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

BSc (Hons) Computer Science for Cyber Security (with Foundation Year)

Build academic skills and confidence for degree-level study, before exploring computer science for cyber security.

Key facts

Duration
Full time: 4 years, or 5 if a work placement is chosen
Part time: Up to 11 years
Starts
September 2027
Level
Undergraduate
UCAS code
II1F
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 (with Foundation Year) 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 starts with a foundation year to build your academic skills before progressing to the degree.

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.
  • BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT logo
  • Perfect preparation

    Build essential study skills with an integrated foundation year. Gain academic confidence, improve critical thinking, and strengthen subject knowledge for your degree journey.

  • 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 points56
A-levelCD
BTEC Extended DiplomaMP or PPP
International Baccalaureate24

If you don't know about Computing already, our foundation 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.

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 foundation year, you will study a foundation in computing, building confidence and essential academic skills.

In the first year of your degree, 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 final 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.
Total workloadTimetabled
1,200 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.

Foundation Year

Compulsory modules

  • COMP3004

    15 credits

    By studying this module, you will be introduced to the essential academic skills and strategies you will need in Higher Education. It will enable you to...

  • INFO3005

    15 credits

    In this module you will explore business studies, including some of the core areas and concepts associated with the study of business. You’ll look at people’s...

    100% coursework

  • INFO3013

    15 credits

    At the heart of this module on Global Issues is a deep concern for the future of people and the planet. You'll explore current global issues and will consider...

    100% coursework

  • COMP3008

    15 credits

    This module aims to provide you with an opportunity to apply the skills and knowledge gained from other modules through a structured small scale computing...

  • COMP3006

    15 credits

    This module is designed to introduce you to the principles, technologies, and practices involved in developing modern web applications. The module aims to equip...

  • COMP3001

    15 credits

    This module is for those who wish to progress to a degree in the Department of Computer Science. This module will give you an introduction to the design and...

Optional modules

  • LOCAL-G43867

    This module introduces you to statistics with the emphasis on fundamental and basic techniques of statistical data analysis. You will, in addition, build your...

  • COMP3002

    15 credits

    In this module you will develop and practice core mathematical skills for undergraduate studies in computing subjects. You will look at subjects such as algebra...

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.

Study Computing

Turn your passion for technology into a career. Discover how studying computing at Oxford Brookes can help you build the skills and confidence for a career in technology.

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)