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Undergraduate

Cyber Security BSc (Hons)

University of Gloucestershire

What is Cyber Security BSc (Hons)?

Our Cyber Security degree focuses on protecting against cybercrime before it happens. You’ll work on live business cases to defend against cyber security risks and study the cyber environments of banks, high-security digital environments, ecommerce and social media platforms.

You’ll develop specialisms through module choices to match your career goals. Optional subjects include data analytics, information security and digital crime scene investigation. You’ll also examine ‘hot’ cybercrime topics. These include the latest security crimes in the news, as well as big data and Cloud systems which have both significantly increased commercial security risks.

90% of full time Cyber Security BSc (Hons) students at UoG go on to work or further study within 15 months of graduation, according to the National Student Survey 2022.  

You’ll learn to identify security breaches and implement solutions using the latest industry tools and techniques. Through hands-on experience of analysing secure networks and websites, you’ll develop skills around penetration testing, malware identification and ethical hacking. From network design (the physical securing of network components) and operating systems security with a focus on Windows, MAC OS and Linux, to information security (keeping cyber information secure in a business environment), you’ll graduate well prepared for your next step.

The majority of your learning will be practical, using industry-standard tools, techniques and practices. Alongside lectures, you’ll undertake group work and individual projects. There are no exams on this course – you’ll be assessed through individual or group-based coursework.

You’ll learn in our new purpose-built School of Computing and Technology. This includes a dedicated cyber security lab where you can practise your skills in a digitally protected environment with an isolated network, purpose-built break-out areas for workshop sessions, games consoles and screens in social areas, and the latest computing technology and software. There’s a strong sense of community, with staff and students sharing both work and relaxation space.

You can apply to study this course on campus at the University of Gloucestershire, or at the Swindon Institute of Technology (ioT).

This course is available to study with an integrated foundation year – an extra, introductory year at the beginning of the full degree. If you don’t meet the stated entry requirements or you’re returning to education, it could be a great option that enables you to study this course.

As well as an introduction to your subject, it will help you to develop valuable study skills, and communication, teamwork and problem-solving techniques, giving you the confidence and skills set you need to progress.

If you’re applying to study as an international student, an integrated foundation year can also support you to improve your English language skills alongside your studies.

To apply for this course with an integrated foundation year, select the ‘With foundation year’ study type from the options at the top of this page before clicking ‘Apply’.

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Entry requirements

    • 104 UCAS tariff points, BCC at A levels, DMM at BTEC or a Merit in your T-Level.

      If you are unsure whether we could make you an offer or you have any questions, just get in touch with our admissions team who will be able to advise you.

    • English Language or Literature and Maths Grade 4/C in GCSE (or equivalent) are normally required.

    • This course is available with an additional integrated foundation year. This four year option has lower entry requirements – see below – than the other study type/s available.

      Typical offers
      48 UCAS tariff points, DD at A levels, PPP at BTEC or a Pass in your T Level.

      GCSEs
      Grade C/4 in English Language/Literature and Mathematics, or equivalent (e.g. Level 2 Functional Skills).

      To apply for the integrated foundation year degree, select the ‘With foundation year’ option from the study types listed at the top of this page before clicking ‘Apply’.

      See course overview for more information about the interated foundation year option.

    • EU and international students need IELTS 6.0 overall (no less than 5.5 in writing and in any other band) or equivalent.

    • We welcome applications from mature students (aged 21 and over) and do not necessarily require the same academic qualifications as school leaving applicants, although some entry requirements may still apply for Professionally Accredited Courses. We accept Access to Higher Education Diplomas and make offers on an individual basis.

Course modules

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Fees and costs

See the further details of fees and potential extra costs when studying a course at the University of Gloucestershire.
Start date Location UCAS code Fee (UK)
per year
Fee (international)
per year
Sep 2024 Park, Cheltenham I201 £9,250 £16,600
Sep 2025 Park, Cheltenham I201 TBC TBC

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Possible careers

Cyber Security graduates can go on to work in:

  • Penetration testing
  • Cyber security data analytics
  • Cryptopgraphy
  • Network security
  • Information security management
  • Digital forensic examination
  • Law enforcement
  • Civil forensic examination.

Industry links

Our connections with the following organisations mean you’ll benefit from leading professionals in lectures, exciting work placement opportunities and networking events in preparation for your graduate career. We have excellent links with some of the biggest cyber employers in the county including GCHQ, Intel, IBM Security, Raytheon, Northrop Grumman, BAE Systems, GE Aviation, GlaxoSmithKline, Kraft, Zurich Insurance, Hewlett-Packard, Gloucester Constabulary and CGI. If you choose the four-year course, you’ll do a one-year work placement as part of your course.

The course is underpinned by strong ethical and legal foundations. These foundations are paramount to you moving into and progressing through a successful computer security career.

Develop skills in cyber forensics, from crime scene to courtroom

Learn how to gather, recover and present digital evidence to court or civil hearing. You’ll follow the Association of Chief Police Officers’ guidelines which lead the development of cyber forensic investigation practices across the UK.

Access to industry-standard cyber forensic tools

Gain the edge by using industry-standard software including AccessData FTK, the global standard in digital investigation technology, and CelleBrite which analyses and recovers information from mobile devices. Use Kali Linux and Cisco Network Packet Tracer – well-recognised and in high-demand tools used to protect organisations against cyberattacks within the industry.

Be inspired by cyber experts

As well as being taught by staff with impressive industry experience, you’ll hear from inspirational guest speakers. Previous visitors have included Andrea Simmons from Hewlett Packard and David Hopkins from the Intellectual Property Office.

Finalists in National Cyber Award

In 2022, the University was a finalist in the National Cyber Award for the Cyber University of the Year. The National Cyber Awards recognises and rewards those who are committed to cyber innovation, crime reduction and protecting users online.

Trips and experiences

If you choose to study a Cyber Security degree over four years, you’ll have the opportunity to undertake a work placement. Our students have recently worked at IBM Security, Hewlett-Packard and Intel.

Placements

  • Duration – 12 months, full-time (minimum 35 hours a week)
  • Location – popular destinations include the UK, USA, China and Europe
  • Visa – you may need a visa if you’re on placement abroad
  • Finance – your tuition fee is reduced for your placement year – and you can still apply for a maintenance loan and get money advice
  • Placement support – we’ll help you find a great placement and get the most out of the experience

To note: placement opportunities are only applicable to home-taught students.

"I am currently a Graduate Software Engineer at Raytheon, a cyber security company"

“This means that in addition to my ‘day job’ I am also on the Graduate Leadership Development Programme, where I am training to become a future leader within Raytheon. I chose to study at the University of Gloucestershire because it was so welcoming – and out of all the universities that I had visited, the lecturers felt most invested in wanting to help us get more than just a degree. Without the university working with Raytheon, I would never have found the job that I have now. I was awarded a £3,500 bursary from Raytheon for my dissertation and a job offer – I am now 14 months into that role and still loving it!”

Llamara Swann, graduate

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