Computer Science (Cyber Security) (BSc Hons)

This computer science degree specialising in cyber security will provide you with a firm grasp of the science underpinning computer and software systems. The modules you can study include penetration testing and ethical vulnerability scanning, computer forensics and information security. 

• Using the latest generation of tools and techniques, this specialist degree in cyber security will provide the skills you need for career paths such as cryptography, data security and forensics.
• You will gain practical experience of developing systems using the latest technologies and techniques, as well as exposure to the latest trends that will shape the future of computer science. By the end of the course, you will be equipped to work independently and to develop and adapt your skills throughout your future career.
• The University of Greenwich has a long-standing relationship with the British Computer Society (BCS), which accredits our computing degree programmes.  Our current BCS accreditation includes the intake up to 2024. The re-accreditation is expected to be confirmed in Autumn 2024 for the 2025 intake onwards.

Start month

• September

What you should know about this course

• This degree provides the skills to develop, maintain, and design secure computer systems.
• You will learn about the security needs of networks, users and applications, and master the forensic techniques required in the investigation of computer crime.
• You'll be equipped to understand and combat threats from hackers and criminals and keep data and personal information secure.
• University of Greenwich is an academic partner with the Chartered Institute of Information Security (CIISec), appointed by National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), which is part of GCHQ.

Computing partnership benefits

• Students on several of our courses can benefit from partnerships we have with industry bodies, adding real value to your degree and future career.

What you will study

Year 1
Students are required to study the following compulsory modules.

• Computer and Communication Systems (15 credits)
• Paradigms of Programming (30 credits)
• Algorithms and Data Structures (15 credits)
• Introduction to Compilers (15 credits)
• Principles of Software Engineering (15 credits)
• Mathematics for Computer Science (15 credits)
• Advanced Mathematics for Computer Science (15 credits)

Year 2
Students are required to study the following compulsory modules.

• Advanced Programming (15 credits)
• Introduction to Computer Forensics (15 credits)
• Computer Networks (15 credits)
• Operating Systems (15 credits)
• Information Security (15 credits)
• Advanced Algorithms and Data Structures (15 credits)
• Computational Methods and Numerical Techniques (30 credits)

Year 3
Students are required to study the following compulsory modules.

• Advanced Networks (15 credits)
• Penetration Testing and Ethical Vulnerability Scanning (15 credits)
• Final Year Projects (60 credits)
• Computer Forensics 3 (15 credits)
• Network Security (15 credits)

About the course team

• This degree course employs a range of innovative teaching and learning methods. Lectures and laboratories/tutorials are dynamic and interactive. You will be taught by an experienced team of lecturers, supported by a team of technical officers.

Teaching

• Learning takes place through a combination of timetabled learning and independent study.
• You can view more information about how each module is taught within our 'What you will study' section.
• Seminars and workshops enable you to discuss and develop your understanding of topics covered in lectures in smaller groups. You will also be able to meet your personal tutor. Timetabled learning may fall between 9am and 9pm depending on your courses and tutorials.

Class sizes

• The typical student intake per year averages 50-100. Lectures are normally attended by larger groups, and seminars or tutorials by smaller groups. Numbers can vary more widely for modules that are shared between degrees.

Independent learning

• Outside of timetabled sessions, you are also expected to dedicate a significant amount of time each week to self-study. This may involve further reading and research, analysing relevant sources in depth, and preparing coursework and presentations.
• You can use Stockwell Street library and online resources to support you in these activities.

We encourage you to join societies such as:

• The Computer Society
• Games Development Society
• And many other student societies supported by the University of Greenwich Student Union.

Overall workload

• Your overall workload consists of lectures, practical classes, independent learning, and assessments. For full-time students, the workload should be approximately equivalent to a full-time job. For part-time students, this will reduce in proportion with the number of modules you are studying.
• Each module you study towards this degree is worth 15 or 30 credits. These represent around 150-300 study hours respectively. If you receive 72 contact hours for a 30-credit module, you should expect to commit 228 hours to independent study to complete it successfully.

Assessment

• You can view how each module is assessed within our 'What you will study' section.
• Each course has formal assessments which count towards your grade. Some courses may also include 'practice' assignments, which help you monitor progress and do not count towards your final grade.

Feedback summary

• We aim to give feedback on assignments within 15 working days.

Dates and timetables

• The academic year runs from September to June.
• Full teaching timetables are not usually available until term has started.

Careers and placements
Will I have a work placement?

• This course can be taken in sandwich mode, which means you can take a year to work in industry between your second and final years of study. Sandwich placements are relevant to your degree subject and are paid roles. It is the very best way of preparing you for successfully finding a job quickly when you graduate.
• For those students who are interested in pursuing a career in teaching you also have the option to select a module for which you will be required to undertake a short-term placement in a school or college.

How long is my placement?

• Sandwich placements last for between 9-13 months. Work-based learning module placements are normally one day a week for either one or two terms depending on the number of credits available from the module.

What are the financial arrangements?

• Sandwich placements are paid roles whereas work-based learning module placements are normally unpaid.

What sort of careers do graduates pursue?

• Former students have secured placement years at HSBC Hong Kong, Kent Connects, Affiliate Window, CERN, Royal Museums Greenwich and Uctel.
• Career opportunities exist in many areas of computing, including IT support, consultancy, internet and e-commerce applications. Graduates can expect to work as independent consultants or in teams with other computer professionals to build and support modern computing systems.

Are internships available?

• Students are encouraged to take up Summer internships during the Summer holidays, though it is up to the student to find them. Support is available to students from the Employability and Careers Service when applying for placements and internships.

Do you provide employability services?

• Employability activities take place all the time at Greenwich and students are encouraged to take part in as many opportunities as possible. The central Employability and Careers Service provides support for students preparing to apply for placements and graduate roles, such as CV clinics, mock interviews and employability skills workshops. In addition, your School has a dedicated Employability Officer who will be organising work-related activities throughout the year which will help you to build you industry knowledge and networks.

Support and advice
Academic skills and study support

• We want you to make the most of your time with us. You can access study skills support through your tutor, our subject librarians, and our online academic skills centre.
• Where appropriate, we provide support in academic English and mathematics. If you need to use particular IT packages for a specific module, we provide training for this.