BSc (Hons) Computer Science (Cyber Security and Networks)

Key information

Typical offer:
Entry requirements
Fees: See below
Full details
UCAS code: G491
Institute code: H36
Study abroad option
Work placement option
Find out more

Clearing entry requirements

We’re committed to welcoming students with a wide range of qualifications and levels of experience. Over Clearing, we’ll be taking a flexible approach so if you don’t have the advertised grades, you can submit a clearing application and we’ll review and consider your application on an individual basis.

UCAS points	A Level	BTEC	Accepted T Levels	Access Course Tariff	IB requirement
120–128	BBB–ABB	DDM	120–128 UCAS points Please see additional requirements for accepted T Level subjects	Overall merit profile in 45 credits at Level 3	120–128 UCAS points from a minimum of two HL subjects at grade 4 or above

Additional requirements

GCSE: Grade 4/C in English Language and Mathematics.

Accepted T Levels: Design Survey and Planning for Construction; Design Production, Design and Development; Education and Childcare; Healthcare Science; Health; Science; Digital Support Services; Digital Business Services; Onsite Construction; Building Services Engineering for Construction; Accounting; Design and Development for Engineering and Manufacturing; Engineering, Manufacturing, Processing and Control; Finance; Maintenance, Installation and Repair for Engineering and Manufacturing; Management and Administration; Agriculture, Land Management and Production; Legal Services.

All students from non-majority English speaking countries require proof of English language proficiency, equivalent to an overall IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each band.

If you do not have the required IELTS or equivalent for direct entry on to your degree programme, our Pre-sessional English and International Foundation courses can help you to achieve this level.

For more details on the University of Hertfordshire's entry requirements, please visit our Undergraduate Entry Requirements page.

Find out more about International Entry Requirements.

Why choose this course?

Choose this course with an emphasis on networking and security building on a base of mainstream computer science, or change to one of the others in our flexible programme.
Be taught by highly qualified staff, most with a PhD or other advanced degree plus research, teaching, or professional experience.
Be part of a highly regarded well established computer science department with excellent facilities, a strong research background, and links to business and industry.
Prepare yourself for a career in the IT sector through a mix of academic, professional and practical study, with opportunities for industry certifications and a paid placement year. Previous students have worked placements at companies including GSK, Xerox, and BT.
Recent graduates have gone on to work at amazing organisations including Siemens, EE, and Lloyds Bank.
Computer Science saw 90% of its research ranked as world-leading. (Research Excellence Framework, 2021).

What's the course about?

Computer networking is an essential part of modern life: from the networked applications that run on smartphones and the internet, to the secure systems demanded by global business.

This course adds a specialism in networking to a broad base in technology and software development. In the first two years you’ll find an emphasis on software development, professional programming, the modelling of systems and data and the issues that arise in a networked environment.

From this foundation you’ll learn about protocols, network design, constructing distributed applications and defending against cyber attacks. The course will enable you to create and evaluate systems and applications within a networked environment.

Your main campus is College Lane 

This is where the creative arts, science and health-related subjects are based. This means you’ll share the campus with future nurses, scientists, artists and more. You can use the common rooms to relax with friends, work out in the 24-hour gym or have a drink in our on-campus pub or cafes. We also have restaurants for you to eat in or grab something on the go. Our Learning Resources Centres are open 24/7, which means you can study whenever suits you best. Want to pop over to the other campus? You can take the free shuttle bus or walk there in just 15 minutes.  

New School of Physics, Engineering and Computer Science building opening in 2024

Learn in our brand-new building, where you’ll experience a range of experiential learning zones.

The computer science labs are home to telecommunications, robotics and UX empathy labs, with a variety of research spaces that range from dark rooms to clean rooms, and sample prep labs to calibration and assembly labs.

You will also benefit from a Success and Skills Support Unit, which is aimed at helping you build your employability and academic skills. Plus, have access to industry mentors who will provide you with pastoral support, vocational guidance, and career progression opportunities.

The new building will also provide space to collaborate, with plenty of workshops, social and meeting spaces available. Even better, the building has been designed with the University’s net zero carbon target in mind, and forms part of our plan to replace or upgrade older sites that are energy inefficient.

What will I study?

Computer Science is both an academic and a practical subject so you will be taught in different ways such as lectures, smaller group tutorials, supervised practicals (labs) and self-study including experiential learning. Assessment is by a mix of in-class tests, exams, and coursework.

The School has well equipped laboratory facilities, with PCs running Windows 11 and/or Linux and a whole range of industry-standard and educational software from Microsoft, Oracle, Adobe, and others. There are specialist labs for networking, multimedia, devices, robotics, and projects.

In addition to scheduled classes, about 16 hours per week in Year 1, you will be expected to spend the same amount of time in self-study taking advantage of the University's extensive and up-to-date facilities. These include the Learning Resource Centres (LRCs), open 24x7, with computer workstations and wifi access, Studynet - our versatile online study environment accessible on and off campus - and open access to our labs.

Most of our students own their own PC or Mac, but this is not essential since you can use the university facilities instead or as well.

What you will learn

You will learn about different aspects of networking: protocols, network design, the tools and services for constructing distributed applications, and network security – how to defend against cyber attack. In your first two years you will concentrate on building a broad integrated foundation, with your specialism in Networking building on this foundation.

First Year

You will learn the foundations of the subject including topics such as an overview of the field, programming, modelling, and computing platforms.

Second Year

You will deepen your understanding and develop more advanced skills. There are technical modules on software development, programming, databases, operating systems and networks, plus two options.

Third Year

You have the option of taking a one-year paid work placement, or you can study abroad at one of our partner universities worldwide.

Final Year

You will study computer security and project planning, specialist modules in network protocols & architecture and cyber security, plus two options. Finally you will undertake an individual project in your chosen specialism, typically an extensive piece of practical work.

Level 4

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Introduction to Programming and Discrete Structures	30 Credits	Compulsory
This module will teach you core knowledge and skills in programming and some of the key mathematical and logical concepts that underpin computer science. There are two strands: The programming strand focuses on teaching you how to write programs in the Python 3 language, paying particular attention to fundamental programming concepts: algorithmic and functional decomposition, understanding and using assignments, conditionals, loops and functions, and applying techniques for testing and debugging. We will provide a series of examples and exercises to help you develop your understanding of program code and the programming process. The discrete structures strand focuses on developing your understanding of mathematical and logical structures that are of relevance to programmers. We will introduce you to a coherent set of concepts from discrete mathematics and logic, including sets, relations, functions, propositions, and predicates, and illustrate how they may be applied in the modelling and solving of computational problems.
From Silicon To C	30 Credits	Compulsory
This module focuses on the principles and practicalities of the multilevel organisation of computer systems. Students will have opportunities to investigate and build computational structures in hardware and to program with machine instructions and C programming language and see how they support one another. The abstractions available at higher levels (programming languages) will be de-mystified by progressively bringing them down to lower levels all the way to the silicon structures that serve as the foundation of any computer system. This will help students to learn high-level programming (when they do) in an informed and efficient way by creating cost intuitions that cannot be developed while keeping solely to abstract constructs such programming normally deals with. Students will be offered a significant number of development exercises ranging from very basic to challenging and will be helped. Independent learning by practising is key to this.
Data Modelling for Databases	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module introduces the concept of the relational model of database systems introduced by Codd [1]. It will focus on the principles of data modelling, from conceptual modelling through to physical. It will introduce techniques and tools to possibly include but not be limited to Requirements Gathering, Whiteboarding, Entity-Relationship Modelling, Normalisation, Relational Algebra, physical design, and querying via SQL. The module also introduces some of the basic operational requirements of a modern enterprise RDBMS with topics supporting the students' understanding of the physical design of the database; hence, subjects such as Query Optimisation and Transaction Processing will be introduced. The module will be highly practical, focusing on hands-on use and implementation of the tools and techniques introduced. An enterprise database system will be used via a specialist client interface throughout, and multiple case studies will be provided as support for learning. [1] Codd, Edgar Frank (June 1970). A Relational Model of Data for Large Shared Data Banks Communications of the ACM. 13 (6): pps 377-387.
Computational Problem Solving	30 Credits	Compulsory
This module builds on concepts and practices taught in Introduction to Programming and Discrete Structures, continuing both strands but bringing them closer together. It uses discrete mathematics and logic as sources of example problems and tools for describing and reasoning about programs. In the programming strand, the emphasis is on designing and implementing solutions to well-specified problems. Students will be given guidance on problem representation and choice of data structure and expected to choose/write appropriate algorithms for themselves and to implement them in Python. In the discrete structures strand, the emphasis is on understanding how mathematical and logical structures and reasoning may be used in the service of programmatic problem-solving. This strand will also serve as a source of example problems for students to solve.
Team Software Project	15 Credits	Compulsory
Students will work on a project within a team. Project specifications are provided, ensuring students have an opportunity to develop project and time management, professional, team communication and reporting, risk, presentation, and self-evaluation skills. The projects are based on typical commercial/industrial scenarios and incorporate the concepts of specification, design, implementation, and testing, designed to develop a range of employability skills. Project specifications will, where possible, promote contemporary ethics, social and professional issues in computing.

Level 5

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Algorithms and Data Structures	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module focuses on the pre-coding stage of the programming process, studying and developing algorithms and data structures appropriate for a range of different types of problem. The module emphasises the role of problems as an essential driver in the programming process and the design of algorithms and data structures in particular.
Operating Systems and Networks	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module covers theory and significant practical content in designing, installing and configuring operating systems and network services. The module helps develop problem-solving skills in operating systems and networks. It builds confidence using command line tools and configuration files in areas of Computer Science and Information Technology.
Accessibility and Usability	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module is concerned with the accessibility and usability of computer-based (software) applications. It presents these core concepts in the broader context of legal, social, ethical, and professional issues in computing and grounds them on practical work. Concepts and theories on these themes will be presented and supported by examples to demonstrate how they occur in practical scenarios. Students will be encouraged to identify existing problems, evaluate potential solutions, and communicate these in computing contexts.
Artificial Intelligence	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module will give a first introduction to the aims, scope, paradigms, notions, methods, and algorithms of Artificial Intelligence (Al), enabling students to program basic Al algorithms and systems.
Computing Things	15 Credits	Compulsory
The presentation will focus on the macro architecture of an loT device, processing of digital and analogue signals on GPIO pins, use of standard interfaces, such as UART, SPI, 120 with interrupts and processor sleep modes. Several sensors will be studied to demonstrate the data-gathering facilities available. One inexpensive and well-supported loT platform will be chosen by the module leader as a running example for content delivery. This can be ESP32 or Arduino or any similar evaluation module available at a small cost (the price of a good textbook) and which can be interfaced with a PC via a USB port. All teaching will be accompanied by exercises on the chosen platform.
Database Systems	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module assumes an understanding of fundamental relational database design, implementation, and use. It will introduce other database paradigms including, but not limited to Business Intelligence and Data Warehousing, 'Schema-free'/NoSQL databases, and Graph Databases. Teaching will be directed at both the practical design, implementation, and use of these systems as well as understanding the key advantages of each, providing an ability to compare and critique their appropriateness in a range of scenarios. In using these systems, the module will consider the limitations and appropriateness of query languages and the interaction between query languages and programming languages.
Principles and Practices of Large-Scale Programming	30 Credits	Compulsory
This module provides the knowledge and skills needed for developing a large-scale software system using object-oriented tools and techniques and an appreciation of the professional issues involved in such development, including working in teams. As well as correctness, good program design, which provides maintainability and re-use, will be expected in assessments. Object-oriented design guidelines will be used in early examples and exercises and then made explicit at a later stage. Principles to foster good design will include modularisation, abstraction, reduced code duplication, high cohesion, and low coupling, as well as object-oriented guidelines such as the Law of Demeter, programming to an interface, not an implementation, MVC, re-factoring, and a selection of design patterns.

Level 6

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Professional Work Placement in Computer Science	0 Credits	Optional
Supervised work experience provides students with the opportunity to set their academic studies in a broader context, to gain practical experience in specific technical areas and to strengthen their communication and time-management skills. It greatly assists them in developing as independent learners, so that they will be able to gain maximum benefit from the learning opportunities afforded by their future study programme. It gives them opportunities, according to the nature of the placement experience, to acquire the basis of technical expertise in specialist areas, which they may be able to enhance through study after completion of the placement, especially in the final project.
Cyber Security	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module introduces the concepts and principles of cyber security including its theoretical and practical aspects. It covers the relevant mathematical techniques associated with cryptographic algorithms and applications such as user authentication and authentication protocols. This module focuses on how security services that are provided by underlying network infrastructure can be used to develop various secure systems. These systems are used to protect information communication, computer networks and cloud resources from unauthorised access and malicious activities. In this module, various examples of secure systems such as secure email, secure web and secure protocols will be presented. Security violations and threats such as Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS), identity theft, information leaks, network eavesdropping, email spams are major issues in cyber security. Issues related to forensics, wireless security, and cloud security are also discussed in this module.
Machine Learning and Neural Computing	15 Credits	Optional
This module uses contemporary machine learning and neural network techniques to aid in the understanding and analysis of real-world data and neural systems. Topics include supervised and unsupervised learning, data visualisation, and error-correction-based learning.
Advanced Database Topics	15 Credits	Optional
This module builds upon knowledge and skills previously acquired in the context of relational databases. Issues of complexity in databases arise when the scale of the database increases. The focus is on the design and implementation of large multi-user databases. There is a large practical element using popular market-leading products in the roles of database designer, database administrator, and end user.
Information Security Management	15 Credits	Optional
This module develops the concepts and principles of information security management including its organisational aspects such as security governance, policy procedures and security standards. It covers the relevant methods associated with risk assessment and management. In this module, various issues associated with information assurance, incident management and government legislation on data protection will be presented. This module introduces security controls that are used to protect information and underlying IT systems and infrastructure. Disaster recovery, business continuity management, investigation and digital forensics which are important aspects of information security management will be discussed in this module.
Year Abroad	0 Credits	Optional
Learning and teaching methods may include taught courses, a research programme, or a mixture of these. components. The Year Abroad will be for TWO academic semesters or their equivalent. The student will follow a programme negotiated by the Study Abroad team or nominee, School Study Abroad Tutor and an equivalent representative of the host institution. Prior to the commencement of the Year Abroad, the student, the appropriate officers from UH and from the host institution will agree a learning contract and mode of attendance. In institutions where the language of instruction is not English, then the learning contract will take into account the students ability in the language of instruction of the host institution. The student will be required to provide evidence of appropriate attainment and ability in the language of instruction of the chosen institution when the language of instruction is not English.
Study Abroad	0 Credits	Optional
Learning and teaching methods may include taught courses, a research programme, or a mixture of these components. The Study Abroad duration will be for ONE academic semester or its equivalent. The student will follow a programme negotiated by the Study Abroad team or nominee, School Study Abroad Tutor and an equivalent representative of the host institution. Prior to the commencement of the Study Abroad period, the student, the appropriate officers from UH and from the host institution will agree a learning contract and mode of attendance. In institutions where the language of instruction is not English, then the learning contract will take into account the students ability in the language of instruction of the host institution. The student will be required to provide evidence of appropriate attainment and ability in the language of instruction of the chosen institution when the language of instruction is not English.
Network Protocols and Architectures	15 Credits	Compulsory
Computer networking is an area under constant development. An understanding of current network protocols is required in order to design, simulate and implement computer networks. Knowledge of current network technologies, protocols and architectures is necessary and this module explores the aforementioned aspects of computer networking in some depth. Furthermore, one or more small-scale projects are employed to explore and apply these networking concepts.
Incident Response Digital Forensics	15 Credits	Compulsory
It is accepted that computer criminals supported by nation-states and organised crime organisations have been successful in achieving their objectives. The complexity of the landscape, the internal organisational friction that adds to the concept of the fog of war and inevitable resistance to change are just some of the attributes that computer criminals are using as part of their arsenal. A breach is not a matter of 'if' but a matter of 'when'. The module will prepare students to not only identify, assess, contain and rectify security incidents but to also act proactively in defending an information environment. The module is based on a case study. Your Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) was contacted by a Government agency with intelligence that your organisation is going to be the likely target of an identified Advanced Persistent Threat (APT). Initial internal assessments have indicated that your organisation has already been breached. Your activities will be to classify the breach, assess the impact and prepare a report for your CISO.
Responsible Computing	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module is concerned with legal, social, ethical, and professional issues that may affect the work of professionals in the computing and technology sectors. The module is designed to enable students to make informed judgments in computing practice based on legal, social, and ethical principles.
Robotics	15 Credits	Optional
This module introduces students to the subject area of robot control, including basic hardware components and software methods. Students will develop knowledge of various control architectures used in implementing Artificial lntelligence (AI), cognitive and behavioural based robotic systems and an understanding of the core elements that underpin the design and implementation of Al and behavioural based robotic architectures. During this module, students will learn to program a robotic platform and study the factors that impact on both the observed behaviour of the robot and its actions within its working environment.
Software Architecture	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module explores software architecture by examining architectural design patterns. Using a conceptual definition as an anchor, the module examines different approaches to solving design problems, with practical examples and implementation exercises. This module is based on a set of practical examples and exercises that show how to apply architectural patterns to design software systems.
Cyber Security and Networks Project	30 Credits	Compulsory
This module is based on identifying and undertaking an individual project. Project definitions will be provided covering a range of Cyber Security and Networks based topics and areas of interest. Students are guided in their choice of project, based on their proven skills and interests. Each project is designed to support students in developing deep and detailed learning in cyber security and networks and will require the development of an artefact. The project definition will also enable further development of skills for future employability in industry, including; problem analysis and solution development, time management and planning, communication, report writing, and assessment of risk.

Study abroad

An opportunity for an amazing experience, which will help make you stand out from the crowd. With more and more companies working internationally, experience of living in another country can make a great impression on future employers.

This course offers you the opportunity to enhance your study and CV with a sandwich year abroad. The University has partnerships with over 150 universities around the world, including the USA, Canada, Asia, Africa, Australia, South America and closer to home in Europe.

If you study abroad between your second and third year of study, you’ll pay no tuition fee to the partner university and no tuition fee to us either. We’ll ask you to make your decision in your second year, so there is plenty of time to think about it.

Find out more about Study abroad opportunities

Please note Erasmus+ funding is only available until May 2023. For students starting their course in September 2022 and wishing to study abroad in 2023-24 or 2024-25, please refer to the Turing Scheme.

Please note Erasmus+ funding is only available until May 2023. For students starting their course in September 2022 and wishing to study abroad in 2023-24 or 2024-25, please refer to the Turing Scheme.
Work placement
Graduate with invaluable work experience alongside your degree and stand out from the crowd.

This course offers you the opportunity to enhance your study and CV with a work placement sandwich year. It’s a chance to explore career possibilities, make valuable contacts and gain sought after professional skills.

Our dedicated Careers and Employment team are here to help guide you through the process. Recent placement students have worked at large organisations such as:
- Apple
- BT
- IBM
- Intel
- GSK
- Microsoft, and
- Xerox.
- Others have worked for smaller organisations, perhaps family-run or near home.
If you take up a work placement between your second and third year of study, at the University of Hertfordshire you’ll pay no tuition fee for this year. We’ll ask you to make your decision in your second year, so there is plenty of time to think about it.

Find out more about work placements

Check out our student blogs

What's next for my career?

Graduate employment opportunities are excellent, and there are careers across many employment sectors, including the IT industry, business, education and government. Our graduates have become software developers, programmers, web developers, business analysts, database administrators, project managers and IT consultants, or have studied for postgraduate degrees at the University of Hertfordshire or other universities. Recent employers have included Blackberry, GSK, HP, IBM, John Lewis, and T-Mobile.

This course equips you for a range of specialist roles, such as network designer, manager or administrator, operations administrator, developer of distributed systems and cybersecurity consultant. Graduates have recently found careers with the likes of Blackberry, GSK, HP, IBM and John Lewis. Others have gone on to successful postgraduate study.

Our graduates have become software developers, programmers, web developers, business analysts, database administrators, project managers and IT consultants, or have studied for postgraduate degrees at the University of Hertfordshire or other universities. Recent employers have included Blackberry, GSK, HP, IBM, John Lewis, and T-Mobile.

Course fact sheets
BSc (Hons) Computer Science (Cyber Security and Networks)	Download

Programme specifications
BSc Honours in Computer Science and Information Technology	Download

Additional information
Sandwich placement or study abroad year	Optional
Applications open to international and EU students	Yes
Course length	Full Time, 3 Years Sandwich, 4 Years
Location	University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield

International/EU applicants without pre-settled status in the UK

Apply through our international/EU application portal

Home and EU applicants with pre-settled/settled status in the UK

Apply using the links below:

2024

Start Date	End Date	Year	Location	Link
18/09/2024	31/05/2025	3	UH Hatfield Campus	Apply online (Full Time)
25/09/2024	31/05/2025	1	UH Hatfield Campus	Apply online (Full Time/Sandwich)
19/09/2024	31/05/2025	2	UH Hatfield Campus	Apply online (Full Time/Sandwich)

2025

Start Date	End Date	Year	Location	Link
18/09/2025	31/05/2026	3	UH Hatfield Campus	Apply online (Full Time)
25/09/2025	31/05/2026	1	UH Hatfield Campus	Apply online (Full Time/Sandwich)
19/09/2025	31/05/2026	2	UH Hatfield Campus	Apply online (Full Time/Sandwich)

Fees and funding
Fees 2024
UK Students
Full time
- £9250 for the 2024/2025 academic year
EU Students
Full time
- £15500 for the 2024/2025 academic year
International Students
Full time
- £15500 for the 2024/2025 academic year
Fees 2025
UK Students
Full time
- £9250 for the 2025/2026 academic year
EU Students
Full time
- £15965 for the 2025/2026 academic year
International Students
Full time
- £15965 for the 2025/2026 academic year
*Tuition fees are charged annually. The fees quoted above are for the specified year(s) only. Fees may be higher in future years, for both new and continuing students. Please see the University’s Fees and Finance Policy (and in particular the section headed “When tuition fees change”), for further information about when and by how much the University may increase its fees for future years.

View detailed information about tuition fees

Read more about additional fees in the course fact sheet

Other financial support

Find out more about other financial support available to UK and EU students

Living costs / accommodation

The University of Hertfordshire offers a great choice of student accommodation, on campus or nearby in the local area, to suit every student budget.

View detailed information about our accommodation

Apply through Clearing

Book your open day

Get info and updates

BSc (Hons) Computer Science (Cyber Security and Networks)

Key information

Typical offer:

Fees: See below

UCAS code: G491

Institute code: H36

Study abroad option

Work placement option

Clearing entry requirements

Additional requirements

Additional requirements

Why choose this course?

What's the course about?

Your main campus is College Lane

New School of Physics, Engineering and Computer Science building opening in 2024

What will I study?

What you will learn

First Year

Second Year

Third Year

Final Year

Check out our student blogs

Student Blogs

International/EU applicants without pre-settled status in the UK

Home and EU applicants with pre-settled/settled status in the UK

Apply through Clearing now

2024

2025

Fees 2024

UK Students

Full time

EU Students

Full time

International Students

Full time

Fees 2025

UK Students

Full time

EU Students

Full time

International Students

Full time

Other financial support

Living costs / accommodation

Your main campus is College Lane 