BSc (Hons) Cybersecurity with AI
Build the skills to protect the digital world with Cybersecurity and AI
Cybersecurity is at the heart of the modern digital economy. As organisations become increasingly dependent on technology, networks, cloud systems and data, the demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals continues to grow.
The BSc (Hons) Cybersecurity with AI is designed to give students a strong combination of cybersecurity knowledge, practical technical skills and an understanding of how artificial intelligence can be applied to modern cyber defence.
Through a blend of theory, practical learning and project work, students develop the ability to understand cyber threats, protect digital systems, investigate security incidents and use emerging AI technologies to support cybersecurity operations.
Whether you are looking to begin a career in cybersecurity, move into AI-focused security roles or progress to postgraduate study, this degree provides a strong foundation for your future.
Course Overview
The programme covers the essential principles of computing and cybersecurity before progressing into specialist areas such as ethical hacking, digital forensics, cryptography, software security, security operations and AI-enabled cybersecurity.
Students will learn how cyber threats affect organisations and individuals, how security vulnerabilities can be identified and managed, and how modern technologies can be used to improve cyber defence.
The course also develops important professional skills, including critical thinking, problem-solving, research, communication, teamwork and ethical decision-making.
By the final year, students will be able to bring together their technical and analytical skills through advanced cybersecurity study and an individual project.
At a Glance
| Award | BSc (Hons) Cybersecurity with AI |
| Entry Requirement | 96 UCAS tariff points from 3 A Levels or equivalent, e.g. CCC |
| Start Dates | September, January and May |
| Duration | 3 years |
| With Foundation Year | 4 years |
| Delivery | Campus Taught |
Why Study Cybersecurity with AI?
- Develop practical cybersecurity expertise
- Build knowledge across computer systems, networks, programming and core cybersecurity principles before progressing into specialist technical areas.
- Learn how AI is transforming cybersecurity
- Explore how artificial intelligence and data-driven technologies can support threat detection, security analysis, incident response and modern cyber defence.
- Gain industry-relevant knowledge
- Develop practical understanding of ethical hacking, digital forensics, cryptography, software security and security operations.
- Develop professional skills
- Strengthen your communication, research, teamwork, critical thinking and problem-solving abilities alongside your technical knowledge.
- Prepare for a growing digital economy
- Cybersecurity is relevant across almost every modern industry, creating opportunities in technology, finance, government, healthcare, telecommunications, retail and consultancy.
Course Content
The degree has been structured to progressively develop your knowledge and capabilities.
You begin by establishing your foundations in computing, networks, programming and cybersecurity. You then move into more advanced technical and operational areas before applying your knowledge to AI-enabled cybersecurity and an individual project.
Foundation Year
The optional foundation year is designed to help students develop the academic, technical and professional skills needed to progress successfully into undergraduate study.
Computer Skills
Develop essential computing knowledge and practical digital skills, providing a foundation for further study.
Research Skills
Learn how to locate, evaluate and use information effectively while developing academic research skills.
Communication Skills
Build written, verbal and professional communication skills for academic and workplace environments.
Professional Development in Computing
Develop an understanding of professional practice within computing and prepare for progression into the degree.
Year 1 — Building Your Cybersecurity Foundation
Your first year introduces the fundamental concepts and technical skills needed for a career in cybersecurity.
Computer Systems and Networks
Explore the principles behind computer systems, networking technologies and digital communication. Develop an understanding of how systems connect and operate and how they can be secured.
Programming for Cyber Security
Develop programming skills relevant to cybersecurity, including the use of code to understand, analyse and address security-related challenges.
Cyber Security Fundamentals
Study the core principles of cybersecurity, including common threats, vulnerabilities, security controls and approaches to protecting digital systems and information.
Data and AI for Cyber Security
Explore the role of data and artificial intelligence in cybersecurity, including how data-driven approaches can support security analysis and threat detection.
Year 2 — Developing Specialist Skills
In the second year, you move into more specialised areas of cybersecurity and develop a deeper understanding of how security is applied in real-world environments.
Applied Cryptography
Explore techniques used to protect information and communications, including the principles behind encryption and secure data exchange.
Digital Forensics
Learn how digital evidence can be identified, collected, examined and analysed as part of cybersecurity investigations.
Software Security
Examine software vulnerabilities and secure development principles, helping you understand how applications can be designed and protected against cyber threats.
Security Operations
Explore the processes and technologies used to monitor, detect and respond to cybersecurity incidents within organisations.
Year 3 — Advanced Cybersecurity and AI
The final year focuses on advanced cybersecurity concepts, professional practice and the application of AI to cyber defence.
Ethical Hacking
Develop knowledge of penetration testing and ethical hacking methodologies used to identify vulnerabilities and improve security.
Governance, Risk and Compliance
Explore how organisations manage cybersecurity risks and meet regulatory, legal and organisational requirements.
Applied AI for Cyber Security
Examine practical applications of artificial intelligence within cybersecurity and explore how AI can support the identification, analysis and response to cyber threats.
Individual Project
Bring together the knowledge and skills developed throughout your degree through an individual project focused on a relevant computing, cybersecurity or AI-related problem.
Entry Requirements
Applicants are expected to have:
96 UCAS tariff points from 3 A Levels or equivalent, e.g. CCC.
Equivalent qualifications may also be considered, subject to the institution’s admissions requirements.
Foundation Year Route
Students who do not meet the standard entry requirements may have the opportunity to study the 4-year route with Foundation Year, subject to the relevant admissions criteria.
Start dates: September, January and May
Duration:
- 3 years — standard degree
- 4 years — including Foundation Year
Delivery: Campus taught
What You Could Learn
Throughout the course, you can develop skills in:
- Cybersecurity principles and practices
- Computer systems and networking
- Programming
- Ethical hacking and penetration testing
- Digital forensics
- Cryptography
- Software security
- Security operations
- Cybersecurity governance and risk
- Data analysis
- Artificial intelligence
- AI-enabled cyber defence
- Research and project development
- Critical thinking and problem-solving
- Professional communication and teamwork
Career Opportunities
The BSc (Hons) Cybersecurity with AI can prepare graduates for a wide range of roles across cybersecurity, computing, artificial intelligence and technology.
Potential career paths include:
Cybersecurity
- Cyber Security Analyst
- Security Operations professional
- Penetration Tester
- Network Engineer
- Security Manager — with longer-term career progression
- Governance, Risk and Compliance professional
Digital Forensics
- Forensic Computer Analyst
- Digital Forensics professional
- Cybersecurity Investigation roles
AI and Data
- AI Security Engineer
- AI Product Manager
- AI Compliance Officer
- Data Scientist
- Machine Learning Engineer
Career progression will depend on individual skills, experience, additional professional qualifications and employer requirements.
Potential Job Sectors
Cybersecurity and AI skills can be applied across a broad range of industries, including:
Technology & Cybersecurity
Work with technology companies, cybersecurity providers and digital organisations protecting systems, applications and data.
Banking & Finance
Support organisations managing sensitive financial information, digital transactions and increasingly sophisticated cyber threats.
Government & Defence
Contribute to the protection of critical systems, infrastructure, information and public services.
Healthcare
Help protect sensitive patient information, connected systems and essential digital healthcare infrastructure.
Telecommunications
Work with networks, communications infrastructure and large-scale digital systems.
Consultancy
Support different organisations with cybersecurity, risk, compliance and technology challenges.
Retail & E-commerce
Help protect online platforms, customer information, payment systems and digital operations.
Education & Research
Apply cybersecurity, computing, data and AI knowledge within educational and research environments.
Your Future Starts Here
Cybersecurity is no longer only an IT concern. It is a strategic priority for organisations operating in an increasingly connected world.
By combining cybersecurity with artificial intelligence, this degree gives students the opportunity to develop knowledge in two rapidly evolving areas of technology.
If you are interested in technology, problem-solving and protecting the digital world, the BSc (Hons) Cybersecurity with AI could be the next step towards an exciting career.
Ready to take the next step?
Explore your study options with GCRD and start your journey towards a career in Cybersecurity and AI.
Apply now | Enquire today | Speak to GCRD