Computer Science (Cyber Security Technologist) FdSc

at Burton and South Derbyshire College

UCAS code I790

Duration

2 Years

3 Years

Location

Burton and South Derbyshire College

Burton and South Derbyshire College

This qualification is awarded by Staffordshire University. To apply for this course, please apply directly to Staffordshire University. You will start at Level 4 in the first year, progressing to Level 5 in the second year. This course will seek to provide a solid grounding in Computer Science fundamentals, with modules addressing networking, cyber security, software development, data analytics and forensics.

It will provide you with a solid grounding in Cyber Security fundamentals which will equip you with the underpinning skills needed to progress in a chosen Cyber Security field. You will develop knowledge in networking, software security and ethical hacking.

You will also be able to gain additional credentials from CISCO, EC-Council, Python and Huawei, providing a valuable insight into the current team working practices within the industry.

The course will offer a balance of practical skills and academic rigour. At Level 5, the FdSc Final Year Project module will enable you to tailor learning to your own interests and build strengths through selecting the specific study topic which will support your future career.

It will provide you with a solid grounding in Cyber Security fundamentals which will equip you with the underpinning skills needed to progress in a chosen Cyber Security field. You will develop knowledge in networking, software security and ethical hacking.

You will also be able to gain additional credentials from CISCO, EC-Council, Python and Huawei, providing a valuable insight into the current team working practices within the industry.

The course will offer a balance of practical skills and academic rigour. At Level 5, the FdSc Final Year Project module will enable you to tailor learning to your own interests and build strengths through selecting the specific study topic which will support your future career.

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: FdSc Computer Science (Cyber Security Technologist)

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: FdSc Computer Science (Cyber Security Technologist)

Work placements

We believe that the best way to get a real sense of your chosen industry is to try it out for yourself! That’s why all of our full-time study programme courses include relevant industry work experience. It shows future employers you’ve got what it takes and are motivated to succeed. Not only does it look good on your CV, but it’s an opportunity to build up your confidence and industry contacts. Our Employment Hub works with over 500 local employers to ensure all students on full time study programmes have a high quality and meaningful work placement. So not only do you gain valuable work experience, it helps you decide on your future options, from choosing the right university course to finding the right employer. Work experience is a chance to you to spend time on an employer’s premises, observing the workplace, undertaking tasks (under supervision) alongside team members and learning the skills and behaviours needed at work. It’s designed to bridge the gap between your education and the world of work. It can help you to become aware of jobs you have not previously thought of, inform your career choices, develop your skills and help you gain the attitudes and behaviours expected at work. For more information on Work Experience, please contact our Employment Hub on 01283 494599 or email employmenthub@bsdc.ac.uk.

Course content

  • Business Systems and Data Analysis
  • Computer Architecture, Networks & Cyber
  • Cyber Operations
  • Digital Forensics
  • Ethical Hacking
  • Pathway Project
  • Professional Practice
  • Software Development
  • Virtualization and Network Security
  • Business Systems and Data Analysis
  • Computer Architecture, Networks & Cyber
  • Cyber Operations
  • Digital Forensics
  • Ethical Hacking
  • Pathway Project
  • Professional Practice
  • Software Development
  • Virtualization and Network Security

Modules

The tables provide an indicative list of the modules that make up the course for the current academic year. Each module is worth a specified number of credits. Our teaching is informed by research, and modules change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline. We aim to ensure that all modules run as scheduled. If for any reason a module cannot be run we will advise you as soon as possible and will provide guidance on selecting an appropriate alternative module where available.

Year 1 compulsory modules
Year 1 compulsory modules
Business, Systems And Data Analysis 40 credits
Computer Architecture, Networks And Cyber 40 credits
Introduction To Software Development 40 credits
Year 2 compulsory modules
Year 2 compulsory modules
Cyber Operations 20 credits
Digital Forensics 20 credits
Ethical Hacking 20 credits
Pathway Project 20 credits
Professional Practice 20 credits
Virtualisation And Network Security 20 credits

Location

You will study at Burton and South Derbyshire College but receive a qualification from University of Staffordshire.

Burton and South Derbyshire College is a great place to learn. There’s a real buzz here; inspiring teachers, engaged learners, fantastic state of the art facilities and career-boosting links with leading businesses.

Burton and South Derbyshire College website
Burton and South Derbyshire College logo

Entry requirements

Applicants will be expected to have a minimum of 80 UCAS points from relevant A Level/s, level 3 Extended Diploma, NVQ, or equivalent qualification.

(or)

Several years' occupational experience within a relevant discipline will also be considered upon application.

Being confident with maths and English is not only important for everyday life but it’s expected as standard in the world of work. We’re committed to ensuring our learners have the full range of skills that universities and employers are looking for. If you haven’t yet achieved grade 4 (grade C) in English and maths and are aged between 16-18 years, you will continue to study these by undertaking a GCSE re-sit programme or appropriate steppingstone qualifications in addition to your vocational learning programme.

We believe that the best way to get a real sense of your chosen industry is to try it out for yourself! That’s why all of our full-time study programme courses include relevant industry work experience. It shows future employers you’ve got what it takes and are motivated to succeed. Not only does it look good on your CV, but it’s an opportunity to build up your confidence and industry contacts. Our Employment Hub works with over 500 local employers to ensure all students on full time study programmes have a high quality and meaningful work placement. So not only do you gain valuable work experience, it helps you decide on your future options, from choosing the right university course to finding the right employer. Work experience is a chance to you to spend time on an employer’s premises, observing the workplace, undertaking tasks (under supervision) alongside team members and learning the skills and behaviours needed at work. It’s designed to bridge the gap between your education and the world of work. It can help you to become aware of jobs you have not previously thought of, inform your career choices, develop your skills and help you gain the attitudes and behaviours expected at work. For more information on Work Experience, please contact our Employment Hub on 01283 494599 or email employmenthub@bsdc.ac.uk.

Due to the nature of this programme, it is assumed individuals will come into contact with children or vulnerable adults during their studies and within future employment. You will therefore be required to undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service check, known as a DBS. The DBS check will be completed during your programme enrolment and conducted under the strictest confidence. If the check comes back disclosing that criminal offences have been committed, the College will carry out a risk assessment to determine whether the offence disclosed may cause problems for you accessing the course and progressing into future employment. If this is the case, you will be advised about the implications and always offered advice and guidance. Not all offences are a risk, so the return of a DBS check may not impact on your choice. All DBS information is confidential and only those who need to know will be given the information.

As part of your course, you will be required to purchase an industry related uniform and/or kit. Please find details of industry related uniforms in the Student Life section of the website. If you live independently and are in receipt of certain means tested benefits in your own right or live in a low-income household, you may be eligible for one of our grants. To see a full detail of financial support and eligibility criteria, including financial support application forms please visit the financial support section of our website. Alternatively, please drop into the Learner Services Hub to see the Financial Co-ordinator, who will be able to talk you through what financial support is available to help with purchasing the kit or uniform for your course. For more information on Financial Support, please contact our Financial Support Team on 01283 494757 or email financialsupport@bsdc.ac.uk.

Applicants will be expected to have a minimum of 80 UCAS points from relevant A Level/s, level 3 Extended Diploma, NVQ, or equivalent qualification.

(or)

Several years' occupational experience within a relevant discipline will also be considered upon application.

Being confident with maths and English is not only important for everyday life but it’s expected as standard in the world of work. We’re committed to ensuring our learners have the full range of skills that universities and employers are looking for. If you haven’t yet achieved grade 4 (grade C) in English and maths and are aged between 16-18 years, you will continue to study these by undertaking a GCSE re-sit programme or appropriate steppingstone qualifications in addition to your vocational learning programme.

We believe that the best way to get a real sense of your chosen industry is to try it out for yourself! That’s why all of our full-time study programme courses include relevant industry work experience. It shows future employers you’ve got what it takes and are motivated to succeed. Not only does it look good on your CV, but it’s an opportunity to build up your confidence and industry contacts. Our Employment Hub works with over 500 local employers to ensure all students on full time study programmes have a high quality and meaningful work placement. So not only do you gain valuable work experience, it helps you decide on your future options, from choosing the right university course to finding the right employer. Work experience is a chance to you to spend time on an employer’s premises, observing the workplace, undertaking tasks (under supervision) alongside team members and learning the skills and behaviours needed at work. It’s designed to bridge the gap between your education and the world of work. It can help you to become aware of jobs you have not previously thought of, inform your career choices, develop your skills and help you gain the attitudes and behaviours expected at work. For more information on Work Experience, please contact our Employment Hub on 01283 494599 or email employmenthub@bsdc.ac.uk.

Due to the nature of this programme, it is assumed individuals will come into contact with children or vulnerable adults during their studies and within future employment. You will therefore be required to undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service check, known as a DBS. The DBS check will be completed during your programme enrolment and conducted under the strictest confidence. If the check comes back disclosing that criminal offences have been committed, the College will carry out a risk assessment to determine whether the offence disclosed may cause problems for you accessing the course and progressing into future employment. If this is the case, you will be advised about the implications and always offered advice and guidance. Not all offences are a risk, so the return of a DBS check may not impact on your choice. All DBS information is confidential and only those who need to know will be given the information.

As part of your course, you will be required to purchase an industry related uniform and/or kit. Please find details of industry related uniforms in the Student Life section of the website. If you live independently and are in receipt of certain means tested benefits in your own right or live in a low-income household, you may be eligible for one of our grants. To see a full detail of financial support and eligibility criteria, including financial support application forms please visit the financial support section of our website. Alternatively, please drop into the Learner Services Hub to see the Financial Co-ordinator, who will be able to talk you through what financial support is available to help with purchasing the kit or uniform for your course. For more information on Financial Support, please contact our Financial Support Team on 01283 494757 or email financialsupport@bsdc.ac.uk.

For equivalent entry requirements in your home country, please see the information on our country pages.

Choose your country

Check our entry and English language requirements for your country.

GO
 

Careers

BSc (Hons) Computer Science or BSc (Hons) Cyber Security final year @Staffs University

A career in computing eg Cyber Security Network Computing, Cloud Technologies, Software Development, Internet and Web Management.

Teaching and assessment

Assessment

  • Practical observations
  • Time controlled assessments (open and closed book)
  • Assignments/presentations
  • Projects
  • Application development walk-throughs
  • Practical observations
  • Time controlled assessments (open and closed book)
  • Assignments/presentations
  • Projects
  • Application development walk-throughs

Fees

For the course starting on 15 September 2025 the tuition fees are:

Tuition fees for FdSc-Full-time
Study option
Full-time

UK and Channel Island students: This tuition fee is agreed subject to UK government policy and parliamentary regulation. If the UK government passes appropriate legislation, the fee for subsequent years of study may increase in each academic year. But this increase will not exceed the rate of inflation as measured by RPIX**. Any change in fees will apply to both new and continuing students. The University will notify students of any change as early as possible. Further information about fee changes would be posted on the University’s website once this becomes available.

**RPIX is a measure of inflation equivalent to all the items in the Retail Price Index (RPI) excluding mortgage interest payments.

Apply

Location Award Study option Start date Apply Link
Burton and South Derbyshire College FdSc Full-time 15 September 2025 Apply now

Information from discover uni

for Career Prospects

Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023

for Facilities

Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023

for Social Inclusion

The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023

of Research Impact is ‘Outstanding’ or ‘Very Considerable’

Research Excellence Framework 2021

of Research is “Internationally Excellent” or “World Leading”

Research Excellence Framework 2021

Four Star Rating

QS Star Ratings 2021