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Introduction
Why choose this course?
On this degree, we want to develop your practical skills ao you will learn by doing. In your first year, you will be introduced to a range of computing foundational concepts. These will include an introduction to modern software development, programming, and mathematics for computing.
You will build on these in your second year. You will delve into cybersecurity and operating systems. During your second year, we will encourage and support you to consider doing a work placement. It is a fantastic opportunity to boost your knowledge and skills.
In your third year, you will be supported with your chosen final project, which is a great opportunity to showcase your learning.
Throughout your degree, you will make use of high-tech equipment. We are committed to investing in our infrastructure to enable you to flourish.
Learning and teaching
This course focuses on the technical aspects of computing and how they relate to cyber security. There is a strong focus on using real world problems to learn the skills and techniques needed. Many of your modules have a large practical, hands-on element to reinforce the taught material.
Lecturers and technicians are approachable and will often help you on a one-to-one basis if you have difficulties.
Formally scheduled teaching includes:
 lectures
 tutorials
 computer labs
 apprentice mode sessions.
Each 15 credit module has 150 learning hours associated with it. 36 of these hours (3 hrs x 12 weeks) are formally scheduled teaching.
Some of our core programming modules are taught in an apprentice style. This format involves a 3 hour session where:
 the lecturer gives a short presentation
 the lecturer works through examples using the technique or concept that you're learning
 you carry out exercises to practice the technique or concept while the lecturer provides help and feedback.
Overview
Cybersecurity is fast-moving and dynamic. It is the place for you if you love logical problem solving. Our Computer Science for Cybersecurity degree offers you the chance to stand out in the industry. We will give you a strong grounding in general computer science, with a specific focus on cybersecurity.
The course is practical. It trains you in how to keep your network safe. As one of the few National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) accredited courses, it is well-regarded by industry and government.
As a cybersecurity graduate, you will be in high demand by employers. The shortage of cyber experts – and the rapidly changing nature of the industry – means that some exciting career opportunities await you. And while on the course, why not challenge yourself by training for a Cisco qualification? Doing so will sharpen your skills and prepare you for greater responsibility in the workplace.
Modules
Year 1
Compulsory modules
Information Systems (15 credits)
An introduction to modern software development practices
Problem Solving and Programming (double) (30 credits)
An introduction to programming
Object Oriented Programming (15 credits)
Object oriented programming
Foundations of Computing Systems (15 credits)
An introduction to core computing concepts such as binary, how key hardware components function, and logic
Mathematics For Computing (15 credits)
Basic maths for computer scientists
Basic Communications and PC Networking (15 credits)
This is a foundational module designed to equip you with an in-depth understanding of communication networks and their application in a real-world context. This module aims to provide a comprehensive introduction to the basic principles of computer networking, focusing on layered network models, and the design, connection, configuration, and testing of computer networks that involve PCs, switches, and routers. Hands-on laboratory experiments will allow you to implement and validate network designs using a range of analytical and simulation tools, reinforcing theoretical knowledge with practical application.
Upon successful completion of this module, you will have a firm grasp of the principles that underpin communication networks. This module is an engaging introduction into the world of communications and PC networking and a first step towards becoming a proficient network designer and operator.
Introduction to Networks (15 credits)
An introduction to networks and networking following the CISCO CCNA 2 syllabus
Year 2
Compulsory modules
Foundations of Computation (15 credits)
An introduction to notions of computation, computability, automata, and related topics
Software Development with C and C++ (15 credits)
An introduction to C and C++ programming
Systems Programming (15 credits)
Writing systems level code in C
Innovative Product Development (double) (30 credits)
Foundations of Security (15 credits)
Core concepts in cyber security
Network Technologies (15 credits)
Key concepts in local area networks, following the CISCO CCNA 3 syllabus
WAN Technologies
Key concepts in wide area networks, following the CISCO CCNA 4 syllabus
Optional modules
Business Intelligence Programming
Delve into the realm of Business Intelligence Programming and uncover the foundations of Business Analytics. Explore a wide range of methods, tools, and techniques that enable the development of applications for complex decision making. This module utilises a dynamic online learning approach to deliver engaging and comprehensive content. Throughout this module, you will gain a deep understanding of data, information, and knowledge within the organisational context. Develop the skills to create strategic decision-making plans by harnessing an organisation's valuable information assets. Design, implement, test, debug, and review applications that facilitate decision making based on diverse and fragmented information.
By the end of this module, you will possess the expertise to apply Business Intelligence Programming techniques and tools, enabling you to make informed decisions based on complex data sets.
Year 3 (placement year)
Optional modules
Optional Work Placement Year (includes a Placement Search and Preparation module in your second year)
We encourage you to take a supervised work placement for 12 months between Year 2 and your final year. You will need to apply for your placement yourself; however you will be taught about how to apply for jobs effectively in a second year module, and we have dedicated placements staff to support you with securing a placement. We maintain links with industry and most students who go on placement obtain their position through the Department. More and more students are finding that a placement benefits their final year studies and career prospects. Possible placement organisations include IBM, Ericsson and Cisco. Your tuition fees are reduced for the placement year and the positions are normally paid which should cover your living expenses. Current placement costs are available in the Fees section of this page. Students are responsible for living and travel costs associated with their employment on and as a result, most will live near their placement location.
Year 4 (or year 3 if no placement)
Compulsory modules
Software Engineering (15 credits)
Cloud Computing and Internet of Things (15 credits)
Immerse yourself in the cutting-edge realms of Cloud Computing and the Internet of Things (IoT). You’ll gain a critical understanding of recent trends and developments, empowering you to design, construct, and evaluate innovative Cloud Computing solutions. Additionally, you’ll delve into the Internet of Things, unlocking insights into its latest advancements and programming frameworks. Furthermore, explore the management of distributed data, privacy, and security considerations.
By the module's end, you will possess the expertise to critically analyse, design, and evaluate Cloud Computing and IoT solutions. You’ll also develop team working skills by collaborating effectively within groups, applying your knowledge and skills to practical scenarios.
Secure of Programming (15 credits)
The design, implementation, and maintenance of secure software systems
Principles of Secure Operating Systems (15 credits)
Theory of Operating Systems
Malware Analysis (15 credits)
Assembler programming and malware analysis
Bsc Cyber Security Project (30 credits)
Network Security (alt-compulsory: choose at least 1) (15 credits)
Network security theory and practice following the CISCO CCNA Security syllabus
Dissertation in Computer Science for Cyber Security (double)
A project in the area of cyber security.
Optional modules
Communicating and Teaching Computer Science (15 credits)
Working in schools to help teach computer science
Independent Study Level 6 (15 credits)
BSc Computing Project, COMP6013 (15 credits)
Embark on an individually supervised project to delve into a chosen problem, conducting an extended study in your specialised area of study. This project will challenge you to solve a practical problem, showcasing your breadth and depth of knowledge. Throughout this module, you will showcase your project management skills by creating, designing, planning, and carrying out a project that addresses a practical problem within a social and economic context, while considering factors like risk. Applying your practical and analytical skills, you will investigate a substantial topic and employ the scientific method to report your findings using accepted formalisms. You will also demonstrate proficiency in utilising appropriate technologies and trustworthy information sources, such as the ACM Digital Library, to locate and critically evaluate both technical and non-specialist information relevant to your project.
Entry Criteria
ENTRY REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Home Office Share Code
For EU students only.
IF no Qualification
Please provide CV with at least 2 years of work experience, and employee reference letter.
Entry requirements
Wherever possible we make our conditional offers using the UCAS Tariff. The combination of A-level grades listed here would be just one way of achieving the UCAS Tariff points for this course.
Standard offer
UCAS Tariff Points: 112
A Level: BBC
IB Points: 30
BTEC: DMM
Contextual offer
UCAS Tariff Points: 88
A Level: CCD
IB Points: 27
BTEC: MMM
Further offer details
We welcome applications from candidates with alternative qualifications, and from mature students.
Entry requirements
Specific entry requirements
GCSE: Mathematics at grade 4/C minimum and English Language at grade 4/C minimum normally required
If you don't know about Computing already our first year modules will quickly get you up to speed. Any previous experience you have might help you to get started more comfortably but even if you think you know a lot about computing already there will still be many new things for you to learn.
Having an A-level or BTEC Level 3 qualification in a computing-related subject will not exempt you taking any first-year modules, as we want to make sure that we give you a quality introduction to all of the relevant topics.
If you don't have the right qualifications to apply for a place on one of our degree courses, we may be able to consider you for our Computing Foundation course. This course, which lasts one year, is an excellent preparation for any of our computing degree courses.
Our standard entry requirement is three A-levels or equivalent qualifications. In some cases, courses have specific required subjects and additional GCSE requirements. In addition to A-levels, we accept a wide range of other qualifications including:
 the Welsh Baccalaureate
 the Access to Higher Education Diploma
 a BTEC National Certificate, Diploma or Extended Diploma at a good standard and in a relevant subject
 the International Baccalaureate Diploma
 the European Baccalaureate Diploma
 Scottish qualifications – five subjects in SCE with two at Higher level or one at Advanced Higher level, or three subjects in Scottish Highers or two at Advanced Higher level
 a recognised foundation course
 T-levels*.
 * T-levels are a relatively new qualification but are already included in the UCAS tariff. We welcome prospective students who are taking this qualification to apply. For some programmes with specific required subjects, particular subject areas or occupational specialisms may be required.
English language requirements
If English is not your first language then you will need to show that your English language skills are at a high enough level to succeed in your studies.
The entry requirement for your course will be expressed as an IELTS level and refers to the IELTS Academic version of this test. We are now also accepting the IELTS Indicator test, you can find out more about the test on the IELTS Indication site. The University however does accept a wide range of additional English language qualifications, which can be found below.
The university’s English language requirements in IELTS levels are as follows:
Course IELTS level
All other undergraduate courses 6.0 overall with 6.0 in reading and writing, 5.5 in listening and speaking
Law, Architecture, Interior Architecture, English Literature (including combined honours), English Literature and Creative Writing 6.5 overall with 6.0 in reading and writing, 5.5 in listening and speaking
Health and Social Care courses 6.5 or 7.0 overall with 6.5 or 7.0 in all components (see individual entries for course details)
Nutrition BSc (Hons) 6.5 overall with a minimum of 6.0 in each component
Built Environment Foundation,
Computing Foundation,
Engineering Foundation 6.0 with 6.0 in reading and writing, 5.5 in listening and speaking
International Foundation Business and Technology,
International Foundation Arts, Humanities and Law 5.5 overall with 5.5 in all skills
International Foundation Diploma 5.0 overall with 5.0 in all skills
If you need a student visa you must take an IELTS for UKVI test.
International Foundation Diploma (Extended pathway) 4.5 overall with 4.5 in all skills
If you need a student visa you must take an IELTS for UKVI test.
Assessment
ASSESSMENT METHODS
1. INTERNAL ENGLISH TEST if you don't have an English accredited certificate
2. Academic Interview
Assessment methods are varied and reflect the development of academic content as the course progresses. From the practical emphasis of some of the early modules to the more conceptual content that you will encounter later in your degree. The modules covering core material are mostly assessed on a combination of coursework only, or coursework and examination.
Career Opportunities
The UK currently lacks enough computer science graduates with the right skills in cybersecurity. That is a challenge for the government and industry. And for our graduates, it is an opportunity.
On our Computer Science with Cybersecurity course, you will develop vital technical and practical skills, which will enable you to thrive.
Past students have gone on to work for the UK atomic energy authority, Google, and IBM.
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