Ethical Hacking and Cyber Security MSci/BSc (Hons) with foundation year

Undergraduate

Student stands in focus in background with large screen showing code, two other students on laptop sit between him and the camera

This course aims to provide you with a strong practical and theoretical understanding of cybersecurity, hacking, digital forensics, security operations and the underlying associated computer science.

Year of entry

2024-25 2025-26

Location

CU Coventry (Coventry) and
Coventry University (Coventry)

Study mode

Full-time
Sandwich

Duration

4 years full-time
5 years sandwich

UCAS codes

I1DF

Start date

November 2024

How to apply

Book an Open Day

Download a prospectus

Course overview

Our degree with foundation year could be the stepping stone you need to achieve your goals. The foundation year aims to prepare you for degree-level study and is a great way to build the confidence, skills and knowledge needed to succeed on your degree course. The degree with foundation year is only available for the BSc option.

Foundation year

This course covers a range of digital technology content including fundamental software engineering and data storage concepts, the theory behind how networks operate, devices communicate and how such networks should be designed. It also covers information technology in business and the fundamental mathematical knowledge and skills required to solve relevant problems.

Degree

The course is designed to help you develop skills in the following areas:

Understanding who ‘hackers’ typically are, the techniques they use to break into systems and the way we defend against them.
Learning how to examine computers and networks for digital artefacts, and how these can be used in a legal case, or as part of incident response.
Understanding how the network infrastructure connects systems, and the impact on security.

Rated Gold Overall

Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023

5 QS Stars for Teaching and Facilities

QS Stars University Ratings

Top 5 Student City in England (Coventry)

QS Best Student Cities Index 2025

Why you should study this course

Foundation year

Supports you to gain the academic skills required for degree-level study
Provides a grounding in key areas of digital technologies.

Degree

Join a thriving community of ethical hackers with opportunities to participate in societies and live ‘hackathon’ type events².
Previous graduates have gone on to become security consultants, security engineers, penetration testers and other sector-specific roles.
Practical, hands-on approach to teaching, where you have the chance to demonstrate the theoretical aspects of the course through real-world examples.
Dedicated specialised learning environment - the Ethical Hacking Lab⁴.

What you'll study

In the first year, the curriculum is shared across related courses allowing you to gain a broad grounding in the discipline before going on, in the second and third years, to specialist modules in your chosen field.  

Modules

Cyber Security Fundamentals – 20 credits

The aim of this module is to equip you with the core concepts and principles of cyber security together with the methods and technologies of protecting cyber/digital assets.

The module will cover core cyber security concepts such as the use of virtualisation, common operating systems used for security, remote access to systems, and software and systems security.

Compulsory

Introduction to Programming – 20 credits

The module will introduce the core fundamentals of programming for a prominent object-oriented programming language used in the industry.

The module will cover topics such as data types, condition and control statements, documentation and testing, and an overview of various sorting and searching algorithms.

Compulsory

Networking and Computer Architectures – 20 credits

The aim of this module is to equip you with an understanding of core concepts around computer networks and hardware architectures.

The module will cover topics such as data representation, logic elements and processor structure and operation, instruction formats and addressing mode, control structures and flow (RTL), bus topology protocols and models, and basic addressing (mac vs IP).

Compulsory

Information Security Management – 20 credits

Ethics and Legal Frameworks of Cyber Security professionals – 20 credits

Security is more than just technical problems, there are also a wide range of legal, social and ethical factors that need to be considered. This module will introduce these ethical and legal frameworks as applied to cyber security. It will also cover the professional skills needed to succeed at university and at work.

Compulsory

Foundations of Computer Science – 20 credits

In year two, you will continue to develop the skills and knowledge you’ve learnt. We do this by embedding the following four principles into the curriculum and developing your:

Technical skills – digital fluency, backed with the right academic knowledge
Study skills – to be an adaptive, independent and proactive learner
Professional skills – to have the behaviour and abilities to succeed in your career
Global awareness – the beliefs and abilities to be a resilient, confident and motivated global citizen

Modules

Practical Penetration Testing – 20 credits

Programming and Operating Systems – 20 credits

This module introduces the concepts of algorithm efficiency, complexity, process management, as well as information modelling, management and security. The platforms on which software is developed are considered, covering Operating System internals and their impact on good programming practice and security, including fundamental OS concepts such as process, memory and file system management. Key features of modern OS such as the creation and scheduling of multiple processes, and methods of communicating between them are also discussed.

Compulsory

Foundations of Networking – 20 credits

Security Operations – 20 credits

The module aims to provide you with a critical awareness of the legal framework and professional issues related to security incident response, its planning, deployment and success criteria. It should enable you to develop the ability and skill to evaluate and apply appropriate methodologies and technological solutions of performing and/or managing incident response investigations.

Compulsory

Digital Forensics – 20 credits

The Internet and Web Technologies – 20 credits

This module will give an overview of common web technologies including HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. It will cover the protocols used to drive the web such as HTTP, SSL, REsT, and the use of API’s along with an understanding of the database technologies that store information.

Compulsory

There’s no better way to find out what you love doing than trying it out for yourself, which is why a work placement² can often be beneficial. Work placements usually occur between your second and final year of study. They’re a great way to help you explore your potential career path and gain valuable work experience, whilst developing transferable skills for the future.

If you choose to do a work placement year, you will pay a reduced tuition fee³ of £1,250. For more information, please go to the fees and funding section. During this time, you will receive guidance from your employer or partner institution, along with your assigned academic mentor who will ensure you have the support you need to complete your placement.

Modules

UK work placement – 0 credits

This module²provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved placement undertaken during your programme. A placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent; however, each placement will be considered on its own merits, having regard to the ability to achieve the learning outcomes.

Optional

International Study/Work Placement – 0 credits

This module²  provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved international study/work placement undertaken during your programme. A work/study placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent; however, each placement will be considered on its own merits, having regard to the ability to achieve the learning outcomes.

Optional

Year three aims to bring you to the level to enter the world of work by consolidating your knowledge and skills from year one and two. You could also work on a large final project in an area of your interest, with the support of a mentor.

Modules

Advanced Penetration Testing – 20 credits

This module will cover penetration testing methodology, including accessing, manipulating and exploring networks and systems. Countermeasures are also covered, as well as a structured methodology in which this can be reported along with an evaluation of security mechanisms.

Compulsory

Digital Security Risk and Audit Management – 20 credits

The module investigates information assurance models and addresses current implementations of security audits such as COBIT and PCI-DSS. It will be delivered through taught lectures, reinforced by work on case studies that will incorporate practical applications of audit frameworks and analysis of the results.

Compulsory

Applied Cryptography – 20 credits

This module aims to provide you with a thorough comprehension of the concepts, theory and application of cryptographic techniques to cyber security. Additionally, you should develop your experience of appropriate cryptographic tools and libraries. Advanced topics and the status of cryptographic research will also be studied.

Compulsory

Research Project Preparation – 20 credits

The module will cover topics such as forming research questions, project selection/formation, scoping and planning, critical review, state of the art/literature review. It will also consider research methods including quantitative and qualitative, initial development/implementation, project concept evaluation, professional and ethical considerations.

Compulsory

Research Project Delivery – 20 credits

Optional modules

Choose one of the following three optional modules

Reverse Engineering and Exploit Development – 20 credits
This module will focus on exploit and malware analysis, looking at reverse engineering techniques, exploit development, and obfuscation/antivirus evasion.
Secure Network Design and Management – 20 credits
This module will focus on the design and management of networked systems and technologies.
Advanced Digital and Network Forensics – 20 credits
This model will look at advanced forensic concepts such and mobile network, cloud and emerging technologies.

Optional

If you meet the criteria, you could choose to take an additional fourth year master's option³, which will deepen your knowledge and expertise.

Modules

Digital Security Risk and Audit Management – 15 credits

Cryptography – 15 credits

Security of Emerging Connected Systems – 15 credits

Automotive Cyber Security – 15 credits

Artificial Neural Networks – 15 credits

Secure Network Design and Development – 15 credits

Cyber Security Research Project – 30 credits

The foundation year offers an introduction to your chosen subject and supports you to develop the skills required for degree-level study.

Modules

Fundamental Pure Mathematics - 30 credits

This module aims to provide you with the fundamental mathematical knowledge and skills required to solve relevant problems while developing analytical and problem-solving skills. You should also be equipped to turn real-world problems into mathematical problems and present mathematical and logical arguments. Concepts covered include basic algebraic properties, trigonometry, computation of areas and volumes of basic shapes, an introduction to Calculus including computation of limits derivatives and integrals. Upon successful completion of the module, you will have an awareness of many of the mathematical techniques required to tackle everyday problems in related disciplines.

Compulsory

Software and Databases - 30 credits

This module aims to provide you with an understanding of fundamental software engineering and data storage concepts. Upon successful completion of the module you will leave with experience of working with interconnected software systems and sufficient knowledge of databases and a programming language. During the module assessment you will be required to create an application to meet a specified brief, as a result you will develop skills in requirements elicitation, documentation, and software and database design. You will also be assessed on your ability to read and understand code and recall programming principles from their body of knowledge.

Compulsory

Networking and Communications - 30 credits

This module aims to provide you with an understanding of the theory behind how networks operate and devices communicate across a range of media and how such networks should be designed. Upon successful completion, you should have developed a greater understanding and appreciation of the complexities of one of the most ubiquitous systems in the modern connected world. Teaching and learning is structured around industry-standard qualifications such as CompTIA Network+ and entry-level networking certification such as those offered by Cisco Systems Inc.

Compulsory

Information Technology in Business - 30 credits

This module seeks to provide you with an introduction to business needs and how these are supported by information technologies. You will explore how businesses can embark on transformation projects to leverage supporting technologies and services to provide better value to customers and a greater return on investment. In doing so you will perform objective analysis using recognised techniques to support a proposed transformation project while respecting relevant legislation and regulation, presenting research and conclusions in a variety of academic manners.

Compulsory

We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.

How you'll learn

The foundation year programme is focused on applied learning geared to high-intensity teaching and study throughout the programme, requiring full commitment from students. The delivery of course content is a blend of lectures, tutorials and online learning.

There are no end of year exams. Instead, learning is assessed through coursework and phase tests, which is more reflective of our learning model. The learning outcomes of modules, assignments and projects will be clearly stated. Your work will be marked according to how well you achieve these learning outcomes and your final feedback will refer to each outcome, as well as providing an overall percentage grade.

Teaching contact hours

You can expect up to 20 hours of learning activities per week, made up of face-to-face teaching, individual and group tutorials, online classes and independent learning.

Additionally, you will be expected to undertake significant self-directed study of approximately 30 hours each week, depending on the demands of individual modules.

Assessment

Assessment methods vary and may include practical class and project performance, written practical reports, project thesis, oral presentations, tutorial tasks and assessments which generally take place at the end of each six-week block.

Your course will be based on a series of lectures, with associated seminars and project-based practical classes.

In addition, your personal tutor will review and discuss your progress with you and provide advice. You will be expected to engage in both class and online activities and discussions. Each module will also require you to participate in additional guided reading and self-directed study, to reinforce the learning gained from timetabled sessions.

We believe that the best way of learning is through doing - applying the theoretical concepts to practical problems. Throughout the course, emphasis is placed on the practical development of work, with a significant portion of your time being spent on assisted lab tasks, which may involve live practical hacking challenges, seminars discussing topics such as cryptography and secrecy or project-based classes, which may involve more in-depth work developing secure systems in hostile environments².

Teaching contact hours

We understand that everyone learns differently, so each of our courses will consist of structured teaching sessions, which can include:

On campus lectures, seminars and workshops
Group work
Self-directed learning
Work placement opportunities².

If you would like more information, you can request information about teaching hours.

Part of university life is undertaking self-directed learning. During a typical week, you will have time that allows you to work independently to apply the skills and knowledge you have learnt in taught or facilitated sessions to your projects or assignment briefs. This self-directed learning allows you to use your research skills, consolidate your knowledge or undertake collaborative group work.

As an innovative and enterprising institution, the university may seek to utilise emerging technologies within the student experience. For all courses (whether on-campus, blended, or distance learning), the university may deliver certain contact hours and assessments via online technologies and methods.

Since COVID-19, we have delivered our courses in a variety of forms, in line with public authority guidance, decisions, or orders and we will continue to adapt our delivery as appropriate. Whether on campus or online, our key priority is staff and student safety.

Assessment

This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which could vary depending upon the module.

Assessment methods include:

Formal examinations
Phase tests
Essays
Group work
Presentations
Reports
Projects
Coursework
Exams
Individual Assignments
Laboratories

The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.

Entry requirements

Typical offer for 2024/25 entry.

80 UCAS tariff points. All foundation courses require 5 GCSEs at A-C/4-9 including Maths and English, and at least one A2 level or a BTEC equivalent qualification.

If you don’t fulfil the entry criteria your application may be considered on an individual basis, taking into account any work experience, other qualifications and/or any training you have completed. Speak to one of our advisers today to find out how we can help you.

Contextual offers and Fair Access Scheme

If you meet the criteria for our Fair Access Scheme, you could automatically receive a contextual offer that may be up to 24 UCAS points lower than our standard entry requirements. View the criteria for our Fair Access Scheme.

Got higher grades? Have you considered direct entry to the degree without foundation year?

Fees and funding

2024/25 tuition fees.

Foundation year

Student	Full-time	Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man	£7,950	Not available
International/EU	Not currently available***	Not available

Degree

Student	Full-time	Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man	£9,250 per year	Not available
International/EU	Not currently available***	Not available

Please note: UK (home) tuition fees for the degree course years will be charged at the current Coventry University UK (home) degree fee level. This was set at £9,250 for the 23/24 academic year.

If you choose to do a work placement², you should consider travel and living costs to cover this. There is also a tuition fee³ of £1,250 that will cover your academic support throughout your placement year.

For advice and guidance on tuition fees and student loans visit our Undergraduate Finance page and see The University’s Tuition Fee and Refund Terms and Conditions.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessments, facilities and support services. There may be additional costs not covered by this fee such as accommodation and living costs, recommended reading books, stationery, printing and re-assessments should you need them. Find out what's included in your tuition costs.

The following are additional costs not included in the tuition fees:

Any optional overseas ﬁeld trips or visits: £400+ per trip.
Any costs associated with securing, attending or completing a placement (whether in the UK or abroad).

Foundation year funding

In order to receive funding for degree with foundation year courses, you will need to complete a four-year degree programme which includes the integrated foundation year, otherwise you may be responsible for your foundation year fees. For further information, please refer to the 'Tuition Fee Loan' details in the 'Funding your undergraduate course' section of our 'Fees and finance' page.

*Irish student fees

The rights of Irish residents to study in the UK are preserved under the Common Travel Area arrangement. If you are an Irish student and meet the residency criteria, you can study in England, pay the same level of tuition fees as English students and utilise the Tuition Fee Loan.

**This course with foundation year is not currently available to international students. If you do not meet the entry requirements to directly join year 1 of the degree, please take a look at our International Pathways Programme for additional options.

How do you know if you need to pay UK or international tuition fees?

We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Your fee status determines your tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available to you. The rules about who pays UK (home) or international (overseas) fees for higher education courses in England are set by the Department for Education. The regulations identify all the different categories of student who can insist on paying the home rate. The regulations can be difficult to understand, so the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) has provided fee status guidance to help you identify whether you are eligible to pay the home or overseas rate.

If you meet all the criteria required by any one category, including any residence requirements, your institution must charge you the home rate. You only need to find one category that you fit into.

Facilities

Our foundation years are taught at CU Coventry’s Mile Lane building, a short walk from the city centre. You’re part of the university from day one, so during your foundation year you’ll have access to the wider facilities at Coventry University. Once you successfully complete your foundation year, you'll transfer over to studying your chosen degree at Coventry University, where you'll be taught on campus in the relevant academic buildings.

Located on our Mile Lane campus, you will have access to our Library and Learning Services (LLS), fully equipped seminar rooms and IT suites⁴. You can also take advantage of reading rights in Coventry University’s Lanchester Library, make use of sport centre facilities and receive full membership to Your Students' Union.

Two students walking outside with the CU Coventry building behind them.

Mile Lane

The campus is home to an on-site library with bookable one-to-one academic writing service and library support sessions, fully equipped seminar rooms, open-access study areas, a café and an IT suite. Our labs contain industry-standard equipment so that you learn using the same equipment as many industry professionals.

The Hub

At The Hub you'll find the Health and Wellbeing Centre, the Students’ Union and Square One (which provides entertainment from quiz nights to live music), the Spirituality and Faith Centre, Tank Studio, Careers Office and a fantastic food court.

Lanchester Library

Coventry University’s Lanchester Library is open 24/7, 364 days a year and has 1,400 study spaces, including group and silent areas. It also currently offers more than 550 computers and an additional 120 free-to-loan laptops.

On-site facilities⁴ offer you high-specification learning environments, which benefit from extensive social learning facilities, well-appointed laboratories, lecturing facilities and classrooms, facilitating our innovative teaching methods across a diverse suite of undergraduate and postgraduate courses.

Ethical Hacking Lab: a course-specific room with custom operating systems and software, which allows you to reconfigure the setup in order to practice your hacking techniques.
Networking Lab: which allows you to build and test the physical network.

Careers and opportunities

Upon successful completion of the course, you will be able to:

Understand, categorise and discuss threats to computer systems and services.
Apply sound investigations and reporting procedures to identify and report issues in systems, or as part of a forensic investigation.
Apply research and problem-solving skills to a security-related project.

Past graduates of Coventry University have found work in penetration testing, digital forensics and network security. Working for organisations such Nettitude Cyber Security Services, Janet, the BBC and the UK Government. Other students have gone on to successful careers outside of security, in software development roles.

Our graduates often come back to give guest talks, meet (and often recruit) the current students and take part in extracurricular events (subject to availability)².

Where our graduates work

Nettitude Cyber Security Services
BBC
UK Government
Janet
Barclays Bank.

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Discover Phoenix+

Phoenix+ brings you together with other students to learn, experience and develop essential knowledge and skills. Whatever destination you choose, it's about preparing you for life after university.

Learn more about Phoenix+

How to apply

BSc (Hons) with foundation year

Apply via UCAS

C85

Institution code

View our courses on UCAS

Visit UCAS

UK students

Full-time students applying to start in September 2024 can apply for this course through UCAS. Read our application pages to find out your next steps to apply.

How to apply

Apply via UCAS

If this course has a part-time option you will need to apply directly to the university.

Apply via the portal

If you'd like further support or more information about your course get in touch with us today.

+44 (0)24 7765 2222

ukadmissions@coventry.ac.uk

Complete our contact form

International students

International codes:
CEECU140I

How to apply

For further support for international applicants applying for an undergraduate degree view our International hub.

You can also download our International mini guide for an overview of study options and why you should study with us.

This course with foundation year is not currently available to international students. If you do not meet the entry requirements to directly join year 1 of the degree, please take a look at our International Pathways Programme for additional options.

Get in touch with us today for further advice and guidance.

+44 (0)24 7765 2152

ioadmissions@coventry.ac.uk

Complete our contact form

Disclaimers

Study location

The Foundation Year study route will be delivered by CU, part of the Coventry University Group, for and on behalf of Coventry University.

If you choose to study at CU Coventry for your Foundation Year, then your learning will be based at CU Coventry. Mile Lane, Coventry. Subject to meeting requirements you will then transition to the relevant Coventry University subject faculty building for your progression degree.

Coventry University together with Coventry University London, Coventry University Wrocław, CU Coventry, CU London, CU Scarborough, and Coventry University Online come together to form part of the Coventry University Group (the University) with all degrees awarded by Coventry University.

¹Accreditations

The majority of our courses have been formally recognised by professional bodies, which means the courses have been reviewed and tested to ensure they reach a set standard. In some instances, studying on an accredited course can give you additional benefits such as exemptions from professional exams (subject to availability, fees may apply). Accreditations, partnerships, exemptions and memberships shall be renewed in accordance with the relevant bodies’ standard review process and subject to the university maintaining the same high standards of course delivery.

²UK and international opportunities

Please note that we are unable to guarantee any UK or international opportunities (whether required or optional) such as internships, work experience, field trips, conferences, placements or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be unpaid and/or subject to additional costs (which could include, but is not limited to, equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire, travel, accommodation and visas), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable travel, public authority guidance, decisions or orders and visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand any visa requirements, please contact the International Office.

³Tuition fees

The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation.

For international students, we may increase fees each year, but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation. If you defer your course start date or have to extend your studies beyond the normal duration of the course (e.g. to repeat a year or resit examinations) the University reserves the right to charge you fees at a higher rate and/or in accordance with any legislative changes during the additional period of study.

⁴Facilities

Facilities are subject to availability. Access to some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) may vary from those advertised and/or may have reduced availability or restrictions where the university is following public authority guidance, decisions or orders.

Student Contract

By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. A copy of the current 2024/2025 contract is available on the website. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the university will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the university.