Cyber Security and Network Management

Years 1 & 2

Years 1 and 2 are delivered by our partner colleges.

Year 3

This year focuses on network design and management, as well as network protocols and advanced system administration. Many of the activities are done in the context of projects, which develop your skills in project management and team working, as well as critical problem-solving skills in network systems design and analysis.

Year 4

You will study specialist modules in systems programming, security, and enterprise design, and build scalable and efficient networks. You will integrate and apply your knowledge and skills to a large, self-directed project. The grade you achieve in each module this year determines your Honours classification.

Training for the Cisco Certified Network Associate and Security certification is an integral part of the course. Completing this training prepares you for professional exams – with qualifications that are recognised worldwide. You may also get the opportunity to complete the Cisco CCNA Routing and Switching and Cisco CCNA Security training programmes.

Learning Methods

You will be taught using a combination of teaching and learning methods including lectures, tutorials, computing laboratories, workshops, seminars, practical work, industrial placement (where appropriate), integrative real-world project work, student-centred learning, and private study. 

You will study four modules each term with each module involving around three hours of class teaching per-week.  Most modules will consist of one hour of lectures delivered to the whole class, plus a further two-hour laboratory taught to a small group of about 20-24 students.

Activity Summary

• Lectures - 40 students per group, 4 hours per week
• Project Supervision - 1 student per group, 0.5 hour per week
• Practical class or workshop - 20 - 24 students per group, 8 hours per week

How long is a BSc (Hons) Cyber Security and Network Management course?

A Cyber Security and Network Management can be completed over 2 years.

Independent Study

Self-directed learning skills is a key aim of the course. A 15-credit module represents 150 hours of study over the course of a term. Of this, roughly two-thirds will be self-study and completion of assessments. This clearly indicates the importance of self-directed learning for this course.

Staff Delivering on This Course

The course is taught by a team of staff who have academic and/or industrial experience in designing and managing complex network systems to meet demanding business environments. The practical nature of the course enables you to benefit from staff experience and to work with cutting-edge technologies and methodologies to develop robust network systems for these demanding business environments.

Many staff on the course have a grade of fellowship of the Higher Education Academy (HEA). In addition to academic members of staff, some teaching may be undertaken by industry experts, postgraduate research students, library staff, study skills and careers service staff.

Assessment

Typically students are assessed each term:

• Two Written Exams. Average time of exam three hours
• Two Project Outputs
• Three Reports
• One Dissertation

Feedback

We aim to provide you with feedback within 20 working days of hand-in for all written exams, coursework and practical exams.

Academic Support

The Inclusion Centre advises and supports students who disclose a sensory or mobility impairment, chronic medical condition, mental health issue, dyslexia and other specific learning differences. Applicants are encouraged to arrange a pre-entry visit to discuss any concerns and to view the facilities.

Online Learning & Support

All undergraduate and postgraduate students, whether you are learning on campus or by online learning, benefit from using our collaborative virtual learning environment, CampusMoodle. You will be provided with 24/7 online access to your learning material and resources, along with the ability to interact with your class members and tutors for discussion and support.

Study Skills Support

The Study Support Team provides training and support to all students in:

• Academic writing
• Study skills (note taking, exam techniques, time management, presentation)
• Maths and statistics
• English language
• Information technology support

Library Support

The Library offers support for your course, including the books, eBooks, and journals you will need. We also offer online reading lists for many modules, workshops and drop-ins on searching skills and referencing, and much more.

Placements

Optional, paid, 12-month placements can be undertaken in this course. You will be supported by a dedicated Placements Coordinator within the school who oversees the placement module. You will also be assigned a Placement Supervisor who will carry out regular visits to your placement provider and meet with you and your employer. The confidence and experience you could acquire during a placement will make you more employable and put you one step ahead of the competition when you graduate. 

Please note, placements are not guaranteed.

Job Prospects

Most companies now have their own computer network systems which are vital to their operations. This applies across a wide-range of industries, including the energy industry, the health sector, banking and finance. These companies require specialist staff who can manage and develop these networks. This course will provide you with the specialist knowledge and skills needed to confidently undertake these roles. 

Aberdeen is home to many multinational oil and gas companies and associated suppliers such as mainstream software houses, IT providers, specialist software consultancies, and venture capital start-ups.

Is Cyber Security and Network Management a good career choice?

Robert Gordon University is involved in a number of commercial collaborations on a local, national and international scale with organisations such as: 

• Yahoo! 
• BP
• British Geological Survey 
• Wood Group PSN 
• Accenture
• WIPRO
• Aberdeen-based software development companies

These links may open up valuable opportunities for you. Many of our graduates go on to secure positions with such companies as Engineers and Consultants. 

Your skills and qualifications will be equally as valuable in international markets, and there are challenging career opportunities in the development and management of computer networks. Some of our graduates have gone on to become:

• Network Managers
• Analysts or Engineers
• Technical Consultants 
• Computer Security Specialists 
• System Administrators
• General IT Consultants

What are the entry requirements for a BSc (Hons) Cyber Security and Network Management degree?

• This course does not have a year 1 or 2 as the requirements are an HND Computing: Software Development or a similar Technical Support or Cyber Security diploma award.

Applicants from Partner Colleges

A relevant HND from one of our partner colleges will be considered for entry into Year 3 subject to meeting requirements.

Advanced Entry

All other applicants who are interested in applying for advanced entry will be considered on an individual basis.

English Language Requirements

Applicants whose first language is not English should have an IELTS of 6.0 overall, with no component lower than 5.5, or an equivalent.

We accept a variety of in-country and secure English language tests, find out more:

Please note, some courses may require a higher standard of English than stated in this page. Contact admissions@rgu.ac.uk for further information.

Additional Costs

• £50 for materials