Program Overview

---

Counter Terrorism, Intelligence and Cybercrime (Dual Degree) BSc (Hons)

Overview

Terrorists and cybercriminals are a growing and constant menace to world security. Learn how to fight this threat on the international stage as you study in the UK and Australia on this Counter Terrorism, Intelligence and Cybercrime dual degree.

You'll develop the skills, knowledge and tech know-how to help protect communities, businesses and government organisations from terrorism and cybersecurity threats.

In year three, you'll experience how Australian authorities deal with these threats when you spend a year studying at Edith Cowan University (ECU) in Perth, Australia.

Key Information

UCAS Code

L312

Typical Offer

120-136 UCAS points from 3 A levels or equivalent

Study Mode and Duration

3.5 years full-time with a year abroad

Start Date

September 2025

Course Information

Course Highlights

• Graduate with two degrees – a BSc Cybercrime, Security and Intelligence from ECU alongside a BSc (Hons) Counter Terrorism, Intelligence and Cybercrime from the University of Portsmouth
• Study with academics whose research in areas such as incel culture and the security of smart devices are shaping the future of the sector
• Develop knowledge and skills that intelligence services employers value in specialist topics like intelligence analysis, physical security, online terrorism, cyberlaw and cybersecurity, international security, radicalisation and extremism
• Get practical experience in the computing labs at Portsmouth and ECU's Security Operations Centre (SOC) while you explore fields such as network security and digital forensics
• Study alongside operational police units and learn directly from operational policing staff
• Be taught by staff who have worked as intelligence analysts and investigators
• Enhance your career prospects by building a professional network in the UK and Australia during your course
• Have the opportunity to learn a foreign language for free as part of your degree, choosing from Arabic, British Sign Language, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin or Spanish

Why Do a Dual Degree?

Dual degrees allow you to achieve 2 degrees in 3.5 or 4 years rather than 6 years. You'll benefit from a global education experience and the high-calibre teaching expertise, latest research and modern facilities at two universities. You'll also develop a more comprehensive knowledge of communication and media than on a single degree and gain an understanding of different cultures, which will help you work more effectively with people from different backgrounds.

Location - Portsmouth and Perth, Australia

You'll be based in Portsmouth in years one and two, and for six months or a year at the end of the course. You'll spend year three in Perth, Western Australia at Edith Cowan University.

Entry Requirements

Typical Offer (September 2025 Start)

• A levels – AAB–BBB
• UCAS points – 120-136 points from 3 A levels or equivalent
• T-levels – Merit - Distinction
• BTECs (Extended Diplomas) – DDD–DDM
• International Baccalaureate – 29–31

You may need to have studied specific subjects or GCSEs - see full entry requirements and other qualifications we accept.

English Language Requirements

• English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.0 with no component score below 5.5.

Your Facilities

Cyber Security and Digital Forensics Laboratory

Equipped with everything you need to secure and analyse digital evidence, without leaving any trace of your analysis.

Security Operations Centre (SOC)

Get training in monitoring, detecting and responding to cyber security incidents in ECU’s security operations centre.

Careers and Opportunities

Terrorism and cybercrime are among the biggest threats to international security. Graduates with the skills, knowledge and experience to identify and manage the cybersecurity threats posed by terrorists and cybercriminals are in high demand, in the UK and abroad.

What Sectors Can You Work in with a Counter Terrorism, Intelligence and Cybercrime Degree?

When you complete this course, you'll be prepared for a career in specialised cybercrime, cybersecurity and counter terrorism units in police, government agencies and private organisations.

Modules

Each module on this course is worth 15, 20 or 40 credits.

In years 1, 2 and 3 you need to study modules worth a total of 120 credits. For example, 4 modules worth 20 credits and 1 module worth 40 credits.

In your final year (6 months), you'll complete your dissertation worth 40 credits, plus a module worth 20 credits.

Core Modules

Year 1

• Criminal Justice - 20 credits
• Cyberspace, Subcultures and Online Deviance - 20 credits
• Essential Skills for Criminologists - 40 credits
• Introduction to Digital Forensic Investigations - 20 credits
• Understanding Criminology - 20 credits

Year 2

• Cyberlaw Governance and Human Rights - 20 credits
• Online Activism, Cyberterrorism and Cyberwarfare - 20 credits
• Contemporary Terrorism and the Global Response - 20 credits
• Researching Criminology - 20 credits

Year 3

• Applied Intelligence - 15 credits
• Counter Intelligence - 15 credits
• Counterterrorism - 15 credits
• Intelligence Analysis - 15 credits
• Intelligence Foundations - 15 credits
• Physical Security - 15 credits
• Radicalism and Political Extremism - 15 credits
• Terrorism and International Security - 15 credits

Year 4

• Cybersecurity: Theory and Practice - 20 credits
• Dissertation (Counter Terrorism, Intelligence and Cybercrime) - 40 credits

Teaching

Teaching methods on this course include:

• Interactive workshops
• Lectures
• Seminars

Teaching staff at Portsmouth and Edith Cowan University in Perth are from relevant law enforcement and security backgrounds.

How You'll Spend Your Time

We recommend you spend at least 35 hours a week studying for your dual degree.

In your first year, you'll be in timetabled teaching activities such as lectures, seminars, tutorials, practical classes and workshops for about 7–9 hours a week. The rest of the time you’ll do independent study such as research, reading, coursework and project work, alone or in a group with others from your course.

Where You'll Study (Year 3)

You'll study at Edith Cowan University's Joondalup Campus during your third year and student accommodation is available on the Mount Lawley Campus. Both campuses offer a library, computer labs, cafes, bars, a fitness centre, student support and counselling services.

Supporting You

The amount of timetabled teaching you'll get on your degree might be less than what you're used to at school or college, but you'll also get face-to-face, video and phone support from teaching and support staff when you need it.

Course Costs and Funding

Tuition Fees

• UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students: £9,535 (Year 1), £9,535 (Year 2), £1,430 (Year 3), £4,767 (Year 4)
• EU students: £9,535 (Year 1), £9,535 (Year 2), £1,430 (Year 3), £4,767 (Year 4)
• International students: £17,200 (Year 1), £17,200 (Year 2), £2,875 (Year 3), £8,600 (Year 4)

Fees may be subject to annual increase.

Additional Course Costs

These course-related costs aren’t included in the tuition fees. So you’ll need to budget for them when you plan your spending.

• Accommodation and living costs in Portsmouth
• Recommended reading
• General costs
• Final year project
• Travel, accommodation and living costs in year 3

Apply

To start this course in 2025, apply through UCAS. You'll need:

• The UCAS course code – L312
• Our institution code – P80

Apply now through UCAS

If you'd prefer to apply directly, use our online application form.

Don't worry if you change your mind about studying abroad after you start the course. It's easy to transfer to a similar course once you're at Portsmouth or study this course as a single degree if you decide not to attend Edith Cowan University in year 3.