BSc Computer Science (Cyber Security)
About this course
BSc (Hons) in Computer Science (Cyber Security), a computer science and software engineering degree centred on secure systems, digital infrastructure and software development. Core topics include Programming, Computer Architecture, Data Analysis, Critical & Analytical Thinking, and Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning. Students can complete an optional placement year and work on a final-year computing project. The first year covers foundational concepts through compulsory modules such as Software Engineering 1, Computer Systems, Cyber Security & Networks, and Algorithms, Data Structures and Mathematics. The second year progresses to advanced principles via Software Engineering 2, Information Management & Retrieval, Artificial Intelligence, and Security Architectures & Cryptography. In the final year, students study Information Security Management & Governance and Ethical Hacking, alongside optional modules covering areas such as Machine Learning, Big Data Analytics, Security Operations & Incident Management, and Digital Forensics & Malware Analysis.
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
GCSE: GCSE English and Mathematics at grade C/4 or above are required. A level: 104 points from a minimum of 2 A levels. 18 Unit BTEC National Diploma/QCF Extended Diploma: DMM – in science-related subjects: IT, Humanities, Engineering, Software Development, IT Practitioners, Business, Computing, Science. BTEC National Diploma modules If you hold a BTEC qualification it is vital that you provide our Admissions team with details of the exact modules you have studied as part of the BTEC. Without this information we may be unable to process your application quickly and you could experience significant delays in the progress of your application to study with us. Please explicitly state the full list of modules within your qualification at the time of application. All Access courses: Pass Access to Higher Education Diploma in a relevant subject (e.g., Computer Science, Science, Engineering, Mathematics, Technology) with at least 33 Level 3 credits at Merit and/or Distinction. T level: Merit overall in Digital: Digital Production, Design and Development or Digital Support Services. International Baccalaureate: 26 overall. English and Mathematics are accepted within as GCSE equivalent.
What students say
Based on about 24 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 78%
- Learning opportunities: 84%
- Assessment and feedback: 74%
- Academic support: 89%
- Organisation and management: 80%
- Learning resources: 95%
- Student voice: 73%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 50 students who started
- Continued on course: 80%
- Gained a higher qualification: 10%
- Left higher education: 10%
- Moved to a lower qualification: 5%
What graduates do next
Based on about 12 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 80%
- Working and studying: 5%
- Further study: 5%
- Unemployed: 10%
Most common jobs
- Information Technology Professionals: 50%
- Science, engineering and technology associate professionals: 20%
- Skilled trades occupations: 5%
- Sales occupations: 5%
- Teaching Professionals: 5%
- Find their work meaningful: 80%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 65%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 60%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 230 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North West: 2%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 1%
- West Midlands: 1%
- East of England: 3%
- London: 9%
- South East: 15%
- South West: 66%
- Wales: 1%
Who gets in
Based on about 35 students who started
- A levels: 85%
- Access course: 5%
- Other HE qualification: 10%
Accreditation & quality ratings
- Accredited by BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered IT Professional.
TEF 2023 (whole university): Gold overall, Gold for student experience, Gold for student outcomes.
Modules
- Stage 1 Computing Placement Preparation
- Software Engineering 1
- Computer Systems
- Cyber Security & Networks
- Algorithms, Data Structures and Mathematics
- Computing Practice
- Stage 2 Computing Placement Preparation
- Software Engineering 2
- Information Management & Retrieval
- Artificial Intelligence
- Computing Group Project
- Security Architectures & Cryptography
- Computing Related Placement (Generic)
- Computing Project
- Information Security Management & Governance
- Ethical Hacking
- Machine Learning
- Big Data Analytics
- Security Operations & Incident Management
- Digital Forensics & Malware Analysis
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Computer Science (Cyber Security) at University of Plymouth earn?
The median salary is £29,000 after 15 months, £28,000 after 3 years, £38,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £27,500 and £52,000. The £38,000 median after five years is £2,000 more than the UK median for Computer science.
What do graduates of BSc Computer Science (Cyber Security) at University of Plymouth do next?
90% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BSc Computer Science (Cyber Security) at University of Plymouth?
78% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BSc Computer Science (Cyber Security) at University of Plymouth?
The average entrant had 126 UCAS points.
Is BSc Computer Science (Cyber Security) at University of Plymouth accredited?
Yes. Accredited by BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered IT Professional.
Does BSc Computer Science (Cyber Security) at University of Plymouth include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional placement year and an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on BSc Computer Science (Cyber Security) at University of Plymouth?
80% of students continued into their second year, and 10% left higher education.