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Cyber Defence & Intelligence

Course details
  • 2 Study options
  • Undergraduate
Course location
Main Site

Course summary

Ready to outsmart the threats others can't see? You'll learn how adversaries think, developing the skills to predict, hunt, and stop cyberattacks before they strike, protecting national security and critical digital systems.

Why study BSc (Hons) Cyber Defence & Intelligence at BU?

  • Shape your future as a defence-certified cyber specialist on this course selected and funded by the Office for Students (OfS), designed to develop the UK's next generation of cyber security professionals

  • Build advanced technical skills in systems engineering, defence simulation and modelling, and incident response, taking your expertise far beyond traditional cyber degrees

  • Our OfS-funded Cyber Competency Centre puts you at the heart of real-world cyber defence. Through government-backed investment, we've recreated authentic threat scenarios where you'll test your abilities in live cyber defence environments and threat scenarios

  • An optional placement year will connect you with major defence contractors and commercial security firms, giving you professional experience that will set you apart

  • You'll be ready for high-impact roles across the Ministry of Defence, national intelligence services, and global security organisations, equipped with the skills and real-world experiences employers are looking for.

Modules

Course Modules

Core Units in Year 1: Computer Fundamentals | Mathematics for Computing | Programming | Introduction to Cyber Security | Network Essentials | Computing and Society

Core Units in Year 2: Ethical Hacking | Machine Learning | Security Operations (SecOps) | Data Structures and Algorithms | Network and Cyber Management | Technological Innovations in Cyber Security

Final Year

Core Units: Cyber Threat Intelligence | Systems Engineering | Digital Futures | Individual Project

Option Units: Cybercrime | Human Computer Interaction | Deep Learning and Applications

How to apply

Application codes

Institution code:
B50

This course may be available at alternative locations, please check if other course options are available.

Course options

Entry requirements

Typical qualification requirements

UCAS Tariff
112-128

112–128 UCAS tariff points (grades BBC–ABB) from a minimum of 2 A-levels.

A level

112–128 UCAS tariff points (grades BBC–ABB) from a minimum of 2 A-levels.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
DMM

Distinction, Merit, Merit (112 UCAS tariff points).

Scottish Higher

112–128 UCAS tariff points (grades AABC–AAAB).

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
28-31

28 to 31 points.

Access to HE Diploma

102–118 UCAS tariff points with any combination of Distinction, Merit, Pass grades.

Extended Project

We accept this qualification, but it must be accompanied by two A-level sized qualifications to meet the overall UCAS tariff.

GCSE/National 4/National 5

GCSE English Language or English Literature and Mathematics grade 4 (or grade C in the old grading system). We also accept iGCSEs, Key Skills and Functional Skills and other qualifications at Level 2 of the National Qualifications Framework.

OCR Cambridge Technical Diploma
D*D

Distinction*, Distinction (104 UCAS tariff points).

OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma
DMM

Distinction, Merit, Merit (112 UCAS tariff points).

OCR Cambridge Technical Introductory Diploma

We accept this qualification, but it must be accompanied by an A-level sized qualification to meet the overall UCAS tariff.

OCR Cambridge Technical Subsidiary Diploma

We accept this qualification, but it must be accompanied by an A-level sized qualification to meet the overall UCAS tariff.

Pearson BTEC 90-Credit Diploma (QCF)

We accept this qualification, but it must be accompanied by an A-level sized qualification to meet the overall UCAS tariff.

Pearson BTEC Extended Diploma (QCF)

We accept this qualification as part of the overall tariff.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)

Distinction*, Distinction (104 UCAS tariff points).

Scottish Advanced Higher

112–128 UCAS tariff points (grades CCD–BCC).

T Level

Merit (120 UCAS tariff points).

Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (first teaching September 2015)

We accept this qualification, but it must be accompanied by an A-level sized qualification to meet the overall UCAS tariff.

AccessBU: AccessBU provides you with the opportunity to tell us about your circumstances that are not always evident in your UCAS application. This widening access initiative also considers relevant criteria such as being in care or if you live in an area with a low participation rate in Higher Education - if you are eligible, your offer could be up to 16 UCAS tariff points below the published tariff.

Apprenticeships: We recognise the transferable knowledge and skills gained through apprenticeships and welcome applications from students with a Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship recognised by the Institute for Apprenticeships. Each application will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Deferred entry: We are happy to consider eligible applicants for deferred entry. If you have already submitted your application, please submit your deferral request through our website.

Direct entry: We welcome applications from students who have previously studied at degree level at other institutions and wish to transfer onto a BU course. Our Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) procedure enables credit awarded from one institution to contribute to a BU award, subject to an application process. Please visit our RPL webpage for more information.

Mature applicants: We recognise that mature applicants may have a wealth of experience rather than formal qualifications, so we’ll consider your application on these merits if included in your application. You’ll need to apply to BU in the usual way through UCAS and you may be invited to an interview to discuss your suitability for the course based on the experience you tell us about in your application.

English language requirements

TestGradeAdditional details
IELTS (Academic)6IELTS (Academic) 6.0 with minimum 5.5 in each component.

Contextual admissions

Universities and colleges consider more than grades when assessing applications and may make offers based on a range of criteria. Learn more about contextual offers.

Please note that this information reflects historical entry requirements for UK 18-year-olds who pursued A level and BTEC qualifications. Please see the relevant course page of our website for the most up-to-date details on this course’s entry requirements and selection methods. Our offer-making process is based on your potential to succeed on your chosen course and considers a range of factors.

Historical entry grades data

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 options

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

Per year tuition fees

LocationFeeYear
England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, Channel Islands, Republic of Ireland, EU & InternationalTBC

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.

Additional fee information

No additional fees or cost information has been supplied for this course, please contact the provider directly.

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