Birmingham City University United Kingdom

Cyber Security with a Foundation Year - BSc (Hons)

Integrated Masters with deeper specialization and research focus
Taught in English
Duration 4 Years
Mode On Campus
Level Undergraduate
Degree Bachelors Degree With Integrated Foundation Year
Closing soon September 2026

Course Overview

The BSc (Hons) Cyber Security with a Foundation Year at Birmingham City University is your gateway to a critical and rapidly expanding field. You will develop the essential technical knowledge, intellectual skills, and practical experience required to combat the sophisticated cyber threats facing modern organisations. This undergraduate degree is ideal if you are passionate about protecting digital assets and understanding the intricacies of network defence, cyber forensics, and secure systems. You will explore key areas such as applied cryptography, system security, and ethical hacking, preparing you for a dynamic career in the digital economy.

This four-year, full-time, on-campus programme begins with a comprehensive foundation year designed to build your confidence and essential academic skills before you delve into core cyber security modules. Throughout your studies, you will engage with practical, industry-relevant content, including network fundamentals, cyber security operations, and applied AI for cyber security. You will have the opportunity to undertake an optional professional placement year, gaining invaluable real-world experience. Upon graduation, you will be well-prepared for roles such as a cyber security analyst, network security engineer, or digital forensics investigator.

Course Curriculum & Details

Detailed information for serious evaluators

Program Overview

This BSc (Hons) Cyber Security program begins with a foundational year covering essential mathematics, digital technology, web design, emerging technologies, and programming. Subsequent years delve into core cyber security principles, computer systems, operating systems, and networking. You will explore software security, system attacks and defenses, cyber forensics, and operations, with advanced topics like ethical hacking, AI for cyber security, network forensics, and cloud computing in the final year. An optional professional placement year offers valuable industry experience.

1 Foundation

Fundamental Mathematics Compulsory
Fundamentals of Digital Technology Compulsory
Web Application Design Compulsory
Emerging Technologies Compulsory
Independent Practice Compulsory
Foundations of Programming Compulsory

2 Year One

Computer Systems Compulsory
Cyber Security Fundamentals Compulsory
Applied Operating Systems Compulsory
Computer Programming Compulsory
Mathematics for Computing Compulsory
Network Fundamentals Compulsory

3 Year Two

Software Security Compulsory
System Security Attacks and Defences Compulsory
Applied Cyber Forensics Compulsory
Cyber Security Operations Compulsory
Networking Technologies Compulsory
Applied Cryptography Compulsory

4 Professional Placement Year (Optional)

Professional Placement

5 Final Year

Individual Honours Project Compulsory
Ethical Hacking Compulsory
Applied AI for Cyber Security Compulsory
Network and Internetwork Forensics Compulsory
Cloud Computing Compulsory

Cost & Affordability

A clear picture of what this course will cost you

Program Costs

First Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 25,101.00
Second Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 25,101.00
Third Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 25,101.00
Fourth Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 25,101.00
Total Program Cost Estimated total tuition
USD 100,404.00

Currency note: Program costs shown in USD based on the available tuition breakdown.

Living Costs

Accommodation
USD 607.00 - USD 1,191.00
Food & Groceries USD 3,222.00 - USD 4,028.00
Transport USD 806.00 - USD 3,222.00
Utilities & Bills USD 4,028.00 - USD 5,034.00
Estimated Total USD 8,056.00 - USD 11,278.00

Living cost estimates are based on Birmingham City Campus.

Outcomes & Employability

What happens after you graduate

97%
Graduate Employment Rate Within 6 to 12 months of graduation

Common Graduate Roles

Advertising Finance & OperationsAgribusiness Inputs (Seeds, Fertilizers & Machinery)Agricultural Research & DevelopmentAgrochemical & Seed IndustryClient Services & Account ManagementCustomer Experience & SupportEnvironmental & Sustainability ConsultingFisheries & AquacultureInvestment Management & Asset ManagementPrivate Equity & Venture Capital

Top Employers Hiring for this course

Capgemini

Llyods banking group

Microsoft

National Farmers'​ Union

Why Study Cyber Security with a Foundation Year - BSc (Hons) at Birmingham City University

What makes this program stand out

September 2026 Closing soon

Next intake is in September 2026

Moderate Application response time

Birmingham City University typically responds to applications within 1 - 2 weeks, giving you clarity on your options quickly.

Life at Birmingham City University in United Kingdom

What daily life looks like for international students

Language

English

Primary language everywhere

Climate

Mild & Rainy

10-20°C average, pack layers

Safety (Numbeo Safety Index)

Very Safe

Exeter is one of UK's safest cities

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Cyber Security with a Foundation Year - BSc (Hons) at Birmingham City University

Can I work while studying?

International students can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during breaks. No separate work permit is needed for degree course students.

What English language score do I need for this course?

For English language requirements, TOEFL scores must meet specific benchmarks, including an overall score of 80. IELTS and PTE scores also have minimum requirements, ensuring that all students can fully engage with course content.

What jobs can I get after studying this course?

Graduates can pursue careers as Cyber Security Analysts, Information Security Managers, Security Consultants, and Network Security Engineers.

What will I actually study in this course?

This course includes a Foundation Year, allowing for a broader study experience and covers critical topics such as data protection and cyber security challenges. You will gain essential technical and management skills needed in today's digital economy.

When can I start — what are the intake months?

The intake month for the Cyber Security with a Foundation Year - BSc (Hons) course is September. Make sure to prepare your application ahead of this date.
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