Computer Science with Cyber Security BSc (Hons)

Cyber security professionals play a crucial role in preventing data breaches, protecting privacy and ensuring a safer and more secure digital environment for individuals, governments and organisations. Our practical computer science with cyber security degree will prepare you for a career as a cyber security professional. 

• You’ll design and develop software systems using cyber security techniques and build professional skills valued by employers.
• Your project work and the opportunities for work placement put learning into practice and let you show potential employers what you are capable of.

Entry requirements

A-levels or BTEC

• Entry requirements are in the range of A-level BBB–BCC (120–104 UCAS Tariff points), or BTEC Extended Diploma DMM–MMM. Our conditional offers typically fall within this range.
• International Baccalaureate
• 26 points, with three subjects at Higher level.

Access to HE Diploma

• Pass with 60 credits overall. Level 3 units in computing required. At least 45 credits at level 3, with 24 credits at merit or above.

T-level

• Merit in the Digital Production, Design and Development T-level. Other T-levels are not accepted.

Foundation degree/HND

• May enable you to start the course in year 2 or 3. HNC may also count towards direct entry.

Studied before or got relevant experience?

• A qualification, HE credits, or relevant experience may count towards your course at Brighton, and could mean that you do not have to take some elements of the course or can start in year 2 or 3. 

English language requirements

• IELTS 6.0 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each element.

Why choose Brighton?

• Build a portfolio of project work.
• Showcase your work to potential employers at the final year degree show.
• Work with programming languages including Python, JavaScript, Java, C++, and operating systems including Linux, iOS, Windows, and Android.
• Specialist facilities such as CISCO certified communications and cybersecurity lab, usability lab, and Simulation Suite.
• Learn with innovative researchers and experts from industry.
• Accredited by BCS – The Chartered Institute for IT

Year 1 

• Your first year provides a solid foundation in computer science and cyber security.

Modules

• Introduction to Programming
• Introduction to Cyber Security
• Computing Technologies
• Introduction to Artificial Intelligence
• Introduction to Web Development
• Working in the Computing Industry

Making sure that what you learn with us is relevant, up to date and what employers are looking for is our priority, so courses are reviewed and enhanced on an ongoing basis. 

Year 2 

• On this computer science with cyber security degree you will study software-hardware design in more depth and cover areas of computer science that include intelligent systems, object-oriented software design, operating systems and data structures. You will start to develop the specialist knowledge required to work within the computing industry focusing on cyber security.

Modules

• Core modules
• Network Security
• Object-oriented Development and Testing
• Secure Systems Analysis and Design
• Security and Dependability
• Integrated Group Project

Options

• Database Management Systems
• Embedded Systems
• Mobile Application Development
• Intelligent Systems 1

Option modules are indicative and may change, depending on timetabling and staff availability.

Placement year

• You have the option of a year’s paid placement after your second year. Going on a placement builds confidence, can help you decide what how you want to specialise in your final year and strengthens your CV.
• Our students have worked with organisations such as PepsiCo, Gatwick Airport, GlaxoSmithKline, Disney, BBC, Roche and local councils. 

Final year

• In your final year you develop an in-depth critical understanding of cyber security and the computer science that supports it. You will complete a major cyber security-related project and present it to potential employers.

Modules

• Core modules
• The Computing Project
• Information Security Management
• Cyber Security and Intellectual Property Law

Options

• Usability Evaluation
• Object-Oriented Design and Architecture
• Marketing for Software Products
• Project Management
• Advanced Artificial Intelligence
• Cyber Security and Intellectual Property Law
• New Horizons in Computing
• Programming Languages, Concurrency and Client Server Computing
• Advanced Mobile Application Development

Option modules are indicative and may change, depending on timetabling and staff availability.

Careers
Professional accreditation

Accredited by BCS – The Chartered Institute for IT.  

• Being accredited ensures the content of the course prepares you for your future career as well as it giving you a strong academic grounding.
• Accreditation also means that when you graduate you will meet some or all of the education requirements for registration with BCS as a Chartered IT Professional (CITP).

Preparing for your career  

• In your career you need a combination of knowledge, skills, personal qualities and relevant experiences – and you’ll get all of this from your degree. 
• You’ll work on exciting live client briefs and build a professional portfolio showcasing your skills and talent.
• The integrated group project in your second year will help improve your project management, team-building and problem-solving skills. 
• You will present your individual final year project to potential employers at the computing degree show.

Work-related learning 

• Taking part in our Game Jams and Codefest events, supported and sponsored by Brighton companies will enable you to apply your programming, problem-solving and team-working skills and are a great way to get to know students from other disciplines. 
• Companies such as Hangar 13 Games and Brandwatch, mentor and judge these events.

Facilities for learning 

• You’ll have access to our specialist facilities for hands-on learning

Facilities include:

• Usability lab with eye-tracking technology
• Security lab including secure and dependable software systems
• Digitisation/VR lab
• Oculus Rift
• HTC Vive
• 3D scanning and printing
• Reflectance Transformation Imaging acquisition dome
• Digital media and games studios
• A Simulation Suite with flight simulators and a car simulator that use VR and motion platform technology.

Industry links 

• With a digital economy worth over £1bn a year, the city of Brighton & Hove offers opportunities for networking, internships and placements on your doorstep. 
• The Paxton Scholarship, open to computing, maths, engineering and product design students, offers three scholarships a year worth £10,000 and a three-month paid placement at the Brighton technology company. 
• Local meet ups and events such as Develop: Brighton are great for networking and exchanging ideas. 
• Each year you’ll also get to enjoy the Brighton Digital Festival which brings together the city’s arts and digital cultures and communities. The festival welcomes around 47,000 visitors and features more than 150 events.

Graduate destinations 

Our graduates are working at companies including:

• Accenture
• Pepsi
• Intel
• HP
• Vodafone
• Arcadia Group
• Capgemini
• RSM UK
• BNP Paribas.

Further study 

We have opportunities for further study at postgraduate level.

• User Experience Design MSc
• Data Analytics MSc

Supporting your employability 

• Outside of your course, our Careers Service is here to support you as you discover (and re-discover) your strengths and what matters to you. We are here for you throughout your university journey as you work towards a fulfilling and rewarding career.

Connect with our careers team

• Find part-time work that you can combine with your studies.
• Find, or be, a mentor or get involved with our peer-to-peer support scheme.
• Develop your business ideas through our entrepreneurial support network.
• Get professional advice and support with career planning, CV writing and interview top tips.
• Meet potential employers at our careers fairs.
• Find rewarding volunteering opportunities to help you discover more about what makes you tick, and build your CV.

Whatever your career needs, we are here to help. And that's not just while you are a student, our support carries on after you've graduated.