Web Development and Cyber Security BSc (Hons)

Course Content

• Course Details

  During the first year of study on Web Development and Cyber Security BSc (Hons), you will study a common six computing modules. These include: Computer Systems, Computer Communications, Web Development, Software Specification- Analysis and Design, Object Programming, and Database Design and Development. These modules cover the fundamental principles needed to be able to move on to a more specialised range of modules during the second and third year of your course.

  Optional modules in your second and third year on the degree in web development include: Ethical Hacking & Penetration Testing, Web Programming, Server Administration & Security, Advanced Database Implementation, Mobile Application Development, and Group Project.

  Your final year modules are: Cyber Security & Applied Cryptography, Cyber Security Management, Mobile Computing, Modern Databases/NoSQL databases, and Dissertation.

  You will be able to put the knowledge gained on the cyber security course into good use through practical activities that will equip you to pursue a career in Industry. Many of our graduates also embark onto obtaining Higher Degrees through research and development.

  The major practical aspects of the BSc cyber security course occur in the second-year group project, where you will work as a team member on the design and development of a contemporary Secure web-based application. Also, in your final year Dissertation, you have the opportunity to work on an individual project on a relevant topic of your own choice.

  Please note the modules shown here relate to the academic year 24/25. The modules relating to the academic year 25/26 will be available from June 2025.

  • Stage 1
    • Problem Solving and Programming (20 Credits)
      Module code: CSY1020

      Status: Compulsory
      This purpose of this module is to: introduce students to the skills, principles and concepts necessary to solve problems in computing; to develop essential skills to enable the solution of these problems with the construction of appropriate algorithms and a computer program; introduce principles underlying the design of a high level programming language (HLPL); gain experience and confidence in the use of a HLPL to implement algorithms; implement HLPL programs using an appropriate programming language e.g. Java; introduce an object-oriented language initially as a non-object language.
    • Computer Systems (20 Credits)
      Module code: CSY1061

      Status: Compulsory
      This module provides knowledge of the hardware and software components that make up a computer system and overview the important concepts in preparation for future study of computer science.
    • Computer Communications (20 Credits)
      Module code: CSY1062

      Status: Compulsory
      This module develops student?s understanding of the principles of communication networks and how to classify the various network devices in the appropriate layer of the protocol stack. Students will learn how to manage IP addresses in a small network and will develop confidence in using network simulation software.
    • Web Development (20 Credits)
      Module code: CSY1063

      Status: Compulsory
      This purpose of this module is to give students an understanding of client side web technologies. This module provides students with: the essential knowledge and practical skills to design, develop and implement a Web site to contemporary web standard
    • Software Engineering Fundamentals (20 Credits)
      Module code: CSY1064

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to develop student's experience with the multiple stages of software engineering life-cycles from initial need and requirements identification through to the design and implementation of code in order to develop confidence in the use of terminology and techniques for each of the stages.
    • Databases Design and Development (20 Credits)
      Module code: CSY1065

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to apply the principles of database integrity in the design and development of database structures. This is a practical module that applies data modelling techniques to establish, modify and maintain database integrity, structures and associated components such as entities, relationships and attribute definitions.
  • Stage 2
    • Ethical Hacking and Penetration Testing (20 Credits)
      Module code: CSY2084

      Status: Compulsory
      This module equips students with theoretical awareness and practical skills to promote the protection and privacy of user?s data within an online environment.Students examine and use Industry standard tools, techniques, and documentation within the Ethical and legal framework for maintaining an effective Cybersecurity environment
    • Server Administration and Security (20 Credits)
      Module code: CSY2085

      Status: Compulsory
      This module equips students with the skills to create a secure hosting environment and knowledge on how to deploy a website live on the web using modern concepts such as containerisation and a focus on security.
    • Group Project (20 Credits)
      Module code: CSY2088

      Status: Compulsory
      The module is designed to develop higher-order intellectual skills (problem-solving) and appropriate personal qualities including team working. Each group will develop and document effective, robust and high-quality computing systems to a professional standard in response to a supplied specification of requirements.
    • Web Programming (20 Credits)
      Module code: CSY2089

      Status: Compulsory
      This purpose of this module is to give students an understanding of the concepts and technologies of web based server side technologies; teach students to use up-to-date programming techniques to design and develop coherent server side software for websites with a focus on security, functionality and usability.
    • Mobile Application Development (20 Credits)
      Module code: CSY2091

      Status: Compulsory
      This module is designed to give an understanding of the technologies (hardware/software) and how these are utilised in a modern networks. This understanding is then use to develop the necessary skills to design and implement (programming) software to be deployed within modern networks.
    • Object-Relational Databases (20 Credits)
      Module code: CSY2093

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to develop the fundamental concepts and skills of Entity Relational Models (ERMs) and Structured Query Language (SQL). It introduces extended-relational databases; user-defined types, their practical creation, application along with valuable data extraction methods to provide intelligence and database programming (PL/SQL).
  • Stage 3
    • Cyber Security Management (20 Credits)
      Module code: CSY3057

      Status: Compulsory
      This module examines the concepts and practices underlying effective cyber security management. Students learn strategic components of managing for successful cyber security, with emphasis on information protection, compliance, standards and ethics. Students are equipped to design an effective cyber intelligence framework and draft appropriate security policies aligned with business requirements.
    • Modern Databases (20 Credits)
      Module code: CSY3059

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to study advanced/latest database topics. The module focuses primarily on NoSQL databases (e.g., graph and document databases), from designing and creating to querying the databases.
    • Cybersecurity and Applied Cryptography (20 Credits)
      Module code: CSY3062

      Status: Compulsory
      This module provides students with the necessary practical skills and theoretical understanding of the technologies used to secure communications and protect the privacy of users within an online environment. Concepts introduced, and skills learnt, provide the necessary technical underpinning to enable the student to address the issues of effective Security.
    • Mobile Computing (20 Credits)
      Module code: CSY3063

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to identify modern mobile computing in terms of its hardware and software and the networks that support mobile devices as well as to implement software to run in a mobile computing context.
    • Computing Project Dissertation (40 Credits)
      Module code: CSY4022

      Status: Compulsory
      This project module provides the opportunity for the student to undertake independent research, development, and self-management of a Computing related project leading to completing a dissertation. An essential outcome for this module is that the student?s project deliverable includes the design and development of a system, or a software application, or a novel functional approach that relates to the main areas of student study, and that can be used, applied or demonstrated in some way. Students on the BSc Business Computing may engage on a research centered project resulting in a report of analysis of an appropriate topic.

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• Student Perks

  At the University of Northampton, everything we do, from funded trips to paid internships, is to give you everything you need to make a difference when you leave.

  If you join this full time Web Development and Cyber Security degree at Northampton, you will receive a laptop when your course begins*. The laptops are built to a bespoke custom specification ideal for use in the seminar room, collaborative group work or studying at home.

  Whatever your ambitions, we’re here to help you to achieve them. We’ll support you to identify the skills you’re learning during your web developer course, find your strengths and secure practical experience so that when it comes to applying for jobs or further study you’ll feel confident in standing out from the crowd. We’ve created the Northampton Employment Promise because we are so confident that if you focus on your studies and complete one of our awards you’ll be highly employable by the time you graduate. Putting you in a great position to secure employment or continue your studies.

  To check out the full list of perks, visit our Student Perks page or dedicated International Perks page.

  *UK fee payers only (see Terms and Conditions for further details).

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• Integrated Foundation Year (IFY)

  The Integrated Foundation Year (IFY) offers a new and exciting route into studying for a website development degree, attracting ambitious and driven students who are willing to learn and advance.

  If you have non-standard qualifications or do not quite meet the admissions requirements we can offer you a fantastic opportunity to study a four year programme which includes an Integrated Foundation Year. The Integrated Foundation Year will help you develop the theoretical/practical and academic skills you need, in order to successfully progress to the full award.

  Our four-year courses will enable you to successfully follow the degree pathway of your choice while gaining essential study skills. The foundation year of your chosen degree will be studied on a full-time basis and is aimed at supporting the transition to higher education. Years two, three and four are then studied as a standard degree programme.

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