Programme Specification

Transcription

1 Programme Specification DTS-CSA-2017: Digital and Technology Solutions (Cyber Security Analyst) LU Bachelor of Science (Honours) awarded by Lancaster University (FHEQ Level 6) Status: Approved Version: 1

2 Introduction This programme specification provides a summary of the main features of the Digital and Technology Solutions (Cyber Security Analyst) programme and the learning outcomes that you as a student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate on successful completion of the programme. Further detailed information related to this programme and the College can be found in the following resources: Programme Handbook B&FC Student Handbook B&FC Admissions Policy Work based and placement learning handbook (for foundation degrees) Student guide to assessment and feedback Key Programme Information Programme Code Programme Title Teaching Institution Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Body (PSRB) Accreditation UCAS Code Language of Study Version 1 Approval Status Programme Overview DTS-CSA-2017 Digital and Technology Solutions (Cyber Security Analyst) Blackpool and The Fylde College None English Approved Approval Date 07 June 2017 JACS Code Programme Leader Programme Awards David Seddon Award Award Type Level Awarding Body LU Bachelor of Science (Honours) Honours Degree (360 credits) Level 6 Lancaster University The area of cyber security opens up many emerging opportunities in what is an area of economic growth internationally. Cyber Security is of national strategic importance and a high profile topic with increasing demand for specialist in this area year-on-year. The BSc. Digital and Technology Solutions (Cyber Security Analyst) degree apprenticeship programme is an exciting course providing many opportunities for students to develop with industry relevant tools, languages and techniques equipping students with the best opportunities to succeed software engineering and other development roles. For employers this will add value to your business with a programme supported by the Tech Partnership which has industry and government s support. As a student on this programme you will build industry relevant skills supported by the tech partnership and the opportunity to earn while you learn in an exciting and fast-moving sector. In contrast to traditional degree pathways, this Degree Apprenticeship is structured to take full advantage of workplace experiences and embeds these elements throughout our teaching, Blackpool and The Fylde College Page 2 of 10

3 learning and assessment enabling you to improve your practice in the workplace making you a more valuable employee and increasing your career potential. Key elements of the programme include: Developing competence in technology solutions to form a solid foundation for further development Protect individual systems and corporate infrastructures from unauthorised and illegal hacking and industrial espionage Develop cyber security policies and mechanisms to protect businesses from attack and potential legal, ethical and economic impact Configure, maintain and recover server based solutions to SMEs and larger corporations Develop specialist Cyber Security skills to prepare Information Security Professionals for a range of in-demand industry roles Configure, maintain and recover server based solutions to SMEs and larger corporations Working in team projects and individually, building leadership, collaborative and problem solving skills which will enhance value to the workplace and develop students both personally and professionally Analysing organisational structures in industry and development teams building entrepreneurial and leadership skills that could enhance competitive edge for the business A minimum of three years applied occupational experience in digital and technology solutions Admission Criteria Entry requirements for the BSc. Digital and Technology Solutions (Cyber Security Analyst) are as follows: A minimum of 64 UCAS points in an appropriate discipline (this is the equivalent of 160 UCAS point on tariffs prior to 2017 entry). Applicants who are able to demonstrate relevant work/life skills or knowledge will also be considered on an individual basis. Applicants must also actively employed within an appropriate setting in a relevant sector. Those applicants who do not hold GCSE Maths / English at C, or equivalent qualifications, we will strongly encourage and support those students to pursue a Maths / English qualification alongside the main programme. Employers will be able to offset tuition fees against the Apprenticeship Levy; financial guidance should be sought through professional services. Career Options and Progression Opportunities Particular job roles that graduates would be suited to include: Cyber Security Consultant Lead Penetration Tester Information Assurance Professional Cyber Security Contractor And many other opportunities Graduates from the programme will develop leadership, professional and enterprise skills that can add value to the business and provide opportunities for internal progression within their workplace. The Cyber Security Analyst specialist skills can add value to an organisation in the Blackpool and The Fylde College Page 3 of 10

4 following ways: Effective analysis of threats, construction of security policies, recovery and backup strategies Preventing negative legal, social and economic impacts through information assurance Provide opportunities for gaining competitive advantage through ensuring reliable and secure operation of systems Help streamline operations through use of digital technologies In addition, post-graduate opportunities to study Masters and other specific post-graduate qualifications are available locally at Lancaster and other universities in the region. Programme Aims The aim of the programme is: - To produce Cyber Security Professionals who are capable of making a real contribution to their employer on commencing their roles - To develop competence in technology solutions to form a solid foundation for further development - To provide an overview of business operations, procedures and culture applicable to a sustainable career as a Cyber Security Analyst - To provide students with the opportunity to develop practical skills in a chosen area of IT occupational competence - To facilitate a real workplace learning pedagogy in order to develop the competences required by employers - To develop behavioural skills to engage effectively with staff all levels in the organisation - To facilitate a critical understanding of the theoretical, conceptual and practical issues central to the practice of developing, implementing and maintaining technology solutions - To develop problem-solving and modelling skills appropriate to developing technology solutions for business - To provide students with practical experience in a technology solutions project oriented environment - To integrate a minimum of three years applied occupational experience in digital and technology solutions Blackpool and The Fylde College Page 4 of 10

5 Programme Learning Outcomes Level 6 Upon successful completion of this level, students will be able to: 1. Generate ideas, concepts, proposals, solutions or arguments independently and/or collaboratively exercising critical judgement to cyber security and information assurance practices, techniques, applications and transferrable skills. 2. Critically analyse and apply essential concepts, principles and practices of the subject in the context of loosely defined scenarios and workplace environments, showing effective judgement in the selection and use of tools and techniques for cyber security. 3. Produce work involving critical problem identification, analysis, design, development, and deployment of secure systems and applications based on evidence that explains the relationship between these features, the need for quality and applying problem-solving and evaluation skills. 4. Work effectively as an individual and as a member of a team undertaking critical selfappraisal to support continued professional development, employability, lifelong learning and transferable skills. 5. Critically analyse and evaluate the professional, economic, social, environmental, moral and ethical issues involved in the secure analysis, design, development and deployment of software and systems, and apply appropriate professional, ethical and legal practices. 6. Produce small well-constructed programs to solve well-specified problems. 7. Critically evaluate regulatory frameworks, industry practices, emerging threats and countermeasures in information assurance to construct robust risk assessments, security policies and evidence-based recommendations 8. Apply best-practice security programming and configuration techniques to implement security mechanisms both at a fundamental level and more complex in nature Blackpool and The Fylde College Page 5 of 10

6 Programme Structure Pathway Module Level Credits Coursework Practical Written Exam Digital and Technology Solutions - Cyber Security Analyst Stage 1: Year 1 All DTS401: Academic Literacies and Data Analysis Fundamentals DTS402: Systems Development Fundamentals DTS403: Network Fundamentals DTS404: Cyber Security Fundamentals DTS405: Database Modelling and Development Fundamentals DTS431: Security Policies and Disaster Recovery Digital and Technology Solutions - Cyber Security Analyst Stage 2: Year 2 All DTS501: Business Information Systems DTS502: IT Project Management DTS503: Collaborative Project DTS531: Cyber Security Processes and Management DTS532: Web and Database Security Digital and Technology Solutions - Cyber Security Analyst Stage 3: Year 3 Stage exit award: LU Bachelor of Science (Honours) (Awarded by Lancaster University) All DTS601: Corporate Strategies DTS602: Cyber Ethics and Legal Issues DTS631: Cyber Security Dissertation DTS632: Cyber Security Trends and Cryptography DTS641: Distributed Systems Technologies % 50% % % 30% 20% % % % % % 30% % 20% % 30% % % 30% % 40% % % 40% % Blackpool and The Fylde College Page 6 of 10

7 Course Options This programme has defined core modules which map to the Tech Partnership accreditation standards and includes Cyber Security focused modules to specialise in this area. The current structure can be negotiated for these specialist modules for particular employers through programme amendments if for example you are in a specifically targeted sector. Study Workload Timetabling for our programmes in computing is done to ensure that other commitments can be met, with most of our full-time HE programmes requiring one day and one evening of attendance however modes of delivery will be negotiated to meet employer s needs. There are many opportunities to work on assessments provided within our timetabled sessions however there will be formative and summative assessments set where you will be expected to complete work by a set deadline. Spending regular time on these activities will make this more manageable hence little and often is an approach we take. Most summative deadlines are set for Sunday night to enable weekends to be spent on finishing work. The expected volume of independent study is on average 152 hours per module, which equates to 9.5 hours per week. Often students find that this is a high expectation, however through engagement with our formative assessments and direction, building up work over time and improving skills, students find the workload manageable and succeed from a diverse range of backgrounds. Programme Delivery: Learning and Teaching This programme is delivered on a day-release basis to provide a manageable approach to your studies that can be accommodated by employers. We have researched and practices the best means of teaching technical subjects to ensure that you have the most engaging experience that is effective in supporting the growth of your knowledge and skills. We have embedded in all modules content that relates to your workplace environment to ensure that you can relate the content directly to your work helping you earn while you learn and increasing your value to your employer. We have various approaches to ensuring that course content is delivered in the most effective way including: a wealth of multimedia resources so you can work at your own pace; supported workshops to aid you in coding, debugging, problem solving, and enhancing work; lectures, class discussions and analysis of case studies to introduce students to new concepts, theories and techniques, and to help in building your understanding of theoretical content; team projects worked to established development methodologies (Agile / Scrum) to build your collaborative working skills and increase your value to employers; clear building of academic skills, employability and graduate skills, with a focus on reflective practice to enhance your personal and professional development; and approachable and friendly staff with an open door policy and individualised support so that students and employers can feel welcome and comfortable in asking questions, gaining feedback and making progress The content is regularly updated to ensure you are working with current software tools, vulnerability scanning and audit practices. There are specialist rooms containing sandboxed environments and virtualised servers to ensure you build your skills in an industry relevant environment. In addition, we review and adjust our teaching practices to best suit particular group dynamics and feedback that is received during module delivery to ensure that you have the best experience. Blackpool and The Fylde College Page 7 of 10

8 Programme Delivery: Assessment We provide regular formative assessment opportunities giving you the chance to submit drafts and practice tasks to gain feedback to improve. We employ digital submission and feedback so that you can refer back to previous assessments to reflect upon progress and build confidence for future assessments. Assessments include a mix of written reports, design documentation, created assets, source code / program demos, reflective writing and other methods will be employed in coursework so you have a wide range of skills both academic and practical. Graded assessment submissions are balanced throughout the academic year so that you can manage their workload effectively. Written exams will include application of theories to given scenarios and analysis of case studies; targeted revision and mock exams will aid you in preparing for these. The assessments will include practical work including penetration testing, threat modelling, risk assessment, encryption and development of effective security policies and mechanisms. The Collaborative Project and Dissertation will include a development negotiated with employers and staff to ensure coverage of all necessary skills and that the project is of benefit to employers. Throughout formative and graded assessments, there will be a requirement to link knowledge and skills developed in sessions to your workplace, ensuring that you adapt these well to your work environment plus also gain the benefit of others experience in different contexts. Programme Delivery: Work Based and Placement Learning As this is a degree apprenticeship programme, students are required to be employed throughout the programme and there are elements of assessment that require application of skills in a workplace environment. Relationships will be maintained between the College and employers to support the development of skills in the workplace and to ensure that the delivery and assessment is current and relevant. Assessment scenarios will be industry focused and there are specific modules that will require negotiated projects with relevance to individual employers which can also add value to the organisation. Blackpool and The Fylde College Page 8 of 10

9 Programme Delivery: Graduate Skill Development These are the skills that you will develop as a graduate to prepare you for your career and how this programme helps you develop these: A commitment to lifelong learning and career development Personal and professional development planning throughout the programme so that you can plan for career and skills development and continue to add value to the workplace Collaborative teamwork and leadership skills Collaborative projects will aid you in communicating with team members, assuming leadership roles where appropriate, managing group dynamics and working collaboratively towards common goals Personal and intellectual autonomy We support your development of independence in academic and practical skills through the levels of the programme, most prominent in the self-managed Collaborative Project and specialist Dissertation module where you will be responsible for managing your own extended project Ethical, social and professional understanding The programme maps to the Tech Partnership Gold accreditation standards supported by government and industry. In addition, module delivery and assessment throughout the programme considers legal, social and ethical issues to enhance your professional development. You will need to ensure that your work for the Collaborative project and Dissertation meets ethical guidelines with appropriate safeguards in place. Communication, information and digital literacies You will develop your use of digital resources such as searching, blogging, messaging, use of wikis and collaborative environments and cloud storage which are valuable in all industries Global citizenship You will build an awareness of how corporate entities operate effectively in a global industry including legal aspects and working with global stakeholders Research, scholarship and enquiry skills The Dissertation will be led and managed by you in an area of your own choosing negotiated with your employer including significant research and development with limited supervision; this will enable you to independently research unfamiliar concepts effectively Enterprise and entrepreneurial awareness and capabilities The Corporate Strategies module will analyse in detail strategic planning and alignment of IT strategies and you will be applying business planning skills so that you can provide opportunities for expansion and investment Blackpool and The Fylde College Page 9 of 10

10 Study Costs: Equipment Requirements There is no requirement for students to purchase equipment, as there are several resources on campus however it would be advantageous for you to purchase a computer as some of the software is demanding and you will be able to spend more time on work outside of campus hours. Students looking to purchase hardware should consider that as a minimum it should be able to support the recommended specifications of the latest Adobe Creative Cloud version. Most midhigh range desktops / laptops are in the region of 400-1,000. However, it pays to shop around and speaking to some of our staff could help you in getting best value. Many students prefer to bring their own laptops into college and accessing the network through Wi-Fi to save them from transferring files and we encourage this, however this is a personal choice. Software is available to students from the College and there are many discounted subscriptions available, including student pricing for Adobe Creative Cloud. When planning Dissertation projects, consideration must be given to what is available in Computing to assess feasibility. It might be the case that you wish to pursue emerging technologies that we do not have and so you may wish to undertake personal investment. Study Costs: Additional Costs There may be opportunities for field trips to conferences, exhibitions or for other interests. This is done so through negotiation as new venues / locations / trips must be Risk Assessed and approved. There is often room in the budget to subsidise costs so discounted contributions can be made yet this will depend on many factors, including entry fees / travel. Related Courses Other programmes offered by computing include the Software Engineering (Game Development) and Software Engineering (App Development). The Network Engineering programme includes specialist streams in Systems Administration and Cyber Security which embeds Cisco CCNA content. For Web and Multimedia we offer the Interactive Media Development programme. This programme provides opportunities for postgraduate study at other institutions; areas include Computer Science, Software Engineering, Game Development, Mobile Application Development. Our partners Lancaster University are very well respected in Computing and innovative technologies particular in the area of distributed systems and cyber security. Blackpool and The Fylde College Page 10 of 10