BSc (Hons) Cyber Security Bachelor's degree at Essex Online
BSc (Hons) Cyber Security at Essex Online. The university achieved Silver for teaching quality in the Office for Students' TEF 2023. The course sits within Computer Science and allows you to develop specialist knowledge in cyber security alongside related areas such as Software…
About this course
Discover how to protect your organisation against the threat of cyber attacks with our 100% online, part-time BSc (Hons) Cyber Security. From the provider’s course page.
BSc (Hons) Cyber Security is a Bachelor's degree (BSc (Hons)) at Essex Online. It is studied part-time; duration varies by route.
For the typical curriculum, specialisations, career paths and graduate earnings for Computer Science, see the sections below.
Curriculum & modules
Real modules published for this course, grouped only where the source gives a year, stage or level.
Level 4 8 modules
- Research and professional practiceCore15 credits
Module details
Develop the fundamental skills required to engage in research activities, project management and professional conduct. This module incorporates relevant themes – including how to adopt sustainable development goals, minimise impact and promote social responsibility. You'll also begin building your entrepreneurial skills and understanding of research methodologies through theoretical discussion, practical exercises and real-world case studies.
- Introduction to maths and statisticsCore15 credits
Module details
How do maths and statistics affect decision making in sustainable practices? Find out in this informative module. From summary statistics, hypothesis testing and linear algebra, to permutations, probability and parametric and non-parametric tests, you'll cover a range of mathematical and statistical applications. And by the end, you'll have a strong understanding of how they're integral to the role of a computer scientist.
- Fundamentals of programmingCompulsory15 credits
Module details
Gain a comprehensive introduction to programming. By writing, testing and debugging through Python, you'll develop a strong understand of coding and the impact on software development. There's also a strong emphasis on inclusive and sustainable software, as you explore the role of software in society and beyond.
- Object-oriented programmingCompulsory15 credits
Module details
Ready to discover the fundamental principles of object-oriented programming (OOP) and their application in software development? From inheritance and polymorphism to encapsulation and abstraction, this module introduces key OOP concepts and techniques, giving you a solid foundation for a future career in computing. There's also a strong focus on sustainability, as you consider resource-conscious software solutions to reduce energy consumption and waste.
- Fundamentals of networksCore15 credits
Module details
This comprehensive module introduces you to the fundamentals of computer networking. You'll explore network architecture, protocols, models, services and security considerations – helping you gain the skills needed for a successful career in computing. Workshop sessions also allow you to build hands-on experience in configuring network devices and implementing solutions for various applications.
- Introduction to cyber securityCore15 credits
- Ethical hacking penetration testingCore15 credits
- Operating systems securityCore15 credits
Level 5 8 modules
- Research and professional practice 2Core15 credits
Module details
Build the skills you need to succeed in your future computing career. Following a team-based projects framework, you'll choose a team project that aligns with specific attributes that fit with your chosen topic. That way, you'll develop a strong understanding of various professional competencies and ethical standards in project development.
- Software engineering fundamentalsCompulsory15 credits
Module details
Discover the key concepts of software engineering in this exciting module. From design and implementation to testing, deployment and maintenance, you'll explore the entire software development life cycle – as well as how to leverage technology to develop energy-efficient software. And through real-world case studies, you'll develop core skills to succeed in any computing role.
- Computer securityCore15 credits
Module details
Gain a thorough introduction to cybersecurity with this informative module. Through hands-on exercises and real-world case studies, you'll explore cryptography, user authentication, operating system security, malware forensics and more – ensuring you're well prepared for a career in this sector.
- Introduction to AICompulsory15 credits
Module details
Artificial intelligence is a rapidly growing area – and this module offers an introduction to all facets of AI. You'll explore the methodologies and techniques of search algorithms, knowledge representation and learning mechanisms – as well as the role of AI in computer games and robotics. And at the end, you'll gain an in-depth understanding of systems built upon interacting intelligent acts.
- Digital forensicsCore15 credits
- CryptographyCore15 credits
- Data visualisation and communicationCore15 credits
- Behavioural cyber securityCore15 credits
Level 6 6 modules
- Capstone projectCore45 credits
Module details
The Capstone project gives you the chance to demonstrate the academic knowledge you've gained throughout your degree. You'll carry out a significant piece of independent research or an extensive practical project – showing off your creativity, innovation, and academic and professional abilities. You'll also carry out meticulous research and present your findings in a professional setting.
- Information retrievalCompulsory15 credits
Module details
Discover how to design energy-efficient information retrieval (IR) systems in this inspiring module. You'll learn all about the theoretical foundations of IR systems – such as text processing, indexing and querying – while considering how to minimise the carbon footprint of digital information processing during design and development. That way, you'll have a strong understanding of the role IR systems in building environmentally responsible systems that drive social and economic value.
- Network securityCompulsory15 credits
Module details
Learn how to keep computer networks safe from cyber-attacks in this informative module. You'll begin by exploring the principles, techniques and tools used to secure computer networks – before moving on to network analysis, threat assessment and cryptographic approaches, and how these apply to real-life scenarios.
- Data ethics and leadershipCompulsory15 credits
- Information security and risk managementCompulsory15 credits
- Security operations and incident responseCompulsory15 credits
Module details
Learn how to keep computer networks safe from cyber-attacks in this informative module. You'll begin by exploring the principles, techniques and tools used to secure computer networks – before moving on to network analysis, threat assessment and cryptographic approaches, and how these apply to real-life scenarios.
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 degree equips you to protect organisations against cyber attacks through a fully online, part-time structure. You'll usually begin with programming fundamentals and computer systems architecture, building a foundation in how hardware, operating systems and networks function. Early modules cover discrete mathematics for computing, logic, sets and graphs, underpinning algorithm design. As you progress, you'll study algorithms and data structures, databases and software engineering, and artificial intelligence and machine learning. In your final year, you'll pursue specialist options such as cybersecurity, systems and networks, data science, software engineering, human-computer interaction or artificial intelligence, alongside security and networks modules covering threat models and cryptography. A substantial individual project forms the capstone to your studies.
Who it's for
This part-time degree suits professionals seeking to develop cyber security expertise whilst maintaining work or other commitments. It's designed for those who want a nationally recognised Bachelor's qualification in a flexible format.
University & format
The BSc (Hons) Cyber Security is delivered 100% online and part-time by the University of Essex Online, a UK degree-awarding body. The university received a Silver award for teaching quality in the Office for Students' Teaching Excellence Framework 2023. The degree is taught in English and leads to a nationally recognised Bachelor's qualification.
Applicant information
The next application dates for this course, followed by facts the provider publishes.
Part-time application dates vary by provider. UCAS dates
Opened 2 July 2026; last choice 19 October 2026. Check vacancies now. A cached page never claims a place is still available.
Entry & how to get in
Entry & your chances
An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.
Entry is set by the university and based on your offer. Use your predicted grades to see how you compare, then check the university's stated requirements.
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. 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 Apply directly to the provider
Part-time application dates vary by provider. 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. The cap depends on the UK nation the provider sits in; the provider's page is authoritative.
Check fees at Essex Online →Check the finance route that applies to you
Support depends on ordinary residence, assessed fee status, course and provider nation. The provider nation is unresolved here, so no national cap or loan amount is being guessed.
Find your official student-finance route →Paying for it
- Tuition fee loan: applied for through the student-finance body for the UK nation you live in.
- Living-cost support: means-tested on household income, from your nation's student-finance body.
- Repayment: only above the income threshold set by your nation's student-finance system.
- Earn alongside: most students work part-time in term, part-time roles on the StudySmarter job board.
Each UK nation runs its own student-finance system; check gov.uk for the rates that apply to you.
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.
- 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.
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.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
Kaplan Open Learning (Essex) Limited
Computing across the UK
HESA student record 2024/25. Counts are rounded.
Is Computer Science right for you?
Tick what applies to you and see how good a fit it is.
International students
What applying to Essex Online from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is £20,987 / 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 Essex Online’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 Essex Online and gov.uk before you apply.
Related courses
More at Essex Online
Common questions
What are the entry requirements?
What do graduates earn?
What will it cost me?
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