Introduces the fundamentals of writing computer programs to solve real problems; with a strong emphasis on creating trustworthy, secure coding from the outset.

You will learn to design programs using core control and data structures in a contemporary programming language such as Python, and gain an introduction to IT Service Management (ITSM) and ITIL lifecycle practices.

Topics include: programming paradigms, coding standards, naming conventions, input validation, variable scope, and the consequences of poor coding practices for security and maintainability.

Career focus

Underpins all technical roles in cyber security, where the ability to read, write and evaluate code is essential - from penetration testing to security engineering and automation.

Builds foundational knowledge of how computers actually work including: hardware architecture, operating systems and the security implications of both. You will practice configuring and operating system components, and explore how architectural vulnerabilities can be exploited.

Topics include: CPU architecture, memory management, file systems, OS authentication and authorisation, shell scripting, and operating system security threats.

Career focus

Essential grounding for roles in security operations, infrastructure support, penetration testing and digital forensics, where understanding the underlying system is prerequisite to securing it.

Explores the legal, ethical and professional frameworks that govern cyber security practice. You will study the legislation and standards that shape the field including: the Data Protection Act 2018, the Computer Misuse Act 1990, ISO 27001, Cyber Essentials and NIST and examine the human factors that make organisations vulnerable, including insider threats.

Topics include: data encryption and key management, digital forensics, professional responsibilities, computer ethics and international cyber law.

Career focus

Directly relevant to roles in security governance, risk and compliance (GRC), information assurance, legal and regulatory affairs, and any senior cyber security position where policy and law intersect with technical practice.

Provides the conceptual core of the programme, a thorough grounding in the principles, frameworks and terminology that underpin all cyber security practice. You will explore the threat landscape, learn to apply structured security models, and develop the mindset of a security professional.

Topics include: the CIA triad, cyber kill chain, threat actors and attack vectors, risk management, authentication and authorisation, security by design, defence in depth, least privilege, incident management and data classification.

Career focus

The foundational module for all cyber security careers. From security analyst and SOC analyst to risk manager, consultant and ethical hacker.

Building on Programming I, this develops your ability to analyse complex problems and translate them into reliable, testable software. You will learn to write formal program specifications and apply unit testing frameworks - key practices for building trustworthy systems.

Topics include: problem analysis and specification, function-based design, unit testing, software quality assurance and applying programming paradigms to real-world security contexts.

Career focus

Supports roles that involve scripting, automation and tool development within cyber security including penetration testing, incident response and security engineering.

Focuses on securing the devices that are most often targeted by attackers - endpoints such as laptops, desktops and mobile devices. You will gain hands-on experience with configuration management, system hardening, encryption and Linux security, working with real tools used in industry.

Topics include: group policy, mobile device management (MDM), BYOD, antimalware and EDR, BitLocker/LUKS full disk encryption, secure boot, UEFI, TPM, Linux security (SELinux, firewalls, IDS/IPS, access control lists), and zero-day threats.

Career focus

Core skills for security engineer, endpoint security analyst, systems administrator and SOC analyst roles and essential context for anyone working in managed security services.

Covers the networking principles that are fundamental to securing modern organisations. You will understand how data moves across networks, how protocols work, and where the vulnerabilities lie - equipping you to design and defend networked systems.

Topics include: the OSI model, TCP/IP, IP addressing and subnetting, routing protocols (RIP, OSPF), virtual networking, transmission technologies, error detection, network architectures, data encryption basics and network threat analysis.

Career focus

Foundational for network security engineer, SOC analyst, infrastructure security and cloud security roles. You cannot defend a network you do not understand.

Develops your ability to understand, assess and respond to cyber threats at a professional level. You will study the intelligence cycle and learn how to turn raw threat data into actionable decisions. The module also takes you through the full incident response lifecycle; from preparation and detection through to containment, evidence handling and reporting.

Topics include: threat actors and the cyber domain, intelligence theory and practice, risk assessment, SIEM tools, anomaly detection, live data collection, network-based evidence, extrusion detection, incident reporting and third-party coordination.

Career focus

Directly prepares you for roles in threat intelligence, incident response, digital forensics, SOC operations and security consultancy which are some of the most in-demand specialisms in the sector.