BSc (Hons) Cyber Security at University of Essex

Programme overview

The BSc (Hons) Cyber Security is a three-year degree at the Colchester Campus combining a computer science foundation with secure software development, network and systems security, cryptography and digital forensics. Hands-on laboratories cover penetration testing through ethical hacking, threat analysis, secure system design and incident response.

Department: School of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering | Duration: 3 years full-time (4 years with optional placement or study abroad year) | Intake: October 2027 | Study mode: full-time; year abroad option, placement year option | Location: Colchester, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

Year 1 includes Team Project Challenge, Data Structures and Algorithms I, Mathematics for Computing, Introduction to Programming, Object-Oriented Programming, Introduction to Databases and Web Development. Year 2 includes Software Engineering, Secure Software Engineering and Introduction to Artificial Intelligence; later years add computer security and AI-for-security options.

Career pathways

Cyber security operations; secure software engineering; infrastructure protection; risk and compliance; postgraduate research.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

GCSE Mathematics grade C/4. Plus 112 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of the equivalent of 2 full A-levels. IB: 29 points in the IB Diploma, or 112 UCAS tariff points including a minimum of 2 Higher Level subjects (Maths requirement met by 2 in Standard or Higher Level Maths, or 4 in IB Middle Years Maths). Applications are made through UCAS (Essex institution code E70). A-levels, AAQs, BTECs, Access to HE Diploma, T-levels and most other qualifications with UCAS tariff points are accepted; acceptability of some non A-level qualifications such as BTECs depends on subject and units taken. Applicants who miss the requirements, have a non-traditional background or are mature students are still encouraged to apply and are reviewed individually. Contextual offers (UK-resident applicants from underrepresented groups) are available: GCSE Mathematics C/4 plus 96 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 2 full A-levels. International applicants whose first language is not English: IELTS 6.0 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each component, or an accepted equivalent test.

Domestic applicants: GBP 10,050 a year. Fees as listed for the course (start October 2027); fees increase for each year of study. Placement year is charged at 20% of the standard fee and a full study-abroad year at 15%. Source

International applicants: GBP 26,325 a year. Fees as listed for the course (start October 2027); fees increase for each year of study. Placement year is charged at 20% of the standard fee and a full study-abroad year at 15%. Source

Intake: October 2027

Duration: 3 years full-time (4 years with optional placement or study abroad year)

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