Cyber security is now widely recognised as an international priority, with hacking, malicious code, and data theft being just three of the many reasons why it's vital in the design, development and implementation of today’s IT systems. Unlike traditional bachelor degree programme (BSc) in Computer Science, the BSc (Honours) Cyber Security program at the University of Plymouth is a hands-on degree program that prepares students for the dynamic world of cybersecurity. With a focus on practical experience, students will study topics such as security architectures, cryptography,  security management, and computer forensics, as well as offensive security and ethical hacking. Graduates will be equipped to pursue various careers in cybersecurity, including information security analyst, cyber security engineer, network security architect, and cyber operations specialist.
 

Mode of Teaching

The course contents are developed by Plymouth University.  HKU SPACE and Plymouth University are collaborated to provide lectures and tutorials that match closely with the same programme in home country. Students are required to have a minimum of 75% attendance to both lectures and tutorials for all modules.

Assessment

All modules are assessed by coursework only. All assessments are set and moderated by Plymouth University.  Coursework is marked by the module tutors of HKU SPACE and moderated by Plymouth University module leaders.  All graduates are required to demonstrate their final level of learning through final year project work and the accompanying project report.

Course Exemption

For holders of Higher Diploma in Information Technology, Engineering, Computer Science or equivalent, exemptions may be granted at the discretion of Plymouth University.

Year	Module Title	Credits
Year 2	Information Management and Retrieval  Security Architectures and Cryptography  Computing Group Project  Software Engineering 2  Artificial Intelligence	20 20 40 20 20
Year 3	Information Security Management and Governance  Ethical Hacking  Security Operations and Incident Management  Digital Forensics and Malware Analysis  Computing Project	20 20 20 20 40

Application Code	2350-IT053F	Apply Online Now
Apply Online Now

Venue

• Island East Campus / Admiralty Learning Centre / HKU SPACE Po Leung Kuk Stanley Ho Community College Campus
  
• Regular Lecture/ Tutorial - Weekdays: 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
• Block Teaching Week (Consecutive four-day lecture, subject to change)
  • Weekdays: 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
  • Sat: 10:00 am - 1:00 pm & 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm; Sun:10:00 am - 1:00 pm & 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Non-Local Higher and Professional Education (Regulation) Ordinance

This is an exempted course under the Non-local Higher and Professional Education (Regulation) Ordinance. It is a matter of discretion for individual employers to recognise any qualification to which this course may lead.

COMP2000HK Software Engineering 2

Students’ understanding of software engineering is expanded by introducing a range of topics that instil best practice. Students will learn how to implement faster software using parallelism and consider aspects of human-computer interaction. Object-orientation and functional programming are revisited, while event-driven programming is introduced. Common design patterns used in the construction of software are introduced.

COMP2001HK Information Management & Retrieval

This module introduces students to the fundamental concepts for graphical representation, information management, database systems and data modelling. The capture, digitisation, representation, organisation, transformation and presentation of information is explored using conceptual and physical data models.

COMP2002HK Artificial Intelligence

This module provides students with an introduction to the principles of artificial intelligence and the methods used in that field. Topics covered include search and optimisation, knowledge representation and reasoning, and machine learning. Students will gain experience of modelling and simulation, and will apply analytical tools to evaluating results, and will consider the ethical implications of the introduction of AI.

COMP2003HK Computing Group Project

Knowledge gained in earlier stages of the computing programmes is consolidated and integrated into a substantial project. Students work in teams, champion professional roles, design and develop a software solution for a given scenario. The project integrates and expands upon software development stages covered on the course (project management, analysis, design, construction, communication, security and/or networking).

COMP2006HK Security Architectures & Cryptography

The ability to design secure systems is critical to the successful operation of any system. This module will develop the knowledge and understanding of security architectures, design principles (such as least privilege, default deny) and elicitation of security requirements to enable the design of secure systems. Core to this knowledge is the role cryptography can have in addressing these requirements.

COMP3000HK Computing Project

The Computing Project provides an opportunity to tackle a major computing related problem in an approved topic area relevant to the programme of study.

COMP3009HK Information Security Management & Governance

This module looks at the issues surrounding the management and governance of information security within an organisational context. Consideration is given to the need for related policy, analysis of risk, and the management of organisational assets. Coverage also includes legal and personnel aspects of security, giving an overview of the wide range of laws and regulations governing systems & information security.

COMP3010HK Security Operations & Incident Management

This module will examine the incident management and the role it plays within modern information security systems. It will introduce key concepts in the analysis of network traffic for signs of intrusions, as well as the process of responding to computer incidents including the identification and analysis of malicious code.

MCOMP3011HK Ethical Hacking

Understanding the security and vulnerabilities of IT systems is critical in their protection. This module seeks to develop the knowledge and skills to undertake penetration testing of systems. A range of passive and active offensive techniques will be taught, alongside an in-depth understanding of the legal and ethical issues surrounding such activity.

COMP3012HK Digital Forensics & Malware Analysis

This module examines the procedures, tools and techniques utilised within the field of digital forensics. It will introduce an understanding of the methodology deployed in the handling of digial evidence, the volatility of data and mainting the integrity of data. Knowledge and skills will be developed of tools and techniques to examine and analyse forensic data across differing computing platforms.

Programme Specification

Application Fee

HK$150

Course Fee

• HK$108,000* in four instalments (Year 2: HK$45,000; Year 3: HK$63,000)
  
  * Subject to annual changes

Applicants should:

1. Hold an Advanced Diploma in Computer and Information Security or a Higher Diploma in Information Technology awarded within the HKU system through HKU SPACE; OR
2. Hold an IT-related Associate Degree awarded within the HKU system through HKU SPACE or a Higher Diploma or an Associate Degree in IT-related disciplines awarded from other tertiary institutions, recognized by University of Plymouth;

If the above academic qualification is from an institution where the language of teaching and assessment is not English, applicants shall provide evidence of English proficiency such as:

(i) an overall band of 6.0 in the IELTS (with minimum component scores of 5.5 in all four components: listening, reading, speaking and writing); or

(ii) an overall score 76 or above in the TOEFL iBT (with minimum component scores of listening 17, reading 18, speaking 20, writing 18)

 

* According to University of Plymouth regulation, mature students and applicants with other equivalent qualifications will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Online Application Apply Now

Application Form Download Application Form

Enrolment Method

1. All applicants are required to complete one Enrolment Form (SF26) and, either submit them in person or post them to The Programme Leader, B.Sc. (Honours) Cyber Security, College of Life Sciences and Technology, HKU SPACE, at any of the HKU SPACE Enrolment Centres.
2. All applications, either by post or in person must be accompanied by:
   1. Certified photostat copies of full educational certificates and transcripts.
   2. A non-refundable crossed cheque payable to ‘HKU SPACE' for HK$150 in respect of the application processing fee.

Note: When submitting your application in person at any of the HKU SPACE enrolment centers, please bring along the originals of your educational certificates / transcripts for certification.  If you are posting your application, please arrange to bring the originals of the relevant documents for certification at any of HKU SPACE Enrolment Centres before the commencement of classes.

Payment Method

The University of Plymouth (UoP) is one of the UK's most prominent and dynamic universities with an educational history dating back to 1862.  The institution is renowned for high-quality, internationally-leading education, research and innovation.  With a mission to advance knowledge and transform lives, Plymouth is a top 50 research university* with clusters of world class research across a wide range of disciplines, including marine science and engineering, medicine, cybersecurity and psychology.

UoP is a three-time winner of the Queen’s Anniversary Prize for Higher and Further Education. It has been named as one of the top 25 institutions globally (1st in the world for the quality of its marine research and teaching) in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2021 which assesses universities against the UN Sustainable Development Goals.  A TEF (Teaching Excellence Framework) silver award by the Office of Students confirms that the university delivers high-quality teaching, learning and outcomes for its students and consistently exceeds rigorous national quality requirements for UK higher education.

The University has over 6,000 students studying for a Plymouth degree at partner institutions in the UK and around the world, and over 139,000 alumni pursuing their careers globally.

The School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics comprises a team of 100 staff including many internationally recognised experts who work in the disciplines of engineering, computing, mathematics and navigation.  Research is carried out in a number of fields from renewable energy to pure mathematics, robotics and cyber security.  The school offers a wide range of programmes, many of which are accredited by relevant professional bodies including BCS – The Chartered Institute for IT, the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications, the Institution of Engineering and Technology, and the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology.

* Research Fortnight Research Power League Table 2014.