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

Start date

September 2023
November 2023
January 2024
March 2024
April 2024
June 2024

How to apply
Open days
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Available through Clearing

Clearing applications for September 2023 are now closed to international students due to visa and immigration requirements. Check out our January 2024 entry courses.

There may be HNC or HND versions of this course available with lower entry requirements. Contact us to discuss your options.

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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 are dedicated to making higher education accessible and enjoyable to everyone and our courses cover one module at a time, allowing you to become a specialist in each topic before moving onto the next.

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What you'll study

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

Year one introduces you to the core fundamentals that underpin computing science. You will explore the importance of IT security, and the risks posed to computer systems globally. In addition, you will develop your professional problem-solving skills, as you understand the basic principles of programming. Most of the modules in this year contain a practical element, so that you receive the best combination of theoretical and hands-on learning. Students who successfully complete year one are eligible for a Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Computing Science.

Modules

  • This introductory module aims to provide knowledge of key networking and computer architectures. Focusing on the origins, structure and fundamental components of a computer network, you will gain foundational knowledge of relevant technologies including wireless, wired and optical computer networking. This includes access controllers, hubs, transceivers and more.

     

    Compulsory

  • In this module, you will learn basic operating system concepts including processes, memory management, drivers and file systems, while examining security risks and security management strategies. You will also examine favored operating systems such as Microsoft Windows and Mac OSX, with a focus placed on the Linux operating system.

    Compulsory

  • Here you will cover the prevalent issue of IT security and risk. You will critically analyse risks a computer may face, from viruses to computer hacking. Exploring the pros and cons of ethical hackers, website hacking and internet security, you’ll aim to gain specialist knowledge of legal, social, ethical and professional issues associated with cyber security.

    Compulsory

  • Basic problem solving and algorithm design techniques will be studied in this module, alongside programming and programming language concepts. You will seek to learn the syntax and semantics of a high-level programming language (e.g., Python) and the basic principles of developing well-engineered software and the supporting tools and techniques.

    Compulsory

Building on knowledge gained in year one, this year is aimed at building your skillset to an advanced standard. You’ll aim to 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 computing as a global citizen. Students who successfully complete year two are eligible for a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Cyber Security.

Modules

  • In this module you’ll study the methods and use of cryptography at two levels. Firstly, you will be introduced to cryptographic primitives and their use in developing secure systems. Secondly, you will be given the opportunity to use current implementations of crypto-based security systems for applications such as signing websites and encrypting emails.

    Compulsory

  • You will develop the skills necessary to gather, analyse and evaluate digital evidence by deploying digital forensic science techniques. The processes of forensic investigation and incident response will be studied, along with the application of digital investigation and evidence recovery techniques within a UK legal framework.

    Compulsory

  • In this module, you will extend your programming and algorithm design skills and gain the ability to structure and manipulate intricate data sets through extensive work with complex. In addition, you will refine object-oriented analysis, design and implementation skills and learn to effectively utilise libraries, components and supporting tools.

    Compulsory

  • In preparation for the final year project, this collaborative module aims to enhance your skillset by developing key skills such as communication, team working, co-operation and collaboration, project planning, commercial awareness, cultural awareness and distributed working. In addition, you will aim to develop the critical thinking, research, academic and professional writing skills required as a reflective practitioner.

    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. The careers and employability department, alongside the course team, will support you throughout your placement year.

Whilst we would like to give you all the information about our placement/study abroad offering here, it is often tailored for each course every year and depending on the length of placement or study abroad opportunities that are secured. Therefore, the placement and study abroad arrangements vary per course and per student2. Request further information about going on a placement or study abroad year.

Modules

  • This module 2 provides 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

  • 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

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 successfully complete year three are awarded a BSc (Hons) degree in Cyber Security.

Modules

  • In this module, you will study advanced programming techniques specifically aligned to developing secure software. A detailed understanding of potential security risks and flaws in software should be developed, along with knowledge on how these flaws and areas of exploitation can be mitigated via defensive means.

    Compulsory

  • The underlying principles, technologies and architecture of wireless sensor networks will be examined in this module along with current practical applications and future trends. You will critically evaluate the security, privacy and trust implications of IoT technology and explore the approaches and mechanisms that mitigate security risks.

    Compulsory

  • This unit focuses on a range of contemporary and emerging technologies, applications and professional issues in computing. Throughout the module, you will engage with research and advanced practice literature with the aim of extending and broadening your subject knowledge. There’s a focus on professional, ethical, business and societal issues, through an international lens.

    Compulsory

  • You have the opportunity to focus on an area of interest within the field of Cyber Security , which may be aligned to your future career interests. Throughout the project, you will need to demonstrate research, problem solving, design and development skills, through practical implementation, investigation (possibly including the gathering and analysis of secondary evidence) and evaluation.

    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.2

Our teaching methods are varied, offering a number of teaching styles to suit the needs of 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.

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.

Teaching contact hours

The number of full-time contact hours may vary from module to module, however, on average, it is likely to be around 20 contact hours per week. Additionally, you will be expected to undertake significant self-directed study of approximately 30 hours each week, depending on the demands of individual modules. 

The contact hours may be made up of a combination of face-to-face teaching, individual and group tutorials, and online classes.

As an innovative and enterprising institution, the University may seek to utilize 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.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are prepared for courses due to start in or after the 2023/2024 academic year to be delivered in a variety of forms. The form of delivery will be determined in accordance with Government and Public Health guidance. Whether on campus or online, our key priority is staff and student safety.

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 feedback will refer to each outcome and your academic skills as well as providing an overall percentage grade.

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

Entry requirements

Clearing places available on this course

See if you have enough points (UCAS tariff 2023)

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Additional requirements may apply

Haven't met the entry requirements or don’t have the right qualifications? You may still be able to progress onto a degree you’d love by studying a foundation course.

View our full list of country specific entry requirements on our Entry requirements page. 

Explore our foundation courses

Typical offer for 2023/24 entry.

Fees and funding

2023/24 tuition fees.

Student Full-time Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man £7,950 per year Not available
EU £7,950 per year with EU support bursary**
£16,800 per year without EU support bursary**		 Not available
International £16,800 per year £16,800

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.

For advice and guidance on tuition fees3 and student loans visit our Undergraduate Finance page and see the University’s Tuition Fee and Refund Terms and Conditions.

Tuition fees3 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.

The following are additional costs not included in the tuition fees3:

  • 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).

*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.

**EU support bursary

Following the UK's exit from the European Union, we are offering financial support to all eligible EU students who wish to study an undergraduate or a postgraduate degree with us full-time. This bursary will be used to offset the cost of your tuition fees to bring them in-line with that of UK students. Students studying a Degree with a Foundation Year with us are not eligible for the bursary.

  • 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 Services4, 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

Overall, the cyber security course at CU London provides students with a strong foundation in cybersecurity, industry-relevant skills, work-based learning, and career guidance. While we cannot guarantee specific careers or opportunities, the course prepares students for a variety of cybersecurity roles and provides them with the tools they need to succeed in the industry

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 a Cyber Security Consultancy, Software Developer/Programming, Cyber-Crime Investigation or Digital Forensics Analysis.

Where our graduates work

GCHQ, Severfield, Askew Brooks

How to apply

  • Coventry University together with Coventry University London Campus, 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 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 COVID and visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand the 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 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

    Due 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.

    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 2023/24 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 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.

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