Cyber security is a topic with relevance to many different sectors, and needs a multi-disciplinary approach. Rapid technological advances require cyber professionals who can adapt and innovate to promote cyber security. This apprenticeship provides graduates with practical knowledge on cyber threats, security and recovery.

Apprenticeship overview

The programme will be delivered by academics and experts from industry to ensure relevance to the current cyber security landscape. Cyber is a fast moving subject, so the modules equip students with the ability to evaluate new technologies, and develop a life-long approach to learning.

  • Start date January 2022
  • Duration of programme36 months + EPA
  • QualificationBSc (Hons) Cyber Security Technical Professional
  • LocationMilton Keynes/online
  • Study typePart-time
  • Delivery Flexible hybrid
  • Degree apprenticeship standard Fulfilling the requirements of the Level 6 Cyber Security Technical Professional (Integrated Degree) apprenticeship standard. You can find more information about the standard on the Institute for Apprenticeships website.

Who is this for?

This degree apprenticeship is for aspiring cyber security professionals, who are looking to understand how cyber security impacts and supports business. The nature of this programme means that it can cater for those who have no experience of working in cyber security as well as those who are already working in the field but are looking to upskill their digital and cyber expertise. You may be looking to join the programme straight from school, re-train from your existing career or to extend your existing IT or cyber skills further. Your interest in a cyber security career is what is important.

Why this MK:U apprenticeship?

This apprenticeship has been designed with industry, for industry. You will learn through working on real-world industry problems in an environment that brings together a mix of students from different specialisms to enhance the cross-disciplinary experience. In addition to a good coverage of technical topics, we consider the human aspects of cyber security. It equips apprentices to work in cyber security teams and in a wider variety of computing roles across broader businesses, as well as within organisations that have cyber security as their primary business.

Entry requirements        Fees

Modules and subject areas

Level 4 modules 

  • The Digital World
  • Digital Maths and Programming
  • Secure Software Development
  • Business and Society 
  • Professional Skills 

Level 5 subject areas 

  • Cyber Security Fundamentals 
  • Advanced Cyber Security
  • Human Aspects of Cyber
  • Introduction to Networks
  • Grand Challenge Project
  • Business and Society 
  • Professional Skills 

Level 6 subject areas

  • Cyber Physical Systems
  • Data Science Fundamentals 
  • Ethical Hacking 
  • Advanced Networks
  • Security Operations Management 
  • Professional Project

Learning and assessment

Learning 

At MK:U our education style is different from other universities. Instead of traditional lectures and exams, our entire curriculum uses problem-based learning (PBL) as our core educational approach. PBL is an experience-based educational approach where learning is driven by the posing of open-ended, yet meaningful, problem scenarios that apprentices solve through working together in small interdisciplinary groups.

The benefits of PBL:

  • Develops more effective collaboration and communication skills;
  • Improves organisational skills through allocating roles and tasks;
  • Facilitates individual skills and ways of working, promoting diversity of approach;
  • Encourages interdisciplinary views;
  • Produces more powerful understanding and application of knowledge;
  • Shown to increase engagement and performance.

Assessment 

At MK:U you will not have any closed-book time-constrained exams (except where required by accrediting bodies or they can be justified as in the best interest of the students). Instead you will engage with a broad range of authentic assessments focused on problem-based learning and applied project work. Examples of these assessments are:

  • Individual and group projects,
  • Presentations,
  • Practical assessments,
  • Reflective portfolios.

Next steps

Modules

Keeping our courses up-to-date and current requires constant innovation and change. The modules we offer reflect the needs of business and industry and the research interests of our staff and, as a result, may change or be withdrawn due to research developments, legislation changes or for a variety of other reasons. Changes may also be designed to improve the student learning experience or to respond to feedback from students, external examiners, accreditation bodies and industrial advisory panels.

To give you a taster, we have listed the compulsory and elective (where applicable) modules which are currently affiliated with this course. All modules are indicative only, and may be subject to change for your year of entry.