Three students at Oxford Brookes University chatting and smiling while walking down the stairs in the new teaching building.

Accredited by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC)

BSc (Hons) Computer Science for Cyber Security

Explore how computer systems and data can be protected, developing technical skills in computing and cyber security.

Key facts

Duration
Full time: 3 years, or 4 if a work placement is chosen
Part time: 6 years
Starts
September 2027
Level
Undergraduate
UCAS code
II10
Location
Headington
School
School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics

About this course

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) certified 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.

Accreditations

  • Accredited by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT.
  • Certified by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), where applicable to the course.
  • BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT logo
  • National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) logo
  • 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.

  • Study abroad

    You may be able to go on a European or international study exchange while you are at Brookes. Most exchanges take place in the second year. Although we will help as much as we can with your plans, ultimately you are responsible for organising and funding this study abroad.

  • Language courses

    Our university-wide language programme is available to full-time undergraduate and postgraduate students on many of our courses, and can be taken as a credit on some courses.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements

QualificationTypical offer
UCAS tariff points112
Contextual offer tariff points88
A-levelBBC
BTEC Extended DiplomaDMM
International Baccalaureate27
GCSE English LanguageGrade 4 (C) or above
GCSE MathsGrade 4 (C) or above

If you don't know about Computing already, our first year modules will quickly get you up to speed. Any previous experience you have might help you to get started more comfortably but even if you think you know a lot about computing already there will still be many new things for you to learn.

Having an A-level or BTEC Level 3 qualification in a computing-related subject will not exempt you from taking any first-year modules, as we want to make sure that we give you a quality introduction to all of the relevant topics.

If you don't have the right qualifications to apply for a place on one of our degree courses, we may be able to consider you for our Computing Foundation course. This course, which lasts one year, is an excellent preparation for any of our computing degree courses.

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

We are keen to consider applications from all parts of the world. If your previous education was not in the UK, please contact us if you would like us to consider your entry qualification.

Fees and funding

Fees

Tuition fees
Fee types2026/272027/28
Home full-time£9,790£10,050
Home part-time£1,220 per single module£1,255 per single module
Home placement year£1,905£2,010
International full-time£18,250£19,300
International placement year£1,905£2,010

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.

For further information please see our tuition fees FAQs.

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.

Questions about fees?

Contact Student Finance on:

+44 (0)1865 534400

financefees@brookes.ac.uk (opens in a new tab)

Learning and assessment

On this degree, we want to develop your practical skills so 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.

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.
Contact hoursTotal workloadTimetabled
about 12 hrs a week1,200 hrs a yearMon–Fri, 09:00–18:00

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.

Year 1

Compulsory modules

  • COMP4004

    30 credits

    Our goal is to equip you with the skills you need to create computer software. We'll take a thorough approach, helping you learn essential programming skills...

  • COMP4035

    30 credits

    We're here to give you a meaningful introduction to key aspects of computer science that will set you up for your future studies. Throughout this module, you'll...

  • COMP4005

    15 credits

    In this module, we'll delve into the principles of designing, testing, and implementing object-oriented programs. One exciting aspect of this module is that...

  • COMP4009

    15 credits

    Welcome to this module where we'll dive into the fascinating world of computer hardware and software systems. Throughout our journey, we'll equip you with the...

  • MATH4004

    15 credits

    In this module, we'll break down those intimidating mathematical ideas into understandable parts. We'll explore its structures and show how they play a crucial...

  • COMP4006

    15 credits

    You'll get hands-on experience using essential professional tools like IDEs (Integrated Development Environments), debuggers, and version control software...

Information from Discover Uni

Full-time study

Part-time study

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.

Our courses are reviewed regularly as part of our quality assurance framework, so module availability and course structures may vary from what is listed here. On rare occasions, we may also need to make updates to our course programmes after publication; for full details, please visit our changes to programmes page (opens in a new tab)