Computer Science with Cyber Security BSc(Hons)

International requirements and visas

We can help you meet our English language or academic entry requirements.

Visas and immigration advice

Top reasons to choose this course

• Build a portfolio of project work.
• Showcase your work to potential employers at the final year degree show.
• Work with programming languages including Python, JavaScript, Java and C++, and operating systems including Linux, iOS, Windows and Android.
• Specialist facilities such as CISCO-certified communications and cybersecurity lab, usability lab and Simulation Suite.
• Learn with innovative researchers and experts from industry.
• Accredited by BCS – The Chartered Institute for IT.

Year 1 

Your first year provides a solid foundation in computer science and cyber security.

Modules

• Introduction to Programming

  This is an entry-level programming module that will introduce you to the fundamental concepts and skills required to write simple programs in a high-level language. It will provide you with a basis of understanding from which to learn other programming languages and paradigms.

• Introduction to Cyber Security

  This module will provide you with an understanding of cyber security and privacy. You will also learn the skills and mechanisms needed to build and maintain secure information systems that can protect people, business and data from malicious attacks.

• Computing Technologies

  This module will give you an understanding of the basic principles underlying the architecture and operation of a computer system, including the storage and retrieval of data. Content covers computer organisation and architecture; computer arithmetic, binary and hexadecimal number systems; system software; software tooling; data storage and management; relational database implementation; and an introduction to structured query language (SQL).

• Introduction to Artificial Intelligence

  During this module you will learn about the basic concepts of artificial intelligence (AI) and explore AI principles, techniques and technologies using real-world examples. You will look at areas including intelligent reasoning, problem-solving strategies, machine learning and applications of AI.

• Introduction to Web Development

  During this module you will explore a range of current web technologies and gain practical experience in designing, making and maintaining standards-compliant static and interactive web pages. You will be provided with your own space on the Brighton Domains web server on which to host and test web pages online.

• Working in the Computing Industry

  This module explores the professional roles and working practices in computing and business information technology (IT). You will learn employability skills such as how to plan and work in a group and as an individual and how to communicate using different media, as well as study skills like academic writing and referencing and how to find and use information to investigate a topic.

Making sure that what you learn with us is relevant, up to date and what employers are looking for is our priority, so courses are reviewed and enhanced on an ongoing basis. When you have applied to us, you’ll be told about any new developments through Student View.

Year 2 

On this computer science with cyber security degree you will study software-hardware design in more depth and cover areas of computer science that include intelligent systems, object-oriented software design, operating systems and data structures. You will start to develop the specialist knowledge required to work within the computing industry focusing on cyber security.

Modules

Core modules

• Network Security

  In this module you will gain a theoretical and practical grounding in all aspects of networking. You will study areas related to security that will allow you to act professionally in the design, analysis, implementation and reporting of network security strategies. You will learn about the threats and attacks which may be perpetrated on computer networks and the security controls designed to protect them. 

• Object-oriented Development and Testing

  The module introduces you to an object-oriented approach to the development and testing of a software system. You’ll cover the specification, implementation, testing and documentation of object-oriented software systems.

• Secure Systems Analysis and Design

  Software engineering is the application of theory and practice to effectively and efficiently build systems that satisfy business needs and encompasses all phases of the system lifecycle. This module will develop your understanding of software engineering in the context of cyber security and teach you to apply security by design frameworks when developing systems. 

• Security and Dependability

  During this module you will develop your understanding of computer security, software vulnerabilities, web security and security controls. You‘ll gain hands-on experience of security evaluation techniques and explore topics from both a security engineer perspective and from the perspective of someone who aims to bypass security protections. 

• Integrated Group Project

  The group project is an opportunity to work as a group and run a software project to develop a usable software solution. You will bring together what you‘ve learned so far and put this all into practice in a project environment through tasks from planning and management to requirements gathering, design, code and demonstrating the solution.

Options*

• Database Management Systems

  This module explores the relational database model. You will gain practical experience in building database systems using this technology and explore the functions and features of database management systems and their role as part of an effective information system. 

• Embedded Systems

  This module introduces the architecture of embedded computer systems. You will explore the fundamental concept of low-level processor functionality and develop your C and assembly language programming skills.

• Mobile Application Development

  This module introduces you to basic concepts, patterns and technologies used in building mobile applications. You will apply this knowledge in practical exercises involving the development of mobile user interfaces and applications, learning to work within the constraints of mobile platforms and also to exploit their possibilities.

• Intelligent Systems 1

  On this module you will learn the theory and the skills needed to develop AI applications to solve real-world problems and explore different AI techniques. Topics covered will include information filtering, text mining, knowledge representation, neural networks and data mining. A programming language, such as Python, will be used to demonstrate examples of AI applications.

*Option modules are indicative and may change, depending on timetabling and staff availability.

Placement year

You have the option of a year’s paid placement after your second year. Going on a placement builds confidence, can help you decide what how you want to specialise in your final year and strengthens your CV.

Our students have worked with organisations such as:

• PepsiCo
• Gatwick Airport
• GlaxoSmithKline
• Disney
• BBC
• Roche
• Local councils. 

Final year

In your final year you will develop an in-depth critical understanding of cyber security and the computer science that supports it. You will complete a major cyber security-related project and present it to potential employers.

Modules

Core modules

• The Computing Project

  The Computing Project brings together everything you’ve learned during your degree in a major piece of work on a topic of your choosing. It’s your opportunity to put your understanding of theory into practice. All projects must include practical work of some sort using computing/IT technology. A series of workshops will support each step of the project process, from proposal to presentation.

• Information Security Management

  This module enables you to explore the tools and techniques available to secure and manage an information system. You will be introduced to the commonly used methods and frameworks needed to implement an information security management system that addresses todays organisational security needs.

• Cyber Security and Intellectual Property Law

  You will evaluate key legal cyber security challenges during this module and explore how cyber security and intellectual property laws are used to protect the interests of developers of computer-related products. Topics will include the threat landscape and associated legal challenges; the legal framework regarding privacy, data protection and security in the UK and EU; and surveillance, forensic computing and the gathering of evidence.

Options*

• Usability Evaluation

  On this module you will develop the knowledge and skills to perform a usability evaluation of a system or device – specifying requirements, choosing the best ways to evaluate usability and accessibility, planning and carrying out the evaluation and presenting the results. You’ll also explore the latest research in the broader field of evaluation. 

• Object-Oriented Design and Architecture

  On this module you will explore the principles and standards of alternative object-oriented and component-based architectures and standards, and apply them as you develop an architectural design for a software system.

• Marketing for Software Products

  During this module you will study business models used for software products and by software businesses. You’ll explore the ways in which these products are marketed, look at marketing strategies and examine the role of data in product design and marketing. You’ll also take a look at funding options for start-ups.

• Project Management

  This module enables you to develop competence in different project management approaches, ranging from agile management to traditional project planning. You will examine the role of the project manager and the project team and look at how to plan and run software projects. 

• Advanced Artificial Intelligence

  On this module you will examine current development in AI techniques and common issues that arise in real-world applications. You’ll develop an understanding of, and the skills needed to explore, advanced topics in AI such as logic, natural language processing (NLP) and speech and image recognition.

• Cyber Security and Intellectual Property Law

  You will evaluate key legal cyber security challenges during this module and explore how cyber security and intellectual property laws are used to protect the interests of developers of computer-related products. Topics will include the threat landscape and associated legal challenges; the legal framework regarding privacy, data protection and security in the UK and EU; and surveillance, forensic computing and the gathering of evidence.

• New Horizons in Computing

  This module gives you the opportunity to carry out independent, guided research into current trends and future innovations in computing technologies which you will be able to present to the local and wider computing industries. The module will also highlight the potential for, and the processes involved in, postgraduate studies.

• Programming Languages, Concurrency and Client Server Computing

  This module will prepare you to advise on issues arising from the design and implementation of systems that contain real-time and client server components. You will cover areas including the historical development of programming languages; programming paradigms; modern trends and developments in programming languages; and an overview of and mechanisms for achieving client-server computing.

• Advanced Mobile Application Development

  You will further develop your skills in designing and developing Android mobile applications during this module. You will conduct independent research in related topics and apply your knowledge to a project specifying, designing and developing an Android mobile app. 

*Option modules are indicative and may change, depending on timetabling and staff availability.

Meet the team

Dr Michalis Pavlidis, course leader

Dr Michalis Pavlidis is an expert in cybersecurity, specialising in cyber threat intelligence, AI-based security solutions, threat modelling, and secure software engineering. He has a PhD in Secure Software Engineering and a PGCert in Learning and Teaching.

With a strong academic background and extensive research experience, he has published numerous papers in leading journals and conferences. Currently, he serves as a Principal Lecturer at the University of Brighton, where he shares his knowledge and expertise with aspiring cybersecurity professionals.

His teaching areas include network security, cyber threat intelligence, threat modelling, and ethical hacking. With over 14 years of teaching experience and a Fellowship from the Higher Education Academy, Dr Pavlidis is dedicated to providing high-quality education and inspiring the next generation of cybersecurity experts.

He is always keen on involving passionate students in research projects, offering them opportunities to contribute to cutting-edge research and gain practical experience. His teaching approach is based on active learning and hands-on cybersecurity exercises, ensuring students develop the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the dynamic field of cybersecurity.

Other key members of the team

• Dr Karl Cox
• Dr Goran Soldar
• Dr Nikolaos Polatidis
• Andrew Montgomery
• Jennie Harding

Course fees

This course offers a professional placement (sandwich) year in year 3. If you choose to take this placement you will pay a reduced fee during this year. For students starting their undergraduate degree in the 2025–26 academic year, the fee for the professional placement year is £1,500 for UK students and £1,850 for international students. This fee may be subject to small increases in line with inflation.

The fees listed here are for the first year of full-time study if you start your course in the academic year 2025–26.

You will pay fees for each year of your course. Some fees may increase each year.

UK undergraduate and some postgraduate fees are regulated by the UK government and increases will not be more than the maximum amount allowed. Course fees that are not regulated may increase each year by up to 5% or RPI (whichever is higher).

If you are studying part-time your fee will usually be calculated based on the number of modules that you take.

Find out more

• Brighton Boost – cost of living help for our new undergrad students. Find out about how we can help with your study, accommodation or travel costs and more...
• Fees, bursaries, scholarships and government funding info for UK and international undergraduate students
• Student finance and budgeting while studying
• Read our student contract and tuition fee policy (pdf) for more on University of Brighton tuition fees.

Campus where this course is taught

Accommodation

Local area

Maps

Support and wellbeing

Sport at Brighton