BSc (Hons) Cyber Security · UCBBachelor's degree · 3 years
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University College Birmingham · Undergraduate

BSc (Hons) Cyber Security Bachelor's degree at University College Birmingham

BSc (Hons) Cyber Security at UCB is recognised as a UK degree-awarding body, ensuring your qualification is nationally recognised.

BSc (Hons)
Award
3
Years
Full-time
Study mode
85%
continuation

About this course

BSc (Hons) Cyber Security is a Bachelor's degree (BSc (Hons)) at UCB. It runs 3 years, studied full-time.

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.

8.6
/ 10
2 of 3 official measures
Student satisfaction
What students say in the National Student Survey
Excellent86

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)

Continuation
Students who continue past their first year
Excellent85

Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2022-23. Continuation 85% (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 6 modules
  • Cyber Security FundamentalsCore
    Module details

    This module covers the basic cyber security essentials and the challenges faced by industry in the Cyber Security field. This module develops the understanding of cyber risks and their impact on commercial operations. It investigates the threats and their countermeasures, the strategies employed and the role of the security officer. Legal obligations and international data processing regulations and an introduction to digital forensics.

  • Introduction to Computer SystemsCore
    Module details

    This module develops the understanding of the architectural and logical structure of computers and gain an understanding of why operating systems and computer systems remain vulnerable to attack and how they can be strengthened. The computer industry is synonymous with change, both the impact of computing on society and the economy, and in the rate of change in the technology itself. A strong understanding of the technical and logical platform will help to understand the rate and direction of ch

  • Introduction to Professional Issues in Cyber SecurityCore
    Module details

    The purpose of this module is to bring together material in the key areas of professionalism and careers, finance, health and safety, environmental concerns, law and intellectual property, in the context of the cyber industry within computing sector. You will apply relevant cyber-related legislation and professional codes of conduct to day-to-day situations that arise in business, and evaluate risks associated with those situations. You will also explain your five-year career plan and know what

  • Principles of Object-Oriented ProgrammingCore
    Module details

    This module introduces object-oriented software development and covers the development of simple software systems. You will gain an understanding of the software development process and learn to design and implement applications in a popular object-oriented programming language. This module covers the basic principles of secure computer programming: the features of classes and objects are introduced including constructors, methods, and fields. Method implementation through assignment, selection

  • Networks and CommunicationCore
    Module details

    This module covers the demands of secure network design and deployment in the real world. It covers the considerations and issues in the evolution of a commercial network over time, the integration of legacy systems and network demands, as well as analysing the latest thinking in Computer networking, looking at Software Defined Networking, hybrid networks and private cloud.

  • Secure Systems Analysis and DesignCore
    Module details

    This module covers the basic concepts of software systems and the basic techniques for systems analysis and design. You will learn how to apply modelling concepts, capture requirements, analyse requirements, build models using UML and design systems including human computer interaction highlighting security issues. This module will focus on design principles that can be used to improve the security level of the systems under development.

Year 2 6 modules
  • Cyber ForensicsCore
    Module details

    This module will enable you to develop a deep understanding of both theoretical and practical aspects of cyber forensics. It prepares you to use various forensic investigation approaches and tools necessary to start a cyber forensics investigation. It introduces methodologies that guide the digital investigative process (i.e., collection, interpretation, analysis and reporting), and key techniques that can be applied for interpretation and analysis of digital evidence in the context of cyber for

  • Database TechnologyCore
    Module details

    This module will teach you the underlying principles and provide you with practical experience to design and implement scalable, secure databases. You will carry out the analysis, design and implementation of a database application to solve a specific problem. You will use the SQL language and database triggers. The module also covers Relational Database Management System features such as transaction management, locking and consistent backups and will investigate SQL optimisation issues.

  • Dynamic Web DevelopmentCore
    Module details

    This module will provide you with the opportunity to improve your understanding of web development, and your judgement of the effectiveness of different development techniques, both in theory and in practice. You will cover important techniques and issues in designing and building large scale web systems, as well as considering development methods and patterns which enhance security, maintainability, and testability. The module will familiarise you with relevant web development client side and s

  • Ethical HackingCore
    Module details

    This module is designed to develop understanding, knowledge and skills associated with the various malicious hacking attacks targeting computer systems and the appropriate safeguards needed to minimise such attacks. It also aims at increasing the knowledge and understanding of ethical hacking and also allow you to get familiar with industry-standard hacking tools and learn how to apply these in an ethical manner to determine system vulnerabilities.

  • Research Methods for Cyber SecurityCore
    Module details

    This module will provide a deep and systematic understanding of the nature and conduct of cyber security research. It will equip you with the ability to undertake independent research. You will also consider the Legal, Social, Ethical and Professional (LSEP) issues applicable to the cyber industry.

  • Securing NetworksCore
    Module details

    The main aim of this module is to provide you with in-depth coverage of the network security fundamental concepts, network threats and attacks, network defence - perimeter, defence in depth. The module will cover several topics related to data and network security namely cryptography, including private and public-key cryptography, cryptographic protocols, IP and network security protocols, email and web security, viruses, and the configuration of firewalls, switches, and routers. The concepts in

Year 2/3 1 modules
  • Work PlacementOptional
    Module details

    You will gain valuable work experience on a 48 week work placement. This is an exciting opportunity to put what you have learned into practice, broaden your experience and demonstrate your abilities to potential employers.

Year 3 5 modules
  • Artificial Intelligence in Cyber SecurityCore
    Module details

    The module blends the domains of cyber security and artificial intelligence (AI). This covers the fundamentals of AI for Security and how AI can solve problems in the cyber security space. This cyber security module presents and demonstrates AI approaches including problem solving, knowledge representation and machine learning that can be adapted to detect potential attacks and protect your systems.

  • Cyber Security and Emerging TrendsCore
    Module details

    This module introduces students to contemporary topics in cyber security and considers the latest and emerging trends, techniques, and tools in the cyber security arena. This can include cloud computing, virtualisation, blockchain technology, and Zero-Trust Network Access (ZTNA) for cyber security. ZTNA has recently emerged as a more secure option for controlling remote access to sensitive data and reducing the likelihood of an attack. This module will emphasis on how to protect organisations fr

  • Cyber Security Incident ManagementCore
    Module details

    This module will provide an opportunity for you to learn the cyber security incident management process which includes reporting, investigation, corrective action - incident response, assessment, and review. You will learn mature approach to handling computer security incidents, once an incident has been identified, how systems should be set up to notify that a response is required and then a process of containment, eradication, recovery and education should be followed.

  • Cyber Security Individual ProjectCore
    Module details

    This module will provide an opportunity for you to conduct research into an unfamiliar aspect of Cyber Security and enable you to develop and apply Cyber Security skills to a substantial problem. You will synthesise what you have learned from other modules and be provided with an opportunity to work independently.

  • Secure ProgrammingCore
    Module details

    This module will cover secure programming of effective system analysis, design, and implementation to ensure the developed program is safe from cyber-attacks. You will be introduced to various techniques that can be applied for secure software development and to ensure the system is not exposed to cyber-attacks. Students will preferably use Object-Oriented programming languages and be exposed to advanced programming features which make a program efficient, effective, and secure. You will develop

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

You'll study cybersecurity alongside foundational computer science. A course like this typically begins with programming fundamentals, imperative and object-oriented coding, alongside computer systems, architecture and discrete mathematics. Year 2 moves into algorithms, data structures, databases and software engineering, then adds artificial intelligence and machine learning. In Year 3, you progress to specialist options such as artificial intelligence, data science, software engineering, systems and networks, or human-computer interaction, alongside security and networks modules covering threat models, cryptography and secure system design. You'll complete an individual supervised project in your final year, applying what you've learned to a substantial software build.

Who it's for

This course suits those with a solid foundation in A-levels or equivalent and a genuine interest in cybersecurity and computing. You'll develop technical expertise across specialisations such as Software Engineering, Data Science, AI & Machine Learning, Web & Mobile, Cloud & DevOps, Games, and HCI. It's designed for students ready to commit to full-time study and build a career in a growing field.

University & format

This BSc (Hons) Cyber Security is studied full-time over 3 years at University College Birmingham, a University located in Birmingham. Teaching is in English. The degree is awarded by a recognised UK degree-awarding body and is nationally recognised. University College Birmingham holds Silver status for teaching quality in the Office for Students' TEF 2023.

Student satisfaction

How students on this course answered the National Student Survey, by theme.

The teaching on my course
86%
Learning opportunities
83%
Assessment and feedback
89%
Academic Support
86%
Organisation and management
86%
Learning resources
86%
Student voice
88%

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.

Application timelineWhat happens next
  1. 2027 entryCompleted applications can be submitted

    Your application needs a reference before you can send it.

  2. 2026 entryFinal date for 2026 applications

    Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.

  3. 2026 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice

    Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.

  4. 2027 entryEqual-consideration deadline

    18:00 UK time for most undergraduate courses.

Show 5 later dates
  1. 2027 entryUCAS Extra opens

    Applicants who used all five choices and hold no offer may be able to add another choice.

  2. 2027 entryLast day applications go directly to providers

    Applications received after 18:00 UK time are entered into Clearing.

  3. 2027 entryClearing opens

    Eligible applicants can see vacancies and release themselves into Clearing.

  4. 2027 entryFinal date for 2027 applications

    Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.

  5. 2027 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice

    Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.

AccreditationCIM

Names detected beside accreditation or recognition copy on the provider course page; verify the route and intake.

PlacementPublished placement option

Work placement. Availability, selection and pay can vary.

Open daysJoin our Clearing open day

See and book current events. Dates can fill or change.

Entry & how to get in

Most entrants held A-levels or equivalent85% of accepted students came in with A-levels or equivalent (entrants over recent years).
Typical UCAS tariff: 96 - 111 pointsThe most common UCAS tariff band among accepted students. This is what entrants had, not a stated requirement.
Entry requirements are set by the universityGrades, subjects and contextual offers vary. Check UCB's official course page for the current offer.

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

QualificationShare
A-levels or equivalent85%
another higher-education qualification10%
an Access course10%

Entry & your chances

An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.

Accessible entry

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.

Add your grades to see where you land

Your points will drop onto the distribution above, with an honest above / within / below read.

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.

Apply by13 January 2027, 18:00 UK timefor this course
Typical gradesBCCA-level equivalent admitted students held
UCAS codeL410quote this on your application
  1. 1
    Register on UCAS Hub

    Create your UCAS application and add this course (code L410). One application covers up to five choices.

  2. 2
    Write 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.

  3. 3
    Submit by 13 January 2027, 18:00 UK time

    UCAS equal-consideration deadline for most undergraduate courses. Source: UCAS 2027 dates.

  4. 4
    Reply to your offers

    When decisions are in, pick a firm (first) choice and an insurance (back-up) choice with slightly lower grades.

  5. 5
    Results 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.

💡 Many universities make a contextual (reduced-grade) offer, for example based on your school’s results, time in care, or where you live. Ask UCB whether you’re eligible before you apply; it can lower the grades you need.

Fees & funding

What this course costs and how UK student finance covers it.

Tuition per year

Homeup to £9,790 / yr
Internationalset by the university

Standard capped home fee at English providers (2026/27); Scotland, Wales & NI differ.

Check fees at UCB →

For students who normally live in England

illustrative Maintenance Loan per year
£9,790tuition used per year, illustrative full-time England fee-cap scenario
illustrative borrowing over 3 years

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.

Funding matched to this course

Scholarships & bursaries you could qualify for

All UCB funding →
No verified named award is shown for this provider yet.

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.

StudyKit · free

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.

Career quizApplication walkthroughSalary & CV check

Careers & earnings

What Computer Science graduates actually earn, from real outcome data, 15 months, 3 years and 5 years after graduating.

Graduate outcomes, 15 months on: this course

85%
continue past their first year
  1. 1Graduate / Junior DeveloperFirst engineering role · 0–2 yrs
  2. 2Software EngineerShipping features end-to-end · 2–5 yrs
  3. 3Senior / Lead EngineerOwning systems and mentoring · 5–9 yrs
  4. 4Principal / Engineering ManagerArchitecture or leading teams · 9+ yrs

How pay grows: this course vs Computer Science nationally

Starting (15 months) HESA GO
£25,000 – £35,000
After 3 years LEO
£23,375 – £33,000
After 5 years LEO
£29,750 – £42,000
national rangeaxis £22,000 – £43,500

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.

85 of 100

continued or completed

continued into the next year or completed their qualification

Source: Discover Uni, using Graduate Outcomes and continuation data. Cohorts: 2022-23. Published threshold met. Sample size is not included in this snapshot. Each tab is a separate published measure; categories can overlap and should not be added together.

Job market & outlook

How Computer Science graduates fare in the labour market, and how AI is reshaping the work.

85%
in work or further study 15 months after graduating, across Computer Science courses nationally.
Graduate Outcomes
75%
of working graduates are in highly skilled work or further study.
highly skilled
85%
of students continue past their first year (still enrolled or completed).
continuation

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.

Where they work

  • Tech companies
  • Banks & fintech
  • Consultancies
  • Government (GDS) & startups

Is this course right for you?

The essentials UK applicants ask about: finance, outcomes, entry and quality.

💷

Student finance

For comparison, the standard full-time England tuition cap is up to £9,790 per year in 2026/27; the actual fee varies by course and provider. 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.

🎯

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 8.6 out of 10: NSS 86.3% · continued 85%.

Who studies here and in this subject?

Provider- and UK subject-level context.

University College Birmingham

All students6,760
International47%
Aged 25+22.9%

Computing across the UK

Students205,990
Aged 25+31.2%

HESA student record 2024/25. Counts are rounded.

Local crime-data context

A neutral snapshot around the published teaching location.

Around University College Birmingham

5,216 street-level reports returned within roughly one mile across 2026-04 to 2026-06.

Violent Crime 2037Shoplifting 659Other Theft 483Public Order 383Criminal Damage Arson 321

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 UCB from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.

Tuition fees

International tuition is set per course by UCB; international fees are typically £12,000–£30,000/year for classroom subjects and higher for lab/clinical ones. 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 UCB’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 UCB and gov.uk before you apply.

Common questions

Entry is historically accessible, accepted students came in with a broad spread of qualifications. The most common tariff band among recent entrants was 96 - 111 UCAS points. Use the calculator on this page to see where your predicted grades would put you; many universities also make lower contextual offers.
Set by UCB. Most accepted students held A-levels or equivalent. Check the university's course page for the exact offer.
See the career and earnings data for Computer Science below (national Graduate Outcomes / LEO figures).
For comparison, the standard full-time England tuition cap is up to £9,790 per year in 2026/27; the actual fee varies by course and provider. 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. See Fees & funding on this page to work out your numbers.
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