Overview

Every organisation and individual now depends on connected technology, which makes defending digital systems one of the most pressing challenges in modern computing. Studying BSc (Hons) Cyber Security at Keele University prepares students to understand how threats develop and how to stay ahead of them. The course is designed and taught by researchers working in the field, so the teaching reflects current thinking in a fast-growing industry. Protection is treated broadly, covering people and processes as well as technologies. A dedicated cyber security lab, built on a high-performance Nutanix hyperconverged infrastructure cluster, can virtualise many operating systems and realistic scenarios, with over 70 high-specification PCs available for hands-on work. Students also use computing labs with industry-standard software, Windows and Linux systems, a high-performance computing cluster and JupyterHub access. The course suits those who enjoy technology and problem solving and want practical experience of real-world challenges, and graduates gain the skills to take on responsible roles in defending the systems society relies on.

What You'll Learn

Protecting people, processes and technologies from cyber threats

Ethical hacking techniques

Penetration testing

Defensive cyber security methods

Safe experimentation in isolated, virtualised lab environments

Working across Windows and Linux systems

Designing, building and testing practical technical solutions

Tackling real-world security challenges through applied projects

Optional work placement and international study opportunities

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, students will understand how cyber threats affect individuals, organisations and technical infrastructure, and how security must be considered at the level of people, processes and technology together. They will be able to apply ethical hacking and penetration testing methods to probe systems for weaknesses, and to use defensive techniques to protect and strengthen them. Time in the cyber security lab, where realistic scenarios run safely in an isolated setting, develops confident practical skills across a range of virtualised operating systems. Work in the computing labs builds the ability to design, build and test solutions using industry-standard software, Windows and Linux environments, and high-performance computing resources. Students will learn to evaluate security problems critically and apply their knowledge to real-world situations rather than treating it as theory alone. Optional placement and international study routes allow them to broaden their experience and tailor their development to their career goals, preparing them to pursue specialised roles in the cyber security profession.