BSc (Hons)Cyber Security with Foundation Year

Why Study Cyber Security?

Cyber attacks are increasing, and UK organisations urgently need skilled cyber security professionals. Almost half of UK businesses report basic cyber security skills shortages, with 30% lacking expertise in specialist areas like malware detection, data protection, penetration testing, and digital forensics (Gov.uk, 2025).
This degree prepares you to meet that demand with real-world skills, hands-on experience, and industry-recognised certifications.

Course Overview

Our BSc (Hons) Cyber Security with Foundation Year is ideal for beginners or those who do not meet standard entry requirements. The programme builds strong computing fundamentals before progressing into advanced cyber security, ethical hacking, network security, threat intelligence, cloud computing, and cyber operations.

You will learn through blended in-person and online sessions, flexible timetables, and expert-led teaching supported by industry-standard labs and software.

Modules

Foundation Year

• Digital Media Technologies

• Foundation Computing

• Foundation Mathematics

• Group Technology Project

• Individual Degree Related Project

• Problem Solving

Year 1

• Problem Solving Through Programming

• Cyber Security Essentials

• Introduction to Databases

• Introduction to Networks and Security

• Network Applications

• Routing and Switching

Year 2

• Ethical Hacking and Pen Testing

• Network Implementation

• Network Security

• Network Systems Automation

• Research Methods Project

• Threat Intelligence Analysis

Year 3

• Cyber Ops

• Dissertation (40 credits)

• Industrial Consulting Project
  Optional Modules:

• Cybercrime and Digital Forensics

• Internet of Things

• Network Management

• Cloud Computing and Virtualisation

Information correct for 2025/26. Modules may change due to academic or industry updates.

Entry Requirements

Academic Requirements

• 48 UCAS points

• A-levels, BTEC, T-Level (Pass), or equivalent

• Mature students with relevant experience are welcomed

English Requirements

• GCSE English Grade 4/C

• IELTS 6.0 (minimum 5.5 in each band) or equivalent

• Internal English test available

• Certified translations required for non-English qualifications

Interviews

You may be invited to an academic interview if you do not meet standard entry requirements or have been out of education.

Study Options

• Daytime, evening, or weekend timetables

• Blended learning (on-campus + live online)

• Study in London, Birmingham, or Manchester

Typical contact time: 9–12 hours per week
Independent study: 30 hours per week
Assessment: coursework and exams

Professional Development

Alongside your degree, you can gain the CCNA ‘Introduction to Networks’ certification, enhancing your employability in networking and cyber security roles.

Career Outcomes

Graduates develop strong technical and analytical skills in:

• Ethical Hacking

• Network Security

• Risk Management

• Digital Forensics

• Cloud Computing

• Threat Intelligence

• Operating Systems & Data Analysis

Potential job roles:

• Ethical Hacker

• Cyber Security Analyst

• Cyber Security Auditor

• Digital Forensics Analyst

• Cyber Consultant

• Cyber Defence Analyst

Salary Expectations (UK)

(cybersecurityjobs.tech, 2025)

• Entry level: £25,000–£40,000

• Mid-level: £35,000–£70,000

• Senior: £60,000–£120,000+

• Average: £50,000+

With UK salaries rising and demand increasing, now is the perfect time to build your cyber security career.