Learning outcomes

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Accessibility statement

Educational aims

This qualification aims to enable you to:

evaluate the tools and techniques, which is at the forefront of defined aspects of the discipline, and an ability to exercise critical judgement
critically analyse and apply essential concepts, principles and practices, showing effective judgement in the selection and use of tools and techniques to achieve a solution to a problem
develop a conceptual understanding that enables you to devise and sustain arguments, solve problems, and describe and comment upon aspects of current research, or equivalent advanced scholarship
critically review and recognise the legal, social, ethical and professional issues involved in the exploitation of computer technology, and be guided by the adoption of appropriate professional, ethical and legal practices
undertake projects to a professional industry-recognised standard, within computer security, by the consistent application of development, management and evaluation methods and techniques
independently undertake research and critically evaluate arguments, assumptions, abstract concepts and data, to make judgements, and to frame appropriate questions to arrive at a solution or identify a range of solutions to a problem
develop transferable skills necessary for employment, requiring the exercise of initiative and personal responsibility, decision making in complex and unpredictable contexts and the ability to communicate information, ideas, problems and solutions.

On completion of this qualification, you’ll have:

a broad critical understanding of the fundamental principles, concepts and techniques in relation to design and development of secure digital systems and their secure use
an understanding of theory and practice of cyber security within networked systems including an appreciation of a range of methods, models and tools to support secure management and analysis of information systems, along with awareness of the various operating systems and platforms
an understanding of the range of situations in which digital systems are used and the ways in which people interact with them
a critical awareness of the professional, ethical, social and legal issues that can be associated with the development and deployment of digital systems
an awareness of major trends in cyber security and the implication of these trends
a thorough understanding of developing and implementing secure systems and the methods and tools used in the design, implementation and testing including offensive methodologies
the ability to critically analyse, develop and apply digital solutions appropriate to security examination and digital forensic investigation, including an appreciation of tools, techniques and legal requirements.

On completion of this qualification, you’ll be able to:

apply and critically evaluate key digital and cyber security concepts in a range of contexts
select and apply appropriate techniques and tools for abstracting, modelling, problem solving, designing and testing cyber security systems and be aware of the limitations involved
compare, contrast and critically analyse and refine specifications and implementations of digital systems from a cyber security perspective
device and carry out a cyber security project that applies and extends your knowledge and understanding, and critically reflect on the processes involved and the outcomes of your work.

On completion of this qualification, you’ll will be able to:

analyse, design, evaluate and/or test digital and cyber security systems, using appropriate simulation and modelling tools where appropriate
plan and organise yourself and your work appropriately, including keeping systematic records of work in progress and outcomes
demonstrate the ability to undertake ongoing learning in order to keep up to date with digital and cyber security systems
identify and address the professional, ethical, social and legal issues that may arise during the development and use of digital and cyber security systems
use appropriate professional tools to support your work.

On completion of this qualification, you’ll be able to:

communicate information, arguments, ideas and issues clearly and in appropriate ways, bearing in mind the audience it’s for and the purpose of your communication
work in a group, communicating effectively using digital communication and in face-to-face contexts
work independently, planning, monitoring, reflecting on and improving your own learning
select, and use accurately, appropriate numerical and analytical techniques to solve problems
recognise and understand a range of technological problems and select suitable techniques for solving them.