“From a technical perspective, everything I needed for a graduate position was provided through my course”
BSc (Hons)Cyber Security
Apply on UCAS
Starting in: 2025
Register your interest- 3 years
- 4 years with foundation year
- 4 years with year in industry
- 5 years with foundation and industry years
UCAS code: CYS3
Institution code: S30
UCAS points: 48Flexible entry options available
Campus: Southampton City CentreView on Google Maps
Why study cyber security with a foundation year
Want to protect the world from hackers, viruses and cyber-attacks? This practical degree course enables you develop the in-demand skills in a growing industry.
- 0thin the sector for graduate start-ups (HESA 2023)
- 0thUK uni for sustained employment (Longitudinal Educational Outcomes 2022)
- Top0%for teaching quality, out of 131 institutions (Times Good University Guide, 2025)
- If you’re looking to study our cyber security degree, but don’t have the relevant qualifications or experience, the foundation year will help you develop the core skills and knowledge to progress.
- 100% positivity score for academic support in our computer network courses* (NSS 2024). *(Across our BSc (Hons) Computer Systems and Networks Engineering and BSc (Hons) Cyber Security Management).
- Gain industry recognised qualifications alongside your degree, including CCNA Routing and Switching, CCNA-Security, CISCO CyberOps, and CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker).
- You’ll be taught in lab-based small groups.
- Study in our high-tech computer networking labs with industry-standard facilities including Cisco routers and switches, and software including Kali Linux, Metasploit and a wide range of tools capable of foot printing, reconnaissance and scanning.
- You'll have the chance to gain real-world experience alongside your degree thanks to our links with IBM, Juniper, The Office for National Statistics (ONS), and Carnival UK.
- Solent placement and graduate fair with great employment prospects – a large number of our students who did a placement at one of the exhibiting companies got offered a graduate job after their studies.
- You will be studying in the South East which continues to dominate the tech industry, alongside London (BDO UK, Nov 2022).
- You’ll be assigned a personal tutor who can assist you with pastoral support to help you make the most of your learning.
- You will study in our new environmentally friendly computing labs.
Course overview
If you are passionate about computing careers, but not quite ready to undertake the three year degree, the one-year computing foundation is the ideal way to learn essential programming, web design, networking and security skills. Upon successful completion, you can progress to the three-year BSc (Hons) Cyber Security course.
In partnership with CISCO Networking Academy and EC-Council, the three-year degree explores a range of professional topics all with your future career in mind. You will learn cutting-edge technologies, processes, strategies, policies, and industry-standards to protect network systems and data from cyber-attacks at both individual and enterprise level.
During your studies you will also have the chance to gain professional qualifications alongside your degree including; CCNA Routing and Switching, CCNA-Security, CISCO CyberOps, and CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker) equipping you with the right set of practical and technical skills that are highly valued by the industry.
You will study in our high-tech computer networking labs with industry-standard facilities. These facilities feature a wide variety of equipment including Cisco routers and switches, and software including Kali Linux, Metasploit and a wide range of tools capable of footprinting, reconnaissance, scanning, and enumeration of computer network systems in a controlled cybersecurity environment. In these facilities you will investigate the methods that hackers use to compromise vulnerable systems and also look at mechanisms that can be used to secure them against attack, including specialist software and dedicated security appliances.
This course is part of the South Coast Institute of Technology (IoT), a partnership of colleges, universities and industry-leading employers to create new career opportunities in the technology sector. IoT courses like this one are precisely tailored to the needs of employers in the maritime, engineering and digital industries – industries which are hungry for talented new engineers, technologists, technicians and creatives like you.
Any questions?
Contact international admissions
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Course features
Foundation year available
If you're not quite ready for a full undergraduate degree, there's alternative entry through one of our foundation years
Further studies
After successfully completing your studies, there's an opportunity to continue your studies at Solent
Placement year
If you apply for this course with a placement year, you have the opportunity to undertake a year in industry between your second and third years
Specialist facilities
This course has access to specialist facilities
Top-up option
If you have an appropriate Level 5 qualification, you can top it up to a degree in just a year
Study abroad
You have the opportunity to study abroad in one of our partner universities for a semester on this course
Who is this course for?
This course is ideal for those who wish to master the knowledge and develop the practical skills required to protect computer networks and data from hackers, intruders, and cyber-attacks.
What does this course lead to?
The ever increasing influence and use of computer networks have revolutionised our lives but at the same time, this is threatening our privacy, integrity, and security through increased cyber-attacks costing us a fortune. The estimated global cost of cyber-crimes is a few hundred billion GBPs annually and according to BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, there is a great shortage of skilled people to combat these crimes.
Graduate stories
Hear from Solent alumni about where their careers have taken them and how studying at Solent prepared them for their future.
Read more storiesMeet the team
The University cannot guarantee any particular members of staff will teach specific aspects of the course in the future, but will endeavour to ensure the teaching team maintains their balance of experience and qualifications.
Facilities
The course makes use of Solent’s excellent EC Council certified security and specialist networking labs, which feature a wide variety of real-world equipment from Cisco (including Cisco Packet Tracer), Fluke and HP, as well as high-fidelity simulation systems including the market-leading Opnet. You’ll also have access to our devices lab, a special test area integrated within one of our existing software development spaces. It consists of a range of real mobile devices, allowing students to test their web sites and apps on real equipment.
Our vibrant campus brings state-of-the-art facilities to enhance your learning and elevate your student experience. Our award-winning teaching building, The Spark is centred around students and offers a stimulating study environment with flexible learning spaces. Away from studying, why not try out the gyms, fitness studios and sports halls in our £28 million Sports Complex, or watch a blockbuster film at our student-run cinema with Dolby Atmos audio.
International opportunities
Broaden your horizons by adding an international dimension to your CV – essential to achieving success in today’s fast-changing, global environment.
Studying, working or volunteering in another country could be the experience of a lifetime. Enhance your degree by developing important global skills such as knowledge of other countries, language skills, intercultural awareness, adaptability and confidence.
For more information, please email international.mobility@solent.ac.uk.
What you'll study
Core modules
Digital Media Technologies
This module is an introduction to the wide range of processes used for current digital media, audio and visual technologies.
Foundation Computing
The module introduces the learners to the basic concepts and practices in different areas of computing focusing on computer hardware, software, operating systems, computer networks, and cyber security.
Foundation Mathematics
This module provides an introduction to the technologies and the mathematics that underpin much of computing and media technology.
Group Technology Project
This module explores the foundations of collaborative work practice, the importance of team work in the digital and technology industries including its context within an academic environment, by offering practical guidance on current best practice for either running or being part of a successful team.
Individual Degree Related Project
This module develops academic study skills that students will need for future levels of study. It lays the foundation for constructing reports and presentations in an academic style.
Problem Solving
This module serves as an introduction to computer programming and aims to develop the fundamental problem solving techniques that are required to solve computational problems.
How you will learn and be assessed
You will learn by:
You may be assessed by a combination of:
- Coursework
- Individual presentations
- In-class tests
- Online tests
- Practical activities
Solent’s curriculum framework builds on our unique, creative and applied approach to teaching. The transformation of students’ lives is at the heart of our mission as a university, and our curriculum – informed by the latest theory – reflects this shared educational vision.
Find out more
Study support
The student achievement team are on hand to help you succeed during your studies at Solent. They aim to contact you at key times during your time here with personalised information, advice and guidance, by email or phone.
The disability advice team provides information, advice and guidance for disabled students.
All students can access Succeed@Solent, Solent's online guide to getting better grades. It offers extensive, practical information and advice on topics such as academic writing, research and presentations.
Why choose a career in cyber security?
UK digital industries are now worth more than £150 billion (TechUK) and the cybersecurity market worldwide is projected to reach £140.80bn in 2024 (Statista).
With the internet and computer networking playing such a vital role in modern business, this course focuses on how to protect computer networks and data from hackers and cyber attacks, and equips you with a range of in-demand skills augmented with professional qualifications.
Our links with industry
You could earn:
Cyber security analyst
Starting salary: £25,000 to £35,000
Experienced or senior analysts can expect to earn around £35,000 to in excess of £60,000. Salaries may vary depending on the type of organisation you work for and in which sector.
Systems analyst
Junior analyst £20,000 to £30,000
With experience, analysts could earn up to and above £40,000. Salaries are higher in some sectors, especially the financial sector.
The stated salaries are published on prospects.ac.uk. Income figures are intended as a guide only.
Graduate stories
Hear from Solent alumni about where their careers have taken them and how studying at Solent prepared them for their future.
Read more stories“From a technical perspective, everything I needed for a graduate position was provided through my course”
Solent Futures
The Solent Careers team is committed to getting students into great careers.
While you are studying, the team can help you with finding work experience or placements, link you with a mentor, check your CV, or offer one-to-one guidance.
If you're in your final year, we also have graduate job opportunities just for Solent graduates.
6th
UK uni for sustained employment
Longitudinal Educational Outcomes, 2022
Accreditations, recognitions and memberships
Accredited by:
Part of:
Further study
Thinking about studying further than an undergraduate degree? Alumni can get 20% off their postgraduate study.
MSc Cyber Security Engineering
Gain the essential skills and knowledge to become a cyber security specialist, and learn to tackle cybercrime and manage security systems on this cyber security engineering master’s conversion degree.
MSc Computer Engineering
Bring your problem-solving skills to both existing and emerging technologies on this highly practical, industry-led conversion course, ideal for students from non-computing backgrounds.
Tuition fees
The tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year are:
- UK, EU (settled status) and Channel Island full-time fees: £9,250 per year
- International full-time fees: £15,050 for foundation level. Fees will increase for year 1.
- International full-time fees: £17,750 per year
For further information, please visit our tuition fees page.
Extra course costs
While most course costs are covered by your tuition fees, some essential resources and optional extras may need to be paid for separately. For advice on budgeting and managing your money, please contact student.funding@solent.ac.uk.
Bursaries, scholarships and financial support
Solent University offers a range of bursaries and scholarships that provide financial assistance or waive fees for tuition or accommodation. Each bursary or scholarship has specific eligibility criteria. Check out our bursaries and scholarships pages to find out more.
Solent EU Welcome Scholarship (Fee Discount)
This scholarship is available to students from an EU country, with EU nationality, who are applying for an undergraduate course starting in September 2025. The scholarship will reduce your tuition fees to £10,500.
Find out more about the scholarship
Cost of living support
At Solent, we understand that the cost of living crisis may be of some concern. To help, we've put together some detailed information to show what support is available and how to make your money go further.
Graduation costs
There is no charge to attend graduation, but you will be required to pay for the rental of your academic gown (approximately £45 per graduate, depending on your award). You may also wish to purchase official photography packages, which range in price from £15 to £200+. Graduation is not compulsory, so if you prefer to have your award sent to you, there is no cost. Extra guest tickets will go on sale after results publication and will be sold on a first-come-first-served basis. The cost per ticket is currently £15. Please note, we do not guarantee there will be any extra tickets available to purchase.
Student finance videos
Student finance in under three minutes Student funding - the essentials
Entry requirements
Please select an option below:
Key entry requirements
48 UCAS tariff points
- A minimum of two completed A-levels, a BTEC Extended Diploma at PPP or BTEC Diploma at MP, T-level Pass (D or E) or equivalent.
- We will consider mature students who haven't recently undertaken a formalised course of study at A-level or equivalent, but who can demonstrate relevant workplace or voluntary experience, indicating their ability to complete the course successfully.
- For further information about UK qualifications, please contact admissions.
Key entry requirements
As a general guide, we look for qualifications that are equivalent to the British high school A-levels.
If you are applying from outside the UK, find information about entry requirements, visas and agents for your country here.
For further information about EU qualifications, please see our course entry requirements document.
Key entry requirements
As a general guide, we look for qualifications that are equivalent to the British high school A-levels.
If you are applying from outside the UK, find information about entry requirements, visas and agents for your country here.
For further information about international qualifications, please see our course entry requirements document.
Note to all international students requiring a visa
All international applicants need to be aware that the English language requirements to attend Solent University, and the English language requirements to obtain a visa from the Home Office, may be different. This means that if you meet the Solent University language requirement to gain a place on the course, you may still have to meet additional requirements to be granted with a visa by the Home Office.
We strongly advise all applicants to visit the Home Office website which outlines all the requirements for a successful visa application.
48UCAS points
Any questions?
Contact international admissions
Email: Call:How to apply
Full-time
Any student applying for the first year of a full-time/sandwich undergraduate course must apply through UCAS (University and Colleges Admissions Service). This includes mature, overseas and EU students.
Nearly all schools and colleges offer their students the facility of applying electronically through the UCAS website using 'Apply'; it may also be used by those applying independently in the UK and overseas. This facility and all course information can be found on the UCAS website: www.ucas.com.
Your application should reach UCAS by 31 January if you hope to enter a course the following autumn. Early application is advised for the most popular subject areas. Late applications may be made until the end of June. The UCAS Code for the University is S30, code name SOLNT.
Find out what happens after you apply
Contextual offers
Solent endeavours to offer learning opportunities to students from all backgrounds. When we receive and review an application, we take into consideration the context and personal circumstances of applicants when making a decision, which means our advertised entry tariff could be reduced.
Alternative entry options
Top-up route:
We welcome applications from students currently studying a Foundation Degree, DipHE, HNC, HND or modules of an undergraduate degree course at another university, who wish to enter directly into Years 2 or 3 of one of our undergraduate degree courses. Please contact our admissions team for more information: contact us
Language requirements
Applicants who do not have English as their first language will be required to demonstrate an approved level of proficiency in the use of the English language. The agreed minimum requirements for this course are:
-
IELTS 6.0 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each individual component
-
or equivalent.
Qualifications are checked before enrolment, and international students must bring their original certificates or certified copies when coming to study at the University.
The University also offers a pre-sessional English programme for international students who wish to improve their level of English before starting a degree course.
Make your application
- 3 years
- 4 years with foundation year
- 4 years with year in industry
- 5 years with foundation and industry years
