Overview

Cyber security professionals are in high demand across the world, and building genuine industry readiness means combining strong theoretical knowledge with hands-on practical defence skills. The BSc (Hons) Cyber Security at Robert Gordon University teaches students how software and hardware systems become vulnerable to attack, taught by accredited Cisco instructors who bring real industrial experience in designing and managing complex network systems. Students benefit from a School of Computing ranked first in the UK for student satisfaction, with RGU recognised as an authorised (ISC)² academic partner, the first in Scotland, supporting professional certifications such as CISSP. The course suits students who want genuine, practical readiness to protect critical systems from real threats, with the option to add a paid industrial placement year.

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What You'll Learn

• Programming fundamentals, problem solving and modelling in a shared first-year foundation

• Practical IP networks and creative, professional development skills

• Network management and security alongside core software development

• Protecting wired and wireless networks, and securely storing and safeguarding data

• Security models and the practical elements of cryptography

• Database and web security

• Advanced network security management and the threats posed by malicious software

• Specialist final-year topics including ethical hacking, digital forensics and penetration testing

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Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, students will be able to identify how software and hardware systems become vulnerable to attack, applying strong technical knowledge of networks, cryptography and system security. They will be equipped to defeat malicious threats using practical skills developed through hands-on labs and real-world project work. Through specialist final-year study in areas such as ethical hacking and digital forensics, students will develop the investigative and defensive skills needed to protect critical systems from real-world breaches. Graduates will leave with a BCS-accredited, industry-relevant skill set, well prepared for careers such as IT security engineer, digital forensics expert or information and data security analyst across finance, industry and national security.