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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
· 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.
Our Cyber Security Lab provides a controlled environment for students to learn and participate in cyber-related activities
Located in Camden House, the Cyber Security Lab enables students to experiment and experience a range of cyber security scenarios safely using a discrete network
Based in Camden House, our computing facilities contain dedicated teaching labs complete with high-spec computers and industry-standard software
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:
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 for home students
If you are a home student enrolling on a bachelor's or foundation degree course at University College Birmingham, the 2024/2025 academic year tuition fee for full-time study is £9,250. For part-time study, the fee is £4,625.
In 2025/2026, the full-time fee will be £9,535 per year, while the part-time fee will be £4,767.50 per year.
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.
This course is delivered in partnership with the Greater Birmingham and Solihull Institute of Technology (GBSIoT).
Accreditations, endorsements and partnerships
University College Birmingham works with a wide range of organisations to ensure you receive the best possible training and qualifications recognised by industry.
70%
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."
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
Ed’s Story
With substantial knowledge and experience in computing and software development, Ed explains the benefits of studying our cyber security degree.
