Program Overview

Introduction to Cyber Security with a Foundation Year - BSc (Hons)

The Cyber Security with a Foundation Year course is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in the field of cyber security. The course is a four-year full-time program that includes a foundation year, which provides students with a broad study program that underpins the follow-on degree.

Course Overview

The course is supported by a vibrant research environment within the department of Networks and Cyber Security and by traditionally strong industrial links with companies such as CISCO, Oracle, IBM, Microsoft, UK Fast, Linux Professional Institute, and BT. The course takes a practice-led approach, making use of equipment and tools found in the industry to give students the best preparation for a successful career.

What's Covered in this Course?

The course covers a range of topics, including:

• Secure information technologies
• The security of communication networks
• The security of computer processing and storage equipment and software
• The security and accuracy of information and information systems
• The forensic analysis of threats and attacks
• Management-level skills such as project and change management

Entry Requirements

The essential requirements for the course are:

• 80 UCAS Tariff points
• GCSE and other level 2 requirements: This course does not require evidence of GCSE qualifications
• A Level, BTEC, and other level 3 requirements:
  • A Level: 80 UCAS Tariff points / CDD (or equivalent)
  • AS Level: Must be in a different subject to A Levels
  • A maximum of four subjects will be considered
  • Pearson BTEC (Diploma / Extended Diploma / Extended Certificate): 80 UCAS Tariff points
  • Diploma accepted with one A Level or equivalent level 3 qualifications
  • Extended Certificate accepted with two A Levels or equivalent level 3 qualifications
  • T Level: Pass overall (C or above on the core) All subjects considered
  • Access to HE Diploma: Pass with 60 credits, 45 credits at level 3
  • OCR Cambridge Technical qualifications: 80 UCAS Tariff points
  • NCFE CACHE Level 3 qualifications: 80 UCAS Tariff points
  • WJEC Level 3 qualifications: 80 UCAS Tariff points, considered with two A Levels or equivalent level 3 qualification(s)
  • Irish Leaving Certificate (Highers): Minimum of 80 UCAS Tariff points, achieved in five Higher level subjects
  • Scottish Higher / Advanced Higher: 80 UCAS Tariff points from three Advanced Highers (DDD) or two Advanced Highers (DD) plus two Highers (DD)
  • Welsh Baccalaureate: 80 UCAS Tariff points, considered with two A Levels or equivalent level 3 qualifications

Fees and How to Apply

The fees for the course are:

• UK students: Ł9,790 in 2026/27
• International students: Ł18,570 in 2026/27 Students can apply through UCAS or online.

Course Structure

The course is divided into four years:

• Foundation Year: Students must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits)
  • Fundamental Mathematics
  • Fundamentals of Digital Technology
  • Web Application Design
  • Emerging Technologies
  • Independent Practice
  • Foundations of Programming
• Year One: Students must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits)
  • Computer Systems
  • Cyber Security Fundamentals
  • Applied Operating Systems
  • Computer Programming
  • Mathematics for Computing
  • Network Fundamentals
• Year Two: Students must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits)
  • Software Security
  • System Security Attacks and Defences
  • Applied Cyber Forensics
  • Cyber Security Operations
  • Networking Technologies
  • Applied Cryptography
• Professional Placement Year (Optional): Students can undertake an assessed sandwich year between their second and third year
• Final Year: Students must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits)
  • Individual Honours Project
  • Ethical Hacking
  • Applied AI for Cyber Security
  • Network and Internetwork Forensics
  • Cloud Computing

Employability

The course is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in the field of cyber security. The University has strong links with companies such as SAS, Microsoft, Cisco, and Capgemini, providing students with the opportunity to work with and understand the workings of real-life industry from early on in their degree studies.

Facilities and Staff

The course is supported by a wide range of cutting-edge facilities, including:

• A state-of-the-art computer games technology lab
• Open access areas where students can study together and hire out laptops
• Specialist areas for practical work, such as voice-over internet protocol (VoIP), forensic and ethical hacking technologies, wireless and mobile technologies, and radio frequency identification technologies
• A Cisco networking lab with industry-standard hardware and software
• A Makers Lab with 3D printers, laser cutting services, and other equipment

The course is taught by experienced staff, including:

• Dr. Yussuf Ahmed, Associate Professor in Cyber Security
• Ron Austin, Associate Professor
• Dr. Muhammad Ajmal Azad, Senior Lecturer in Cyber Security

Research Areas

The course is supported by a vibrant research environment within the department of Networks and Cyber Security, with research areas including:

• Art, Architecture, and Design
• Business
• Built Environment
• Computing and Digital Technology
• Education and Social Work
• Engineering
• Life and Sport Sciences
• English
• Health and Social Care
• Law
• Media and Cultural Studies
• Music and Performance
• Psychology
• Social Sciences

Accreditation

The course is accredited by the Institute of Information Security Professionals.