BSc Cyber Security with a Foundation Year
About this course
BSc (Hons) Cyber Security with a Foundation Year is a four-year undergraduate degree centred on protecting modern information systems, networks, and data from cyber threats. Core topics include Programming, Computer Architecture, Statistics, Project Management, Communication & Writing, and Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning. The course includes a compulsory foundation year designed to provide underpinning knowledge before progressing to degree-level study. The course begins with Year 0, establishing foundational knowledge through compulsory modules such as Fundamentals of Digital Technology, Cyber Security in Society, Emerging Technologies, Independent Practice, and Foundations of Programming. Year 1 covers foundational computing concepts through Cyber Security Fundamentals, Applied Operating Systems, Computer Programming, Mathematics for Computing, and Network Fundamentals. Year 2 advances into specialized security topics with compulsory modules including System Security Attacks and Defences, Applied Cyber Forensics, Cyber Security Operations, Networking Technologies, and Applied Cryptography. Finally, Year 4 focuses on advanced applications and security operations with modules such as Ethical Hacking, Applied AI for Cyber Security, Network and Internetwork Forensics, and Cloud Computing.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
80 UCAS Tariff points. Learn more about UCAS Tariff points . This course does not require evidence of GCSE qualifications. Please see A Level, BTEC and other Level 3 requirements below. A Level: A Level: 80 UCAS Tariff points / CDD (or equivalent) AS Level: Must be in a different subject to A Levels A maximum of four subjects will be considered Pearson BTEC (Diploma / Extended Diploma/ Extended Certificate): 80 UCAS Tariff points Diploma accepted with one A Level or equivalent level 3 qualifications Extended Certificate accepted with two A Levels or equivalent level 3 qualifications T Level: Pass overall (C or above on the core) All subjects considered Access to HE Diploma: Pass with 60 credits, 45 credits at level 3 OCR Cambridge Technical qualifications: 80 UCAS Tariff points NCFE CACHE Level 3 qualifications: 80 UCAS Tariff points WJEC Level 3 qualifications: 80 UCAS Tariff points Considered with two A Levels or equivalent level 3 qualification(s) Irish Leaving Certificate (Highers): Minimum of 80 UCAS Tariff points, achieved in five Higher level subjects Scottish Higher / Advanced Higher: 80 UCAS Tariff points from three Advanced Highers (DDD) or two Advanced Highers (DD) plus two Highers (DD) Welsh Baccalaureate: 80 UCAS Tariff points. Considered with two A Levels or equivalent level 3 qualifications
What students say
Based on about 13 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 75%
- Learning opportunities: 83%
- Assessment and feedback: 77%
- Academic support: 87%
- Organisation and management: 77%
- Learning resources: 82%
- Student voice: 91%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 65 students who started
- Continued on course: 81%
- Left higher education: 19%
What graduates do next
Based on about 7 graduates who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 60%
- Further study: 10%
- Unemployed: 25%
Most common jobs
- Science, engineering and technology associate professionals: 25%
- Information Technology Professionals: 25%
- Sales occupations: 15%
- Process, plant and machine operatives: 5%
- Protective service occupations: 5%
- Find their work meaningful: 80%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 65%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 50%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 330 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North West: 3%
- East Midlands: 5%
- West Midlands: 74%
- East of England: 1%
- London: 6%
- South East: 5%
- South West: 2%
- Wales: 1%
- Scotland: 1%
Who gets in
Based on about 65 students who started
- A levels: 89%
- Access course: 2%
- A degree: 2%
- Other HE qualification: 6%
- Other qualifications: 2%
Accreditation & quality ratings
TEF 2023 (whole university): Silver overall, Gold for student experience, Silver for student outcomes.
Modules
- Fundamentals of Digital Technology
- Cyber Security in Society
- Emerging Technologies
- Independent Practice
- Foundations of Programming
- Cyber Security Fundamentals
- Applied Operating Systems
- Computer Programming
- Mathematics for Computing
- Network Fundamentals
- System Security Attacks and Defences
- Applied Cyber Forensics
- Cyber Security Operations
- Networking Technologies
- Applied Cryptography
- Ethical Hacking
- Applied AI for Cyber Security
- Network and Internetwork Forensics
- Cloud Computing
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Cyber Security with a Foundation Year at Birmingham City University earn?
The median salary is £26,000 after 15 months, £23,000 after 3 years, £28,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £22,500 and £38,000. The £28,000 median after five years is £8,000 less than the UK median for Software engineering.
What do graduates of BSc Cyber Security with a Foundation Year at Birmingham City University do next?
65% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BSc Cyber Security with a Foundation Year at Birmingham City University?
75% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BSc Cyber Security with a Foundation Year at Birmingham City University?
The typical offer is CDD at A level. The average entrant had 84 UCAS points.
How many students continue on BSc Cyber Security with a Foundation Year at Birmingham City University?
81% of students continued into their second year, and 19% left higher education.