BSc (Hons)

Cyber Security

I200

In the digital age, every company and individual with a digital footprint is at risk of being targeted by hackers and criminals. At Winchester, we are passionate about developing your skills so that you have the analytical skills and agile thinking to enable you to make a difference in the online and offline world.

Computer data

Course overview

Our Cyber Security course emphasises the industry's practical side, ensuring you are well-prepared for the real world. We want you to be an imaginative and technically skilled practitioner who can efficiently face the challenges of the future.  

Through this course, you will enhance your knowledge of information security management, programming, secure systems, digital forensic investigation, and penetration testing. We tend to favour workshop-style sessions over lectures and you will have the opportunity to apply cutting-edge knowledge and skills to real life scenarios. Live briefs, simulations, role play and live case studies will be used to recreate workplace conditions. You will also have the opportunity to attend occasional field trips during your studies.

You will gain a thorough understanding of the structure and operation of computer systems and networks and the impact of cyber security, plus knowledge of the legal system, legal processes, relevant laws and the regulatory environment related to the handling of digital evidence and forensic investigations. You will also gain the ability to undertake digital forensic examinations, collecting and analysing digital evidence to support or oppose an investigative case. 

Our students benefit from links to professional and industry bodies including Cisco Networking Academy and the BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT. 

You will have access to a wide variety of databases for research purposes, in addition to training within data analysis software such as SPSS, Qualtrics and InVivo. You will also be provided with hands-on use of cutting-edge specialist software, for example Kali Linux. 

A Personal Development Plan (PDP) is embedded into each year of study and will enhance your academic, personal and professional growth. Your PDP will set your agreed goals which could be developing your soft skills such as communication, teamwork and leadership; creating a roadmap to support your career aspirations, for example identifying internships and work experience; or planning out your opportunities for networking. Your PDP ensures you will receive continuous support tailored to your individual needs to enhance both your academic performance and career readiness.

Before moving on to your final year, you may choose to spend a year on a paid work placement in a business relevant to your ambitions, increasing your professional confidence and employability.

University of Winchester Pathways to Computer Science Programme

The Pathways to to Computer Science programme runs for the first time from October 2024. The pathway is an opportunity for prospective computing students to engage in a series of practical and informative sessions delivered by academics and tech professionals at the Faculty of Business and Digital Technologies.

Participants in Pathways to Computer Science are eligible to receive reduced contextual offers on the following University of Winchester courses:

- BSc. (Hons) Computer Science
- BSc. (Hons) Cyber Security
- BSc. (Hons) Software Engineering


Eligibility for the programme
The programme is open to all home/ Channel Islands Year 12 and Year 13 students.

Programme activities include:

    •    Lectures and seminar activities based on a variety of relevant topics
    •    Experience of practical exercises in coding and problem solving and cyber challenges
    •    Career guidance and advice from successful professionals from the world of computing
    •    Optional interview experience with the Dean of Faculty or Head of Department

All activities are delivered live at the University of Winchester. Some activities are also delivered virtually.

For more information on the Pathways to to Computer Science programme and how to apply 

Please click here for the Business and Digital Technologies Pathways programme - Privacy Notice

What you need to know

Course start date

September

Location

Winchester campus

Course length

  • 3 years full-time
  • 4 years sandwich (industry placement)

Apply

I200

Typical offer

104-120 points

Fees

From £9,250 pa

Course features

  • Access a wide range of specialist software and tools including a dedicated cyber security and forensics laboratory in a state-of-the-art development 
  • Join a rapidly expanding job market making significant real-world contributions in the digital age 
  • In your final year, you have the option to complete a dissertation, undertake a consultancy project or work placement, or launch a start-up.
  • Optional placement year to enhance professional development and employability 

Course details

Our aim is to shape 'confident learners' by enabling you to develop the skills needed to excel in your studies here and as well as onto further studies or the employment market.

You are taught primarily through a combination of lectures and seminars, allowing opportunities to discuss and develop your understanding of topics covered in lectures in smaller groups.

In addition to the formally scheduled contact time such as lectures and seminars etc., you are encouraged to access academic support from staff within the course team and the wide range of services available to you within the University.

Independent learning

Over the duration of your course, you will be expected to develop independent and critical learning, progressively building confidence and expertise through independent and collaborative research, problem-solving and analysis with the support of staff. You take responsibility for your own learning and are encouraged to make use of the wide range of available learning resources available.

Overall workload

Your overall workload consists of class contact hours, independent learning and assessment activity.

While your actual contact hours may depend on the optional modules you select, the following information gives an indication of how much time you will need to allocate to different activities at each level of the course.

YEAR 1 (LEVEL 4): TIMETABLED TEACHING AND LEARNING ACTIVITY*

Teaching, learning and assessment: 288 hours
Independent learning: 912 hours

YEAR 2 (LEVEL 5): TIMETABLED TEACHING AND LEARNING ACTIVITY*

Teaching, learning and assessment: 240 hours
Independent learning: 960 hours

YEAR 3 (LEVEL 6): TIMETABLED TEACHING AND LEARNING ACTIVITY*

Teaching, learning and assessment: 252 hours
Independent learning: 948 hours

*Please note these are indicative hours for the course.

Location

Taught elements of the course take place on campus in Winchester.

Teaching hours

All class based teaching takes places between 9am – 6pm, Monday to Friday during term time. Wednesday afternoons are kept free from timetabled teaching for personal study time and for sports clubs and societies to train, meet and play matches. There may be some occasional learning opportunities (for example, an evening guest lecturer or performance) that take places outside of these hours for which you will be given forewarning.

Assessment

Our validated courses may adopt a range of means of assessing your learning. An indicative, and not necessarily comprehensive, list of assessment types you might encounter includes essays, portfolios, supervised independent work, presentations, written exams, or practical performances.

We ensure all students have an equal opportunity to achieve module learning outcomes. As such, where appropriate and necessary, students with recognised disabilities may have alternative assignments set that continue to test how successfully they have met the module's learning outcomes. Further details on assessment types used on the course you are interested in can be found on the course page, by attending an Open Day or Open Evening, or contacting our teaching staff.

Percentage of the course assessed by coursework

The assessment balance between examination and coursework depends to some extent on the optional modules you choose. The approximate percentage of the course assessed by different assessment modes is as follows:

YEAR 1 (LEVEL 4)*:

64% coursework
0% written exams
36% practical assessment

YEAR 2 (LEVEL 5)*:

85% coursework
10% written exams
5% practical assessment

YEAR 3 (LEVEL 6)*:

95% coursework
0% written exams
5% practical assessment

*Please note these are indicative percentages and modes for the programme.

Feedback

We are committed to providing timely and appropriate feedback to you on your academic progress and achievement in order to enable you to reflect on your progress and plan your academic and skills development effectively. You are also encouraged to seek additional feedback from your course tutors.

Further information

For more information about our regulations for this course, please see our Academic Regulations, Policies and Procedures.

Modules

Please note the modules listed are correct at the time of publishing. The University cannot guarantee the availability of all modules listed and modules may be subject to change. The University will notify applicants of any changes made to the core modules listed. For further information please refer to winchester.ac.uk/termsandconditions

Modules

Discovering Your Subject 30 Credits

Whatever a student’s future career, there are certain professional skills that are required in the workplace. This module provides opportunities to acquire and apply essential skills for academic success, while also developing digital skills that are a prerequisite for a successful career. Students will practice, and build confidence in wide ranging skills, as part of their transition into higher education. By establishing and pursuing a personal development plan, students develop a set of personal qualities such as self-awareness, confidence and resilience; and professional skills such as communication, teamwork, risk management, coaching and feedback. Whilst students learn to construct outstanding CVs and professional LinkedIn profiles, this module also aims to raise students’ digital skills competencies. The module will cover the general Microsoft Office suite and specific digital skills of particular relevance to the discipline that the student is studying. This module is taught as a mix of lectures, practitioner guest lectures, hands-on skills seminars and computer lab sessions.

Computational Thinking 30 Credits

This module aims to provide students with a thorough underpinning in the Science of Computational Thinking. Students will learn about core mathematical concepts and their application, abstraction, decomposition, pattern recognition, algorithms, and data structures. As part of this module, students will be encouraged to consider the impact that they are having on the environment, especially in terms of the efficiency of their algorithms and consumption of computing resources. Students will be engaged in activities which allow them to practice and apply their computational thinking skills. They will be encouraged to consider a variety of different problems and how they can be “solved” using computation.

Secure Systems and Infrastructure Design for Organisations 30 Credits

The aim of this module is to introduce concepts of system and software design within an organisational environment. This module develops the student’s skills in analysing business and technical requirements to select and specify appropriate technology solutions, capturing client requirements, and producing the solutions architecture and software design. Additionally, students will investigate the use of infrastructure to support business needs and design systems which will consider these requirements. Students will develop an understanding of the OSI model, networking devices, and routing protocols. Students will explore and understand the security threats to an IT system and the operational impact of these threats on an organisation. This module will introduce topical case studies of attacks on organisational information systems, highlighting the business consequences. Within this module, students will be encouraged to think about the design, security, and networking aspects of Computer Science using industry-led case studies.

Principles of Programming 30 Credits

Within this module, students will be supported develop the practical skills required to implement software solutions using programming techniques. Students develop the necessary understanding of how the fundamentals of coding languages (such as variables, functions, input-output, control structures) are implemented together with exploring the use of databases within systems. Throughout this module, students will be engaging in problem solving activities, designed to build their confidence with both software development activities and the tools, techniques, and technologies used by Software Engineers in industry. Students will be supported to engage with practical application of programming principles, with industry-led examples. Initially, students will focus on smaller programmes, gradually building to more difficult ones by the end of the module.

Modules

Research and Consultancy Skills 30 Credits

This module enables you to develop your understanding and competence in using diverse research methods for academic and professional purposes. You will explore a variety of research approaches and will develop practical qualitative and quantitative research skills including defining and scoping a project; designing an effective and manageable research protocol; collecting data and using appropriate analysis methods.

You will develop an appreciation of ethical implications of the research process to facilitate responsible research practice and will be introduced to the key stages required to complete an applied project from concept to delivery. You will learn how to manage a project and contribute effectively as a member of a project team, using ideas generation techniques and problem-solving skills to develop innovative solutions to business problems. This module contributes to your continuing professional development as you will gain key insights into how to perform technical process improvement tasks in a range of environments to solve real-world business problems.

Secure Systems Architectures 30 Credits

This module explores protection mechanisms appropriate to various information technology systems and architectures.  Mechanisms and cryptographic protocols that help to provide confidentiality and integrity of data together with authentication and authorisation are explored in detail.  The principles and fundamentals of system-level security are considered together with a contextual overview of the law and regulations relating to the use of security mechanisms.  The practical application of these mechanisms in typical IT systems and architectures are incorporated.

Cyber Threat and Applied Cryptography 30 Credits

This module explores the expertise to combat cyber threats effectively with secure networking and applied cryptography. This module demonstrates various cyber threats, including malware, hacking, social engineering, and phishing attacks, gaining insights to mitigate their impact on information systems. It explores the principles and techniques of applied cryptography, mastering encryption, decryption, digital signatures, and key management. This knowledge empowers you to implement secure communication and safeguard sensitive data across diverse applications. This module focuses on practical exercises, scenarios, and simulations, gaining hands-on experience in understanding and countering cyber threats using cryptographic techniques. By combining theoretical foundations with practical skills, students will develop a comprehensive understanding of cyber threats and applied cryptograph.

Year 2 Optional Modules Credits
  • Information Management and Data Analytics - 15 credits
  • Servers, Data Centres and Smart Systems - 15 credits
  • Artificial Intelligence - 15 credits
  • Risk Management and Cyber Security - 15 credits

Modules

Digital Forensic Investigation 30 Credits

This module covers the four phases of digital forensic investigation including seizure, imaging, analysis and reporting.  Technical knowledge and practical skills are developed using industry standard forensic software. Legal and regulatory processes are explored in detailed together with mobile forensic techniques.

Protecting Against Cyber Crime 30 Credits

This module will examine the emerging trends that signify the formation of the information society and also its relationship with law, technology, and public policy. This module will cover UK and European Union law along with a variety of international regulatory perspectives that seek to harmonise law. The module will analyse the many legal and regulatory challenges that the information society generates for society, particularly with regard to privacy, the creation of products, the media. Particular focus will be upon whether these challenges can be best resolved by law or some other means, for example, technology, education or simple market forces.

Additionally, this module introduces the skills required and methodology used to perform penetration testing. Penetration testers simulate cyber-attacks to find security weaknesses in networks, operating systems, and applications. Students will acquire hands-on experience using different tools and techniques for penetration testing.

Year 3 Optional Modules Credits
  • Disruptive Technologies and Information Rights - 30 credits
  • Cloud Infrastructures for Organisations - 30 credits
  • Capstone Project - Dissertation - 30 credits
  • Capstone Project - Consultancy Project - 30 credits
  • Capstone Project - Placement for Good - 30 credits
  • Capstone Project - Start up for Good - 30 credits

Entry requirements

104-120 points

Our offers are typically made using UCAS tariff points to allow you to include a range of level 3 qualifications and as a guide, the requirements for this course are equivalent to:

  • A-Levels: BCC-BBB from 3 A Levels or equivalent grade combinations (e.g. BBC is comparable to ABC in terms of tariff points)
  • BTEC/CTEC: DMM from BTEC or Cambridge Technical (CTEC) qualifications
  • International Baccalaureate: To include a minimum of 2 Higher Level certificates at grade H4
  • T Level: Pass (C or above on the core) in a T Level

Additionally, we accept tariff points achieved for many other qualifications, such as the Access to Higher Education Diploma, Scottish Highers, UAL Diploma/Extended Diploma and WJEC Applied Certificate/Diploma, to name a few. We also accept tariff points from smaller level 3 qualifications, up to a maximum of 32, from qualifications like the Extended Project (EP/EPQ), music or dance qualifications. To find out more about UCAS tariff points, including what your qualifications are worth, please visit UCAS.

In addition to level 3 study, the following GCSE’s are required:

GCSEs in Mathematics and English Language at grade 4 or C, or higher. Functional Skills at level 2 is accepted as an alternative, however Key Skills qualifications are not. If you hold another qualification, please get in touch and we will advise further.

If you will be over the age of 21 years of age at the beginning of your undergraduate study, you will be considered as a mature student. This means our offer may be different and any work or life experiences you have will be considered together with any qualifications you hold. UCAS have further information about studying as a mature student on their website which may be of interest.

International points required

If English is not your first language, a formal English language test will most likely be required and you will need to achieve the following:

  • IELTS Academic at 5.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in all four components (for year 1 entry).
  • We also accept other English language qualifications, such as IELTS Indicator, Oxford ELLT, Pearson PTE Academic, Cambridge C1 Advanced and TOEFL iBT

If you are living outside of the UK or Europe, you can find out more about how to join this course by emailing our International Recruitment Team at International@winchester.ac.uk or calling +44 (0)1962 827023.

2025 Course Tuition Fees

  UK / Channel Islands /
Isle of Man / Republic of Ireland 

International

Year 1 £9,250 £16,700
Year 2 £9,250 £16,700
Year 3 £9,250 £16,700
Total £27,750 £50,100
Optional Sandwich Year* £1,850 £3,340
Total with Sandwich Year £29,600 £53,440

Additional tuition fee information

If you are a UK student starting your degree in September 2025, the first year will cost you £9,250**. Based on this fee level, the indicative fees for a three-year degree would be £27,750 for UK students.

Remember, you don’t have to pay any of this upfront if you are able to get a tuition fee loan from the UK Government to cover the full cost of your fees each year.

UK Part-Time fees are calculated on a pro rata basis of the full-time fee for a 120 credit course. The fee for a single credit is £77.08 and a 15 credit module is £1,156. Part-time students can take up to a maximum 90 credits per year, so the maximum fee in a given year will be the government permitted maximum fee of £6,935.

International part-time fees are calculated on a pro rata basis of the full-time fee for a 120 credit course. The fee for a single credit is £139.14 and a 15 credit module is £2,087.

* Please note that not all courses offer an optional sandwich year.

**The University of Winchester will charge the maximum approved tuition fee per year.

Additional costs

As one of our students all of your teaching and assessments are included in your tuition fees, including, lectures/guest lectures and tutorials, seminars, laboratory sessions and specialist teaching facilities. You will also have access to a wide range of student support and IT services.

There might be additional costs you may encounter whilst studying. The following highlights the mandatory and optional costs for this course:

Optional

Core texts
Core texts are available from the University Library. However some students prefer to purchase their own copies. Some core texts can be bought second-hand or as an ebook which can often reduce this cost. Indicative cost is £150 for whole course.

Mandatory

Laptop
Students are expected to have their own laptop to use on this course. Indicative cost is £200-£1,000.

 

SCHOLARSHIPS, BURSARIES AND AWARDS

We have a variety of scholarship and bursaries available to support you financially with the cost of your course. To see if you’re eligible, please see our Scholarships and Awards page.

CAREER PROSPECTS

Graduates of this course will be equipped to enter a variety of cyber security graduate roles and programs, including cyber security analyst, malware analyst and cyber security software engineer. 

Pre-approved for a Masters

If you study a Bachelor Honours degree with us, you will be pre-approved to start a Masters degree at Winchester. To be eligible, you will need to apply by the end of March in the final year of your degree and meet the entry requirements of your chosen Masters degree.

OUR CAREERS SERVICE
Student with careers staff member
“The course is really inspiring me, it’s given me confidence to know there are many more opportunities out there to go on to from here.” Pete, BSc (Hons) Computer Science student

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18 January 2025