. Whether you aspire to work as a penetration tester, cybersecurity analyst, incident responder, software or network engineer or consultant, the Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity (BSc) Online programme equips you with the skills that employers are desperately seeking.
Cybersecurity analyst: A cybersecurity analyst is an IT professional who safeguards an organisation's computer systems, networks, and data from cyberattacks. They are the digital detectives who monitor suspicious activity, investigate security breaches, and implement measures to prevent future attacks.
Technical consultant: A technical consultant is a problem-solver who uses their tech expertise to help businesses. They analyse an organisation's needs, recommend tech solutions, and implement them to improve efficiency or achieve specific goals. They often train employees and troubleshoot any issues that arise.
Information security analyst: An information security analyst is a cybersecurity professional focused on protecting an organisation's digital assets. They act as guardians of the company's data, identifying weaknesses in systems, and implementing security measures to prevent cyberattacks and breaches.
Penetration tester: A penetration tester, often referred to as an ethical hacker, is responsible for identifying and exploiting vulnerabilities in an organisation's systems. They simulate cyberattacks to test the effectiveness of security measures, helping businesses strengthen their defences against real threats.
Assessment type
The programme will largely be assessed through a combination of individual and group coursework, projects, presentations and practical assessments. Where appropriate, written examinations and quizzes will also be used.
Programme Structure
Our Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity (BSc) Online curriculum equips you with a comprehensive understanding of the field. You will delve into a wide range of topics, gaining the skills and knowledge to tackle cyber threats head-on, all at your own pace and convenience.
Modules
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30 credits
An introduction to object-oriented programming and an object-oriented approach to problem-solving. Grounded in a broad range of fundamental programming principles, you will be able to design and develop your own applications and be prepared for more specialised subsequent modules.
Mathematics & Digital Systems
30 credits
An introduction to the mathematical foundations required for computing and how this works in practice in digital systems.
Cybersecurity Fundamentals and Applied Cryptography
30 credits
You will learn common attacks on computer systems and established defence methods, alongside the application of cryptography. You will also learn about the properties of encryption algorithms and gain awareness of which cryptography method or tool can be applied as a suitable security control.
Power Skills and Professional, Social and Business Aspects of Computing
30 credits
Unpack the importance of social, legal, ethical, and business aspects of computing required to become a successful computer scientist.
Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate computational thinking and problem-solving ability.
- Construct reliable and usable object-oriented computer-based systems.
- Recognise the legal, social, ethical and professional issues involved in the exploitation of computer technology and be guided by the adoption of appropriate professional, ethical and legal practices.
- Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of computer systems architecture and related technologies.
- Describe cryptographic, computability, mathematical and statistical principles, with a particular focus on cybersecurity.
- Explain the fundamental principles of cybersecurity in the context of the general computing environment.
- Apply advanced cryptographic methods as security controls.
Modules
Software Engineering, Data Structures and Algorithms
30 credits
Get acquainted with the essential facts, concepts, principles, theories, and contemporary approaches to facilitate systematic software specification, development, evaluation and maintenance. Through a guided exploration of a range of commonly used data structures and algorithms, this module demonstrates the pivotal role data structures and algorithms play in modelling complex software systems.
Developing Secure Internet Applications
30 credits
By understanding the fundamentals of secure web technologies, languages and architectures, web design principles, database technologies, and effective database design, you can engage effectively in secure web development in a range of popular technologies.
Secure Network Services & Operating Systems
30 credits
Cover the essential theories, components and implementations of how hardware and software devices are architected and brought to use, with a focus on networking, communications and operating systems. Cybersecurity and resilience will be a further key, transversal component.
Team Project
30 credits
Explore design processes, documentation, software development lifecycles, and working as a team.
Learning Outcomes
- Deploy measures to mitigate identified security threats to computers and networks.
- Communicate security problems and solutions to both specialist and non-specialist audiences.
- Construct and deploy secure internet applications incorporating a server-side database.
- Specify, document, develop and test reliable, secure and private computer-based systems using appropriate software engineering methodologies and tools.
- Demonstrate effective team development skills, recognising the different roles within a team and different ways of organising teams.
- Apply the fundamental theories and properties of networked computer systems and systems software in supporting the development of secure information systems.
- Select and apply methods, techniques and tools for information modelling, management and security.
Modules
Security Governance and Risk Management
30 credits
Organisational security focuses on protecting organisations from cybersecurity threats and managing risk to support the successful accomplishment of the organisation's mission. Central to that is establishing, implementing and maintaining an information security management system. You will cover the core elements of information security management, namely risk management, risk perception, human factors, cyber awareness, security management and security governance.
Cybercrime and Digital Forensics
30 credits
An introduction to criminology theory that will help you understand adversarial behaviour. You will also cover the strategies and techniques of digital forensics to investigate cybercrimes. A greater understanding of these aspects helps identify and respond to cyberattacks. The module covers the tools and the gathering, documenting and preservation of evidence. It examines both procedural and technical aspects of conducting a digital forensic investigation to equip you with the technical know-how to derive evidence from various digital media and situations.
Software Security
30 credits
You will cover the critical topic of developing and managing secure software, concentrating on three key themes: software architectures and languages, common software vulnerabilities, and secure software development and maintenance practices.
Individual Project
30 credits
Learning Outcomes
- Analyse the extent to which a computer-based system meets the criteria defined for its current use and future development, with a particular focus on security.
- Apply appropriate theory and practices and deploy tools for the specification, design, implementation, and evaluation of secure computer-based systems.
- Compare and contrast management techniques that may be used to achieve security and enterprise objectives within a computing context.
- Critically evaluate systems in terms of security and other quality attributes and possible trade-offs presented within the given problem.
- Analyse the security risks of information systems in a given context, and propose risk mitigations that recognise an organisation’s business objectives.
- Make informed decisions on the methods and issues involved in deploying systems to meet business goals subject to security threats.
- Define and complete an independent project that tackles a complex problem in the field of cybersecurity, demonstrating an ability to analyse, critically evaluate and develop a solution.
- Critically analyse the knowledge and methods from a variety of sources to solve cybersecurity problems.
- Design user-centred security techniques to address identified human-centred vulnerabilities in information systems.
Entry Requirements
- A list of core maths qualifications we accept: AQA Certificate in Mathematical Studies, City & Guilds Certificate in Using and Applying Mathematics, NCFE Level 3 Certificate in Mathematics for Everyday Life, OCR (MEI)* Certificate in Quantitative Problem Solving, OCR (MEI)* Certificate in Quantitative Reasoning, Pearson Edexcel Certificate in Mathematics in Context, WJEC Eduqas Certificate in Mathematics for Work and Life and Level 3 Core Maths.
A Levels
- BBB (standard offer)
- BBC if Grade B is achieved in EPQ or Core Maths*
- BCC (contextual offer)
- Extended Diploma and National Extended Diploma: DDM
- Extended Diploma in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering with an overall grade of Distinction
- National Diploma and Diploma: DM plus 1 A-level at minimum Grade B
- Diploma in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering with an overall grade of Distinction
- Foundation or 90 credits Diploma: DM plus 2 A-level minimum Grade B
- National Extended Certificate or Subsidiary Diploma: M plus 2 A-level minimum Grade B
- Certificate/National Certificate Level 3: Not accepted
- 31 overall points with 5, 5, 5 in Higher Level subjects
The following T levels are accepted qualifications for this course:
- Accounting Grade D
- Agriculture, Land Management and Production Grade D
- Animal Care and Management Grade D
- Building Services Engineering for Construction Grade D
- Catering Grade D
- Craft and Design Grade D
- Design and Development for Engineering and Manufacturing Grade D
- Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction Grade D
- Digital Business Services Grade D
- Digital Production, Design and Development Grade D
- Digital Support Services Grade D
- Education and Childcare Grade D
- Engineering, Manufacturing, Processing and Control Grade D
- Finance Grade D
- Hairdressing, Barbering and Beauty Therapy Grade D
- Legal Services Grade D
- Maintenance, Installation and Repair for Engineering and Manufacturing Grade D
- Management and Administration Grade D
- Media, Broadcast and Production Grade D
- Onsite Construction Grade D
- Health Grade D
- Healthcare Science Grade D
- Science Grade D
Additionally to our Level 3 requirement, you will also need to have achieved:
GCSE Maths Grade C/4 and English Grade C/4 and above.
Contextual offers
Aston Ready is our contextual offer scheme that could reduce your undergraduate offer by one or two grades. Assessed at the point of application, there are no additional forms to fill in.
Alternative entry requirements
We take a holistic approach to evaluate applications. The information contained on this website details the typical entry requirements for this programme for the most commonly offered qualifications. Applicants with alternative qualifications may wish to enquire prior to application whether their qualifications are deemed acceptable. For less commonly encountered qualifications this will be judged on a case-by-case basis in consultation with the academic admissions tutor. The Admissions team will consider both prior accredited and experiential learning.
Please contact the Admissions team prior to making your application:
International students
Students from over 120 countries choose to study with us every year. You can check qualifications in your country here, including equivalent qualifications from Africa, Americas, Australia, North East Asia, Europe, Middle East & North Africa, South Asia, South East Asia, and Western and Central Asia.
Have a question about our international entry requirements for online programmes? Email us at: enquiries@astononline.ac.uk
English language requirements
Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to provide evidence of either an English language qualification or ability to study at this level in English.
Find Out If You Qualify
If you have any questions about your eligibility or the application process, please get in touch with the Aston Online Admissions Team:
Email: enquiries@astononline.ac.uk
Call: +44 (0) 121 824 6374
Our office is open Monday to Friday, 09:00-17:00 GMT
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