Computer Science with Cyber Security with Foundation Year BSc(Hons)

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Start Dates

21 September 2026

Duration

4 years full-time 5 years inc. placement year

UCAS Tariff

64

About this course

Overview

Why choose Huddersfield for this course?

  • Learn from experts at the forefront of research in our Centre for Cyber Security, tackling real-world threats and shaping the future of the sector.
  • Ground yourself in the foundation year to bring yourself up to speed before progressing onto the main programme if you pass.
  • Leverage labour market insight through our unique Graduate Career Explorer tool to help you map out your potential career paths with confidence.

This programme is not available to international students. Instead, international students should apply for our international foundation programmes delivered by our International Study Centre on campus. For more information please visit International Study Centre.

The monetary value of data has led to an increase in cyber-crime, meaning computing professionals with cyber security knowledge and expertise are in high demand.

Our integrated foundation degrees are for those of you who possess the capability to pursue a degree but do not have the pre-requisite qualifications to directly apply to your desired course. The duration of the foundation element is one year, and, if you successfully pass, you will automatically progress on to the degree.

On this course, you’ll be taught both the theoretical and the practical elements of computer science and cyber security. After all, many of the big challenges in the cyber security field use both computer science and software engineering techniques to find solutions or to develop the next generation of security products. In the National Student Survey 2025, Computer Science ranked top in Yorkshire for assessment and feedback.

In your second year, you’ll follow the core computing programme to give you a broad understanding from which to build on. Then, from your third year onwards, you’ll take specialist cyber security modules, covering topics such as cryptography, biometrics and access control, and vulnerability assessments.

You could make a huge impact in this fast-paced world, studying Computer Science with Cyber Security could allow you to work across many sectors leading to careers with vast earning potential, from law enforcement to the military or banking and finance, allowing you to create the life you want in the future. You will also develop skills that are transferable to other industries. The top five job titles advertised in the UK for graduate roles associated with Computer Science with Cyber Security courses are Software Engineer, Security Engineer, Network Engineer, DevOp Engineer and Infrastructure Engineer.*

*Lightcast data extracted from Graduate Career Explorer – job postings from Dec 2023 to Nov 2024 showing jobs advertised associated with a selection of relevant graduate roles.

Career opportunities after the course *

Software Engineers

Security Engineers

Solutions Architects

Network Engineers

DevOps Engineers

*Lightcast

Who can apply?

Entry Requirements

CC at A Level.
64 UCAS tariff points from a combination of Level 3 qualifications.
MPP in BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma.
Pass at T Level, D or E grade on core.
Access to Higher Education Diploma with 45 Level 3 credits at Merit or above.
64 UCAS tariff points from International Baccalaureate qualifications.

In addition, you must have GCSE Maths at grade 4 or above, or grade C, or above in the previous grading scheme.

If your first language is not English, you will need to meet the minimum requirements of an English Language qualification. The minimum of IELTS 6.0 overall with a minimum score of 6.0 in writing and no element lower than 5.5, or equivalent. Read more about the University’s entry requirements for students outside of the UK on our International Entry Requirements page. If you have alternative qualifications or do not meet the IELTS requirement we also offer a range of Pre-Sessional English Programmes.

Other suitable skills or experience will be considered. For further information please see the University's minimum entry requirements.

What will you learn?

Course Details

Foundation Year

In this module you will explore the importance of communication in computing and engineering. With the opportunity to practice this in both written and verbal forms and gain confidence in presenting to a group. You will also explore how to source relevant and well documented information to support your reporting needs. These research and communication skills will form the basis for your ongoing needs as a professional engineer.

In this module you explore and practice using the necessary mathematical tools and principles required for your first-year studies. You will begin with some basics in arithmetic, algebra, and trigonometry these will be followed rapidly by the more advanced areas of sets, matrices, vectors and calculus.

This module will allow you to consider some of the main areas of study within computing and information technology. You will develop knowledge and understanding of computer systems and the principles of computing (including programming), as well as how these are applied to the solution of problems in the real world.

Problem solving, whether by human or by a computer, demands an in-depth understanding of the strengths and weakness of its underlying process. Computational thinking underpins the core fundamentals of this process by incorporating problem description, decomposition, abstraction and ultimately realisation. This module introduces you to the theoretical foundation of computational thinking through a collection of problems with incrementally challenging complexity. You will then put these concepts into practice through the introduction of key programming principles. These all serve as a gateway into further study on core computer science subjects such as discrete mathematics, data structures and algorithms.

This module aims to introduce you to the core programming concepts using procedural programming fundamentals. In addition, you will gain knowledge of variables, operators, and control flow including loops and branches, functions and data types.

In this module we introduce you to basic computing science and mathematical concepts related to software development. Topics covered include set theory, graphs and trees, finite state machines, grammars and languages, propositional logic and searching and sorting algorithms. You’ll put the theory into practice using a programming language and software that lets you directly implement finite state machines.

This module introduces the core fundamental principles of computer networking. You will gain knowledge of the theoretical concepts of networking, such as addressing, switching and routing. Furthermore, you will be exposed to key issues, such as network security, along with typical techniques used to address these issues. In addition to the theoretical aspects of networking, you will plan, design and implement practical solutions using live or simulation tools.

Working as part of a team, this module aims to provide you with an understanding of hardware, software and industry best practices used by businesses. In your teams you’ll be supported in planning, designing and developing a prototype product. This experience has been designed to introduce you to the product development cycle, technology limitations and possible future developments.

This module will provide you with fundamental knowledge of computer hardware and systems software. You will gain knowledge in the fundamentals of computer hardware ranging from basic digital logic to instruction sets and microarchitecture. The practical elements of this module will equip you with an ability to work with basic system software at a machine instruction-level.

This module aims to introduce you to fundamental programming concepts using an object-oriented programming approach. Additionally, you will gain knowledge of high-level notions of algorithms, data structures, and program testing and evaluation.

Working as a part of a team, you’ll have the opportunity to design and develop a software application, or explore some aspect of information systems. You’ll be encouraged to explore theories and principles of team working and project management through the development of your chosen application. Alongside your team work you will also explore important legal and professional issues for people working in the IT industry.

This module introduces fundamental concepts in computer and network security, enabling the identification of vulnerabilities and the selection and implementation of suitable mitigation technologies. Throughout this module you’ll learn about securing data through the use of cryptography, operating system security and multi-user environments, creating secure programs, state-of-the-art methods for identifying potential threats, and legal and ethical issues surrounding computer security. This module teaches a broad range of subjects and you will learn both essential theoretical and practical aspects of computer security. This knowledge is in demand by employees and the module will empower you to start to specialise in security. The module covers issues pertinent to industry such as how to maintain data security through using strong encryption, detecting complex security threats, and also in maintain compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

In this module you will explore the fundamentals of Digital Forensics (DF), mainly focusing on Computer Forensics. The module establishes the underlying standards, principles, guidelines and best practices of modern digital investigations, also covering the use of latest commercial and open-source DF tools. This highly hands-on module provides you with significant theoretical and practical skills to apply DF in real-world scenarios. Using specialist forensic tools and techniques, you will be taught how to identify, preserve, extract, examine and analyse digital evidence in a forensically sound manner. Furthermore, you will be taught how to write forensic reports associated with the findings and present evidence in a court of law. All these are essential for a career as a Digital Forensic Expert.

Can machines (in particular computers) be intelligent? And what does that mean precisely? These are the main questions that we try to answer in this module. We will explore how machines can achieve intelligent tasks in a variety of settings. In the first half of the module we consider settings with full observability and determinism, these are like laboratory conditions or puzzle games. In this setting, we will look at knowledge representation, problem solving, and planning. In the second half of the module the settings are relaxed, and we will study how to deal with the uncertainties that arise from this. In particular, we will see how to deal with opponents, with incomplete and/or uncertain information, and how intelligent agents can learn.

You will also choose one optional module in this year. The current optional modules are:

This module covers the mathematical foundations required for scientific computing. You’ll be introduced to fundamental concepts in algebra and be supported in developing an understanding of both analytical and numerical methods for solving equations in one variable. You'll also be introduced to error analysis and proof.

For more information on when and how we update our modules please see the ‘Legal Information’ section below.

This course offers an optional one-year work placement after Year 2.

    This module provides a detailed analysis of a range of techniques for the development of distributed and client-server systems architectures. You will indicatively explore remote method invocation, CORBA (Common Object Request Broker: Architecture and Specifications), web and cloud services. You will also examine some typical distributed systems, including distributed file systems, distributed databases, and other common architectures.

    This module aims to provide you with an understanding of computational perspectives of mathematics, with an emphasis on matrix methods and data modelling. You’ll be supported in developing the ability to use both analytical and numerical techniques for solving large systems of linear equations and in analysing the resulting algorithms in terms of robustness, performance, stability and accuracy. You’ll be encouraged to broaden your mathematical understanding by applying your knowledge to real-world problems in developing solutions to a range of computational challenges using industry standard software (such as Matlab).

    This module is driven by you. You are asked to select a problem to solve which is relevant to your degree, and of appropriate scope and depth to be tackled within a timeframe of 30 weeks. Carrying out the project enables you to develop and demonstrate your ability to undertake research, manage time, use your initiative, learn independently, discuss and write convincingly on a subject requiring independent learning. A supervisor will support you throughout your project. You’ll use your existing knowledge and be encouraged to acquire additional skills as you carry out your project. The aim of the project is to suggest a solution to an identified problem. Your final report should describe the aims, scope and motivation of the project, the research you have undertaken, and the technical solution provided, including justification for design and development decisions.

    This module will go into substantial depth of both pertinent theoretical and practical aspects of cyber-security. You will study advanced cryptographic techniques, biometrics, intrusion detection, data privacy and legal issues, and penetration testing techniques. The module focuses on aspects of cyber security that are aligned with the UK’s National Cyber Security Strategy and prepares you with the necessary skills to have an impactful addition in your future career.

    Recent advances in information technology have facilitated massive collection of data in numerous areas, leading to major developments in data-driven Artificial Intelligence (AI) approaches. This module allows you to obtain a fundamental understanding of such approaches, particularly advanced machine learning techniques to construct intelligent systems capable to recognise, classify, or decide, among others. We will consider several widely known approaches, including deep learning, and investigate typical applications and potential limitations. You will learn which techniques are appropriate for which learning problem and their advantages and disadvantages. You will have the opportunity to apply this knowledge using industry standard tools and delve into high profile data-driven applications such as medical imaging and natural language processing.

    Teaching and Assessment

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    Interested in a placement?

    Placements

    You’ll have the opportunity to complete an optional placement year (minimum 36 weeks, up to 48 weeks) in Year 3, either in the UK or abroad. This is your chance to gain hands-on experience, develop industry-specific skills, and enhance your career prospects. You’ll apply what you’ve learned in a real-world setting while exploring potential career paths.

    Your placement will be monitored, and you’ll be assessed on your achievements, helping you refine your professional skills and prepare for your final year. Our Placement Unit and academic staff have strong industry connections and will support you throughout the process, from finding a placement to making the most of your experience. Students from this subject area have previously secured placements with companies such as Barbour, Primark, S21Sec Cyber Solutions and Jet2

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    Where could this lead you?

    Your Career

    Previous graduates from courses in this subject area have gone on to work in a variety of roles such as software engineer, server and storage analyst, senior developer, research software development engineer, systems security engineer, IT Analyst and business analyst in organisations including BBC, West Yorkshire Police, Hermes, Microsoft, LLoyds, BT and Amazon UK.**
    Additionally, you may gain skills that are transferable to other industries and may be able to pursue any career that requires a good honours degree. You could go on to further study and the University has many options available for postgraduate study (including postgraduate teacher training) and research which may interest you.

    **Source: LinkedIn

    85% - 95%
    Percentage of graduates from this subject area who are in work and/or further study within fifteen months of graduation.

    * (HESA Graduate Outcomes 21/22, UK Domiciled).

    The favourite part of my course must be the placement year, I had an amazing time spending a year in industry, making friends, developing professional relationships and developing my skills that will certainly benefit me later in my career. Academically the course has provided me with an insight into some of the things I can progress into.

    - Louis Taylor
    Computer Science with Cyber Security

    How much will it cost?

    Fees and Finance

    £9,790 per year

    This information is for Home students applying to study at the University of Huddersfield in the academic year 2026/27.

    Please note that tuition fees for subsequent years may rise in line with inflation (RPI-X) and/or Government policy. 

    From January 2027 the UK government is launching a new student funding system for people starting university education. Read more about the Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE).

    For detailed information please visit https://www.hud.ac.uk/study/fees/

    £17,600 per year

    This information is for international students applying to study at the University of Huddersfield in the academic year 2026/27.

    Please note that tuition fees for subsequent years may rise in line with inflation (RPI-X) and/or Government policy. 

    For detailed information please visit https://www.hud.ac.uk/international/fees-and-funding/

    Home

    The tuition fee for a placement year is £1000. If you go on work experience or work placement, you will need to fund your own travel and/or accommodation costs to and from the placement.  Please be aware that if your placement is outside of the UK, you will still be responsible for your travel and living expenses and may need to consider issues like health care and insurance costs.

    International

    The tuition fee for a placement year is £3,300. If you go on work experience or work placement, you will need to fund your own travel and/or accommodation costs to and from the placement.  Please be aware that if your placement is outside of the UK, you will still be responsible for your travel and living expenses and may need to consider issues like health care and insurance costs.

    Optional short field trips e.g. one day, are sometimes also arranged. Previous field trips have included Digital Skills Festival - Talent Day, Bletchley Park and National Museum of Computing. The costs of these field trips are heavily subsidised by the school but can sometimes incur a nominal cost and/or deposit of between £5 and £40 depending on the trip.

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    Final Year Poster Presentation - Amanuel Berhe

    This is an example of work produced by participants in the Computer Science Poster Presentation. Students create a poster on their dissertation and showcase their work at the prizegiving presentation.

    Final Year Poster Presentation - Louis Taylor

    This is an example of work produced by participants in the Computer Science Poster Presentation. Students create a poster on their dissertation and showcase their work at the prizegiving presentation.

    Final Year Poster Presentation - Laura Ibbotson

    This is an example of work produced by participants in the Computer Science Poster Presentation. Students create a poster on their dissertation and showcase their work at the prizegiving presentation.

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    When you enrol as a student of the University, your study and time with us will be governed by our terms and conditions, Handbook of Regulations and associated policies. It is important that you familiarise yourself with these as you will be asked to agree to them when you join us as a student. You will find a guide to the key terms here, along with the Student Protection Plan.

    Although we always try and ensure we deliver our courses as described, sometimes we may have to make changes for the following reasons:

    Changes to a course you have applied for but are not yet enrolled on

    If we propose to make a major change to a course that you are holding an offer for, then we will tell you as soon as possible so that you can decide whether to withdraw your application prior to enrolment. We may occasionally have to withdraw a course you have applied for or combine your programme with another programme if we consider this reasonably necessary to ensure a good student experience, for example if there are not enough applicants. Where this is the case we will notify you as soon as reasonably possible and if you are unhappy with the change we will discuss with you other suitable courses we can transfer your application to. If you do not wish to transfer to another course with us, you may cancel your application and we will refund you any deposits or fees you have paid to us.

    Changes to your course after you enrol as a student

    Changes to option modules

    Where your course allows you to choose modules from a range of options, we will review these each year and change them to reflect the expertise of our staff, current trends in research and as a result of student feedback or demand for certain modules. We will always ensure that you have an equivalent range of options to that advertised for the course. We will let you know in good time the options available for you to choose for the following year.

    Major changes

    We will only make major changes to non-optional modules on a course if it is necessary for us to do so and provided such changes are reasonable. A major change is a change that substantially changes the outcomes, or a significant part of your course, such as the nature of the award or a substantial change to module content, teaching days (part time provision), type of delivery or assessment of the core curriculum. For example, it may be necessary to make a major change to reflect changes in the law or the requirements of the University’s regulators or a commissioning or accrediting body. We may also make changes to improve the course in response to student, examiners’ or other course evaluators’ feedback or to ensure you are being taught current best practice. Major changes may also be necessary because of circumstances outside our reasonable control, such as a key member of staff being unable to teach due to illness, where they have a particular specialism that can’t be adequately covered by other members of staff; or due to pandemics, other disasters (such as fire, flood or war) or changes made by the government.

    Major changes would usually be made with effect from the next academic year, but may happen sooner in an emergency. We will notify you as soon as possible should we need to make a major change and will consult with affected groups of students and any changes would only be made in accordance with our regulations. If you reasonably believe that the proposed change will cause you detriment or hardship we will, if appropriate, work with you to try to reduce the adverse effect on you or find an appropriate solution. Where an appropriate solution cannot be found and you let us know before the change takes effect you can cancel your registration and withdraw from the University without liability to the University for any additional tuition fees. We will provide reasonable support to assist you with transferring to another university if you wish to do so and you may be eligible for an exit award depending on how far through your course you are.

    In exceptional circumstances, we may, for reasons outside of our control, be forced to discontinue or suspend your course. Where this is the case, a formal exit strategy will be followed in accordance with the student protection plan.

    The Office for Students (OfS) is the principal regulator for the University.

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