Cyber Security BSc (Hons)

Undergraduate

Two Cyber Security students walking through a hall at Dagenham

Develop the skills to help protect and defend systems, data and digital networks.

Year of entry

2026-27 2027-28

Location

CU London (Dagenham, London)

Study mode

Full-time
Sandwich

Duration

3 years full-time
4 years sandwich

Course code

I107

Start date

September 2027

How to apply

Book an Open Event

Download a prospectus

Course overview

Cyber security plays a vital role in protecting the systems, networks and data used every day by people, businesses and public services. This course is designed to help you build practical technical knowledge, analytical confidence and problem-solving skills to prepare for roles in a fast-moving digital world.

As digital systems become part of almost every aspect of modern life, organisations need people who can understand cyber risks, investigate digital threats and support the development of secure systems. On this course, you’ll explore how computer systems, networks and software operate, how they can be attacked, and how they can be protected.

You’ll study key areas of cyber security and computing, including networking, operating systems, information security, programming, cryptography, digital forensics, artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, ethical hacking, secure programming and contemporary issues in computing.

Through practical and project-based work, you’ll have opportunities to apply technical ideas to realistic problems and develop your ability to investigate, evaluate and communicate cyber security issues clearly. This course supports the development of professional skills in research, teamwork, project management and ethical decision-making.

Why you should study this course

Understand cyber risks and digital threats
Explore how systems, networks, software and connected devices can be vulnerable to attack, disruption, data loss and misuse.
Build practical technical confidence
Develop knowledge across networking, operating systems, programming, information security and secure software development, with opportunities to apply technical concepts through practical tasks.
Investigate cyber incidents and digital evidence
Learn how digital evidence can be gathered, analysed, evaluated and documented in relation to cyber incidents, crime and investigation.
Explore cryptography and secure communication
Examine how encryption, security protocols and cryptographic techniques can help protect data, communications and digital services.
Apply your learning to real computing problems
Use case studies, technical activities and project-based work to strengthen your problem-solving, research and analytical skills.
Develop skills for a changing digital sector
Build technical and professional skills relevant to cyber security, digital forensics, secure software development, security analysis and wider computing career routes.
Study one module at a time
Focus on one 30-credit module over a six-week block. This approach uses practical, exam-free assessments to build your knowledge step by step with regular feedback.

What you'll study

Modules

Networking Principles – 30 credits

Gain foundational knowledge of computer networks and cybersecurity by exploring how modern networked systems operate, how devices communicate, and how data flows securely across local-and wide-area networks.

This module covers essential networking concepts including network topologies, protocols, IP addressing, switching, routing and wireless communication. You will be introduced to core security principles, including threats, vulnerabilities, secure configurations, access control and basic defensive techniques.

By the end of this module, you should understand how networks are built and secured, and how to apply best practices in both network operations and security.

Compulsory

Operating Systems - 30 Credits

Information Security - 30 credits

This module examines the critical issues of IT security and risk management. You will critically analyse the diverse threats computers face, ranging from malware and viruses to sophisticated hacking techniques.

As you develop your knowledge of the legal, social, ethical and professional issues associated with cybersecurity, you will evaluate the complexities of ethical hacking and internet security. By exploring the advantages and drawbacks of various security protocols, you should gain a comprehensive understanding of how to protect systems in a contemporary digital landscape.

Compulsory

Problem Solving and Programming - 30 credits

This module introduces you to basic problem-solving, algorithm design techniques and the core concepts of data structures. You will study these alongside fundamental programming principles and language concepts to build a strong technical foundation.

As you gain an understanding of the syntax and semantics of a high-level programming language, such as Python, you will explore the essential principles of developing well-engineered software. By applying supporting tools and techniques, you should transition from writing basic code to creating robust, professional-standard applications.

Compulsory

Modules

Cryptography - 30 credits

Securing data is the foundation of modern cyber security. By understanding how cryptography evolved, you should gain the critical context needed to protect information against increasingly sophisticated threats.

You will study core cryptographic concepts, investigate how methods such as steganography hide or disguise information, and apply practical techniques to secure data and communications. This module combines theory with hands-on work using contemporary tools and libraries to explain how secret-keeping underpins cyber security today.

You will also research emerging developments in quantum computing and consider their impact on cryptographic schemes and future approaches to secure communication.

Compulsory

Digital Forensics - 30 credits

This module explores forensic investigation and incident response processes and the application of digital investigation and evidence recovery techniques within a UK legal framework. Through these topics, you should develop the skills needed to gather, analyse and evaluate digital evidence using digital forensic science techniques.

You will also consider the legal, ethical and professional issues involved in digital forensic investigation and the importance of accurately documenting digital evidence.

Compulsory

Artificial Intelligence Concepts – 30 credits

Data is one of the most valuable commodities of the 21st century, and the ability to understand and work with it is essential across modern computing disciplines. Learn how to analyse, validate and interpret data to support effective decision-making, and explore how artificial intelligence (AI) techniques can be implemented to solve real-world problems.

This module introduces core AI concepts, including problem-solving strategies, knowledge representation and machine learning. Investigate how these techniques can be adapted to identify unusual patterns, detect potential threats and enhance system resilience. Through practical activities, you will apply AI methods to realistic scenarios, gaining hands-on experience using data-driven solutions to address the needs of contemporary computing environments.

Compulsory

Internet of Things – 30 credits

This module introduces the principles, technologies and architectures that enable connected and intelligent systems. Explore how modern smart technologies such as sensors, embedded systems, communication devices, automation tools and cloud-based platforms work together to create connected environments. Examine key concepts such as device integration, data acquisition, connectivity, edge intelligence and smart automation, and evaluate security solutions.

Compulsory

To help you explore a potential career path and apply your learning in a professional setting, you may be able to undertake a work placement² between your second and final years of study. Work placements can help you gain practical experience, develop transferable skills and gain insight into the type of work you may want to do in the future.

Placements are optional and are not guaranteed. You will need to apply for opportunities, and each placement must be approved before it can count towards your placement year. Employers or host organisations make the final selection decisions, and you may need to meet academic, conduct, right-to-work, visa or other eligibility requirements.

Key opportunities

Complete an approved work placement: apply for practical experience related to your course and career ambitions, typically lasting at least 26 weeks.
Reflect on professional development: recognise and document the skills, knowledge and experience you gain during your time in industry.
Broaden your global perspective: where available, you may be able to apply for an international work or study opportunity. These opportunities may depend on availability, academic approval, eligibility, visa and travel requirements, and additional costs.

This optional year is non-credit-bearing. If you successfully complete it, your experience will be formally recognised on your final degree certificate.

If you are sponsored by the University and choose to apply for an international work placement, you must comply with UKVI immigration regulations. You can contact us for guidance before making arrangements.

Modules

Advanced Programming and Ethical Hacking – 30 credits

This module explores how software systems can be attacked and defended, helping you develop advanced programming skills to build secure software. You will examine common security flaws, learn how ethical hackers identify and exploit vulnerabilities, and apply secure coding practices to prevent them. Through hands-on tasks, you will strengthen your ability to write resilient software and understand the mindset of both attackers and defenders.

Compulsory

Individual Cyber Security Project – 30 credits

This module allows you to focus on an area of interest within cyber security that aligns with your future career goals. Throughout the project, you will need to demonstrate research, problem-solving, design and development skills through practical implementation, investigation and evaluation. This may include gathering and analysing secondary evidence. You may also develop a system or system artefact to investigate a defined cyber security issue and communicate your findings in a final report.

Compulsory

Professional Communication and Project Management – 30 credits

Improve your ability to work effectively across cultures and distributed teams in ways that reflect real industry practice. Deepen your critical thinking, research and professional documentation skills to support effective project scoping, decision-making and evaluation.

Learn how to enhance your communication and collaboration abilities to coordinate tasks, engage with stakeholders and manage project workflows effectively. These integrated capabilities should equip you to plan, manage and deliver a final-year project with confidence and in alignment with industry expectations.

Compulsory

Contemporary Issues in Computing – 30 credits

This module examines contemporary and emerging technologies, applications and professional issues in computing. You will engage with research and advanced practice literature to extend and broaden your subject knowledge. The curriculum focuses on professional, ethical, business and societal issues through an international lens.

Compulsory

We regularly review our course content to keep it relevant and current for our students. Consequently, we may update modules to reflect the latest industry standards.

How you'll learn

Teaching and learning methods may include:

lectures: gain expert insights and a structured overview of key cyber security concepts, technologies and current research
seminars: engage in discussion and debate, deepening your understanding of cyber risks, professional issues and ethical practice
tutorials: receive personalised guidance to solve technical problems, consolidate learning and develop confidence with cyber security concepts
presentations: develop communication skills and the ability to explain technical ideas, investigation findings and security recommendations clearly
group projects: build teamwork and collaboration skills while working on practical cyber security and computing challenges
workshops: apply knowledge hands-on, enhancing practical skills in areas such as networking, programming, digital forensics and secure systems
online learning: access flexible resources for self-paced study and reinforcement of key concepts
problem-solving tasks: apply cyber security concepts to practical challenges, strengthening analytical thinking and technical decision-making
simulations: practise responding to realistic cyber security scenarios, helping you connect theory with investigation, defence and incident response contexts
computer-based activities: develop practical digital skills through programming, network tasks, forensic tools, security software and data activities
research activities: build confidence in investigating cyber security issues, evaluating evidence and using appropriate methods to support your findings
system development tasks: apply technical knowledge to design, build and refine secure computing solutions, strengthening practical development and problem-solving skills
scenario exercises: work through realistic cyber security situations to practise analysis, decision-making and response strategies.

Teaching contact hours

As a full-time undergraduate student, you will study modules totalling 120 credits each academic year. A typical 30-credit module requires 300 hours of study. Study hours are made up of teaching contact hours and guided and independent study.

Teaching hours

Teaching hours may vary, depending on where you are in your studies, but on average, you will have between 10 and 12 teaching and learning hours each week. You will also have the option to attend additional sessions, including time with a progress coach or to meet with staff for advice and feedback. As you progress through your studies, teaching hours may reduce.

Guided and independent study

Throughout your studies, you will be expected to spend time in guided and independent study to make up the required study hours per module. You will be digging deeper into topics, reviewing what you’ve learnt and completing assignments. This can be completed around your personal commitments. As you progress to the end of your studies, you’ll spend more time on independent learning.

Online learning

As an innovative university, we use different teaching methods, including online tools and emerging technologies. So, some of your teaching hours and assessments may be delivered online.

Assessment

Assessment methods vary by module and may include:

coursework
technical reports
essays
presentations
practical tasks
system development
portfolios
group project work
individual project work
time-constrained assessments
scenario exercises
project thesis
laboratory-based tasks.

The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures fair assessment and supports student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.

Entry requirements

Typical entry requirements:

What we're looking for
104 UCAS tariff points. GCSE maths and English at grade 4 / C or Functional Skills Level 2, or other equivalent Level 2 awards. Minimum two A2 levels or BTEC equivalent qualification. Overall grade of Merit in the T level qualification in any subject.

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

Contextual/Fair Access Offers

If you meet the criteria for our Fair Access Offer, you could automatically receive a contextual offer which is 16 UCAS points lower than our standard entry requirements. View the criteria for our Fair Access Offer.

What we're looking for
104 UCAS tariff points. GCSE maths and English at grade 4 / C or Functional Skills Level 2, or other equivalent Level 2 awards. Minimum two A2 levels or BTEC equivalent qualification. Overall grade of Merit in the T level qualification in any subject.

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

Applicants must possess a minimum IELTS of 6.0 overall (with no component part lower than 5.5)

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.

For more information on our approved English language tests visit our English language requirements page.

Fees and funding

Student	Full-time	Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man	2027/28 fees TBC 2026/27 fees: £9,790 per year	Not available
EU	2027/28 fees TBC 2026/27 fees: £9,790 per year with EU Support Bursary 2027/28 fees TBC 2026/27 fees: £15,500 per year without EU Support Bursary	Not available
International	2027/28 fees TBC 2026/27 fees: £15,500 per year	Not available

If you choose to study this course with a professional placement² or study abroad year, you will need to pay a tuition fee³ to cover your academic support throughout your placement year. Students commencing their professional placement in the academic year 2028/29 will pay £1,575 if they are paying UK fees, or £1,900 if they are paying international fees.

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

The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the table above for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, if Parliament permits 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 the Retail Price Index (RPI), a UK measure of inflation that tracks changes in the cost of living.

If you choose to study this course with a professional placement or study abroad year, the University will charge the tuition fees stated above for those on a placement during Academic Year 2028/29. The University will review professional placement tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study, but such that it will be no more than 5% above RPI.

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) you may be charged the tuition fees in force at the time you take that additional period of study, and/or in line with any legislative changes that apply at that time.

We offer a range of International scholarships to students all over the world. For more information, visit our International Scholarships page.

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) which may include costs of travel, accommodation, equipment or uniform required for the placement and any visa-related costs.

*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.

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

We assess your fee status using the information in your application. This status determines your tuition fees and the scholarships or financial support you can get. The Department for Education sets the rules for who pays UK (home) or international (overseas) fees in England.

The regulations list which students can pay the home fee rate. Because these rules are complex, the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) provides fee status guidance to help you find the right category. If you meet all the criteria for one category, your institution must charge you the home rate.

Facilities

Our cyber suites are designed to provide you with a practical learning environment for conducting research, testing and experimentation.

Our Dagenham campus is in the stylishly renovated Civic Centre, offering a unique mix of classic architecture and modern learning spaces. You can study in our high-tech library, use the open-access IT suites, or find a quiet spot in one of the many breakout areas designed for group work.  

When you need a break, the on-site café is the perfect place to grab a snack and socialise with friends. The campus is just a short walk from local shops and transport links, making it easy to balance your studies with your life outside of university.

You’ll use facilities through timetabled teaching, practical activities and relevant independent study. Access may vary by module, activity, capacity, supervision or safety requirements. Access may change or be limited where the University needs to follow public authority guidance, decisions or orders.

Careers and opportunities

Cyber security skills are increasingly important across business, public services, technology, infrastructure, finance, healthcare, education and the wider digital economy. As organisations rely more heavily on connected systems, cloud services, software platforms and data, there is growing demand for people who can help identify risks, protect information, investigate incidents and support secure digital operations.

This course is designed to support possible future routes in cyber security, digital forensics, software development, security testing, network security and wider computing roles. You may also choose to progress to further training or postgraduate study in cyber security, digital forensics or computing.

Possible career paths may include:

cyber security consultant
digital forensics analyst
cyber-crime investigation roles
security analyst
IT security support roles
penetration testing or ethical hacking-related roles
network security roles
secure software development roles
software developer
programmer
technology consultant.

These are examples of possible career paths. Some roles may require further training, professional qualifications, accreditation or experience.

How to apply

View our courses on UCAS

Visit UCAS

UK students

Full-time UK undergraduate students apply through UCAS. Otherwise, you will need to apply to CU London directly. Read our application pages to find out your next steps to apply.

How to apply

Apply via UCAS

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

+44 (0)24 7765 6565

CULondon@coventry.ac.uk

Complete our contact form

International students

International codes:
CUGU016

International students should apply directly to CU London directly. Read our application pages to find out your next steps to apply.

How to apply

For further support for international applicants applying for an undergraduate degree view our International pages or Coventry University Group's International hub.

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

+44 (0)24 7765 6565

cul@coventry.ac.uk

Complete our contact form

Disclaimers

Coventry University, 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, partnerships and memberships

Some 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. See the relevant body website for more details). Accreditations, partnerships, exemptions and memberships are subject to successful renewal in accordance with the relevant bodies’ standard review process and subject to the University maintaining the same high standards of course delivery. If the accreditation, recognition or membership of this course changes, we will notify applicants and students as soon as possible.

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. Before seeking an overseas placement, read our visa advice page.

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 the 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 annually 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 (for example to repeat a year or resit examinations) you may be charged the tuition fees in force at the time you take that additional period of study, and/or in line with any legislative changes that apply at that time.

⁴Facilities

Facilities are subject to availability. Access to some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) may vary from those advertised. Availability and access may be reduced or restricted when the University is following public authority guidance, decisions or orders or internal health and safety requirements.

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 2026/2027 contract is available for information purposes only. The 2027/28 contract will apply to the 2027/28 intakes and may differ from the current version. 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 applicable Student Contract carefully before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the University.

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Student life

Accommodation

Fees and funding

Cyber Security BSc (Hons)

Year of entry

Location

Study mode

Duration

Course code

Start date

Course overview

Why you should study this course

What you'll study

Modules

Modules

Modules

How you'll learn

Teaching contact hours

Teaching hours

Guided and independent study

Online learning

Assessment

Entry requirements

Contextual/Fair Access Offers

English language requirements

Fees and funding

*Irish student fees

**EU Support Bursary

Facilities

Careers and opportunities

How to apply

¹Accreditations, partnerships and memberships

²UK and international opportunities

³Tuition fees

⁴Facilities

Student Contract

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Cyber Security BSc (Hons)

Course features

Year of entry

Location

Study mode

Duration

Course code

Start date

Course overview

Why you should study this course

What you'll study

Modules

Modules

Modules

How you'll learn

Teaching contact hours

Teaching hours

Guided and independent study

Online learning

Assessment

Entry requirements

Contextual/Fair Access Offers

English language requirements

Fees and funding

*Irish student fees

**EU Support Bursary

Facilities

Careers and opportunities

How to apply

You may also like

Computing Science

Cloud Computing BSc (Hons)

Your next steps

Discover Uni stats