Careers Brief - Computer Security FdSc
Overview
The Foundation degree in Computer Security offers you the opportunity of progression onto an Honours degree programme or direct job entry.
There is increasing concern by government, companies and individuals about the safety of information held on computers. With the rapid proliferation of the use of IT globally there has been a subsequent spread of computer crime with threats such as viruses, spam, spyware and hackers accessing and stealing commercial or personal information.
Working within computer security requires a high level of technical skills and experience, as well as knowledge of IT security background, networking and security testing software. Normally you would be working within an IT security team in an IT software provider or major organisation. You could be analysing, designing, implementing and managing security measures within a computer system. As part of an evolving and fast-moving industry, it is essential to keep up-to-date with new technologies.
Success in your course not only provides you with technical training, but also you will have demonstrated key transferable skills and competencies in demand by employers. Specifically: time management; logical analytical skills for problem-solving; effective communication (both written and verbal) and team working skills.
Use the website links below to find out more.
Further Study
You will be able to apply for a Level 3 Top-up degree. Top-up degrees are designed as direct progression from Foundation degree to achieve an Ordinary or Honours degree.
Alternatively, you could transfer into a related Honours degree. Entry point would depend on your grades, experience and overlap between courses but could be into the final year.
Go to the Links on the HE Home page for information on computing degrees at Bournemouth University (click on sub-heading 'Courses').
Universities offering related Top-ups include: University of Bradford; Sheffield Hallam University.
To search for degree courses go to www.ucas.com/ ( UCAS - Universities and Colleges Admissions Service for the UK). Use the university/college links for course details.
You will need to use UCAS to apply for courses. Contact the Course Tutor of your chosen course to find out your position, before you make your formal application.
Find out how much this will cost you. Where is the funding coming from? Go to the university/college website for information on course costs and finance and and to www.direct.gov.uk/uni/ for additional help with student support.
With a good Honours degree (First or 2.1), you could progress onto an appropriate higher level degree to attain a Masters and/or PhD doctorate. This could be to develop your area of study to a more in-depth practical and/or academic level or to gain other specialist training.
For information on postgraduate study, go to the national online directory at www.prospects.ac.uk/study.htm .
Go to the main section Further Study in this Careers Guide for more information and help.
Resources
BCS The Chartered Institute for IT - drop down sub-heading 'Qualifications, Training, Careers':
Go to 'Students' + 'Careers' for 'Job Profiles' - see 'Penetration Testing Consultant' 'Computing & data security co-ordinator' 'Chief Executive'.
Also go to 'Careers in IT Leaflets' 'Selling Yourself' 'Your First Job'.
http://careersadvice.direct.gov.uk/helpwithyourcareer/jobprofiles/
Government Careers Advice service
www.connexions-direct.com/jobs4u/
Jobs4U Careers Database - go to 'Job Families & Articles' and click on 'Computers and IT'
http://jobseekers.direct.gov.uk/
Government Careers database and links to jobs nationally. Search by either clicking on 'Careers' and choose a category or Quick Search 'IT Security'.
www.prospects.ac.uk/starting_out.htm
Graduate Prospects - national careers website for HE students studying in the UK:
Drop down 'Job sectors' to go to 'IT & information services'
Drop down 'Jobs' for 'Types of jobs' and click on 'Information technology'
Drop down 'Jobs' and click on 'What jobs would suit me?' to use Prospects Planner
GTI Media publication for graduate jobs and careers advice
Inside Careers publication graduate jobs and career guide
GTI Media graduate careers publication - Advice by graduate career area
e-skills UK - the Sector Skills Council for IT and Telecoms
The Engineering and Technology Board - careers and news
IT Jobs Watch tracking the IT Market
Computer Weekly magazine online
Computing magazine online
Cisco Systems (UK & Ireland)
The Institution of Engineering and Technology - go to sub-heading 'Careers & Training'
The British Interactive Media Association
The Institution of Analysts and Programmers
ISPA UK representing Internet service providers - including list of members
Association for Consultancy and Engineering
Intellect - representing the UK Technology Industry
National Computing Centre - the UK's leading IT membership organisation
The IT Job Board - major recruitment site. Browse for the range of current job titles and job descriptions.
Go to the Job Applications section of this Careers Guide for advice and help with making applications.
