BSc (Hons) Cyber Security and Networks

Enjoy critical thinking, identifying problems and providing strong technical solutions. You can progress to a career as a security engineer or analyst. Study cyber security with a focus on network infrastructure to ensure protection from cyber-crime. 

• With today's advancing technologies comes the increasing threat of cybercrime. The National Cyber Security Strategy makes clear the importance of good network defences in securing the UK. GCU has developed a suite of programmes which provide the opportunity to be at the forefront of defending cyberspace from sophisticated malicious attacks and future threats.
• Cyber Security and Networks covers the protection of computer equipment, information and services from unauthorised access, change or destruction. It will inform you of the latest technologies, help you understand legal, ethical and professional responsibilities and provide a broad awareness of the industry.

Your career

• This course will prepare you for entering the communication networks, security engineering and digital forensics sector, an industry which employs one in three of all jobs within the IT sector. This sector is becoming increasingly complex, with particular need for digital forensics, digital security, ethical hacking, wireless and mobile specialist skills.
• Digital security graduates are expected to embark on a range of career pathways including government agencies, law enforcement or associated private sector agencies, business, supporting specialist roles such as forensic practitioners, penetration testers (ethical hackers) and security and forensic consultants.

As part of our continual improvement, additional specialisation options may be added to this programme, slightly changing the degree title for 2025 entry.

Year 1

• Computer Networking 1, Programming for Cybersecurity and Networks 1, Fundamentals of Computer Systems, Mathematics for Computing, Database Development, Cyber Security Landscape, Cloud Foundations and Machine Learning.

Year 2

• Secure Systems Administration, Computer Networking 2, Programming 2, Integrated Design Project 2, Database Development, Cyber Security Operations.

Year 3

• Advanced Routing, Digital Forensic Investigation, Ethical Hacking, Advanced Switching, Integrated Design Project 3, Research Skills and Professional Issues.

Year 4

• Web Application Security, Internet Security, Network Simulation, Regulating the Information Society, Honours Project.