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Cyber Security BSc (Hons)

UCAS code: I291

Ethical hacking. Cyber security operations. Secure software development. These are just some of the skills you will develop on our BSc (Hons) Cyber Security degree. This constantly evolving field needs computing and IT enthusiasts like you. Arm yourself with the knowledge, tools and techniques needed to play a front-line role in the fight for cyber safety, with an industry-aligned cyber security degree.

Overview

Course length: 3 years full-time
Start dates: September 2026
Location: Edge Hill University
Example offers:

BCC-BBC (A Level) or DMM (BTEC)

View full entry criteria
Subject(s): Computer Science
Faculty: Arts and Sciences
Department: Computer Science

Are you interested in running professional networks and keeping them safe from cyber criminals? Do you have a passion for computing, software development and emerging technologies?

For families, businesses and governments, the systems and information in their networks are valuable assets. As cyber criminals find increasingly innovative ways to infiltrate, interrupt and impersonate, securing this information online has never been more important.

This degree has been designed to expose you to cutting-edge topics like Cyber Security Fundamentals, Programming, and Networking. You’ll gain expertise in advanced, in-demand areas such as Machine Learning in Cyber Security and Trustworthy Intelligence Systems, with a key focus on artificial intelligence. We’ll provide you with opportunities to apply your learning to real-world scenarios in our Tech Hub laboratories and workspaces, home to industry-standard tools for cyber security training.

You’ll graduate with the technical skills and professional attributes that employers value. With an understanding of global cyber security trends, you’ll also be prepared for international career opportunities. We’ll equip you with knowledge and skills that are highly sought-after by organisations that need your protection from imminent cyber-attacks.

Course features

  • Sandwich year option available

  • Studying abroad option available

  • Work placement opportunity

  • International students can apply

What you'll study

Year 1 is designed to help you grasp the principles, technologies and science that combine to create computer networks and explore the foundations of cyber security. You’ll learn how to analyse computer systems and suggest improvements. We’ll introduce you to the basics of computer architectures and networking, and the fundamentals of programming. You’ll also receive an introduction to the computing industry and develop essential transferable skills.

Compulsory Modules:

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Foundations of Computer Science
Computer Systems Architecture and Networks
Programming 1
Programming 2
Professional Practice 1
Cyber Security Fundamentals

In Year 2 of the BSc (Hons) Cyber Security, you will engage with key topics such as Machine Learning in Cyber Security, Ethical Hacking, and Behavioural Cyber Security, enhancing their technical proficiency and understanding of contemporary threats. The curriculum includes a focus on protecting personal data during online transactions. You will study Database Systems and Computer Networks, providing essential knowledge for managing and securing information. The professional practice module in this year emphasises teamwork through collaborative projects, also helping to boost your employability before entering Year 3.

Compulsory Modules:

Expand all
Machine Learning in Cyber Security
Ethical Hacking
Behavioural Cyber Security
Database Systems
Computer Networks
Professional Practice 2

In Year 3, you will deepen your expertise through a series of compulsory modules designed to prepare you for advanced roles in the field. The Cyber Security and Incident Response module equips you with critical skills to identify, manage, and respond to security incidents effectively. In Trustworthy Intelligent Systems, you will explore the integration of artificial intelligence in security frameworks, ensuring systems are both reliable and secure. The Cyber Security Operations module focuses on operational practices and strategies for protecting information systems, while Secure Software Development teaches best practices for creating resilient applications. The Cyber Security Project allows you to apply your knowledge to real-world challenges, culminating in a piece of work that showcases your skills and readiness for the professional landscape.

Compulsory Modules:

Expand all
CYBER SECURITY AND INCIDENT RESPONSE
Trustworthy Intelligent Systems
Cyber Security Operations
Secure Software Development
Cyber Security Project

How you'll study

Cyber Security involves considerable practical activity and many classes are based in computer workshops, focusing on student activity as a means of learning. Theoretical concepts will then be introduced by building on solid practical activity.

To enhance your employability, you’ll be given opportunities to work together and develop the essential people skills to complement your technical ability. You will also have the opportunity to undertake a work placement.

How you'll be assessed

The pattern of assessment is varied and designed to ensure you acquire a range of skills, particularly those required by future employers. You will design and write programs, write reports and essays, critically analyse documents, deliver oral presentations and undertake examinations. We want you to develop an ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

Who will be teaching you

You will be taught by staff who are experts and passionate about student learning and development. The programme team are specialists in computing and cyber security, and active researchers in areas including security, networks and associate areas. Academic staff are regular contributors to academic conferences and journals.

Timetables for your first week are normally available at the end of August prior to enrolment in September. You can expect to receive your timetable for the rest of the academic year during your first week. Please note that while we make every effort to ensure that timetables are as student-friendly as possible, scheduled teaching can take place on any day of the week. Wednesday afternoons are normally reserved for sports and cultural activities.

Where your course includes optional modules, these are to provide an element of choice within the course curriculum. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed. Optional module selection may also be affected by timetabling requirements. Some restrictions on optional module choice or combinations of optional modules may apply.

Entry criteria

Typical offer 104-112 UCAS Tariff points, for which no specific subjects are required. You will also need GCSE Mathematics at Grade C or Grade 4 or above, or equivalent.

Please note, for all programmes in the Department of Computer Science, a level 2 numeracy qualification is not considered as equivalent to GCSE Grade C or Grade 4 in Mathematics.

 

Example offers

Qualification Requirement
A Level BCC-BBC.
BTEC Extended Diploma (or combination of BTEC QCF qualifications) Distinction, Merit, Merit (DMM).
T Level Overall grade of Merit.
International Baccalaureate (IB) We are happy to accept IB qualifications which achieve the required number of UCAS Tariff points.
Access to Higher Education Diploma 45 credits at Level 3, for example 9 credits at Distinction and 36 credits at Merit or 15 credits at Distinction and 30 credits at Merit. The required total can be attained from various credit combinations.

Please note, the above examples may differ from actual offers made. A combination of A Level and BTEC awards may also be accepted.

If you have a minimum of two A Levels (or equivalent), there is no maximum number of qualifications that we will accept UCAS points from. This includes additional qualifications such as Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), AS Levels that haven't been continued to A Level, and General Studies AS or A Level awards.

English language requirements

International students require IELTS 6.0, with a score no lower than 5.5 in each individual component, or an equivalent English language qualification.

If your current level of English is half a band, one band, or one-and-a-half bands lower, either overall or in one or two elements, you may want to consider our Pre-Sessional English course.

Fair Entry Criteria

Our new Fair Entry Criteria is a Contextual Admissions Policy that takes an applicant’s personal and educational background into account. This policy will allow eligible applicants to receive up to a two-grade reduction in their entry requirements for this course. Find out more and see if you qualify.

How to apply

Application links will be added when available.

Should you accept an offer of a place to study with us and formally enrol as a student, you will be subject to the provisions of the regulations, rules, codes, conditions and policies which apply to our students. These are available at www.edgehill.ac.uk/studentterms.

Did you know?

If you join a full time undergraduate degree at Edge Hill University, we will guarantee you the offer of a room in our halls of residence for the first year of your course.

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Facilities

The Department of Computer Science is based in the state-of-the-art £13million Tech Hub. This purpose-built development offers highly contemporary suites of outstanding facilities for Computer Science and Engineering students. Our modern computing and engineering laboratories are equipped with comprehensive test and measurement equipment, high-specification computers, high-resolution screens and the latest hardware and software.

A four-screen CAVE (Computer Augmented Virtual Environment) provides a super immersive 3D virtual environment, enabling users to immerse themselves in a virtual room and experience real life scenarios in 4K resolution. There are also specialist laboratories for networking and games programming, in addition to a specialist research laboratory, open access laboratory and a Harvard style lecture theatre.

Where you'll study

Classroom 360 View

Learning resources

Learning resources include robots and a robotics simulator, wired and wireless networking hardware, graphics software, web development tools, software development environments, big data servers, eye trackers, giant 3D interactive teaching screens, and other specialist software required for studying forensics and internet security techniques.

Finance

Tuition fees

The University may administer a small inflationary rise in tuition fees, in line with Government policy, in subsequent academic years as you progress through the course.

EU/EEA and Swiss students who have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, as well as Irish nationals, may be eligible for the UK tuition fee rate.

Financial support

Subject to eligibility, UK students joining this course can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan from the Government to cover the full cost of tuition fees. UK students enrolling on the course may also be eligible to apply for additional maintenance loan funding to help with living costs.

Scholarships


We offer a range of scholarships, which celebrate the determination, commitment and achievement of our students. Many of our scholarships are awarded automatically. There are some however, where you will need to be involved in an application or nomination process. To find out more about our scholarships and check your eligibility, please visit our dedicated scholarships pages.

Money Matters


Please view the relevant Money Matters guide for comprehensive information about the financial support available to eligible UK students, together with details of how to apply for potential funding.

EU/EEA and Swiss students who have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme may be eligible to apply for financial support. Irish nationals can ordinarily apply to Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI). If you are an EU student who does not have settled or pre-settled status, or are an international student from a non-EU country, please see our international student finance pages.

Your future career

With the opportunity to participate in cybersecurity conferences, workshops, and industry events, you’ll gain exposure to the latest trends and be able to grow your connections with professionals in the field. We’ll also help you to build a portfolio of work that showcases your skills to potential employers.

The core computing skills you will master on this degree, such as programming languages and network management, will serve as a foundation for many cybersecurity roles. There is a strong focus on ethical awareness and professional standards, which are essential for cyber security roles.

Our BSc (Hons) Cyber Security degree equips you with the knowledge and skills you need to launch a career in the rapidly-growing field of cyber security.

The real-world scenarios on this degree will also give you the practical skills needed for working in a number of roles including:

  • Cyber Security Analyst
  • Ethical Hacker/Penetration Tester
  • Security Consultant
  • Incident Response Specialist
  • Network Security Engineer
  • Information Security Manager
  • Cyber Security Architect
  • Compliance Officer

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