Cyber Security

Are you excited by technology and problem-solving, and keen to understand how to stay one step ahead of cyber threats? Our Cyber Security degree, designed and taught by leading researchers in the field, prepares you to play a key role in protecting people, processes and technologies in a fast-growing industry. With practical experience tackling real-world challenges, you will graduate ready to defend the systems shaping our future.

Why choose this course?

• No prior experience needed, build cyber skills from day one

• Gain practical experience in both offensive (e.g., ethical hacking) and defensive (e.g., network security design) cyber security, including digital forensics

• Develop expertise in securing networks, data and users

• Use real-world scenarios, tools and simulated cyber attacks

• Enhance your career with an optional placement or international year

Our Cyber Security BSc prepares you to think like both an attacker and a defender, giving you the skills to anticipate threats, protect systems and respond effectively with confidence. 

You will build a strong foundation in programming, networks and computer systems, cybercrime, before exploring areas such as secure and usable system development, cyber security management, governance and human factors security, advanced cyber operations and threat intelligence, and digital forensics. Through real world scenarios, simulated cyber incidents and projects aligned with industry practice, you will develop the skills to identify vulnerabilities, evaluate risks, secure systems, and respond to evolving threats. It also means you will explore the social context of cyber security, including what users need, what drives costs and how solutions are evaluated.

In your final year, you will complete an independent project tackling a real cyber security challenge. This is your chance to showcase your creativity, technical ability and problem-solving skills, demonstrating you are ready to step into a fast-paced industry.

Throughout the programme, you will benefit from a variety of teaching and learning activities informed by and involving our partners from industry. This includes a series of guest lectures from organisations such as Microsoft, the BBC, and CapGemini, as well as grouped and individual projects potentially involving real-world data from industry.

From dedicated professional development sessions and industry guest lectures to tailored careers support, employability is embedded throughout your studies. The programme also includes the option to enhance your experience through either a flexible-short or year-long industry placement. Alternatively, if you’re interested in teaching, a specialist option offers experience in educational settings.

About Keele

Keele University was established in 1949 by the former Vice-Chancellor of Oxford University. Founded to meet the needs of a changing world, Keele has always had a pioneering vision to be a different kind of university.

We excel in both teaching and research, with some of the most satisfied students in England, and research that is changing lives for the better at a regional, national and global level.

Our beautiful 600-acre campus is one of the biggest in Britain – but all the most important services and facilities are on your doorstep, with accommodation, teaching spaces, facilities including a medical centre, sports centre and pharmacy, and a range of shops, eateries and entertainment venues – including the Students’ Union – clustered around the centre.