BSc (Hons) Cyber Security and Digital Forensics Bachelor's degree at Middlesex University
BSc (Hons) Cyber Security and Digital Forensics at Middlesex University sits within Computer Science and offers specialisations such as Software Engineering, Data Science, AI & Machine Learning, Cyber Security, Web & Mobile, Cloud & DevOps, Games, and HCI.
About this course
Study cyber security BSc in London. Learn ethical hacking, network defence and cloud security with specialist labs and a placement to launch your career. From the provider’s course page.
BSc (Hons) Cyber Security and Digital Forensics is a Bachelor's degree (BSc (Hons)) at Middlesex University, based in Hendon Campus. It runs 3 years, studied full-time.
For Others in computing graduates from this provider, 70% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 60% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £29,500. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)
For the typical curriculum, specialisations, career paths and graduate earnings for Computer Science, see the sections below.
Course evidence score
The arithmetic mean of the official measures available for this course: NSS satisfaction, graduate activity and continuation.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Stronger evidence Published sample: 310. Cohort 2021-22. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 70% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2022-23. Continuation 80% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Curriculum & modules
Real modules published for this course, grouped only where the source gives a year, stage or level.
Year 1 4 modules
- Computer Systems Architecture and Operating SystemsCompulsory30 credits
Module details
The module covers the fundamental behaviour and components (hardware and software) of a typical computer system, and how they collaborate to manage resources and provide services - for small, embedded devices right up to the entire global internet. You will use practical hands-on laboratory experiments to understand the concepts, theory and associated terminology of Computer Architecture and Operating Systems and Networks. You will undertake lab work using C code, Batch, Bash and Python, and dev
- Programming for Data Communication and NetworksCompulsory30 credits
Module details
In this module you'll learn how to programme effectively in the context of solving a range of problems around processing, storing and transmitting data. You will learn the role of a basic but important range of data structures and types and their use. For example, networking and security fields, such as those that represent RTP packets, to transmit audio-visual data using transport protocols such as the UDP protocol. You will learn about algorithms and the techniques for program implementation.
- Computer NetworksCompulsory30 credits
Module details
This module provides a theoretically-rich, hands-on introduction to networking and the internet. You will learn the practical and conceptual skills that build the foundation for understanding basic networking and develop the skills and responsibilities of network technicians, network administrators, and network engineers. You will gain an understanding of the 'layered' approach to networks by examining the OSI and TCP/IP models in detail. Among the topics covered will be the various network devi
- Information in OrganisationsCompulsory30 credits
Module details
In any modern business environment, data is used to store, preserve, search, retrieve and display information to improve important business processes. This module provides a comprehensive introduction to database design, technology, implementation and manipulation - core IT skills and a firm foundation for higher-level academic study or a rewarding career in many IT related areas, such as data analytics.
Year 2 5 modules
- Internet of ThingsCompulsory30 credits
Module details
This module teaches you about the design and development of systems for the Internet of Everything (IoT), including its architecture, applications, technologies on each layer, and IoE-specific data processing and analytics frameworks including cloud technologies.
- Secure Web TechnologiesCompulsory30 credits
Module details
In the past years there has been an increase in attacks on websites that can result in the disclosure of information that is of a personal and confidential nature. With the introduction of GDPR it is no longer acceptable to collect information overtly and then not protect that information adequately. The purpose of this module is to build secure websites and Internet systems which appropriately comply with GDPR and deploy practical cryptographic techniques for the information collected and store
- Digital Incident Scene Investigation and AnalysisCompulsory30 credits
Module details
This module provides you with a thorough understanding of all phases in a digital investigation, and the principles of evidence management. It teaches you how to maintain chain of custody and ensure that digital evidence is processed in a way that preserves its integrity. You will learn how to extract data from a variety of digital devices and perform forensic analysis using industry standard tools and software. You will learn about the importance of verification and the need to keep a detailed
- Project Management and Professional PracticeCompulsory30 credits
Module details
In this module you will learn about cybersecurity regulations and standards, and the requirements and impact of international compliance standards. You will develop skills highly valued by employers, including all aspects of professional practise such as IT project management and you will study ethical, legal, regulatory, organisational and business issues within the fields of cybersecurity, computer communications and connected computer systems.
- Supervised Industrial PlacementOptional120 credits
Module details
You will undertake a relevant work placement to gain work experience in a technical employment role, applying your theoretical knowledge to practical problems and providing solutions. You will develop your professional qualities, communication skills and work in a management structure and as part of a team. A placement is the opportunity to learn independently and develop the maturity required to perform well in your final year. Placements are a minimum of nine months and a maximum of 15 months.
Year 3 6 modules
- Computer Security and Ethical HackingCompulsory30 credits
Module details
In this module you'll cover general and advanced areas related to network security, cyber security, and network forensics. You'll examine issues, such as, threats and security attacks, vulnerabilities, cryptography, security tools, software security, network attacks and defences, countermeasures, web-based security, network forensic analysis, and security in cloud computing.
- Memory AnalysisCompulsory30 credits
Module details
This module will teach you to understand and interpret data from physical memory (RAM). You will learn how to extract dumps of physical memory through forensically acceptable methods of acquisition and how these various approaches can impact upon the examination and analysis process. You will gain practical experience in the lab sessions through use of the Volatility Framework, working with real examples from the Linux and Windows operating systems. Through this you will learn how malware author
- Individual ProjectCompulsory30 credits
Module details
In this module you will consolidate your knowledge and the skills acquired during your studies and demonstrate this through an individual project applied in a practical, real-world context. This could be related to a computer network, communication solutions, cybersecurity solution or a method for digital forensic investigation.
- Defensive SecurityOptional30 credits
Module details
You will study different types of network and cyber threats to computer systems and networks, and learn the various measures needed to secure systems to counteract and mitigate against these threats.
- Blockchain Engineering and AnalyticsOptional30 credits
Module details
Blockchain technology is changing how organisations communicate and operate, resulting in a challenge and opportunity for blockchain developers and analysts. In this module you will learn how to apply blockchain technology to practical problems, how to develop and implement compliance and regulation strategies for business and how to perform blockchain analytics.
- Advanced Topics in Data Science and Artificial IntelligenceCompulsory30 credits
Module details
In this module you'll gain a deep insight into the evolving and complex landscape of artificial intelligence (AI) and data science technologies. You will gain a nuanced understanding of the latest advances in data science, machine learning, algorithms, deep learning, techniques and natural language processing, and their practical applications. You will critically evaluate and skilfully apply these cutting-edge technologies in a variety of real-world scenarios. You will also learn about equality,
Source: provider course page. Modules can change; required/optional status, credits, descriptions and assessment are shown only when explicitly published.
Course in depth
What this course covers, who it suits and where it leads.
What you'll study
This course focuses on ethical hacking, network defence and cloud security, grounded in the broader Computer Science field. You'll usually start with programming fundamentals and computer systems, covering imperative and object-oriented languages, operating systems and networks. Year 1 also introduces the discrete mathematics underlying algorithms. In Year 2, you'll study algorithms, data structures, databases and software engineering, alongside artificial intelligence and machine learning. Year 3 emphasises specialist depth: you'll take security and networks modules covering threat models, cryptography and secure system design, choose from specialisations such as cybersecurity, data science, software engineering and systems & networks, and complete an individual supervised project. A placement opportunity helps bridge study to professional practice.
Who it's for
This course suits students with A-levels or equivalent qualifications. Most accepted students entered with A-levels or equivalent, typically holding a UCAS tariff of 80–95 points. The degree is taught in English and delivered full-time over three years, making it suitable for those seeking focused, intensive study in cyber security and digital forensics alongside broader computing specialisms.
University & format
This BSc (Hons) is taught at Middlesex University, a University based at the Hendon Campus in London. The course runs full-time over 3 years and is delivered in English. Middlesex University is a recognised UK degree-awarding body whose degrees carry national recognition. The university holds a Silver award for teaching quality from the Office for Students' TEF 2023.
Student satisfaction
How students on this course answered the National Student Survey, by theme.
Share of students responding positively.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Applicant information
The next application dates for this course, followed by facts the provider publishes.
- 2027 entryCompleted applications can be submitted
Your application needs a reference before you can send it.
- 2026 entryFinal date for 2026 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2026 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
- 2027 entryEqual-consideration deadline
18:00 UK time for most undergraduate courses.
Show 5 later dates
- 2027 entryUCAS Extra opens
Applicants who used all five choices and hold no offer may be able to add another choice.
- 2027 entryLast day applications go directly to providers
Applications received after 18:00 UK time are entered into Clearing.
- 2027 entryClearing opens
Eligible applicants can see vacancies and release themselves into Clearing.
- 2027 entryFinal date for 2027 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2027 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
Provider-published requirement; check the linked course page before applying.
Work placement. Availability, selection and pay can vary.
See and book current events. Dates can fill or change.
Entry & how to get in
Who gets in
What recently admitted students actually held, official admissions data, not a stated requirement.
UCAS tariff of entrants
Grades are the A-level equivalent of each points band. Tap a band to check your own chances below.
Qualifications held on entry
| Qualification | Share |
|---|---|
| A-levels or equivalent | 85% |
| another higher-education qualification | 5% |
Entry & your chances
An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.
Accepted students came in with a broad spread of qualifications and UCAS points. If you're worried about grades, this course has historically taken a wide range, and contextual offers may apply.
Will you get in? Plot your grades
Pick your predicted A-levels and watch your UCAS points land on the real spread of students admitted to this course.
Each bar is the share of admitted students in that UCAS-points band (lower → higher). Grades show the A-level equivalent.
Based on the official admitted-student tariff distribution. Many universities make contextual (reduced-grade) offers, so a result below the range doesn’t rule you out.
How to apply
Undergraduate applications go through UCAS. Here’s what matters for this course, the right deadline, the grades to aim for, and the steps in order.
- 1Register on UCAS Hub
Create your UCAS application and add this course (code I118). One application covers up to five choices.
- 2Write your personal statement
A single statement covers all your choices, so keep it broad enough for similar courses while showing genuine interest in this subject.
- 3Submit by 13 January 2027, 18:00 UK time
UCAS equal-consideration deadline for most undergraduate courses. Source: UCAS 2027 dates.
- 4Reply to your offers
When decisions are in, pick a firm (first) choice and an insurance (back-up) choice with slightly lower grades.
- 5Results day & confirmation
On results day (mid-August) your place is confirmed if you meet the offer. Just missed? Talk to the university, or find a place through Clearing.
Fees & funding
What this course costs and how UK student finance covers it.
Tuition per year
Provider fee page (England 2026/27 cap where not stated).
Check fees at Middlesex University →For students who normally live in England
2026/27 Student Finance England figures. Maintenance support is means-tested and this two-point view is not an entitlement calculator. The course total uses its published length and home fee where both are available; a missing full-time fee uses the clearly labelled England-cap scenario, while part-time fees and unknown lengths are never guessed. Use the official calculator. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland use separate systems: SAAS, Student Finance Wales, and Student Finance NI.
Starting on or after 1 January 2027?
The Lifelong Learning Entitlement is a separate system. A new learner’s tuition entitlement is currently stated as £39,160 (about 480 credits at 2026/27 fee levels), subject to prior study and eligibility. Check the official LLE guide.
Paying for it
- Tuition Fee Loan: can cover eligible tuition up to the applicable limit and is paid straight to the provider.
- Maintenance Loan: up to £10,830/yr away from home outside London (England, 2026/27), means-tested on household income.
- Repayment: 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below it; written off after 40 years.
- Earn alongside: most students work part-time in term, part-time roles on the StudySmarter job board.
England figures shown; Scotland, Wales & NI run their own schemes, check gov.uk.
Scholarships & bursaries you could qualify for
That does not mean no funding exists. Check the university directory for current amounts, eligibility and application dates.
We only display a named award when its provider source identifies the award and who it is for.
Still deciding what to study?
StudyKit brings course choice, applications and funding together in one place, with a personal AI assistant. Find what really fits you and start your UCAS application step by step.
Careers & earnings
What Computer Science graduates actually earn, from real outcome data, 15 months, 3 years and 5 years after graduating.
Graduate earnings: this course
| When | Median | Typical range | Graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 months after | £29,500 | £24,000 – £35,000 | 310 |
| 3 years after | £27,000 | £21,000 – £33,000 | 35 |
| 5 years after | £34,500 | £27,000 – £41,000 | 35 |
Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Stronger evidence. Published sample: 310. Cohort 2021-22.
Graduate outcomes, 15 months on: this course
- 1Graduate / Junior DeveloperFirst engineering role · 0–2 yrs
- 2Software EngineerShipping features end-to-end · 2–5 yrs
- 3Senior / Lead EngineerOwning systems and mentoring · 5–9 yrs
- 4Principal / Engineering ManagerArchitecture or leading teams · 9+ yrs
How pay grows: this course vs Computer Science nationally
National figures for Computer Science graduates, HESA Graduate Outcomes (15 months) and the Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) dataset (3 & 5 years). These are national, not university-specific; actual pay varies by employer, region, role and experience. Different cohorts, so the bars are not one group over time.
Work out your pay
Headline figures hide a lot. Calculate realistic take-home pay for this field by role, region and experience, then check your CV before you apply.
What happened to 100 students?
Choose an outcome to translate the published percentage into a simple 100-person view. Each dot represents one percentage point, not an individual tracked student.
were in work or further study
15 months after graduation
Source: Discover Uni, using Graduate Outcomes and continuation data. Cohorts: 2022-23. Stronger evidence. Published sample: 310. Cohort 2021-22. Each tab is a separate published measure; categories can overlap and should not be added together.
Value compared with similar courses
How this course’s 5-year median earnings compare with Computer Science courses at the same study level.
Compared with 1,820 courses with compatible official earnings data. This is a course-value comparison, not a quality ranking.
UK occupations graduates enter
Published graduate destinations, joined conservatively to UK SOC 2020, ONS pay and Skills England demand.
- Information Technology ProfessionalsSOC 2020 213 · 20% of published destinations · ASHE median £55,357
- Science, engineering and technology associate professionalsSOC 2020 31 · 20% of published destinations · ASHE median £34,828
Discover Uni JOBLIST/JOBTYPE; ONS ASHE 2025 provisional, all employee jobs; Skills England Occupations in Demand 2025. SOC is shown only for an exact normalised label match; demand is shown only at exact four-digit SOC. Published sample: 30; response rate: 55%. Pay describes the occupation across workers, not a guaranteed graduate salary.
Is BSc (Hons) Cyber Security and Digital Forensics worth it?
Generally yes. On its graduates’ median earnings, BSc (Hons) Cyber Security and Digital Forensics is worth about +£75,630 more over the first ten years of work than going straight to a job, a solid return once you net out the fees.
Cumulative earnings vs. going straight to work at 18, counting tuition and 3 years of wages given up while studying. The line clears zero around year 14.5. This is a simplified gross-earnings comparison, not a forecast of cash loan repayments.
Model: this course’s own median graduate earnings (Graduate Outcomes / LEO) above the £24,000 non-graduate baseline (ONS), net of £9,790/yr over 3 years (published course home fee). Eligible England-domiciled students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan; repayments are 9% only on income above the threshold, with anything left written off after 40 years. That makes the cash flow different from conventional commercial debt. Opportunity cost assumes £18,000 gross earnings forgone in each study year; figures are nominal and exclude tax, living costs, investment returns and loan interest. A simplified estimate. Earnings and actual fees vary by graduate, provider, fee status and UK nation.
Job market & outlook
How Computer Science graduates fare in the labour market, and how AI is reshaping the work.
How AI is changing the work
AI doesn't replace the profession, it shifts it: routine tasks get automated, while judgement, working with people and using AI well become more valuable.
What AI takes off your plate
- Boilerplate and scaffolding code
- First-pass tests and docs
- Routine debugging and refactors
- Standard data wrangling
More human than ever
- System design and architecture trade-offs
- Reviewing and owning correctness & security
- Translating fuzzy problems into software
- Leading delivery and mentoring
The strongest graduates pair subject depth with the ability to use AI tools critically.
Roles & employers
Where Computer Science graduates typically go, indicative destinations from graduate career data. Each role links to live openings on the StudySmarter job board.
Roles graduates go into
Where they work
- Tech companies
- Banks & fintech
- Consultancies
- Government (GDS) & startups
Jobs after this course
Current roles from the StudySmarter job board that suit Computer Science graduates.
Software Developer Placement Programme No experience neededIT Online LearningSoftware Developer - .NET & Azure for Green Energy ProjectsOfgemSoftware Developer Backend (SFIA5)ZaiziSoftware Developer (Mobile Apps) in Guildford - ECM Selection (Holdings) LimitedJava Script WorksSoftware Developer (Contract) – Higher Education Projects (UK)Burman RecruitmentSoftware Developer – Distributed Scheduling & Workload OrchestrationCGG Services (UK) LimitedIs this course right for you?
The essentials UK applicants ask about: finance, outcomes, entry and quality.
Student finance
Published home tuition is £9,790/year for this course. If you normally live in England, eligible students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan, plus a Maintenance Loan for living costs. Under Plan 5 you repay 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below that, and the balance is written off after 40 years.
Where graduates go
70% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with a median salary of £29,500. See the full breakdown in Careers & earnings above.
Your entry chances
Use the UCAS points calculator above to see how your predicted grades compare with admitted students, and whether a contextual offer could apply.
Official-data snapshot
Averaging the official measures published for it, this course scores 7.5 out of 10: NSS 75.7% · in work or study 70% · continued 80%.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
Middlesex University
Computing across the UK
HESA student record 2024/25. Counts are rounded.
Local crime-data context
A neutral snapshot around the published teaching location.
Around Hendon Campus
1,980 street-level reports returned within roughly one mile across 2026-04 to 2026-06.
Police.uk street-level API. Approximate locations, not confined to campus. England, Wales and Northern Ireland; not Scotland.
Is Computer Science right for you?
Tick what applies to you and see how good a fit it is.
International students
What applying to Middlesex University from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is £17,200 / year for this course (from the provider’s fee page). You’re not eligible for UK Tuition Fee or Maintenance Loans, so plan for fees plus living costs upfront.
English language
Most UK undergraduate courses ask for around IELTS 6.0–6.5 (no band below 5.5–6.0), or an accepted equivalent. If you’re just short, most universities run a pre-sessional English course that counts towards the requirement.
Student visa
You’ll usually need a Student visa (Student Route). After you accept an offer the university issues a CAS; you then show funds for fees plus about £1,023–£1,334/month living costs and pay the Immigration Health Surcharge for NHS access.
Scholarships & funding
Many universities offer international/global scholarships (often £2,000–£6,000/yr), check Middlesex University’s funding pages.
Living costs
Budget roughly £1,100–£1,400/month outside London and £1,400–£1,800/month in London for rent, food and travel; the figure also matters for your visa.
Working while you study
A Student visa usually allows up to 20 hours/week in term time and full-time in holidays, useful alongside study, though not something to rely on for fees.
Visa rules and fees change. Always confirm the current requirements with Middlesex University and gov.uk before you apply.
Related courses
More at Middlesex University
Common questions
How competitive is entry?
What are the entry requirements?
What do graduates go on to do?
What will it cost me?
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