Program Overview

Introduction to the BSc Cybersecurity Program

The BSc Cybersecurity degree at Aston University is designed to equip students with the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to thrive in the tech world. This cutting-edge program delves into security dynamics and the art of risk management, exploring the human factors that shape cyber threats.

Course Overview

The course will prepare students for a successful career in an exciting and in-demand sector. Students will gain a holistic understanding of cybersecurity, as the curriculum uniquely intertwines cybersecurity concepts with the power of computer science skills. The program includes a compulsory placement year, which is a fantastic opportunity for students to gain experience with leading companies.

Why Study Cybersecurity at Aston University?

Aston University is ranked 24th in the world for reducing inequalities and 12th in the UK overall for Cybersecurity, according to the Guardian University Guide 2025. The university is also ranked among the top 5% of global evaluated institutions, according to the QS World University Rankings 2026. Additionally, 91% of Cyber Security students felt positive about the learning resources.

Course Description

The BSc Cybersecurity degree provides a broad computing-based foundation with an emphasis on security that cuts across a range of cybersecurity specializations. The program produces graduates who possess essential cybersecurity knowledge and skills, high ethical and professional values, and are highly attractive to employers.

Placement Year

The compulsory placement year is a fantastic opportunity for students to gain experience with leading companies. The university's award-winning careers and placement team will help students find an exciting and relevant placement and support them during their year.

Career Prospects

This program will position students at the forefront of the exciting field of cybersecurity. Whether students aspire to work as a penetration tester, cybersecurity analyst, incident responder, software or network engineer, or consultant, the BSc Cybersecurity program equips them with the skills that employers are desperately seeking.

Entry Requirements

• A Levels: BBB (any subject) or BBC including one STEM subject
• BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma and National Extended Diploma (any subject): DDM
• International Baccalaureate: 31 overall with 5, 5, 5 in any Higher Level subjects
• Access Diploma: QAA-recognized Access Diploma with at least 21 Distinctions and 24 Merits at Level 3
• T Levels: The following T levels are accepted qualifications for this course
• GCSEs: English Language or Literature minimum grade C/4, Mathematics minimum grade C/4

Fees and Scholarships

• UK students (2026/27): Annual tuition fees ｣9,535, placement year fee ｣1,250
• International students (2026/27): Annual tuition fees ｣22,575, placement year fee ｣2,500
• Scholarships: Aston University provides a range of scholarships to help lower tuition and living costs

Assessment

The BSc Cybersecurity degree employs a range of authentic assessment methods, including portfolio work, coursework, quizzes, and exams. The initial two years have a 50/50 balance between immersive coursework and exams. As students head into the final year, there will be a shift towards more closed book exams.

Course Objectives

The program aims to:

1. Provide a broad computing-based foundation with an emphasis on security that cuts across a range of cybersecurity specializations.
2. Produce graduates who possess essential cybersecurity knowledge and skills.
3. Produce graduates who have high ethical and professional values.
4. Produce graduates who are highly attractive to employers and well-prepared for a rewarding career as cybersecurity professionals, adaptable to a wide range of employment opportunities.
5. Enable students to enhance their career preparation through a period of structured professional training.

Modules

The program includes the following modules:

• Year 1: Introductory Mathematics for Digital Science, Fundamentals of Digital Systems, Introductory Programming for Digital Science, Foundations of Artificial Intelligence and Data Science, Cybersecurity Fundamentals, Internet Applications and Databases, Power Skills, Interdisciplinary Design Project
• Year 2: Applied Cryptography, Human Factors in Security, Secure Networks and Operating Systems, Security Operations, Software Engineering, Data Structures, Algorithms and Object-Oriented Programming, Team Project, Ethics, Equality, Diversity, Inclusion, and Sustainability
• Placement Year: EPS Placement Year
• Final Year: Individual Project, Risk Management and Security Governance, Software Security, and optional modules such as Cybercrime and Cyber Laws, Distributed Systems and Blockchain, Digital Forensics, DevSecOps, Ethical Hacking, Privacy Engineering

Power Skills

Aston University's Power Skills are built into every undergraduate degree, providing students with the skills employers look for worldwide. The four key areas are:

1. AI & Digital: Develop digital skills for the future, whatever career students want to pursue.
2. Innovation & Entrepreneurship: Identify new opportunities, bring radical ideas to life, and thrive in any career.
3. Inclusive Leadership: Bring people together with a shared vision, break down barriers, and be the leader the future needs.
4. Environmental Sustainability: Drive change, see things differently, and shape more sustainable and ethical ways of working.