BSc (Hons) Cyber Security with Year in Industry Bachelor's degree at York St John University
BSc (Hons) Cyber Security with Year in Industry at York St John University combines academic study with practical industry experience, equipping you with both theoretical knowledge and workplace skills in cyber security and related computing disciplines.
About this course
Cyber security is a constantly developing industry. Join us and become a confident cyber security expert. From the provider’s course page.
BSc (Hons) Cyber Security with Year in Industry is a Bachelor's degree (BSc (Hons)) at York St John University, based in YSJ Main Campus. It runs 4 years, studied full-time.
For Computing graduates from this provider, 80% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 65% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £26,000. (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)
Limited evidence Published sample: 15; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2021-23. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 80% (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 6 modules
- Application DevelopmentCompulsory20 credits
Module details
Explore the core concepts and models of application development. Through practical exploration and lectures, you will further your problem solving and programming skills. Through this you will develop your abilities in areas such as coding, software development and testing tools, problem solving, teamwork, time management.
- Mathematical Foundations of Computer ScienceCompulsory20 credits
Module details
Learn about the mathematical foundations of computer science, using mathematics as a tool to model and analyse problems arising in this field. This will introduce you to mathematical techniques and skills that are used in industry, as well as teaching you how and when to use these particular techniques.
- Security FundamentalsCompulsory20 credits
Module details
Learn the fundamental concepts and methods needed to design, implement and deploy complete systems in the face of malice or error. Analyse various threats, and investigate how these can materialise in a variety of scenarios and settings. Other influences of legal, social, ethical and professional issues involved in the exploitation of computer technology will also be explored.
- Web Application DevelopmentCompulsory20 credits
Module details
Introduction to the fundamental concepts and models of Web application development. You will be equipped with the skills to create platform independent and responsive web applications. The technologies you will learn about include HTML, CSS, Javascript, PHP.
- Operating SystemsCompulsory20 credits
Module details
Develop various transferable and employable skills, as well as gaining practical experience in Linux OS, Linux programming, systems thinking, time management, problem solving. Introduction to the internal operations of computing hardware, and the techniques involved in managing and organising the components of the operating system.
- Software EngineeringCompulsory20 credits
Module details
Learn the fundamental techniques of software engineering through practical skills development, with a focus on the design and realisation of a web based artefact. Through a series of lectures, demonstrations and workshops you will create, plan, design and assemble a basic web based multimedia app.
Year 2 6 modules
- Trustworthy Software DevelopmentCompulsory20 credits
Module details
Gain a greater understanding of high level programming language, scripts, and scripting language. Introduction to the philosophy of trustworthy software development, as you learn about the process of designing, developing, implementing, and maintaining software in a trustworthy manner. Gain both practical and conceptual skills required for systems software development.
- Database SystemsCompulsory20 credits
Module details
Explore the principles of databases, as well as gaining practical experience of designing, implementing and managing database systems interfaced to web application systems. The module also involves investigating current and likely future developments in database technology.
- Database and NetworkingCompulsory20 credits
Module details
Explore the essential concepts behind databases and networks. Gain practical experience in designing, implementing and managing database systems. Learn about the technical details that underpin the operation of networked and inter-networked systems, as well as learning about current and likely future developments in database and networking technology.
- Digital ForensicsCompulsory20 credits
Module details
In the current era of digitalisation, digital evidence features are part of our personal and business lives. Learn how to collect, analyse and interpret digital evidence, which can be used to investigate cyber security incidents, legal disputes, and crimes. Investigate topics such as extracting and analysing digital evidence, handling digital artefacts in a chain of custody, data recovery and identity theft, malware and ransomware investigations, network and internet investigations, email invest
- Continuing Professional DevelopmentCompulsory20 credits
Module details
Participate in collaborative entrepreneurial projects that help to prepare you for the workplace. Work with businesses to develop computer-based solutions to their business problems. Through this you will build core professional skills around interacting with employers and wider industry.
- Information Security and Risk ManagementCompulsory20 credits
Module details
Understanding security and risk is vital to keep any organisation or individual safe from cyber attacks. Learn the theory and practical skills necessary for regular business risk assessments and security controls. Learn to work out the best ways to reduce information and systems risks, mitigate vulnerability, and satisfy compliance obligations.
Year 3 8 modules
- DissertationCompulsory40 credits
Module details
Apply the knowledge and practical skills you have developed throughout the course to complete a major individual project. This will involve producing a software product from the initial idea, through to successful evaluation and a substantial report to demonstrate your research. Your project might, for example, focus on the development of a game, or conduct research into emerging technologies. This module also gives you the chance to collaborate with students from other Computer Science courses.
- Internet of ThingsCompulsory20 credits
Module details
The Internet of Things is a term used to describe an internet comprised of networked objects. The term incorporates concepts of computing, ambient intelligence, and machine to machine communication (M2M). Explore these questions through a practical project, developing Internet of Things technology for use in public or social contexts.
- Penetration Testing and Vulnerability AssessmentCompulsory20 credits
Module details
Penetration testing refers to the ongoing cycle of research and attack to identify vulnerabilities and risks which may affect systems. Learn how to identify, attack and exploit weak spots within an organisation's cyber security framework. By the end of the module you will be able to test and exploit systems to ensure that they are fit for purpose, conducting successful penetration testing from start to finish.
- Web SecurityOptional20 credits
Module details
Cyber criminals are becoming more resourceful, so web security must keep evolving to protect services and users. Investigate common web security attacks, mistakes that can lead to vulnerable systems, and the countermeasures that can be used to fix and prevent them. These include the principle of least privilege (POLP), in which users' access rights are limited to what is strictly required to do their jobs.
- Privacy and Data ProtectionOptional20 credits
Module details
Organisations have an obligation to protect privacy, and must consider important legal, ethical, and reputational concerns when working with personal or sensitive data. Learn about critical privacy concepts, engineering privacy requirements, and controls used in products and services.
- Network SecurityOptional20 credits
Module details
The need for a secure network design, configurations, and network operations has always been an essential aspect of cyber security. Explore the current state of network security architecture, operations, and continuous monitoring. This will give you the in depth technical insight and practical training needed to defend network infrastructures confidently.
- Cloud Services and BlockchainOptional20 credits
Module details
In today's job market it is essential to have a strong understanding of cloud computing and blockchain technology. More and more companies have embraced cloud technology, and blockchain use is increasing due to the rise of cryptocurrencies. Develop both practical skills and theoretical knowledge related to these emerging technologies, and consider how best to implement them across different industries and professions.
- Web Technologies and DevelopmentOptional20 credits
Module details
Develop your skills in web technologies and development tools, Web 3.0, blockchain, problem solving, deployment methods and tools. Cover more advanced programming techniques associated with web service applications. This will involve examining the major theories and concepts behind technologies such as CSS3, HTML5, JavaScript, Python and Flask.
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 develop practical cyber security expertise within a broader Computer Science foundation. In Year 1, you'll study programming fundamentals (typically in Python and Java), computer systems and architecture, and discrete mathematics. Year 2 moves into algorithms, databases and software engineering, and artificial intelligence and machine learning. From Year 3 onwards, the course emphasises security and specialist depth: you'll usually cover threat models, cryptography and secure system design, alongside specialist options such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data science, software engineering, systems and networks, or human-computer interaction. You'll also complete an individual software project. The included industry placement year gives you practical experience in a professional setting.
Who it's for
This course suits students with a strong interest in cyber security and computing. Most entrants held A-levels or equivalent qualifications; recent accepted students typically came in with a UCAS tariff of 96–111 points. The integrated year in industry makes it particularly valuable if you want practical experience alongside your degree, preparing you for roles in security-focused technology environments.
Careers & job market
Across Computer Science courses nationally, 85% of graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of graduating, with 75% of working graduates in highly skilled roles or further study. Graduate earnings data shows typical starting salaries of £25,000–£35,000 at 15 months post-graduation, rising to £29,750–£42,000 after five years. The cyber security specialism opens pathways into security engineering, infrastructure protection, and risk management. Related specialisations such as Software Engineering, Data Science, AI & Machine Learning, Cloud & DevOps, and Web & Mobile also feature within computing programmes, offering diverse career directions.
University & format
This BSc (Hons) course is studied full-time over 4 years (including an embedded year in industry) at York St John University, a University in York. Instruction is in English. The degree is a recognised UK qualification. York St John University holds a Silver rating for teaching quality in 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.
Names detected beside accreditation or recognition copy on the provider course page; verify the route and intake.
Year in industry. 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 | 95% |
| 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. 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 York St John 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
Named awards published by the university. Compare the eligibility and application route before budgeting for one.
Amounts, exclusions and deadlines can change. An award is not guaranteed unless the university confirms it.
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 | £26,000 | £23,000 – £30,000 | 15 |
| 3 years after | £26,500 | £22,500 – £35,000 | 20 |
| 5 years after | £36,000 | £25,000 – £48,000 | 20 |
Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Limited evidence. Published sample: 15; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2021-23.
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. Limited evidence. Published sample: 15; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2021-23. 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 · 35% of published destinations · ASHE median £55,357
- Sales occupationsSOC 2020 71 · 15% of published destinations · ASHE median £15,975
- Artistic, literary and media occupationsSOC 2020 341 · 15% of published destinations · ASHE median £33,824
- Administrative occupationsSOC 2020 41 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £27,006
- Managers, directors and senior officialsSOC 2020 1 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £51,733
- Elementary occupationsSOC 2020 9 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £19,087
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: 35; response rate: 55%. Pay describes the occupation across workers, not a guaranteed graduate salary.
Is BSc (Hons) Cyber Security with Year in Industry worth it?
It depends. BSc (Hons) Cyber Security with Year in Industry adds about +£80,840 over the first ten years vs. going straight to a job, but on these earnings the payoff is slower than average.
Cumulative earnings vs. going straight to work at 18, counting tuition and 4 years of wages given up while studying. The line clears zero around year 16.4. 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 4 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.
Is 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
80% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with a median salary of £26,000. 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 7.4 out of 10: NSS 61.6% · in work or study 80% · continued 80%.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
York St John 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 YSJ Main Campus
2,229 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 York St John University from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is £12,100 / 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 York St John 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 York St John University and gov.uk before you apply.
Related courses
More at York St John 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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