Computer Science (Cyber Security) BSc Honours

Learn about the dynamic world of cyber security. You’ll develop robust systems that are secure against cyber threats. Studying Cyber Security will give you the skills and knowledge to develop dependable software systems.

You’ll learn about:

• Security mechanisms for computing
• Software verification techniques and tools
• Cryptography
• Cryptographic protocols

We’ll focus on the design and development of dependable software systems, including:

• Cryptographies
• Software verification technology
• Additional information
• Flexible degree structure

All our Computer Science students study the same modules for the first two years. Once you have a good foundation, you'll specialise later in your course. This means you can transfer between our degrees, until the end of your second year.

Modules

• The information below is intended to provide an example of what you will study.
• Most degrees are divided into stages. Each stage lasts for one academic year, and you'll complete modules totalling 120 credits by the end of each stage. 
• Our teaching is informed by research. Course content may change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.

Stage 1

• Learn about the fundamentals of Computer Science. There’s an emphasis on developing your skills in program design and implementation.
• You'll get experience in Java programming, develop your problem-solving skills, and get a broad view of hardware and software architectures.
• During this year, you’ll get an insight into what it’s like working in the digital sector.

Stage 2

• You'll study modules in software engineering, algorithm design and the fundamental principles that govern the operation of the internet.
• We'll introduce you to requirements analysis and databases, and the formal specification of software systems.
• You'll also work in a team to engineer a substantial software product, developing practical teamwork skills.

Stage 3

• In your final year, you’ll start to specialise in Cyber Security. You'll study system and network security, software verification technology, reliability and fault tolerance, and cryptographies.

Opportunities
Industrial placement year

• Spend a year working in the industry with our Computer Science (Cyber Security) with Industrial Placement BSc degree. It’s the same as our Computer Science (Cyber Security) BSc degree, with an extra year for a paid industrial placement. The placement starts in Stage 3.
• Your placement is a great opportunity to gain practical experience, key business skills and industry contacts. This practical experience can help you develop in a non-university setting.

Your future

• Join a network of successful graduates

Recent graduates have taken the following roles after graduation:

• Security operations analyst
• Software developer
• Cloud engineer consultant
• Software analyst engineer

Preparing you for career success

• In the present job market, computing science graduates are better placed than many others to obtain employment in a challenging and fulfilling career, and the employability of Newcastle graduates is particularly high.
• An increasing number of employers require digital skills, meaning our graduates are highly sought after. They move into bespoke software development roles in software houses and computer manufacturers and also into corporate organisations that use computers on a larger scale, such as banking, insurance and manufacturing companies and public sector institutions.

Benefit from strong industry links

• You'll also benefit from our well-established links with organisations within the industry. 

Our placement students and graduates are regularly recruited by companies such as:

• Nissan
• Waterstons
• Accenture
• IBM
• P&G
• Deloitte
• Microsoft
• Sage
• DWP
• GCHQ

You can also gain work experience with local businesses. Many local businesses approach our School to advertise short, part-time or voluntary work opportunities.