BSc (Hons) Computing Science with Cyber Security with a Year in Industry
Course options
Key Details
- Award
- Degree of Bachelor of Science
- UCAS Course Code
- G4GP
- Typical Offer
- ABB (specific subjects required)
- Contextual Offer
- BBC (specific subjects required)
- Course Length
- 4 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2024
Why you should choose us
Course Overview
Cyber-crime is on the rise, and every person and organisation with a computer should be concerned about cyber security.
On our BSc Computing Science with Cyber Security with a Year in Industry, you’ll become a skilled practitioner in the principles and practices of cyber security. Our graduates are highly employable and in demand, and many go on to enjoy rewarding and well-renumerated careers in the industry.
Our course is delivered by computing experts in combination with members of our cyber security research group. You’ll also be taught by industry experts who are working across a range of areas including blockchain, Internet of Things (IoT) security, wireless security, intrusion detection, privacy and trust. This four-year course offers a year in industry, allowing you to put your computing and cyber knowledge into practice, whilst greatly enhancing your skills and career prospects.
Our course will teach you the theory behind computing science and cyber security, which you’ll then put into practice in lab classes. We have a dedicated cyber security lab where you’ll look at topics such as packet tracing, packet analysis and malware analysis. You’ll also undertake project work, where you’ll be able to put into practice the cutting-edge cyber security knowledge that you’ll have gained during your studies.
Upon graduation, you’ll be in an ideal position for a rewarding career in computing and cyber security. We work closely with the police, insurance and finance companies, as well as retail and consultancies, who not only advise us on the latest developments, but also deliver teaching and offer projects.
Placement Year and Study Abroad
This course includes a year in industry, giving you valuable work experience and the chance to build your professional skills and confidence.
You’ll be expected to seek your own work placement and in the first two weeks of your second year, you’ll be asked to write a CV and to apply to a range of companies. Not only will this ensure that you work within your preferred field, it’ll also provide you with the essential job-hunting skills you’ll require after graduation. We'll, of course, offer our guidance and support whilst you’re identifying and negotiating placement opportunities.
During this year, you’ll be supported by an industrial supervisor and a mentor from the University. You and your industrial supervisor will feedback during the placement to ensure that it’s progressing well, and your UEA mentor will visit you during the year.
Please note that we cannot guarantee you a work placement as this decision rests with potential employers.
If you’re unable to secure a work placement by the end of your second year, you’ll have the option to apply to be transferred onto the equivalent degree programme without a Year in Industry.
Study and Modules
Structure
Starting your first year of a computing science degree with cyber security is an exciting trip into the world of technology and problem solving. Our programme is designed to supplement your existing knowledge, including modules on computing principles and systems development that will help you improve your analytical skills, as well as introduce cyber security and ethical issues. You’ll learn how to analyse complicated issues and create elegant solutions. Furthermore, you’ll learn programming and database systems modules to improve your software development skills and provide you with the knowledge you’ll need to create advanced web applications.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 20)Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
Teaching
You’ll learn through a mixture of lectures, seminars and lab classes. Lab and seminar classes are designed to reinforce and expand your understanding of the lecture material.
We use a variety of programming languages depending on the devices and application areas we’re focusing on. Importantly, you’ll be working with the software development tools and secure practices that are being used in the industry right now. You’ll build your experience in each year of study so that upon graduation you’ll have the technical ability to develop high quality secure software for a range of platforms.
Independent study
Alongside your formal learning, you’ll study independently to gain a deeper appreciation of specialist topics.
Assessment
In your first year, you’ll be assessed by a mixture of individual and group assessments. These include written work, presentations or demonstrations, and exams (closed and/or time-limited assessment). Assessments will combine theoretical understanding with practical application and are designed to test the range of skills and competencies required for the learning outcomes of each module. Additionally, there is a synoptic project, covering material from all modules.
You’ll be assessed by a combination of:
- Examination (approximately 30%)
- Demonstrations and Presentations (approximately 40%)
- Written assignments (approximately 30%)
Structure
As you enter your second year of study, the adventure continues with a comprehensive curriculum geared to improve your programming skills, software engineering abilities, and algorithmic knowledge. You'll discover the complicated tapestry of computer architectures, learn to explain how operating systems work, and study computer networks whilst looking at security aspects. This journey will not only help you improve your technical skills but will also broaden your understanding of the intricate mechanisms that support modern computing and connectivity.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 20)Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
Teaching
In your second year, you’ll continue to be taught through a mixture of lectures, seminars and lab classes.
You'll gain proficiency in a variety of programming languages, and you’ll also be trained with the latest software development tools and secure practices that are currently used in industry. By the time you graduate, you'll have the skills and knowledge to create high-quality, secure software across multiple platforms, meaning you’re prepared for industry demands.
Independent study
Alongside your formal learning, you’ll study independently to deepen your understanding of specialist topics.
Assessment
In your second year, the focus on assessment will continue as before. Our assessment methods include a mix of individual and group assignments, such as written work, presentations or demonstrations, and exams (both closed-book and time-limited assessments). These assessments blend theoretical knowledge with practical application, ensuring you’ll be able to develop and demonstrate the diverse skills and competencies outlined in each module's learning outcomes. Additionally, there is a synoptic project that integrates material from all modules.
You’ll be assessed by a combination of:
- Examination (approximately 30%)
- Demonstrations and Presentations (approximately 40%)
- Written assignments (approximately 30%)
Structure
You’ll put yourself one step ahead of your fellow graduates by spending your third year in industry. You’ll gain valuable work experience and have the chance to build your professional skills and confidence.
Compulsory Modules
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
Your third year will be spent on an industry placement.
Assessment
This year is assessed through a series of periodic reports during the placement and a final report, completed at the end of the placement. The placement year is a pass/fail assessment.
Structure
In your final year, you’ll study cyber security and secure software. This course is developed to provide you with the skills required to build strong, secure systems. Your final year Computing Project in Cyber Security will allow you to amalgamate all the knowledge you've gathered during your studies and apply it to designing a secure solution that tackles real-world difficulties, thereby significantly contributing to the safety and integrity of the digital landscape.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 20)Optional B Modules
(Credits: 20)Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
Teaching
In your final year, our teaching blend of lectures, seminars and lab classes will continue.
You'll learn multiple programming languages and gain hands-on experience with modern software development tools and industry-standard security practices. As you advance through each year, your skills will progressively improve, and by graduation, you'll be equipped to create high-quality, secure software for various platforms.
Independent study
In your final year project on cyber security, you’ll explore a topic or work on a problem in depth, under the supervision of a member of the faculty.
Assessment
In your final year, our assessments continue to encompass a variety of individual and group tasks, including written assignments, presentations or demonstrations, and exams (both closed-book and time-limited). These assessments integrate theoretical knowledge with practical application, aiming to evaluate the diverse skills and competencies required for each module's learning outcomes. The balance of assessment types varies based on the selected options. Additionally, in your final year there is an individual project assessed through written work and demonstration or presentation.
You’ll be assessed by a combination of:
- Examination (typically 20%)
- Demonstrations and Presentations (typically 25%)
- Project (30%)
- Written assignments (typically 25%)
Entry Requirements
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
We welcome and value a wide range of qualifications, and we recognise that some students might take a mixture of different qualifications. We have listed typical examples that we accept for entry.
You should hold or be working towards the specified English and Mathematics requirements and one of the examples of typical entry qualifications listed below. If your qualifications aren’t listed, or if you are taking a combination of qualifications that isn’t specified, please contact Admissions.
- English and Mathematics
All applicants must hold or be working towards GCSEs in English Language at a minimum of grade 4 or C and Mathematics at minimum grade 5 or B.
We accept a wide range of English Language qualifications, please see our English Language equivalencies page.
- Contextual Offers
UEA are committed to ensuring that Higher Education is accessible to all, regardless of their background or experiences. One of the ways we do this is through our contextual admissions schemes.
- Typical UK Entry Requirements
A levels
ABB including Mathematics, Computing Science, Digital Technology, Chemistry, Physics, Electronics or Economics.
Contextual offer: BBC including Mathematics, Computing Science, Digital Technology, Chemistry, Physics, Electronics or Economics.
Where applicable Science A Levels awarded by an English exam board require a pass in the practical element. Not accepted: Critical Thinking and General Studies.
BTEC
Level 3 Extended Diploma: DDM in an IT, Engineering or Science based subject, or DDM plus A Level grade B in Mathematics, Computing Science, Digital Technology, Chemistry, Physics, Electronics or Economics.
Contextual offer: DMM in an IT, Engineering or Science based subject
Combinations of BTEC and A levels
Extended Diploma: DDM in an IT, Engineering or Science based subject, or DDM plus A Level grade B in Mathematics, Compouting Science, Digital Technology, Chemistry, Physics, Electronics or Economics.
Diploma: DD in an IT, Engineering or Science based subject, plus B at A Level, or DD plus A Level grade B in Mathematics, Computing Science, Digital Technology, Chemistry, Physics, Electronics or Economics..
Extended Certificate: D in an IT, Engineering or Science based subject plus BB at A Level or D plus BB at A Level including Mathematics, Computing Science, Digital Technology, Chemistry, Physics, Electronics or Economics.
BTEC in Public Services, Uniformed Services and Business Administration are all excluded from our BTEC offers
Access to HE Diploma
Pass Access to HE Diploma with Distinction in 30 credits at Level 3 and Merit in 15 credits at Level 3, including 12 credits in Mathematics, Computing, Physics, Electronics or Economics.
T levels
Obtain an overall Pass including a B in the core of the T Level and a Distinction in the Occupational Specialism. We accept: Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction, Digital Production, Design and Development, Digital Business Services, Digital Support Services, Science, Engineering, Manufacturing, Processing and Control, and Design and Development for Engineering and Manufacturing.
Foundation Year options:
If you do not meet the academic requirements for direct entry, you may be interested in one of our Foundation Year programmes such as - BSc Computing Science with a Foundation Year.
- Further Examples of Typical Entry Requirements
International Baccalaureate
32 points overall including HL 5 in Mathematics (Applications and Interpretation or Analysis and Approaches), Computing Science, Chemistry, Physics or Economics.
Irish Leaving Certificate
3 subjects at H2, 3 subjects at H3, including Mathematics, Computing Science, Digital Technology, Chemistry, Physics, Electronics or Economics.
Scottish Highers
AAABB including Mathematics, Computing Science, Digital Technology, Chemistry, Physics, Electronics or Economics
Scottish Advanced Highers
BCC including Mathematics, Computing Science, Digital Technology, Chemistry, Physics, Electronics or Economics. A combination of Advanced Highers and Highers may be acceptable.
- Deferred Entry
We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
We welcome and value a wide range of qualifications, and we recognise that some students might take a mixture of different qualifications. We have listed typical examples that we accept for entry.
You should hold or be working towards the specified English and Mathematics requirements and one of the examples of typical entry qualifications listed below. If your qualifications aren’t listed, or if you are taking a combination of qualifications that isn’t specified, please contact Admissions.
- English and Mathematics
All applicants must hold or be working towards GCSEs in English Language at a minimum of grade 4 or C and Mathematics at minimum grade 5 or B.
We accept a wide range of English Language qualifications, please see our English Language equivalencies page.
- Typical International Entry Requirements
We accept many international qualifications for entry to this course. For specific details about your country, view our information for International Students.
A levels
ABB including Mathematics, Computing Science, Digital Technology, Chemistry, Physics, Electronics or Economics.
Where applicable Science A Levels awarded by an English exam board require a pass in the practical element. Not accepted - Critical Thinking and General Studies.
International Baccalaureate
32 points overall including HL 5 in Mathematics (Applications and Interpretation or Analysis and Approaches), Computing Science, Chemistry, Physics or Economics.
- INTO UEA
If you do not meet the academic and/or English language requirements for direct entry our partner, INTO UEA offers progression on to this undergraduate degree upon successful completion of a preparation programme. Depending on your interests, and your qualifications you can take a variety of routes to this degree.
- English Foreign Language
English Foreign Language
Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading):
-
IELTS: 6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 in all components)
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies for a list of example qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.
Test dates should be within two years of the course start date.
If you do not yet meet the English language requirements for this course, INTO UEA offer a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study -
-
- Deferred Entry
We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.
Fees and Funding
Tuition Fees
View our information for Tuition Fees.
Scholarships and Bursaries
We are committed to ensuring that costs do not act as a barrier to those aspiring to come to a world leading university and have developed a funding package to reward those with excellent qualifications and assist those from lower income backgrounds. View our range of Scholarships for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course Related Costs
Please see Additional Course Fees for details of other course-related costs.
How to Apply
How to apply
UCAS Hub is a secure online application system that allows you to apply for full-time undergraduate courses at universities and colleges in the United Kingdom.
Your application does not have to be completed all at once. Register or sign in to UCAS to get started.
Once you submit your completed application, UCAS will process it and send it to your chosen universities and colleges.
The Institution code for the University of East Anglia is E14.
View our guide to applying through UCAS for useful tips, key dates and further information:
Employability
After the Course
In this rapidly evolving sector, the ability to learn new skills is as important as those you already know. After successfully completing your BSc in Computing Science with Cyber Security, you’ll have the knowledge to forge an exciting career where you’ll be continually learning and developing your industry skills.
Your options are varied, and you could go on to work as an IT Security Engineer, Information Security Analyst, software engineer, web or app developer, programmer, systems analyst, data scientist, artificial intelligence developer, academic/industrial researcher, entrepreneur, teacher or even researcher.
Careers
Examples of careers that you could enter include:
- IT Security Engineer
- Information Security Analyst
- Software engineer
- Web or app developer
- Programmer
- Systems analyst
- Data scientist
- Artificial intelligence developer
Discover more on our Careers webpages.