Cyber Security

BSc (Hons) Top-up

Accredited by University College Birmingham

Award

BSc (Hons)

Duration

1 year FT

UCAS Code

L410

Entry

September

Fees

View Fees

Department of Digital
Discover more at our next open day

Saturday 09 November 2024

Join an open day

·    Gain a broad range of cyber security knowledge studying up-to-date, industry-relevant topics

£25,000 average salary in cyber security, with other roles paying up to £70,000

Cyber security has become essential for modern-day living, securing everything from the economy and finance to communication and leisure. Our Cyber Security top-up degree course will enable you to stay up-to-date with the latest cyber developments in preparation for the industry.

Designed for anyone who has previously studied a relevant subject (up to Level 5), this course explores a range of key topics, including cyber security incident management, artificial intelligence in cyber security and cyber security and emerging trends. You will also have the chance to explore an area of cyber security in-depth for your final research project.

Throughout our cyber security top-up course, you will have access to our state-of-the-art IT and computer facilities, including our Cyber Security Lab. On completion, you can pursue careers ranging from cyber security analyst to secure software developer, network security administrator and more, with the opportunity to progress onto a postgraduate degree, inlcuding our computer science master’s course.

Why should I choose this course?

  • PRACTICAL APPLICATION – Learn in our purpose-built computer labs including our Cyber Security Lab on campus
  • IN-DEPTH RESEARCH – Take on a substantial research project exploring an aspect of computing science in depth
  • AWARD-WINNING UNIVERSITY – Study at the highest-ranking university in the region according to student choice (Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2024)

Our facilities

Students on our computing university course will have access to computer labs specifically designed for this degree, while our cyber security laboratory enables students to learn and participate in cyber-related activities in a controlled environment.

Course breakdown

  • Modules

Core Modules

Artificial Intelligence in Cyber Security

The module blends cyber security and artificial intelligence (AI) domains. This covers the fundamentals of AI for Security and how AI can solve problems in the cyber security space. This cyber security module presents and demonstrates AI approaches, including problem-solving, knowledge representation and machine learning that can be adapted to detect potential attacks and protect your systems.

Cyber Security and Emerging Trends

This module introduces students to contemporary topics in cyber security and considers the latest and emerging trends, techniques, and tools in the cyber security arena. This can include cloud computing, virtualisation, blockchain technology, and Zero-Trust Network Access (ZTNA) for cyber security. ZTNA has recently emerged as a more secure option for controlling remote access to sensitive data and reducing the likelihood of an attack. This module will emphasise how to protect organisations from cyber threats by adopting emerging trends.

Cyber Security Incident Management

This module will allow you to learn the cyber security incident management process, which includes reporting, investigating, and corrective action, including incident response, assessment, and review. You will learn a mature approach to handling computer security incidents; once an incident has been identified, how systems should be set up to notify that a response is required, and then a process of containment, eradication, recovery and education should be followed.

Cyber Security Individual Project

This module will provide an opportunity for you to conduct research into an unfamiliar aspect of Cyber Security and enable you to develop and apply Cyber Security skills to a substantial problem. You will synthesise what you have learned from other modules and be provided with an opportunity to work independently.

Secure Programming

This module will cover secure programming of effective system analysis, design, and implementation to ensure the developed program is safe from cyber-attacks. You will be introduced to various techniques that can be applied for secure software development and to ensure the system is not exposed to cyber-attacks. Students will preferably use object-oriented programming languages and be exposed to advanced programming features that make the program efficient, effective, and secure. You will develop advanced programming skills with a selected programming language.

The modules listed above for this course are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up to date and informed by industry as well as the latest teaching methods. On occasion, we may need to make unexpected changes to modules – if this occurs, we will contact all offer holders as soon as possible.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements

Academic: A relevant HND or a foundation degree in the area of computer science, with 240 credits.

If you are unsure if your previous qualification is suitable, please contact us before completing an application. You can call us on 0121 604 1040 or complete our enquiry form here.

International students

Academic: European and international qualifications studied in a relevant subject matter will also be considered. Applicants will need to have achieved 120 ECTS or equivalent (European Credit Transfer).

If you are unsure if your previous qualification is suitable, please contact us before completing an application. You can call us on 0121 604 1040 or complete our enquiry form:

Enquiry form

Key information

Teaching and assessment

Note: Indicative information only – actual timetables and assessment regimes will be issued at your induction. 

Teaching 

Example of a typical teaching week (up to 12 contact hours): 

  • Group teaching – 6 hours 
  • Subject related workshops – 5 hours 
  • Tutorials – 1 hour 

You will also need to commit around 20 hours per week for individual study time. 

Assessment

Estimated breakdown of assessment for this degree course:

  • Coursework – 50%
  • Practical assessment / projects – 50%

Our teaching and assessment is underpinned by our Teaching, Learning and Assessment Strategy 2021-2024.

Tuition fees

Home students

If you are a home student enrolling on a bachelor's or foundation degree course at University College Birmingham, the 2024/2025 or 2025/2026 academic year tuition fee for full-time study will be £9,250. For part-time study, the fee will be £4,625.

View tuition fees for home students


International students

If you are an international student (or have been fee assessed as an international fee payer) and are enrolling on a full-time bachelor's degree course in 2024/2025, the fee for the academic year will be £14,000. In 2025/26, the tuition fee for the academic year will be £16,000 [Band 1] per year. If you complete a placement year, there will be an administration fee of £500 for a full year or £250 for a half-year placement.

View fees for international students

Kick-Start Scheme

As a new student studying this course full-time, you will receive £300 per year through our Kick-Start Scheme (UK students only, eligibility criteria applies). This scheme will support your studies and future career by contributing to course-related materials, uniform or selected items on campus. You may also qualify for an additional £500 per year.

Find out more about the Kick-Start Scheme here.

Unibuddy Community - meet other students on your course

Starting university is an exciting time, but we understand that it can sometimes feel a little daunting. To support you, you will be invited to join our Unibuddy Community, where you can meet other students who have applied for the same course at University College Birmingham, before you start studying here.

As soon as you have been made an offer, you will be sent an invitation email to complete your registration and join the Unibuddy Community. For more information, check out our Unibuddy Community page.

Percentage
70%

of graduate employers say relevant experience is essential to getting a job with them

Work experience

Work experience is vital for learning how to apply your training in the real world and for building your confidence and skills before you finish your course – and it may even lead to a job when you graduate. Our Hired team can help you find suitable work experience.

We encourage students on our BSc Cyber Security top-up course to gain work experience throughout your studies.

"Now is the perfect time to start pursuing a career in cyber security. According to recent reports, the UK cyber sector is estimated to face a shortfall of workers yearly in the coming years. Our course covers a range of key skills and study topics that will put you in a prime position for many different jobs and enable you to impact this hugely important industry."

Fahmida Abedin Senior lecturer

Career opportunities

The example roles and salaries below are intended as a guide only.

Systems analyst

Average salary: £30,000 – £40,000

Cyber security analyst

Average Salary: £35,000

Cyber security consultant

Average Salary: £45,000

Cyber security engineer

Average Salary: £45,000

Network security administrator

Average Salary: £38,500

Penetration tester

Average Salary: £40,000

HIRED

We are here to support your career goals every step of the way. 

 

Find out more

Ed’s Story

With substantial knowledge and experience in computing and software development, Ed explains the benefits of studying our cyber security degree.

Read Story

Undergraduate students

Take the next step...

  

Back to top