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Computer Science for Cyber Security

BSc (Hons)

Clearing places are available on this course

UCAS code: II10

Start dates: September 2023 / September 2024

Full time: 3 years, or 4 if a work placement is chosen

Part time: 6 years

Location: Wheatley

Department(s): School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics

Overview
Course details
Careers
Entry requirements
How to apply
Tuition fees

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Overview

Cybersecurity is fast-moving and dynamic. It is the place for you if you love logical problem solving. Our Computer Science for Cybersecurity degree offers you the chance to stand out in the industry. We will give you a strong grounding in general computer science, with a specific focus on cybersecurity.

The course is practical. It trains you in how to keep your network safe. As one of the few National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) accredited courses, it is well-regarded by industry and government.

As a cybersecurity graduate, you will be in high demand by employers. The shortage of cyber experts – and the rapidly changing nature of the industry – means that some exciting career opportunities await you. And while on the course, why not challenge yourself by training for a Cisco qualification? Doing so will sharpen your skills and prepare you for greater responsibility in the workplace.

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Students working on computers

Why Oxford Brookes University?

  • Excellent reputation

    The Cisco Networking Academy programme is a fantastic optional part of the degree.

  • Supportive environment

    To help you through any challenges, we provide a network of support. This includes peer-assisted learning and methods of work assessment that suit you.

  • Industry links

    Fellows from the Royal Society have input into our course curriculum. We help our students with securing work placements.

  • Optional work placement

    A supervised and supported work placement in the computer industry for 12 months Possible placement organisations include IBM, Microsoft and PepsiCo.

  • Free language courses

    Free language courses are available to full-time undergraduate and postgraduate students on many of our courses, and can be taken as a credit on some courses.

  • Study abroad

    Step out of your comfort zone. Immerse yourself in a new place. See yourself grow. Studying abroad will expand your horizons in wonderful ways.

  • Accreditation(s)

    Accredited by the British Computer Society (Full CITP, partial CEng) and awarded The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) certification, the gold standard for courses in Cyber Security.

    • The British Computer Society
    • National Cyber Security Centre certified degree

Course details

Course structure

On this degree, we want to develop your practical skills ao you will learn by doing. In your first year, you will be introduced to a range of computing foundational concepts. These will include an introduction to modern software development, programming, and mathematics for computing.

You will build on these in your second year. You will delve into cybersecurity and operating systems. During your second year, we will encourage and support you to consider doing a work placement. It is a fantastic opportunity to boost your knowledge and skills. 

In your third year, you will be supported with your chosen final project, which is a great opportunity to showcase your learning.

Throughout your degree, you will make use of high-tech equipment. We are committed to investing in our infrastructure to enable you to flourish.

Student replacing a hard drive in a computer

Learning and teaching

This course focuses on the technical aspects of computing and how they relate to cyber security. There is a strong focus on using real world problems to learn the skills and techniques needed. Many of your modules have a large practical, hands-on element to reinforce the taught material.

Lecturers and technicians are approachable and will often help you on a one-to-one basis if you have difficulties.

Formally scheduled teaching includes:

  • lectures
  • tutorials
  • computer labs
  • apprentice mode sessions.

Each 15 credit module has 150 learning hours associated with it. 36 of these hours (3 hrs x 12 weeks) are formally scheduled teaching.

Some of our core programming modules are taught in an apprentice style. This format involves a 3 hour session where:

  • the lecturer gives a short presentation
  • the lecturer works through examples using the technique or concept that you're learning
  • you carry out exercises to practice the technique or concept while the lecturer provides help and feedback.

Assessment

Assessment methods are varied and reflect the development of academic content as the course progresses. From the practical emphasis of some of the early modules to the more conceptual content that you will encounter later in your degree. The modules covering core material are mostly assessed on a combination of coursework only, or coursework and examination.

Study modules

Year 1

Compulsory modules

Information Systems (15 credits)

An introduction to modern software development practices

Problem Solving and Programming (double) (30 credits)

An introduction to programming

Object Oriented Programming (15 credits)

Object oriented programming

Foundations of Computing Systems (15 credits)

An introduction to core computing concepts such as binary, how key hardware components function, and logic

Mathematics For Computing (15 credits)

Basic maths for computer scientists

Basic Communications and PC Networking (15 credits)

This is a foundational module designed to equip you with an in-depth understanding of communication networks and their application in a real-world context. This module aims to provide a comprehensive introduction to the basic principles of computer networking, focusing on layered network models, and the design, connection, configuration, and testing of computer networks that involve PCs, switches, and routers. Hands-on laboratory experiments will allow you to implement and validate network designs using a range of analytical and simulation tools, reinforcing theoretical knowledge with practical application. 

Upon successful completion of this module, you will have a firm grasp of the principles that underpin communication networks. This module is an engaging introduction into the world of communications and PC networking and a first step towards becoming a proficient network designer and operator. 

Introduction to Networks (15 credits)

An introduction to networks and networking following the CISCO CCNA 2 syllabus

Year 2

Compulsory modules

Foundations of Computation (15 credits)

An introduction to notions of computation, computability, automata, and related topics

Software Development with C and C++ (15 credits)

An introduction to C and C++ programming

Systems Programming (15 credits)

Writing systems level code in C

Innovative Product Development (double) (30 credits)

Foundations of Security (15 credits)

Core concepts in cyber security

Network Technologies (15 credits)

Key concepts in local area networks, following the CISCO CCNA 3 syllabus

WAN Technologies

Key concepts in wide area networks, following the CISCO CCNA 4 syllabus

Optional modules

Business Intelligence Programming

Delve into the realm of Business Intelligence Programming and uncover the foundations of Business Analytics. Explore a wide range of methods, tools, and techniques that enable the development of applications for complex decision making. This module utilises a dynamic online learning approach to deliver engaging and comprehensive content. Throughout this module, you will gain a deep understanding of data, information, and knowledge within the organisational context. Develop the skills to create strategic decision-making plans by harnessing an organisation's valuable information assets. Design, implement, test, debug, and review applications that facilitate decision making based on diverse and fragmented information.
 
By the end of this module, you will possess the expertise to apply Business Intelligence Programming techniques and tools, enabling you to make informed decisions based on complex data sets.
 

Year 3 (optional placement year)

Optional modules

Optional Work Placement Year (includes a Placement Search and Preparation module in your second year)

We encourage you to take a supervised work placement for 12 months between Year 2 and your final year. You will need to apply for your placement yourself; however you will be taught about how to apply for jobs effectively in a second year module, and we have dedicated placements staff to support you with securing a placement. We maintain links with industry and most students who go on placement obtain their position through the Department. More and more students are finding that a placement benefits their final year studies and career prospects. Possible placement organisations include IBM, Ericsson and Cisco. Your tuition fees are reduced for the placement year and the positions are normally paid which should cover your living expenses. Current placement costs are available in the Fees section of this page. Students are responsible for living and travel costs associated with their employment on and as a result, most will live near their placement location.

Year 4 (or year 3 if no placement)

Compulsory modules

Software Engineering (15 credits)

Cloud Computing and Internet of Things (15 credits)

Immerse yourself in the cutting-edge realms of Cloud Computing and the Internet of Things (IoT). You’ll gain a critical understanding of recent trends and developments, empowering you to design, construct, and evaluate innovative Cloud Computing solutions. Additionally, you’ll delve into the Internet of Things, unlocking insights into its latest advancements and programming frameworks. Furthermore, explore the management of distributed data, privacy, and security considerations.
 
By the module's end, you will possess the expertise to critically analyse, design, and evaluate Cloud Computing and IoT solutions. You’ll also develop team working skills by collaborating effectively within groups, applying your knowledge and skills to practical scenarios.
 

Secure of Programming (15 credits)

The design, implementation, and maintenance of secure software systems

Principles of Secure Operating Systems (15 credits)

Theory of Operating Systems

Malware Analysis (15 credits)

Assembler programming and malware analysis

Bsc Cyber Security Project (30 credits)

Network Security (alt-compulsory: choose at least 1) (15 credits)

Network security theory and practice following the CISCO CCNA Security syllabus

Dissertation in Computer Science for Cyber Security (double)

A project in the area of cyber security.

Optional modules

Communicating and Teaching Computer Science (15 credits)

Working in schools to help teach computer science

Independent Study Level 6 (15 credits)

BSc Computing Project, COMP6013 (15 credits)

Embark on an individually supervised project to delve into a chosen problem, conducting an extended study in your specialised area of study. This project will challenge you to solve a practical problem, showcasing your breadth and depth of knowledge. Throughout this module, you will showcase your project management skills by creating, designing, planning, and carrying out a project that addresses a practical problem within a social and economic context, while considering factors like risk. Applying your practical and analytical skills, you will investigate a substantial topic and employ the scientific method to report your findings using accepted formalisms. You will also demonstrate proficiency in utilising appropriate technologies and trustworthy information sources, such as the ACM Digital Library, to locate and critically evaluate both technical and non-specialist information relevant to your project.

Please note: As our courses are reviewed regularly as part of our quality assurance framework, the modules you can choose from may vary from those shown here. The structure of the course may also mean some modules are not available to you.

Careers

The UK currently lacks enough computer science graduates with the right skills in cybersecurity. That is a challenge for the government and industry. And for our graduates, it is an opportunity. 

On our Computer Science with Cybersecurity course, you will develop vital technical and practical skills, which will enable you to thrive.

Past students have gone on to work for the UK atomic energy authority, Google, and IBM.

Related courses

Related course
Computer Science
Related course
Computing Foundation
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Entry requirements

Wherever possible we make our conditional offers using the UCAS Tariff. The combination of A-level grades listed here would be just one way of achieving the UCAS Tariff points for this course.

Standard offer

UCAS Tariff Points: 112

A Level: BBC

IB Points: 30

BTEC: DMM

Contextual offer

What is a contextual offer?

UCAS Tariff Points: 88

A Level: CCD

IB Points: 27

BTEC: MMM

Further offer details

We welcome applications from candidates with alternative qualifications, and from mature students.

International qualifications and equivalences

How to apply

Application process


Full time Home (UK) applicants
Apply through UCAS


Part time Home (UK) applicants
Apply direct to the University


International applicants
Apply direct to the University

Full time international applicants can also apply through UCAS

Tuition fees

Please see the fees note
Home (UK) full time
£9,250
Home (UK) part time
£1,155 per single module
Home (UK) sandwich (placement)
£1,500
International full time
£16,100
International sandwich (placement)
£1,500
Home (UK) full time
£9,250
Home (UK) part time
£1,155 per single module
Home (UK) sandwich (placement)
£1,600
International full time
£16,900
International sandwich (placement)
£1,600

Questions about fees?

Contact Student Finance on:

financefees@brookes.ac.uk

Tuition fees

2023 / 24
Home (UK) full time
£9,250
Home (UK) part time
£1,155 per single module
Home (UK) sandwich (placement)
£1,500
International full time
£16,100
International sandwich (placement)
£1,500
2024 / 25
Home (UK) full time
£9,250
Home (UK) part time
£1,155 per single module
Home (UK) sandwich (placement)
£1,600
International full time
£16,900
International sandwich (placement)
£1,600

Questions about fees?

Contact Student Finance on:

+44 (0)1865 483088

financefees@brookes.ac.uk

Please note, tuition fees for Home students may increase in subsequent years both for new and continuing students in line with an inflationary amount determined by government. Oxford Brookes University intends to maintain its fees for new and returning Home students at the maximum permitted level.

Tuition fees for International students may increase in subsequent years both for new and continuing students. 

The following factors will be taken into account by the University when it is setting the annual fees: inflationary measures such as the retail price indices, projected increases in University costs, changes in the level of funding received from Government sources, admissions statistics and access considerations including the availability of student support. 

How and when to pay

Tuition fee instalments for the semester are due by the Monday of week 1 of each semester. Students are not liable for full fees for that semester if they leave before week 4. If the leaving date is after week 4, full fees for the semester are payable.

  • For information on payment methods please see our Make a Payment page.
  • For information about refunds please visit our Refund policy page

Additional costs

Please be aware that some courses will involve some additional costs that are not covered by your fees. Specific additional costs for this course are detailed below.

The most likely extra costs involved in studying this course are computers, books and printing.

You are not required to have your own computer though many students choose to. We have computer rooms available 24 hours a day and 7 days a week on campus, so you should always be able to work if you don't have your own machine. Students who choose to buy a computer are advised to avoid low-end machines since reliability will be important; a budget of around £700 should suffice, although some modules may require use of higher-end hardware which is available on campus. The Department does not provide any Apple MacOS machines and their use is not required, but their use is supported if you wish to bring your own. Linux machines are used on the course and you are advised to choose a machine that will support the use of Linux Virtual Machines. If you wish more detailed advice on machine specifications, the department will be happy to advise.

Most software used on the course is freely available to students. The Department is a member of the Microsoft Imagine scheme, the VMware Academic Program and other programs designed to grant access to professional-grade software tools, which would normally be very expensive, for free.

Your University library membership includes access to an extensive electronic library so in many cases, you will be able to read coursebooks online without extra cost. You can of course buy physical copies of books as well if you wish. Computing textbooks generally vary in price between £20 and £60 depending on the degree of specialism.

Most submission of work for Computing modules is electronic, so there is little need for printing.

Funding your studies

Financial support and scholarships

Featured funding opportunities available for this course.

Oxford Brookes Bursary for home students Undergraduate maintenance loans for part-time UK students Undergraduate maintenance loans for full-time UK students Undergraduate tuition fee loans for UK students

All financial support and scholarships

View all funding opportunities for this course

Information from Discover Uni

Full-time study

Part-time study

Programme changes:
On rare occasions we may need to make changes to our course programmes after they have been published on the website. For more information, please visit our changes to programmes page.