Computer Science with Cyber Security

A Computer Science with Cyber Security degree at Brighton prepares you to design and develop secure software systems and protect data, privacy and infrastructure across organisations. You’ll build solid computer science foundations and specialise in cyber defence, learning how to prevent breaches, assess vulnerabilities and engineer resilient services. Project work and the option of a paid placement year help you put learning into practice and showcase your capabilities to employers.

At Brighton you’ll be part of a supportive community that helps you grow, whatever your background. The course is full of opportunities to build real‑world experience through team projects, hackathons, employer‑set briefs and an optional year‑long placement. Our inclusive approach to learning means we help you play to your strengths and learn in ways that suit you best.

Graduates progress into roles such as software engineer, cybersecurity analyst, secure systems developer, network security engineer and cloud/DevOps engineer or continue to postgraduate study and research.

Top reasons to choose this course

• Gain a degree with professional accreditation from BCS – The Chartered Institute for IT, aligning your learning with industry benchmarks and supporting professional recognition.

• Cyber specialism from the start – develop core computer science knowledge – programming, systems, networks, databases – while learning the security principles and techniques used to design and evaluate secure systems.

• Brighton’s thriving tech community – study in a city known for digital innovation, with opportunities to connect with local tech companies and attend events such as the UX Brighton Conference.

• Learn specialist technical skills – master programming, algorithms, data structures and software engineering, alongside advanced topics in AI, cybersecurity and cloud computing.

• Hands-on experience from day one – work on real-world projects using industry-standard tools and practices, including Agile development, version control and collaborative coding.

• Boost your CV with work experience opportunities, including an optional paid placement year, funded internships and employer-led projects.

• Learn in specialist facilities – train in our networking and cybersecurity labs, immersive UX spaces and software development suites equipped with modern technologies.

• Contribute to research and innovation – get involved in projects exploring AI, data analytics, human-computer interaction and emerging digital technologies.

Why Brighton is a great place to study Computer Science with Cyber Security
Brighton & Hove has a vibrant tech scene, from creative digital and UX studios to data, cloud and cybersecurity firms, offering meet-ups, internships and graduate roles. Studying here connects your projects to an active community and a city known for its innovation and start‑up culture.

Course Modules

Year 1
You’ll build the core technical and professional skills needed for a career in computing, including writing programs in a high-level language, designing and maintaining web pages, and implementing relational databases using SQL. You’ll develop problem-solving and analytical skills through programming and maths, gain an understanding of computer architecture and cyber security fundamentals and explore artificial intelligence concepts. Alongside technical skills, you’ll strengthen your communication, teamwork and employability through industry-focused activities.

Core modules
Introduction to Programming
Introduction to Cyber Security
Computing Technologies
Introduction to Artificial Intelligence
Introduction to Web Development
Working in the Computing Industry

Year 2
In your second year, you’ll deepen your technical expertise in object-oriented software development, data structures and operating systems, while building specialist cyber security skills. Core modules cover network security, secure systems analysis and design, and security and dependability, giving you hands-on experience in evaluating vulnerabilities and implementing security controls.

You’ll also strengthen teamwork and project management skills through an integrated group project, with options to develop further in areas like databases, embedded systems, mobile app development or AI techniques.

Core modules
Network Security
Object-oriented Development and Testing
Secure Systems Analysis and Design
Security and Dependability
Integrated Group Project

Options*
Database Management Systems
Embedded Systems
Mobile Application Development
Intelligent Systems 1

Optional Placement Year
You can choose a salaried professional placement after year two, gaining hands-on experience with tech companies, software development teams or IT consultancies. This year allows you to apply your academic knowledge to real-world projects such as software engineering, cybersecurity, data analytics or web and mobile development.

You’ll develop practical skills in programming, system design and project management while building valuable industry contacts. A placement enhances your employability and confidence, giving you a competitive edge for careers in computing and technology.

Final year
In your final year, you’ll consolidate your expertise in cyber security and computer science through a major individual project, applying advanced technical and research skills to a topic of your choice. Core modules will develop your ability to manage information security systems and understand legal frameworks around cyber security and intellectual property.

Option modules allow you to specialise in areas such as usability evaluation, software architecture, project management, advanced mobile app development and programming paradigms, giving you the high-level technical, analytical and professional skills needed for careers in secure systems development or postgraduate study.

Core modules
The Computing Project
Information Security Management
Cyber Security and Intellectual Property Law

Options*
Usability Evaluation
Object-Oriented Design and Architecture
Marketing for Software Products
Project Management
Advanced Artificial Intelligence
Cyber Security and Intellectual Property Law
New Horizons in Computing
Programming Languages, Concurrency and Client Server Computing
Advanced Mobile Application Development

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