Course contact details
Admissions
Email:admissions@plymouth.ac.uk
Phone:+44 (0) 1752 585858
University of Plymouth
Drake Circus
Plymouth
PL4 8AA
Cyber security is in high demand globally. Explore key threats to data, including hackers, malicious coders, social engineers, viruses, worms, botnets, phishing, and more. Gain the skills to become an expert in designing and managing secure systems.
Connect with industry
Benefit from the University's strong links with leading companies such as Microsoft, IBM, Oracle, Cisco, Intel, Apple, Nvidia, BBC, and the Met Office. We'll support you from your first year to secure high-quality placements and job opportunities, enhancing your career potential.
Real-world problem solving
Work on live industry projects and case studies, tackling current cybersecurity challenges to develop practical, job-ready skills.
Security and forensics lab
You'll use industry-standard agile development processes throughout your studies, collaborating with peers to design and deliver complete systems from concept to deployment, becoming expert in professional practices.
This course is for you if...
you're passionate about protecting data and systems from cyber threats
you enjoy problem-solving and have a keen interest in technology
you're eager to gain hands-on experience in cybersecurity practices
you aspire to work in roles such as secure software developer, penetration tester, or digital forensic examiner
Year 1
Start your journey at the cutting edge of technology. In your first year, you’ll dive into the core principles of computer science—learning to code, solve problems algorithmically, and master the maths that powers modern computing.
From day one, it’s hands-on: you’ll design databases, explore how operating systems work under the hood, and start thinking like a developer.
Our industry-aligned curriculum sets you up for success, with practical workshops and early preparation to set you up for specialisation.
Year 2
This year, you’ll dive deeper into the technologies and techniques that protect digital systems from real-world threats. From biometrics and cryptography to secure coding and vulnerability management, you’ll explore how to build secure systems from the ground up.
You’ll gain hands-on experience analysing malware, managing threats, and designing defences that hold strong. A dedicated security project gives you the chance to apply your learning in a practical, creative way - preparing you for an optional placement year and setting the stage for your professional journey.
Year 3
Step into the real world and put your skills to the test. During this 48-week industry placement, you’ll gain invaluable experience in a professional environment - applying everything you’ve learned so far to real projects, real teams, and real challenges.
Supported by our strong network of industry partners and dedicated placement team, you’ll build confidence, sharpen your technical and professional skills, and grow a network of contacts that can open doors after graduation. It’s your opportunity to stand out, gain a competitive edge, and graduate with more than just a degree - graduate with experience.
Final year
In your final year, you’ll refine your expertise and become a cyber security specialist ready to meet the challenges of a rapidly evolving digital world.
You’ll master ethical hacking, penetration testing, intrusion detection, and digital forensics - learning how to think like an attacker to protect like a professional.
You’ll also explore information security management, human factors, and legal frameworks, developing a 360° view of modern cyber defence. Your final-year project is your chance to go deep in an area you're passionate about, producing a standout piece of work that proves your readiness for the next stage - where you stop being a student and start becoming a professional.
For up to date details, please refer to our website or contact the institution directly.
Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.
This course may be available at alternative locations, please check if other course options are available.
Course optionsDiscover what it's like to study Computer Science (Cyber Security) at University of Plymouth: insights on the course, making friends, personal statement tips, uni prep, and recommended books, podcasts, and videos.
104 UCAS points to include a minimum of 2 A Levels
Merit to Distinction Overall depending on the Mathematics units studying within the T Level pathways
To include a minimum of 2 A Levels
Considered in combination with Advanced Highers
Pass Access to Higher Education Diploma in a relevant subject (e.g. Computing, IT, Science, Humanities, Engineering) with at least 33 Level 3 credits at Merit and/or Distinction
104 UCAS points to include 2 Advanced Highers
Considered in combination.
Considered in combination
Considered in combination.
Maths and English accepted within as GCSE equivalent.
Considered in combination with other level 3 qualifications
104 UCAS points from Higher Level
Maths and English considered within as GCSE equivalent at H1-H7 or O1-O4
Considered in combination.
Considered in combination.
Considered in combination.
Considered in combination.
Considered in combination with other level 3 qualifications
Considered in combination.
Considered in combination.
Considered in combination.
All applicants are required to have GCSE C/4 at English and Mathematics.
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 6 | With 5.5 in all elements. |
Full details of English Language requirements can be found on our website.https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/international/how-to-apply/english-language-requirements
At the University of Plymouth, we believe in building a welcoming and inclusive community that supports every student to achieve their full potential.
With our contextual offer scheme, we may extend offers below our standard entry criteria to those applicants whose circumstances and experiences could have impacted their education and academic performance. You can check your eligibility for a contextual offer using our online postcode checker.
This section shows the range of grades that students who received offers were previously accepted on to this course with (learn more).
It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place.
Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.
This course may have Historical entry grades data available, please select a course option to view.
Course optionsNo fee information has been provided for this course
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.
For all information about tuition fees, please visit our fees and funding pages at www.plymouth.ac.uk/study/fees
Email:admissions@plymouth.ac.uk
Phone:+44 (0) 1752 585858
Drake Circus
Plymouth
PL4 8AA
At University of Plymouth