Bachelor in Cyber Security

Bachelor in Cyber Security

  • Study Facts
    • Area of Study
      Computing
    • ECTS
      180
    • NQF Level
      Bachelor's degree (Level 6 1. Cycle)
    • Campus
      Kristiansand, OnlinePLUS - Oslo, Online
    • Study Mode
      Full-time, Online
    • Entry Requirements
    • Study Programme Leader
      Prof. Johan Van Niekerk
Introduction

Noroff University College (NUC) offers awards that specialise in the utilisation of digital technology. The objective of the Bachelor in Cyber Security to provide you with a background in the dynamic field of computer and information security; developing the knowledge needed as a computer security professional along with enabling you to explore and expand your knowledge within the cybersecurity domain. Cyber Security is a growing concern for all organisations – with cyber-crime and other disruptive activities having a significant impact across a wide range of industries. Recent examples of this are the ‘Revil ransomware attack’ exploiting Kaseya software; the ‘Solarwinds attacks’; and the ‘Colonial pipeline attack’ in early 2021. Defending industries against cyber-attacks is a complex task, balancing security requirements with many other issues.

Malicious organisations are connected, not just in terms of networks and technology, but also information and services. An attack on a single element of an infrastructure has the potential to affect the whole infrastructure. It can be difficult to distinguish between civilian and what may be considered legitimate military targets in a cyber-attack. At the organisational and planning level, a security specialist needs to be aware not just of the ways in which the network can be compromised, but to understand the possible source, cause, and motivation of the attack.

This degree programme recognises the interconnected nature of technology. With many companies now forming critical parts of a national infrastructure, exposing themselves to a broader range of threats. The programme therefore explores issues relating to cyber-attacks and cyber warfare including Computer Network Operations; composed of the two broad domains of Computer Network Attack (CNA) and Computer Network Defence (CND). As a result, graduates obtain the knowledge of how malicious attacks are launched at networked systems and consequently be prepared and effective in a variety of system defence approaches and tactics. 

The degree programme also prepare you for a professional career within Cyber Security, working with small consultancies or large organisations, both in the public and private sectors. Upon graduation, students will have developed a high level of competency in a variety of specific tools and techniques, along with a solid foundation of knowledge, skills, and competence to support them in lifelong learning throughout their careers.

Aims of the Degree Programme

This degree programme aims to develop a holistic approach to key principles and procedures of computer compromise and computer security practices. The programme provides students with a blend of knowledge and skills in securing computer systems and networks with a holistic understanding of key best practice, principles and procedures within the cyber security domain, and their interaction with each other. Throughout the programme there is a strong emphasis on the technology and tools as well as legal and ethical requirements relevant to this fast-moving, technically challenging domain. The Cyber Security domain is very broad, and therefore students are prepared for further specialisation and entry into a range of potential career fields and job roles. A solid knowledge and skills foundation is provided to enable students to pursue further postgraduate study -- both in Cyber Security specific degrees, as well as several closely related disciplines. The subject material will enable graduates to go on to postgraduate study in the area and will also enable them to fulfil several distinct employment titles.

The core concepts addressed in the degree programme are:

  • Computer Network Operations: Tools, techniques and approaches for network and system security.
  • Security Vulnerabilities: Identification, development, and remediation
  • Penetration Testing: Methodologies, tools, techniques, practice, and procedures.
  • Information Security Management: Policies, procedures, risk management, legal, ethical, and social issues of security.

Graduates will have a high level of proficiency in a wide range of skills in problem-solving, network infrastructures, system design, operating systems, vulnerability assessment and penetration testing. The programme has been specifically designed to equip students with the conceptual understanding and principles of computer security, to produce a well-rounded, employment ready, graduate.

Entry Requirements

For general admission it is required to document the following criteria as passed:

  • Higher Education Entrance Qualification, and 
  • Candidates must be able to document proficiency in the English language. Language requirements by Samordna Opptak

Special admission requirements
In addition to the general admission requirements, it is required to document the following:

  • Mathematics R1 (or S1+S2)

For admission on basis of prior learning and work experience:
Admission based on prior experience requires a written application for evaluation. Applicable candidates must be at least 25 years of age in the year of admission.

For candidates with foreign education the requirements for Higher Education are: 

  • The country must be recognized by NOKUT, specified in the GSU-list.
  • Candidates must be able to document proficiency in the English language. Language requirements by Samordna Opptak

For further information, please see the admission requirements: https://www.noroff.no/en/admission/admission-requirements

Campus and Online Study

All students follow the same progression according to their education plan, irrespective of whether they study online or on campus. All students study the courses at the same time, with the same delivery and workload, following identical assessment strategies for every course. At the study level no distinction is therefore made between campus and online students. All students are required to engage in live education sessions (such as lectures) and undertake all required educational activities.

Students are encouraged to interact with each other via online forums and chat systems, enabling discussions to take place involving both online and campus students. Each student cohort is therefore a single learning community, concurrently engaging in all educational activities irrespective of actual physical location. Throughout all educational sessions course staff actively encourage participation from campus and online students simultaneously, and do not focus solely on those who are physically present.

This tight integration of campus and online ensures students will be part of a cohesive learning community throughout their study. As a result, this also means that should students personal situations change during their studies, and they must change their mode of study from online to campus (or vice versa) this can be done with little to no disruption to their studies.

Opportunities for Further Studies

Undertaking some period of study at an international educational institution can result in many benefits to those who take part, including:

  • Language and general competence in the destination country and culture
  • Development of personal and professional networks in other parts of the world
  • Personal growth and holistic development.

All students are eligible to apply to undertake a period of study at an international university. All international study opportunities are subject to the application processes and admissions requirements of the international institution, in addition to an evaluation of the suitability of the proposed study exchange within the students’ study at NUC. Full details of international study opportunities and the application process is available to all students within the LMS.

Accredited
June 27th, 2018
Last revision date: 
June 2023