Computer Science for Cyber Security
BSc (Hons)
Key facts
UCAS code
II10
Start dates
September 2023 / September 2024
Location
Course length
Full time: 3 years, or 4 if a work placement is chosen
Part time: 6 years
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.
UCAS Tariff Points
112
Overview
Our Computer Science for Cyber Security degree helps you develop your practical expertise. You will gain experience using high-end professional equipment and software tools and learn:
- computer systems
- programming
- networking
- computer science
- cyber security
- operating systems
- and software development.
Our state-of-the-art cyber security networking and server laboratories offer excellent facilities where you will:
- audit existing networks and IT systems for security issues
- analyse malware
- design and implement secure software.
You can take a placement year in industry, and you’ll work on a dissertation investigating a current issue or problem in cyber security. You can also study for your CISCO CCNA professional qualifications.
There is a shortage of skilled graduates in Cyber Security and it's regarded as a critical area by business and government. Careers include IT professionals, penetration testers, digital forensic investigators, software developers, systems engineers and technical analysts.
.jpg?width=800&height=450&ext=.jpg "Students working on computers")
How to apply
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
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.
Entry requirements
Specific entry requirements
GCSE: Mathematics at grade 4/C minimum and English Language at grade 4/C minimum normally required
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 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.
Please also see the University's general entry requirements.
English requirements for visas
If you need a student visa to enter the UK you will need to meet the UK Visas and Immigration minimum language requirements as well as the University's requirements. Find out more about English language requirements.
International applications
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.
Pathways courses for international and EU students
If you do not meet the entry requirements for this degree, or if you would like more preparation before you start, you can take an international foundation course. Once you enrol, you will have a guaranteed pathway to this degree if you pass your foundation course with the required grades.
If you only need to meet the language requirements, you can take our pre-sessional English course. You will develop key language and study skills for academic success and you will not need to take an external language test to progress to your degree.
Terms and Conditions of Enrolment
When you accept our offer, you agree to the Terms and Conditions of Enrolment. You should therefore read those conditions before accepting the offer.
Credit transfer
Many of our courses consider applications for entry part-way through the course for students who have credit from previous learning or relevant professional experience.
Find out more about transferring to Brookes. If you'd like to talk through your options, please contact our Admissions team.
Application process
Full time Home (UK) applicants
Apply through UCASPart time Home (UK) applicants
Apply direct to the UniversityInternational applicants
Apply direct to the UniversityFull time international applicants can also apply through UCAS
Tuition fees
Questions about fees?
Contact Student Finance on:
Tuition fees
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. Tuition fees for International students may increase in subsequent years both for new and continuing students.
Oxford Brookes University intends to maintain its fees for new and returning Home students at the maximum permitted level.
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.
Optional costs
| Additional costs | Amount (£) |
|---|---|
If you are considering bringing your own computer, most of the software we use is on Windows machines though there is some use of Linux. We do not use Apple MacOS and their use is not required but some students do choose to bring MacOS machines so a Mac can be a viable choice if you so wish.
|
£500-1200 |
It’s your responsibility to cover print / binding costs where coursework submission is required. Please note that a lot of the coursework is now submitted online. |
From £30 |
| You may choose to purchase books to support your studies. Many books on our reading lists are available via the Library, or can be purchased secondhand. | £20-60 per book |
Accommodation fees in Brookes Letting (most do not include bills) |
£94-265 per week |
Accommodation fees in university halls (bills included, excluding laundry costs) |
£122-180 per week |
Graduation costs include tickets, gowning and photography. Gowns are not compulsory but typically students do hire robes, starting at £41. |
Typically £0-200 |
Students are responsible for their own travel to and from university for classes. BrookesBus travel is subsidised for full-time undergraduate students that are on a course with a fee of £9,250 or more, or living in an Oxford Brookes hall of residence. There is an administration fee for the production of a BrookesKey. |
From £8 |
Funding your studies
Financial support and scholarships
Featured funding opportunities available for this course.
All financial support and scholarships
Learning and assessment
In Year 1 you will study fundamental concepts in networking, computer systems and computer programming.
You will build on these subjects in Year 2 and your final year. You'll also learn about:
- cyber security
- networking
- operating systems
- and software development.
There are optional modules in IT management and programming.
In the final year, you will study advanced topics in aspects of cyber security, operating systems and networking. Central to your final year is a major project that allows you to try out your knowledge and skills on a real-life problem of your choice. It will also give you the opportunity to enhance your networking skills.
.jpg?width=800&height=450&ext=.jpg "Student replacing a hard drive in a computer")
Study modules
Please note: As our courses are reviewed regularly as part of our quality assurance framework, the modules you can choose from may vary from that shown here. The structure of the course may also mean some modules are not available to you.
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 used on this course
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 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.
After you graduate
Career prospects
Training for several professional networking qualifications, operated under the Cisco Networking Academy programme, is an optional part of this degree programme. Obtaining these qualifications, which are recognised worldwide, represents an important step towards a lucrative career as a networking professional.
On registering for training under the networking academy scheme you will be given access to extensive, professionally developed on-line learning facilities, including network simulation tools, testing and feedback systems. The training is incorporated as an optional integral component of the degree course.
It is no longer acceptable to develop, and deploy, IT systems and software without significant consideration of security issues and the UK Government's National Security Council identifies cyber-attack as one of the 4 highest priority risks for the UK. In particular, they highlight the lack of computer science graduates, with the necessary skills in cyber security, as a serious concern for both government and industry, with demand far outstripping supply. Our degree in Computer Science for Cyber Security is designed to help address this need. Potential careers in this area include careers such as IT security professionals, penetration testers, digital forensic investigators, software developers, systems engineers, technical analysts, IT managers, and consultants.
Further study
World-class research and superb links with industry come together to make Oxford Brookes one of the best places in the UK to study technology at postgraduate level, whatever your subject interest.
Our courses, taught by leading academics with active research programmes, are designed to meet the needs of modern industry. And our location in Oxford places us at the heart of one of Europe's biggest concentrations of high-tech businesses - opening up opportunities for research collaboration and employment.
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.
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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.