BSc (Hons) Computer Science (Cyber Security)

The bsc in computer science (cyber security) programme establishes a robust foundation, imparting practical skills in computer science with a distinct focus on cyber security. It equips students not only with technical proficiency but also with essential professional skills necessary to tackle the contemporary challenges in cyber security faced by organisations and society. 

• The escalating reliance on digital technology has made fortifying against cyber threats, such as attacks, data breaches, and identity theft, more crucial than ever. This urgency is a shared priority among individuals, businesses, and governments today.
• This programme delves into the core concepts of networks and computer systems, enabling an understanding of how communications can be probed and manipulated while also teaching forensic analysis of systems. Students will explore secure programming techniques and the essential methods for safeguarding real-world networks and systems, including access control, encryption, and intrusion detection.
• Throughout the initial three years, students engage in eight compulsory courses per year, and in the fourth year, they pursue five security related mandatory courses alongside three elective ones.

Tools  for Your Success 

• Rankings: We are Ranked 6th in Scotland for Computer Science by The Complete University Guide 2023 
• Industry-Validated Curriculum: Our programme is meticulously crafted in consultation with leaders in the field of computer science. This ensures that you're equipped with the precise skills sought after by employers, giving you a competitive edge in the job market right from the beginning of your career. 
• Mastery of Essential Software Tools: In today's dynamic tech landscape, mastering fundamental software tools like Python, data analysis libraries, and programming frameworks is crucial. We've intensified our focus on these tools, ensuring you're well-versed and ready to thrive in practical computer science applications. 
• Integrated Course Structure: We've optimised our course structure to create a cohesive learning experience, emphasising the interconnectedness of various computer science disciplines. This integrated approach will empower you to solve intricate challenges and innovate across multiple domains within the field. 
• Access to Advanced Topics: Through our updated curriculum, you'll explore a range of advanced subjects, including machine learning, computational intelligence, and data mining. This expansion of your expertise will refine your skills and prepare you for tackling complex real-world computing projects.

Year 1

Logic and Proof, Introduction to Interaction Design, Praxis, Software Development 1, Discrete Mathematics, Introduction to Computer Systems, Software Development 2, Web Design and Databases.

Mandatory September

• Logic and Proof
• Introduction to Interaction Design
• Praxis
• Software Development 1

Mandatory January

• Discrete Mathematics
• Introduction to Computer Systems
• Software Development 2
• Web Design and Databases 

Year 2

Experimental Design, Programming Languages, Software Development 3, Web Programming, Data Structures and Algorithms, Database Management Systems, Hardware-Software Interface, Software Design.

Mandatory September

• User-Centred Experimental Design
• Programming Languages
• Introduction to Data Structures and Algorithms
• Web Programming

Mandatory January

• Data Structures and Algorithms
• Database Management Systems
• Hardware-Software Interface
• Introduction to Software Engineering

Year 3

Artificial Intelligence & Intelligent Agents, Data Communications and Networking, Foundations 1, Software Engineering, Foundations 2, Language Processors, Operating Systems & Concurrency, Professional Development.

Mandatory September

• Artificial Intelligence and Intelligent Agents
• Data Communications and Networking
• Foundations 1
• Software Engineering

Mandatory January

• Foundations 2
• Language Processors
• Operating Systems & Concurrency
• Professional Development

Year 4

Computer Network Security, Res Meths & Requirements Eng, Advanced Network Security, Design Implementation (Cyber Security), Proj Test Impl (CyberSecurity)

Optional Courses in Year 4:

• Biologically Inspired Comp, Computing in the Classroom, 3D Graphics and Animation, Information Sys Methodologies, Intelligent Robotics, Rigorous Methods for Soft Eng, Stat Model & Anal, Industrial Programming, Advanced Interaction Design, Big Data Management, Con Agents & Spoken Lang Proc, Digital and Knowledge Economy, Distributed & Parallel Tech, Data Visualisation Analytics, e-commerce Technology, Computer Games Programming

Mandatory September

• Computer Network Security
• Research Methods & Requirements Engineering
• Optional September
• Biologically Inspired Computation
• Data Mining and Machine Learning
• 3D Graphics and Animation
• Information Systems Methodologies
• Intelligent Robotics
• Computer-aided Verification
• Rigorous Methods for Software Engineering
• Statistical Modelling and Analysis
• Industrial Programming

Mandatory January

• Advanced Network Security
• Design and Implementation (Cyber Security)
• Project Testing and Implementation (Cyber Security)

Optional January

• Advanced Human Computer Interaction
• Big Data Management
• Conversational Agents and Spoken Language Processing
• Distributed and Parallel Technologies
• Data Visualisation and Analytics
• E-Commerce Technology
• Computer Games Programming