MEng Computer Science with Cyber Security
About this course
The MEng (Hons) Computer Science with Cyber Security is a computer science and software engineering degree centred on the protection of digital systems and networks. Core topics include Programming, Systems Design, Computer Architecture, Embedded Systems, Data Analysis, Research Methods, and Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning. Students complete a focused cyber security project and can undertake a placement year to gain professional workplace experience before graduation. Throughout the four-year course, students progress from fundamental concepts to advanced specialisms. The first year establishes core foundations through modules such as Software 1: Foundations of Programming for Computer Science, Theory 1: Mathematical Foundations of Computer Science, and Systems and Devices 1: Introduction to Computer Architectures. The second year builds technical knowledge with modules including Engineering 1: Systems and Software Engineering, Systems and Devices 2: Operating Systems, Security and Networking, and Intelligent Systems: Machine Learning and Optimisation. The third and fourth years advance into specialized study through compulsory modules like Cryptography Theory and Practice, Ethical Hacking, Analysis and Investigation, and Network Security, alongside a group project for integrated masters students. Optional study areas include subjects such as Autonomous Robots, Deep Learning, and Embedded Systems Design and Implementation.
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
A level: A*AA including Mathematics. If you are studying towards a fourth A level, we will make an alternative offer of AAAA including Mathematics. IB: 37 points overall, including 5 in Higher Level Mathematics (either Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretations), or 6 in Standard Level Mathematics (Analysis and Approaches). BTEC: DDD plus grade B in A level Mathematics (or equivalent qualification) We consider a range of BTEC qualifications equivalent to 3 A Levels, or in combination with A Levels or other qualifications. For example: Distinction, Distinction in BTEC Level 3 National Diploma plus A in A Level Mathematics Distinction in BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate plus AA at A level including Mathematics Distinction, Distinction in 2 BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificates plus A in A Level Mathematics
What students say
Based on about 8 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 71%
- Learning opportunities: 81%
- Assessment and feedback: 67%
- Academic support: 89%
- Organisation and management: 78%
- Learning resources: 85%
- Student voice: 79%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 10 students who started, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 95%
- Left higher education: 5%
What graduates do next
Based on about 45 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Working: 84%
- Working and studying: 1%
- Further study: 5%
- Unemployed: 5%
Most common jobs
- Information Technology Professionals: 66%
- Teaching Professionals: 6%
- Business and public service associate professionals: 6%
- Elementary occupations: 3%
- Science, engineering and technology associate professionals: 3%
- Find their work meaningful: 75%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 90%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 75%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 110 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 1%
- North West: 10%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 26%
- East Midlands: 5%
- West Midlands: 2%
- East of England: 14%
- London: 21%
- South East: 14%
- South West: 5%
- Scotland: 2%
Who gets in
Based on about 15 students who started, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 100%
Accreditation & quality ratings
TEF 2023 (whole university): Gold overall, Gold for student experience, Silver for student outcomes.
Modules
- Software 1: Foundations of Programming for Computer Science
- Theory 1: Mathematical Foundations of Computer Science
- Human-Computer Interaction
- Software 2: Object-Oriented Data Structures and Algorithms
- Systems and Devices 1: Introduction to Computer Architectures
- Theory 2: Formal Languages and Automata
- Engineering 1: Systems and Software Engineering
- Systems and Devices 2: Operating Systems, Security and Networking
- Theory 3: Computability, Complexity and Logic
- Intelligent Systems: Machine Learning and Optimisation
- Data: Introduction to Data Science
- Systems and Devices 3: Advanced Computer Systems
- Computer Science Project (Cyber Security topic)
- Cryptography Theory and Practice
- Ethical Hacking, Analysis and Investigation
- Network Security
- Quantum Computation
- Human Factors: Technology in Context
- AI Search and Logic
- Autonomous Robots
- Embedded Systems Design and Implementation
- Engineering 2: Automated Software Engineering
- High-Integrity Systems Engineering
- High-Performance Parallel and Distributed Systems
- Deep Learning
- Legal Practice, Technology and Computer Science
- Player Experiences in Digital Games
- Qualitative Approaches to Investigating UX
- Research Methods in Computer Science
- Cloud based Data Analysis
- Game Design & Development in Real-Time Engines
- Governance of Data Science
- Engineering LLM-Based Agents and Applications
- Large Language Models
- Natural Language Processing
- Group Project (Integrated Masters)
- Cryptography Theory and Practice
- Ethical Hacking, Analysis and Investigation
- Network Security
- AI Problem Solving with Search and Logic
- Autonomous Robotic Systems Engineering
- Computer Vision and Graphics
- Embedded Systems Design and Implementation
- Engineering 2: Automated Software Engineering
- Evolutionary and Adaptive Computing
- High-Integrity Systems Engineering
- High-Performance Parallel and Distributed Systems
- Human Factors: Technology in Context
- Intelligent Systems: Probabilistic and Deep Learning
- Player Experiences in Digital Games
- Qualitative Approaches to Investigating UX
- Quantum Computation
- Research Methods in Computer Science
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of MEng Computer Science with Cyber Security at University of York earn?
The median salary is £38,000 after 15 months, £40,000 after 3 years, £53,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £40,000 and £70,000. The £53,500 median after five years is £17,500 more than the UK median for Computer science.
What do graduates of MEng Computer Science with Cyber Security at University of York do next?
90% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on MEng Computer Science with Cyber Security at University of York?
71% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for MEng Computer Science with Cyber Security at University of York?
The typical offer is A*AA at A level, or 37 points in the IB. The average entrant had 152 UCAS points.
Does MEng Computer Science with Cyber Security at University of York include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional placement year and an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on MEng Computer Science with Cyber Security at University of York?
95% of students continued into their second year, and 5% left higher education.