BSc Cyber Security

Previous undergraduate study: 2 subjects at A level or equivalent and GCSE Maths and English, Grade C or Grade 4 or above. 

Other qualifications: we also consider a variety of qualifications including A levels with EPQ, International Baccalaureate, BTECs, T-levels, Cambridge Pre-U subjects, Irish Leaving Certificate, Scottish Highers, Welsh Baccalaureate and other international qualifications. Overseas qualifications may be accepted and will be subject to evidence of equivalency normally verified through ECCTIS (UK ENIC).

Contextual offers: we strive to support you to succeed, whatever your background, and we encourage you to apply to study with us even if you don’t meet the academic requirements. We view all applications holistically – and will consider your CV, work experience, background and other experience when assessing your ability to succeed in your chosen undergraduate degree courses or programme.

Recognition of prior learning: are you thinking of transferring institutions, or have you studied before? Our recognition of prior learning process unlocks the value of your past learning and experience.

Mature students: you may be eligible to enrol through our mature student process, which requires you to submit a CV and a short supporting statement of 500 to 600 words. This should set out why you want to do further study in this programme and how it will support your future career plans.

If you’re a non-native English speaker, you’ll be asked to provide proof of your English language proficiency in one of the following forms:

IELTS: level 6.0 or above with no element below 5.5 (an online English test is offered (SPEEXX) if IELTS not available).

TOEFL iBT®: a minimum score of 80 overall.

Trinity College London Integrated Skills in English (ISE): ISE III at minimum pass (please note that Trinity College ISE academic results are only valid for two years).

Duolingo English test: minimum 95 points.

Cambridge Certificate: minimum B grade overall.

Alternatively, you may be accepted if you have previously studied in English at an appropriate level and attended a recognised institution.

You may be eligible for a government student loan.

As an LIBF student, you’ll have the opportunity to apply for an LIBF Scholarship. This is an award of £1,200 towards your tuition fees, spread over the duration of your course and reducing your total fees. You are eligible to apply if your household income is less than £3,500 per month.

If you experience financial difficulty as an undergraduate student, you can apply for support from our Hardship Fund. Hardship funds are made available to UK students twice in the academic year – you’ll be informed when applications are open and allocation of funds will be agreed by the Scholarship, Bursaries and Prizes Committee.

You can get 2% off your total fees if you pay annually in advance or 10% off if you pay upfront in full for an undergraduate course.

Module overview:

Learn the basics of operating systems and explore the OSI model and TCP/IP protocols. You'll also study mobile networks and the computer architecture of distributed software systems.

Gained skills:

Understand and compare different operating systems, work with IP-based protocols, and identify internet security challenges.

Real-world application:

Use these skills to manage and secure systems in corporate networks, improve communication protocols, and enhance distributed computing. For example, you could strengthen the security of a hospital's high-performance computers to protect patient data.

Assessment:

You'll take a 90-minute exam featuring closed and open questions.

Module overview:

Start with basic Python syntax and advance to object-oriented programming. You’ll also learn about essential Python libraries, testing, and version control.

Gained skills:

Develop proficiency in Python programming, error handling, and using key libraries for diverse applications.

Real-world application:

Python is used for web development and scientific computing tasks. For instance, you could automate data collection for an e-commerce site to improve product recommendations.

Assessment:

You'll take a 90-minute exam featuring closed and open questions.

Module overview:

Learn the fundamental concepts of mathematical analysis. Study limits, continuity, differentiation, integration, and solving differential equations.

Gained skills:

You'll master mathematical skills critical for cyber security, including problem-solving with sequences and applying integration techniques.

Real-world application:

Apply mathematical analysis in cryptography to solve data encryption problems. For example, design encryption algorithms for online banking security.

Assessment:

You'll take a 90-minute exam featuring closed and open questions.

Module overview:

Learn the basic principles of probability theory and statistical analysis. You'll use statistical software to analyse real-world data.

Gained skills:

Apply probability distributions, compute descriptive statistics, and critically evaluate results.

Real-world application:

Use these skills as a data analyst or risk manager to make data-driven decisions. For example, predict and mitigate financial risks using statistical methods.

Assessment:

You'll take a 90-minute exam featuring closed and open questions.

Module overview:

Improve teamwork and communication skills while exploring project management tools and techniques.

Gained skills:

Learn to handle team dynamics, resolve conflicts, and manage time and resources effectively.

Real-world application:

These skills are crucial for IT project management and leading cyber security roles. For instance, you could lead a team to develop a new security protocol for a large organisation.

Assessment:

You'll deliver a 7-10 minute presentation and write a 1,500-word reflection paper.

Module overview:

Learn core IT security concepts and data protection regulations, and manage IT security in software development.

Gained skills:

Gain knowledge in IT security measures, legal regulations, and strategies for securing software and systems.

Real-world application:

Develop security frameworks to protect sensitive data from cyber threats. For example, create a data protection policy for a financial institution to comply with GDPR.

Assessment:

You'll take a 90-minute exam featuring closed and open questions.

Module overview:

Understand the basics of network security, including internet protocols, common attacks, and encryption.

Gained skills:

You'll learn to interact with networks at a low level, decode RFCs, and recognise security events using SIEM tools.

Real-world application:

Use these skills to protect networks and prevent breaches. For example, develop security protocols to protect a university's records from a cyber attack.

Assessment:

You'll take a 90-minute exam featuring closed and open questions.

Module overview:

Learn the fundamentals of penetration testing, including methodologies and tools to identify and exploit vulnerabilities in a system.

Gained skills:

You'll be able to evaluate the security of different computer systems, document findings, and recommend mitigation strategies.

Real-world application:

Perform penetration tests to identify and fix security issues, helping businesses strengthen their digital defences. For instance, conduct a pentest to uncover vulnerabilities in a retail company's e-commerce platform.

Assessment:

You'll take a 90-minute exam featuring closed and open questions.

Module overview:

Develop academic skills in IT and technology, including research, writing, presenting, and managing projects.

Gained skills:

Conduct independent research with a strong technical focus, apply academic writing standards, and analyse academic literature.

Real-world application:

These skills are vital for IT research and development roles. For example, produce a research paper on new cyber security trends for an academic journal.

Assessment:

You'll complete an advanced workbook consisting of six assignments, each 150-300 words.

Module overview:

Learn the basics of algorithms, data structures, and programming languages. Design and analyse algorithms and apply programming language concepts to software development.

Gained skills:

Implement algorithms with the right data structures, compare programming languages, and assess algorithm efficiency.

Real-world application:

Develop software solutions requiring complex algorithms, such as a telecom company's encryption tool for secure data transfers.

Assessment:

You'll complete an advanced workbook consisting of six assignments, each 150-300 words.

Module overview:

Explore the key concepts of theoretical computer science and mathematical logic, including automata theory, formal languages, and computational complexity.

Gained skills:

Apply formal methods to solve computational problems and use mathematical logic to explain programmes.

Real-world application:

Enhance software security by creating tools that verify secure communications, such as for a defence contractor.

Assessment:

You'll complete an advanced workbook consisting of six assignments, each 150-300 words.

Module overview:

Learn secure coding practices, identify and reduce security vulnerabilities, and use security testing tools.

Gained skills:

Design secure software architectures, develop security policies, and implement secure coding practices.

Real-world application:

Develop secure applications, like building a secure payment gateway for an online retail platform.

Assessment:

You'll complete a 3,000-word case study.

Module overview:

Study cryptographic algorithms and protocols, learn how to apply techniques for securing communications, and evaluate cryptographic methods.

Gained skills:

You'll implement cryptographic algorithms, analyse protocols for vulnerabilities, and understand the strengths of cryptographic methods.

Real-world application:

Cryptography is used to ensure data security, such as developing encryption software for securing communications in a healthcare system.

Assessment:

You'll complete a 3,000-word written assignment.

Module overview:

Learn about system forensics analysis, including tools for evidence collection, malware sandboxing, and report preparation.

Gained skills:

You'll assess forensic requirements, apply analysis tools, and prepare forensic reports.

Real-world application:

Conduct digital forensics to investigate security incidents, such as analysing malware to determine the source of a breach in a corporate network.

Assessment:

You'll complete a 3,000-word case study.

Module overview:

Examine information security standards, their normative content, and the required security controls for information security management systems (ISMS).

Gained skills:

You'll appraise ISMS, analyse standards, and critically evaluate security frameworks.

Real-world application:

Develop and assess ISMS for corporate environments. For example, ensure compliance with ISO 27001 standards for a multinational corporation.

Assessment:

You'll complete a 3,000-word written assignment.

Module overview:

Explore the ethical implications of data science techniques and methodologies, focusing on current literature and ethical analysis.

Gained skills:

You'll critically assess ethical impacts, understand existing biases, and analyse the implications of data science practices.

Real-world application:

Use ethical analysis for data initiatives, such as developing data privacy practices for a social media company to avoid ethical pitfalls.

Assessment:

You'll complete a 3,000-word research essay.

Module overview:

Apply your knowledge to complete an independent study in the field of cyber security under academic supervision.

Gained skills:

Use scientific methods to evaluate tasks, develop solutions in uncertain contexts, and present your findings in a detailed written format.

Real-world application:

Contribute innovative solutions to cyber security through your independent research. For example, research new methods for advanced threat detection and provide actionable insights.

Assessment:

You'll complete a bachelor thesis of 7,500-10,000 words.

• IT law
  Learn the essentials of navigating contracts, intellectual property, copyright, and data protection laws. Compare IT law frameworks across regions like the EU, the US, and India. These skills are critical for ensuring legal compliance in IT projects, such as drafting contracts and protecting software IP.

• Intercultural and ethical decision-making
  Develop your understanding of intercultural competence, diversity, and ethical growth. Implement learning strategies in these areas and gain practical experience by working on a case study.

• Artificial intelligence
  Trace the development of AI from its beginnings to today’s advanced systems. Understand its successes and challenges, and learn how to contribute to AI’s ongoing growth.

• Project: AI excellence with creative prompting techniques
  Delve into generative AI by mastering prompting techniques. Master human-computer interaction to create AI-driven content and evaluate prompt effectiveness in practical scenarios while considering ethical aspects.

• Social engineering and insider threats
  Study the strategies behind social engineering and insider threats. Develop strategies to detect and prevent these risks, create strong security policies, and use advanced tools for network monitoring and incident response.

• Project: social engineering

  Take on the challenge of countering social engineering and insider threats in IT settings. Develop effective security policies and awareness campaigns by focusing on human factors and using technical solutions.

• Self-arranged internship I*

  Secure and complete an internship to build practical and analytical skills, enhancing your employability. Prepare with tutorials on workplace dynamics and personal goal-setting.

• Self-arranged internship II*

  Continue your internship experience by applying academic skills in a real-world setting. Improve your communication, time management, and problem-solving skills in practical situations.

*You'll be responsible for arranging a suitable internship for your field of study. Once arranged, please complete an application to the internship module via myCampus, to make sure your internship can be recognised and credited towards your course requirements.

Data analysis and business intelligence

• Advanced data analysis
  Learn the key analytics tools that are crucial in today’s business world. This module covers everything from assessing business performance to advanced topics like text mining, social media analytics, and experimental design trends.

• Project: data analysis
  Put your advanced data analysis skills into practice with a comprehensive project. Create a professional report that mirrors real-world data science work environments.

IT operations and project management

• IT service management
  Understand the essential IT services that keep IT systems running smoothly. Gain expertise in delivering IT services to organisations, focusing on IT Infrastructure Library (ITIL) practices.

• Project: IT service management
  Apply your knowledge to analyse and solve IT service management challenges in a project. Offer practical solutions tailored to specific organisational needs.

Software engineering

• Techniques and methods for agile software development
  Deepen your understanding of Agile software development, focusing on testing, delivery, and deployment. Learn the essentials of Agile methods like SCRUM.

• Project: agile software engineering
  Work independently on a supervised project using Agile techniques. Solve a specific problem by researching necessary tools and methods, and document your findings in detail.

Cloud programming and computing and data engineering

• Cloud programming
  Design, develop, and document scalable cloud services. Gain hands-on experience while exploring the structure, risks, and security of cloud systems.

• Cloud computing
  Get a foundational understanding of cloud computing technologies and analytics. Learn about innovations like serverless computing, storage solutions, and popular cloud platforms.

Future threats and IT security consulting

• Requirements engineering
  Learn the crucial process of defining technical requirements for IT systems. Discover how to document these requirements effectively and apply them in business.

• Threat modelling
  Gain the skills to assess and model potential threats during system design. Use standard risk management methods and implement design changes that reduce those risks.

Pentesting and host forensics

• Principles of ethical hacking

  Explore the key role of ethical hacking in assessing and improving security. Learn how to plan and run penetration tests, manage bug bounty programs, and create detailed security reports within ethical guidelines.

• Project: pentesting

  Conduct a complete penetration test in a simulated business environment. Identify vulnerabilities, understand the necessary tools and methods to address them, and deepen your knowledge of penetration testing processes.

Data analysis and business intelligence

• Business intelligence
  Learn the methods and models used for data provision, information generation, and analysis. Improve your skills in data warehousing and learn strategies to optimise business operations.

• Project: business intelligence
  Use your business intelligence skills in real-world data provision and analysis projects. Develop advanced techniques in data warehousing to improve and streamline business activities.

IT operations and project management

• IT project management
  Grasp the core concepts of IT project management, focusing on project organisation, cost management, and solving common IT challenges.

• IT architecture management
  Shape the future of IT by defining blueprints that include service strategies and emerging technologies important for IT service providers.

Software engineering

• Seminar: software engineering
  Enhance your research skills by exploring a current topic in software engineering. Identify key insights and present your findings in a well-structured written report.

• Project: software development
  Use your software development skills to solve a practical problem. Whether creating a mobile app, web app, or embedded software, use your creativity to deliver impactful solutions.

Cloud programming and computing and data engineering

• Data engineering
  Understand the key principles of data engineering, including storage infrastructure, data security, system architecture, and data pipeline logic.

• Project: data engineering
  Completing a hands-on data engineering project can build an impressive portfolio. You can set up a Docker environment or create a data pipeline using DataOps principles—choose your path to showcase your skills.

Future threats and IT security consulting

• Technical and operational IT security concepts
  Focus on the main pillars of IT security: confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Develop skills in evaluating IT networks, creating protection profiles, designing monitoring tools, and analysing Big Data.

• Project: configuration and application of SIEM systems
  Work closely with a tutor to set up a Security Incident Event Management (SIEM) system in a corporate setting. Learn to manage data sources and turn technical data into actionable insights.

Pentesting and host forensics

• Static and dynamic malware analysis

  Master the technique of analysing malware, a major threat in cyberattacks. Learn how to set up secure environments for malware analysis and interpret reports to uncover attacker methods.

• Seminar: sandbox interpretation

  Refine your investigative skills by analysing malware in sandbox environments. Extract key indicators from logs, understand attack methods, and improve your knowledge of cyber threats.

A BSc in Cyber Security is an bachelor's degree that trains you to protect computing and information systems, networks, and data from digital threats. You'll learn both theory and practical skills in areas like cryptography, data protection, and network security, which are crucial for keeping modern digital systems secure.

A BSc Cyber Security degree can be challenging but immensely rewarding, like any technical programme. You'll delve into complex topics such as penetration testing, cryptography, and forensic analysis. However, you'll find it an enriching experience with the right support and resources.

At LIBF, you’ll have support from a personal tutor and study coaches. These coaches can help you develop effective learning strategies, especially if this is your first time studying online, away from the physical environment of a campus. Visit our student support webpage for further information about the teams that will support you during each academic year.

Senior roles in cyber security offer high salaries. For example, the average base salary for a Cyber Security Consultant in the UK is £146,575*. Other well-paid roles include Network Security Engineer and Penetration Tester, showing the value of these skills in today’s job market.

In 2023, Cybershark Recruitment surveyed 2,300 executives in their UK Cybersecurity Salary Survey. The survey identified the highest-paying roles in the industry:

• Governance, risk, and compliance roles: up to £230,000 per year.

• Cloud security roles: up to £222,500 per year.

• Incident response roles: up to £155,000.

• Identity and access management roles: up to £140,000.

*Salary information from uk.indeed.com and correct as of August 2024.

With a BSc in Cyber Security, you can pursue roles like Cybersecurity Analyst, Digital Forensic Investigator, Information Security Manager, Penetration Tester, and Network Security Engineer. These roles are needed across various sectors, including government, finance, and healthcare, where cybersecurity is essential.

Absolutely. A Cyber Security degree programme gives you in-demand skills vital in today’s digital world. Graduates can secure high-paying jobs and take on important roles across different industries, making this degree a valuable investment in your future.

We ask for two A-levels or an equivalent qualification, along with GCSE Maths and English at grade C (4) or above. The total tuition fee is £20,805, and our annual tuition fees are:

• £6,935 a year over 3 years full-time

• £5,201 a year over 4 years part-time

• £3,468 a year over 6 years part-time

UK students may apply for a student loan, and scholarships and fee reductions are available to those self-funding.