Cyber Security BSc (Hons)

Study level: Undergraduate
HNC/HND courses
Two Cyber Security students walking through a hall at Dagenham

As a result of the continuing digital revolution, computer systems are involved with just about every aspect of modern life.

Year of entry

Location

CU London (Dagenham, London)

Study mode

Full-time
Sandwich

Duration

4 years sandwich
3 year - Degree
2 year - HND
1 year - HNC

Course code

I107 / I106 / I104

Start date

May 2023
July 2023


Course overview

As the number of mobile users, digital applications, and data networks increase, so has the number of potential risks and threats, resulting in the need for talented professionals to secure and protect systems and data.

Our Cyber Security BSc (Hons) course is designed to produce high quality graduates who can contribute effectively in one of the highest growing sectors in the UK. The course offers real-life tools and challenges, giving you the opportunity to become an independent learner through practical projects and advanced teaching methods. 

Why CU London

We offer a style of education which is flexible and designed to fit around your life, allowing you to benefit from a modern, forward-thinking higher education institution, reinforced by the quality and reputation of Coventry University. We aim to provide career-focused courses, wherever possible, coupled with placement opportunities to help prepare you for the world of work. We are dedicated to making higher education accessible and enjoyable to everyone, so we keep our fees low and made it a policy to cover one module at a time, allowing you to become a specialist in each topic before moving onto the next.

Accreditation & Professional Recognition

This course is recognised by the following bodies:

The British Computer Society (BCS) – The Chartered Institute for IT logo

The British Computer Society (BCS) – The Chartered Institute for IT

In former years, this course has been accredited by the British Computer Society. It is currently in the application process for the 22/23 entry. If the accreditation of this course changes, we would seek to notify applicants and students as soon as possible. If this course is accredited, students who undertake are awarded membership with the British Computer Society (BCS) for the duration of the programme and one year after graduating for free. All students for this course will be able to sign up for their 4 year BCS membership for the latest job tools, learning resources and industry connections to kick-start their IT career.


How can we help?

How can we help?

Chat with an advisor now or leave a message and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.


What you'll study

This degree examines the principles and threats which underpin computer systems, networks and the software development process. Throughout the course, you will become competent and confident in a range of prevalent topics, such as operating systems, network security, programming language, penetration testing, ethical hacking and more.

This year introduces students to laws, principles and complexities of Computing Science. Starting with an understanding of how systems are breached, you will explore relevant technologies such as wireless and optical networking, software solutions and high-level programming language. In addition, students this year will have the opportunity to work with industry-standard operating systems such as Mac OSX and Microsoft Windows in relation to security issues, setting the foundational blocks for a successful route into years two and three. Students who complete year one are eligible for a Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Computer Science.

Modules

  • Compulsory

  • Compulsory

  • Compulsory

  • Compulsory

Building on knowledge gained in year one, this year is aimed at building your skillset to an advanced standard. You’ll develop object-orientated analysis, design and implementation skills as you explore complex subjects such as cryptography, digital forensic science and algorithms. Towards the end of the year our skilled lecturers work with you to refine transferable employability skills, as you prepare for a career in cyber security. Students who complete year two are eligible for a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Cyber Security.

Modules

  • Compulsory

  • Compulsory

  • Compulsory

  • Compulsory

An optional placement or sandwich year gives you the chance to gain further insight into the industry or career you are seeking to follow, enabling you to apply your theoretical knowledge to the workplace. You can also choose to take an optional year abroad between years two and three. If you decide to take advantage of a placement year this version of the degree will help you acquire valuable work experience and gain an understanding of what employers seek in graduates. It is your responsibility to find a placement with an employer within your chosen sector. CU London's Talent Team, alongside the course team, will support you throughout your placement year.

Modules

  • Optional

  • Optional

In the final year of study, you look at complex subjects such as the Internet of Things and the underlying principles. You will analyse and evaluate potential risk and exploitation in secure programming, and assess a range of issues such as buffer overflows and how to mitigate a number of security risks. Finally, you’ll get the chance to demonstrate your skills in a number of independent projects, taking charge of processes from inception to delivery. Students who complete the final year are awarded a BSc (Hons) degree in Cyber Security.

Modules

  • Compulsory

  • Compulsory

  • Compulsory

  • 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

This course is available as a full-time three year or optional four-year sandwich course, the latter incorporating a work placement or study year in a related field.

Our teaching methods are varied, offering a number of teaching styles to suit the needs of all our students, so in addition to lectures, we also utilise a blended learning approach, including online aspects, workshops and group work. Additional support is available via email and our online learning platform, Aula.

Progression through the modules develops knowledge and skills, including communication (written and oral), study skills, research methods, project management, presentation and career development. We will also encourage you to consider your employability and/or entrepreneurial development.

Unlike traditional institutions, there are no end of year exams. Instead, learning is assessed through coursework and phase tests, which is more reflective of our learning model.

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.

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.


Assessment

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.

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

Course Breakdown:

  • Coursework
  • Phase Tests

Entry requirements

Typical offer for 2022/23 entry.

Entry level What we're looking for
HNC 64 UCAS tariff points. Minimum 5 GCSEs graded 9-4 / A* - C including Maths and English. Minimum two A2 levels or BTEC equivalent qualification.
HND 80 UCAS tariff points. Minimum 5 GCSEs graded 9-4 / A* - C including Maths and English. Minimum two A2 levels or BTEC equivalent qualification.
Degree 104 UCAS tariff points. Minimum 5 GCSEs graded 9-4 / A* - C including Maths and English. Minimum two A2 levels or BTEC equivalent qualification.

We recognise a breadth of qualifications, speak to one of our advisers today to find out how we can help you.

Chat with UK admissions

Are you eligible for the CU Support Scheme?

We believe every student should have the opportunity to dream big, reach their potential and succeed, regardless of their background.

CU Support Scheme

Entry level What we're looking for
HNC 64 UCAS tariff points. Minimum 5 GCSEs graded 9-4 / A* - C including Maths and English. Minimum two A2 levels or BTEC equivalent qualification.
HND 80 UCAS tariff points. Minimum 5 GCSEs graded 9-4 / A* - C including Maths and English. Minimum two A2 levels or BTEC equivalent qualification.
Degree 104 UCAS tariff points. Minimum 5 GCSEs graded 9-4 / A* - C including Maths and English. Minimum two A2 levels or BTEC equivalent qualification.

If you do not have the typical entry requirements, you may want to consider studying this course with a foundation year. 

Alternatively, visit our International hub for further advice and guidance on how to apply and travelling to and living in the UK.

English language requirements

  • IELTS: 6.0 (HNC - year 1/HND - year 2) or 6.5 (Degree/Top Up - year 3).

If you don't meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course. 

Chat with International admissions


Tuition Fees

We pride ourselves on offering competitive tuition fees which we review on an annual basis. Course fees are calculated on the basis of what it costs to teach each course and we aim for total financial transparency.

Student Full-time Part-time
UK £6,800 per year Not available
International £15,300 per year Not available
  • 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 government's 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

You’ll be based in the spacious Civic Centre building, which provides an outstanding learning environment.

You will have access to our Library & Learning Services, which hosts multiple study areas and loanable laptops, fully-equipped seminar rooms and impressive IT suites. Our laboratories are home to industry-standard equipment, so that you learn using the same equipment as many industry professionals.


Careers and opportunities

An important vocation in the modern digital age, cyber security professionals work with creativity and analytical thinking to understand how systems can be broken, protected and used.

A career in cyber security is challenging, dynamic and highly transferable, meaning graduates may have the opportunity to work internationally throughout their careers as there is a recognised global demand for trained specialists.

Cyber security is a rapidly growing market, with plenty of scope to develop a very lucrative career. Graduates from this course can enter a number of specialisms, such as Cyber Security Consultancy, Software Developer/Programming, Cyber-Crime Investigation or Digital Forensics Analysis.


How to apply

  • Student Contract

    By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the CU Group. A copy of the 2022/23 contract can be found here. 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 CU Group will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at CU Coventry.

    Tuition fees

    The tuition fee for the course that is stated on the course webpage and in the prospectus for the first year of study will apply. We will review our tuition fees each year. For UK and EU students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, we 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. Following the UK’s exit from the European Union, EU students should be aware that there may be a change to UK laws following the UK’s exit, this may change their student status, their eligibility to study part time, and/or their eligibility for student finance. We will act in accordance with the UK’s laws in force in relation to student tuition fees and finance from time to time.

    For International students the tuition fee that is stated on the course webpage and in the prospectus for the first year of study will apply. We will review our tuition fees each year. For international students, we may increase fees for each subsequent year of study but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation.

    Accreditations

    Many 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 CU Group maintaining the same high standards of course delivery. 

    Facilities

    Facilities mentioned on this page may not be relevant for every course. Due to the ongoing restrictions relating to COVID-19, some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) and some non-academic offerings (particularly in relation to international experiences), may vary from those advertised and may have reduced availability or restrictions on their use.

    Placements and study abroad opportunities

    Please note that we are unable to guarantee any placement or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be subject to additional costs (e.g. travel, visas and accommodation etc.), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand the requirements in this regard, please contact the International Office for further details if you are an EU or International student.

    Additional costs

    This course may incur additional costs associated with any field trips, placements or work experience, study abroad opportunities or any other opportunity (whether required or optional), which could include (but is not limited to), equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire, travel, accommodation and visas.

You may also like

CU London (Dagenham, London) Cloud Computing student talking with tutor in a computer room

Cloud Computing

CU London (Dagenham, London) Two Cloud Computing students using a computer

Computing Science


Discover Uni stats