BSc(Hons) Computer Security: University of the West of England

Introduction

Governments, companies and individuals are increasingly concerned about the safety of the information held on their computers. Hackers steal identities, spread viruses, access sensitive corporate information, and cause huge inconvenience, distress and even financial loss. Increasingly, companies are using the Internet to conduct their day to day business and they need to assure themselves, their customers, suppliers and shareholders that it is secure to do so.

This course is about designing and creating computer systems where users can only perform the actions they are allowed to and where malicious users are prevented from causing damage.

Course Content

Security is pervasive throughout a computer system with security mechanisms at all layers and levels. A single design flaw at one layer can render the whole security system useless. As you progress through the years of this degree, you will deepen your knowledge of computing, networks and software. Hence, you will be able to understand the key security issues and mechanisms used to secure computer systems. Specialist modules include Cryptography and Coding Systems and Computer Crime and Digital Evidence. In your final year, as part of the Security Management in Practice module, security experts from Telecommunications, Business and IT industries will be invited to talk to you about real practical security issues that they have faced and the solutions they used to overcome these issues.

Careers/further study

According to a recent report from e-Skills UK, security, data recovery and securing systems environments from hackers are likely to be additional skills required by IT professionals. It is also noted that an understanding of cultural, legal and ethical implications is increasingly important due to new technologies such as biometrics. (Source IT Insights: Employer Skills Needs [2004], e-Skills UK).

Without a doubt, specialists in Computer Security are needed more and more as companies use the internet as a tool for conducting their business. A brief search of job titles through recruitment websites such as Totaljobs.com and Monster.co.uk reveals lists of jobs including Security Engineers, IT Security Consultants, IT Security Architects, Security Analysts, and more.

Entry requirements

Access: Achievement of the Access to HE Diploma; achievement of level 2 credits in Maths and English Language.

English Language requirements: All students will have a recognised English Language qualification of at least GCSE grade C or an equivalent such as the British Council's International English Language Test (IELTS) grade 6.0.

Admissions and International Recruitment

Admissions and International Recruitment deals with enquiries and applications for all full-time undergraduate programmes. Contact by

• telephone: +44 (0)117 32 83333
• fax: +44 (0)117 32 82810
• e-mail: admissions@uwe.ac.uk
• letter: Admissions and International Recruitment, University of the West of England, Frenchay Campus, Bristol BS16 1QY, UK