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Cyber Security

BSc (Hons)

You’ll develop essential skills in cyber and computer forensics to detect, defend and counteract security threats.

UCAS Code: I900 or I901

Single Honours

A lecturer supporting a student with a computer task

At Worcester, you will have opportunities to apply your skills through a series of live projects, meaning you can gain experience of the real challenges faced in the industry.

95%

of graduates in work or further study after 15 months

Graduate Outcomes Survey

Gain additional qualifications and certificates as part of your course


Overview

You’ll develop knowledge and practical skills that support the protection of systems, networks and data on a variety of levels (such as individual, business, critical national infrastructure) – all supported by a sound understanding of computing principles.

You'll explore planning methods and tools, learn cybersecurity policies and law, investigate strategies of defence and offence and gain an appreciation for human behaviours and needs.

The course:

  • Is designed in consultation with employers, aligned with industry standards and taught by experienced computing professionals
  • Gives you the option of a paid placement year to enhance your employability
  • Includes live work-based projects, allowing you to earn as you learn and gain experience
  • Has the option to gain additional professional qualifications and certification during your degree to build your CV

Optional year in industry

A year in industry option is available, allowing a more intensive employment experience. This extends the length of your course to 4 years and is completed between years 2 and 3.

We will support you with finding a placement that meets your career aspirations. We will also help to prepare you for this year by working with you on CV writing and interview skills.

You'll be entitled to the addition of 'with Placement Year' to your degree title.


Discover our cyber security lab


Course content

Our courses are informed by the latest research and feedback from students, examiners and employers. Modules do therefore change occasionally to keep the course relevant and reflecting current best practice.

Mandatory modules


Careers

Data is a critical business asset that must be protected from cyber criminals trying to steal or hold data to ransom. That’s why developing a strong cyber security strategy is a top priority for all organisations.

Demand for cyber security talents is increasing as cyber threats continue to rise and grow more powerful. According to recent study into the UK cyber security labour market, carried out on behalf of the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), a high proportion of UK businesses continue to lack staff with the technical, incident response and governance skills needed to manage their cyber security.

On this course, you will develop specialist skills and knowledge in the field of cyber security, focusing on areas and topics that are seeing high interest and growth in this fast-paced and exciting industry.

The course builds in employment preparation workshops, which include CV writing, mock interviews/assessment centres and meetings with employers to enhance your job prospects.

This course will provide graduates with a range of career opportunities in business, Government and law enforcement.

Potential career paths include:

  • Cyber security analyst
  • Ethical hacker
  • Cyber security engineer
  • Information security officer
  • Digital forensics analyst

Course highlights

A lecturer supporting a student with a computer task
Dedicated cyber security lab
Explore real-world scenarios, build practical skills, and develop hands-on expertise in penetration testing, network security and digital forensics in our custom-built teaching laboratory.

Teaching and assessment

Our course has been designed by academics and industry specialists to prepare you for a career in cyber security. You’ll be taught through a combination of practical activities, seminars, lectures, and one-to-one tutoring.

Evaluation isn’t just about exams. Our applied assessment methods include reports, portfolios, software artefacts, and presentations – preparing you for the work you’ll be doing when you graduate.

Teaching and assessment contents

You are taught through a combination of interactive workshops, lab sessions, lectures and seminars. Interactive workshops and lab sessions take a variety of formats and are intended to enable the application of learning through practical activities in our dedicated computing labs; be that on your own or in small groups. Seminars enable the discussion and development of understanding of topics covered in lectures as well as opportunities to practice skills learnt.

In addition, meetings with personal academic tutors are scheduled on at least four occasions during each year of your studies at the university.

The University emphasises enabling students to develop independent learning capabilities that will equip them for lifelong learning and future employment, as well as academic achievement. A mixture of independent study, teaching and academic support from Student Services and Library Services, and also the personal academic tutoring system enables you to reflect on progress and build up a profile of skills, achievements and experiences that will help you to flourish and be successful.

Meet the team

Here are a few of the Business School staff members who teach on this course.

University of Worcester logo on a light blue background

Akinola Olumide Siyanbola

Akinola is a Lecturer in Web Application Development with the Computing department at Worcester Business School. He has previously worked as a Senior Web developer before venturing into academics and Cyber security.

Akinola completed a BSc in Computer Science at Lagos State University, Nigeria, and proceeded to undertake his MSc in Cyber Security at Birmingham City University. Then, he secured a fully funded PhD research program with Birmingham City University, which is nearing completion soon. In addition, he completed a PGCert in research practice and a SEDA course in “Preparing postgraduates to teach in Higher Education”.

His research focuses on applying an intelligent and sematic-based methodology to cyber security application domains.

University of Worcester logo on a light blue background

Richard Wilkinson

Richard is a Senior Lecturer in Computing, as well as the Head of the Department of Computing, teaching on a variety of modules for both Computing, Business IT and Business degrees. Here at the University of Worcester Richard leads on our Global Partnerships with QLIK, IBM Watson Analytics & Microsoft Dynamics.

Richard is published in the field of IT in Higher Education, is a Senior Fellow of the HEA, a member of the British Computer Society (BCS) and an External Examiner.

University of Worcester logo on a light blue background

Dr Hayder Ghazi Alwattar

Throughout his career Hayder has had a skill and passion for passing on knowledge in one form or another. During Hayder's PhD studies, he mentored several senior undergraduates at Girne American University, which is when he realized his passion for teaching.

University of Worcester logo on a light blue background

Akinola Olumide Siyanbola

Akinola is a Lecturer in Web Application Development with the Computing department at Worcester Business School. He has previously worked as a Senior Web developer before venturing into academics and Cyber security.

Akinola completed a BSc in Computer Science at Lagos State University, Nigeria, and proceeded to undertake his MSc in Cyber Security at Birmingham City University. Then, he secured a fully funded PhD research program with Birmingham City University, which is nearing completion soon. In addition, he completed a PGCert in research practice and a SEDA course in “Preparing postgraduates to teach in Higher Education”.

His research focuses on applying an intelligent and sematic-based methodology to cyber security application domains.

University of Worcester logo on a light blue background

Richard Wilkinson

Richard is a Senior Lecturer in Computing, as well as the Head of the Department of Computing, teaching on a variety of modules for both Computing, Business IT and Business degrees. Here at the University of Worcester Richard leads on our Global Partnerships with QLIK, IBM Watson Analytics & Microsoft Dynamics.

Richard is published in the field of IT in Higher Education, is a Senior Fellow of the HEA, a member of the British Computer Society (BCS) and an External Examiner.


Entry requirements

UCAS tariff points required: 96

Typical Offer
QualificationGrade
A-levelCCC
BTEC National Extended DiplomaMMM
T-levelPass (C or above)

We do accept Access to HE Diplomas and other qualifications which may not exactly match the combinations above. Work out your estimated points with the UCAS tariff calculator.

Any questions?

If you have any questions about entry requirements, please call our Admissions Office on 01905 855111 or email admissions@worc.ac.uk.


More to explore

Open Days

Visiting us is the best way to get a feel for student life at the University of Worcester.

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The City of Worcester

Worcester is a welcoming university city with great transport links and plenty of student parking.

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Accommodation

Benefit from our accommodation guarantee. We have rooms on campus to suit every budget including en-suite options.

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Fees

Fees contents

UK and EU Students

The standard fee for full-time home and EU undergraduate students enrolling on BA/BSc/LLB degrees and FdA/FdSc degrees in the 2024/25 academic year is £9,250 per year.

For more details, please visit our course fees page.

International Students

The standard tuition fee for full-time international students enrolling on BA/BSc/LLB degrees and FdA/FdSc degrees in the 2024/25 academic year is £16,200 per year.


How to apply

How to apply contents

Applying through UCAS

UCAS is the central organisation through which applications are processed for full-time undergraduate courses in the UK.

Read our how to apply pages for more information on the application process, or if you’d like to apply for part-time study.

Apply for September 2024 entry:

Apply for Cyber Security BSc (Hons)Apply for Cyber Security BSc (Hons) with placement year

Apply for January 2025 entry:

Apply for Cyber Security BSc (Hons)

Contact

If you have any questions, please get in touch. We're here to help you every step of the way.

University of Worcester logo on a light blue background

Akinola Olumide Siyanbola

Lecturer in Web Application Development

Admissions Office

01905 855111