Computer Science (Cyber Security) BSc Honours
- UCAS code: I195
- Full time
- 3 years
Learn about the dynamic world of Cyber Security. You’ll develop robust systems that are secure against cyber threats.
You are currently viewing course information for entry year: 2025
Next start date:
- September 2025
Fees (per year)
- Home: £9250
- International: £29400
UCAS Institution name and code:
- NEWC / N21
Course overview
Studying Cyber Security will give you the skills and knowledge to develop dependable software systems.
You’ll learn about:
- security mechanisms for computing
- software verification techniques and tools
- cryptography
- cryptographic protocols
We’ll focus on the design and development of dependable software systems, including:
- cryptographies
- software verification technology
In your first two years, you’ll study a broad Computer Science curriculum. You’ll learn about problem-solving, program design and implementation.
In your final year, you’ll learn more about cyber security and study more specialised modules.
Our Computer Science with Cyber Security degree will prepare you for a career in different technical roles. You’ll be able to work in software houses, with companies designing and deploying dependable software in safety-critical industry sectors.
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Your course and study experience - disclaimers and terms and conditions
Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to Covid-19.
View our Academic experience page, which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2024-25.
See our terms and conditions and student complaints information, which gives details of circumstances that may lead to changes to programmes, modules or University services.
Additional information
Flexible degree structure
All our Computer Science students study the same modules for the first two years. Once you have a good foundation, you'll specialise later in your course. This means you can transfer between our degrees, until the end of your second year.
Quality and ranking
Professional accreditation and recognition
All professional accreditations are reviewed regularly by their professional body.
Modules and learning
Modules
The information below is intended to provide an example of what you will study.
Most degrees are divided into stages. Each stage lasts for one academic year, and you'll complete modules totalling 120 credits by the end of each stage.
Our teaching is informed by research. Course content may change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.
Optional module availability
Student demand for optional modules may affect availability.
Full details of the modules on offer will be published through the Programme Regulations and Specifications ahead of each academic year. This usually happens in May.
To find out more please see our terms and conditions
Learn about the fundamentals of Computer Science. There’s an emphasis on developing your skills in program design and implementation.
You'll get experience in Java programming, develop your problem-solving skills, and get a broad view of hardware and software architectures.
During this year, you’ll get an insight into what it’s like working in the digital sector.
Modules
| Compulsory Modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| Fundamentals of Computing | 20 |
| Computer Systems Design and Architectures | 20 |
| Foundations of Data Science | 20 |
| Programming Portfolio 1 | 30 |
| Programming Portfolio 2 | 30 |
You'll study modules in software engineering, algorithm design and the fundamental principles that govern the operation of the internet.
We'll introduce you to requirements analysis and databases, and the formal specification of software systems.
You'll also work in a team to engineer a substantial software product, developing practical teamwork skills.
Modules
| Compulsory Modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| Security Programming | 20 |
| Algorithm Design and Analysis | 10 |
| Software Engineering Team Project | 30 |
| Introducing Contemporary Topics in Computing | 30 |
| Software Systems Design and Implementation | 30 |
In your final year, you’ll start to specialise in Cyber Security. You'll study system and network security, software verification technology, reliability and fault tolerance, and cryptographies.
Modules
| Compulsory Modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| Major Project and Dissertation in Computer Science | 60 |
| Cryptography | 10 |
| System and Network Security | 20 |
We base these figures and graphs on the most up-to-date information available to us. They are based on the modules chosen by our students in 2023-24.
Teaching time is made up of:
- scheduled learning and teaching activities. These are timetabled activities with a member of staff present.
- structured guided learning. These are activities developed by staff to support engagement with module learning. Students or groups of students undertake these activities without direct staff participation or supervision
Teaching and assessment
Teaching methods
Teaching methods include:
- lectures, including guest lectures from visiting professionals
- tutorials from our expert staff
- supervised practical work, which will account for most of your time
- project work to help you develop real-world business skills, such as teamwork and project management
During your project work in Stage 2, you'll work as a team to develop a software product.
In Stage 3, you'll work on a major individual project and a dissertation.
Assessment methods
You'll be assessed through a combination of:
-
Coursework
-
Dissertation or research project
-
Examinations – practical or online
-
Group work
-
Practical sessions
-
Presentations
-
Projects
Skills and experience
Business skills
In addition to your academic work, employers look for evidence of skills and experience. Our degrees have been created with industry needs in mind.
In Stage 2, you will gain a realistic preview into industry life, being taught in a team environment with real-life industry briefs. You will pick a problem, identified by industry, and develop a project to find a solution. The projects are marked by industry representatives, lecturers and the project sponsor.
Opportunities
Industrial placement year
Spend a year working in the industry with our Computer Science (Cyber Security) with Industrial Placement BSc degree. It’s the same as our Computer Science (Cyber Security) BSc degree, with an extra year for a paid industrial placement. The placement starts in Stage 3.
Your placement is a great opportunity to gain practical experience, key business skills and industry contacts. This practical experience can help you develop in a non-university setting.
Facilities and environment
Facilities
You'll be part of the School of Computing, based in the Urban Sciences Building on our Newcastle Helix campus.
This brand new £58m building offers great facilities for our students, including:
- cyber-physical systems laboratory
- decision theatre for data visualisation
- flat floor teaching facilities
- 315 PCs with a Raspberry Pi3 on every desk
The building and the surrounding area is becoming a living laboratory, underpinning research to make urban centres more sustainable for future generations.
The Newcastle Helix is an innovation district in the heart of Newcastle-upon-Tyne.
Research across the Newcastle Helix focuses on:
- cyber-physical systems
- infrastructure
- smart grids
- future of our city
- big data
Support
To help you with academic and personal issues during your course, you'll have the support of an academic staff member. They'll be your personal tutor throughout your studies.
Our peer mentors will help you adjust to life at university during your first year. Our peer mentors are fellow students who can help you settle in and answer any questions you might have.
Your future
Join a network of successful graduates
Recent graduates have taken the following roles after graduation:
- security operations analyst
- software developer
- cloud engineer consultant
- software analyst engineer
Preparing you for career success
In the present job market, computing science graduates are better placed than many others to obtain employment in a challenging and fulfilling career, and the employability of Newcastle graduates is particularly high.
An increasing number of employers require digital skills, meaning our graduates are highly sought after. They move into bespoke software development roles in software houses and computer manufacturers and also into corporate organisations that use computers on a larger scale, such as banking, insurance and manufacturing companies and public sector institutions.
Benefit from strong industry links
You'll also benefit from our well-established links with organisations within the industry. Our placement students and graduates are regularly recruited by companies such as:
- Nissan
- Waterstons
- Accenture
- IBM
- P&G
- Deloitte
- Microsoft
- Sage
- DWP
- GCHQ
You can also gain work experience with local businesses. Many local businesses approach our School to advertise short, part-time or voluntary work opportunities.
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Careers support
We want all our students to succeed in their careers. That’s why we’ve designed our courses to give you the skills employers are looking for. You can also go to guest lectures from industry professionals, mock interviews, and professional skills workshops.
Every year, the school hosts a week of career events. In the past, these have included:
- hackathon workshops
- placement discussions
- coding and enterprise challenges
- employer talks
- networking events
Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through our ncl+ initiative.
Visit our Careers Service website
Recognition of professional qualifications outside of the UK
From 1 January 2021 there is an update to the way professional qualifications are recognised by countries outside of the UK
Entry requirements
All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements and offers below apply to 2025 entry.
| A-Level | |
|---|---|
| International Baccalaureate | |
|---|---|
Other UK and the Republic of Ireland qualifications
Contextual Offers
Through one of our contextual routes, you could receive an offer of up to three grades lower than the typical requirements.
Qualifications from outside the UK
English Language requirements
Entrance courses (INTO)
International Pathway Courses are specialist programmes designed for international students who want to study in the UK. We provide a range of study options for international students in partnership with INTO.
Find out more about International Pathway Courses
Admissions policy
This policy applies to all undergraduate and postgraduate admissions at Newcastle University. It is intended to provide information about our admissions policies and procedures to applicants and potential applicants, to their advisors and family members, and to staff of the University.
University Admissions Policy and related policies and procedures
Credit transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) can allow you to convert existing relevant university-level knowledge, skills and experience into credits towards a qualification. Find out more about the RPL policy which may apply to this course.
Tuition fees and scholarships
Tuition fees for 2025 entry (per year)
The 2025 home fees have not yet been confirmed.
| Qualification: BSc Honours | |
|---|---|
|
Home students full time 3 years |
Tuition fees (per year)
9250 |
|
International students full time 3 years |
Tuition fees (per year)
29400 |
Year abroad and additional costs
For programmes where you can spend a year on a work placement or studying abroad, you will receive a significant fee reduction for that year.
Some of our degrees involve additional costs which are not covered by your tuition fees.
Scholarships
Find out more about:
Open days and events
You'll have a number of opportunities to meet us throughout the year at our on-campus and virtual open days.
You'll be able to:
- explore our beautiful campus
- find out about our vibrant city
- discover what students think about studying at Newcastle
You'll also have the opportunity to speak to academic staff and find out more about the subjects you're interested in.
Find out about how you can visit Newcastle in person and virtually.
We regularly travel overseas to meet with students interested in studying at Newcastle University. Visit our events calendar to find out when we're visiting your region.
How to apply
Apply through UCAS
To apply for undergraduate study at Newcastle University, you must use the online application system managed by the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). All UK schools and colleges, and a small number of EU and international establishments, are registered with UCAS. You will need:
- the UCAS name and institution codes for Newcastle University (NEWC/N21)
- the UCAS code for the course you want to apply for
- the UCAS 'buzzword' for your school or college
If you are applying independently, or are applying from a school or college which is not registered to manage applications, you will still use the Apply system. You will not need a buzzword.
Apply through UCASApply through an agent
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