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Computer Science (Cyber Security)

Msci (Hon) · 4 Years · Full-time · 21/09/2026 · UndergraduateMain Site

Course summary

Want to work at the cutting-edge of computing technology and help in shaping the future of our global society? Computers, intelligent devices and the internet are central to so many aspects of 21st century life, from business and industry to governance and our personal lives. Their potential for transforming economies, driving efficiencies and enhancing the well-being of societies is almost limitless. Our progressive curriculum will give you the knowledge and technical skills that employers need, and introduce you to pioneering ideas and technologies to help you to realise your ambitions.

We cover all the essentials of application development, from programming to software engineering, databases to web development, computer graphics to robotics, and information security. You will also explore the fundamentals of computing – what computers do, and how efficiently they do it – and learn about a host of advanced technologies, from computer games, digital sound and music, to concurrent and parallel programming, machine learning, bioinformatics, the internet of things, computational finance and more. From the outset, you will be experimenting with programming games, robots, Gadgeteer kits, Subversion, JUnit testing, Scrum-based Agile software and more, in our well-equipped laboratories.

We are a highly respected, research-focused department with a friendly approach and award-winning teaching. We offer a short-term summer work placement course and a dedicated personal adviser to guide you through your studies. You will also be welcome to join our thriving Computing Society. We are proud to be among the few departments in the UK to hold the Athena SWAN bronze award for increasing female participation in computer science.

The course’s modular structure gives you the flexibility to tailor your degree to your interests. We also offer you the opportunity to follow a specialist pathway that matches your career ambitions. At the end of year 1 you will have the option of transferring onto one of these pathways (Artificial Intelligence, Information Security or Distributed & Networked Computing), as well as onto a year-in-industry course, or onto our longer and more advanced integrated masters course. Transferring onto our Software Engineering pathway requires previous programming experience and early permission to take the Software Development course in year 1, rather than Object-oriented Programming.

  • Both the BSc and the MSci have received full certification by NCSC.

  • You will acquire problem modelling and analysis techniques, as well as knowledge of and practical experience in modern software-development methodologies and techniques.

  • You will develop extensive team-work skills, excellent coding skills, good communication skills, and a strong professional ethos.

  • You will have access to a very wide range of optional modules, including those highlighted in the specialist pathways.

  • A flexible degree structure allows you to keep your options open and follow your study interests and career ambitions.

From time to time, we make changes to our courses to improve the student and learning experience. If we make a significant change to your chosen course, we’ll let you know as soon as possible.

Modules

Please refer to our website for information: https://www.royalholloway.ac.uk/studying-here/undergraduate/computer-science/computer-science-cyber-security-msci/

Assessment method

Your course will be assessed by a combination of examinations and in-course assignments in the form of essays or presentations.

How to apply

Apply by
14 January

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application codes

Course code:
G500
Institution code:
R72
Campus name:
Main Site
Campus Code:
-

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

International applicants

Open days

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

UCAS Tariff - Not accepted

A level - AAA - AAB

Where an applicant is taking the EPQ alongside A-levels, the EPQ will be taken into consideration and result in lower A-level grades being required. Socio-economics factors which may have impacted an applicant's education will be taken into consideration and alternative offers may be made to these applicants. Required subject: A Level Computer Science or Mathematics or Physics and GCSE grade B/6 in Mathematics.

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

In a relevant subject (with significant programming content). Please see our website for the specific BTEC modules you must take in order to meet the entry requirements for this course.

Access to HE Diploma - D: 33 credits M: 12 credits

Pass in a relevant subject with at least 33 level 3 credits at Distinction and the remaining level 3 credits at Merit.

Scottish Higher - AAAAA

Including either Mathematics, Physics or Computer Science.

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

Plus A-level grade A in either Mathematics or Physics or Computer Science.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016) - D

Plus A-level grades AA including one of Mathematics or Physics or Computer Science.

Pearson BTEC Extended Diploma (QCF) - D*DD

In a relevant subject (with significant programming content). Please see our website for the specific BTEC modules you must take in order to meet the entry requirements for this course.

Pearson BTEC Diploma (QCF) - D*D

Plus A-level grade A in either Mathematics or Physics or Computer Science.

Scottish Advanced Higher - AAA - AAB

Including either Mathematics, Physics or Computer Science.

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 34 points

6,6,5 at Higher Level OR 34 points overall, including either Physics, Computer Science or 5 HL Maths: Analysis & Approaches/6 HL Maths: Applications & Interpretation

Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (last awarded Summer 2024)

Requirements are as for A-levels, where one non-subject-specified A-level can be replaced by the same grade in the Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate.

Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017) - H2, H2, H2, H2, H2

H2,H2,H2,H2,H2 including H3 in either Mathematics or H3 in Physics or H3 Computer Science.

Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal

Applicants with the Cambridge Pre-U are strongly encouraged to apply to Royal Holloway. Offers will be made on the basis of equivalent A-Level grades as can be found on the Royal Holloway website.

GCSE/National 4/National 5

We require English at grade 4/C and B/6 in Mathematics.

Combinations of qualifications will be considered on an individual basis, please contact us on admissions.enquiries@rhul.ac.uk to discuss your situation

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.

At Royal Holloway, we know every student approaches university with different experiences and backgrounds. We look at each application individually, and different factors can affect the exact offer a student receives. For instance, our contextual offer scheme means students from disadvantaged socio-economic background can receive a different offer. For full details please see our website.

Learn more on the Royal Holloway, University of London website

Historical entry grades data BETA

This section shows the range of grades students (with UK A-Levels or Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diplomas) who received offers were previously accepted 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.

Data from:
This course and 16 other computer science courses
Date range:
2022-2024

Offer rate for UK school & college leavers

83% Students aged 17/18 who applied to this course were offered a place.

How do you compare?

See how students with your grades have been accepted onto this course in the past.

Student Outcomes

Operated by the Office for Students

80 Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)

90 Go onto work and study

The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

LocationFeeYear
International£29900Year 1
Republic of Ireland£9535*Year 1
England£9535*Year 1
Northern Ireland£9535*Year 1
Scotland£9535*Year 1
Wales£9535*Year 1
Channel Islands£9535*Year 1
EU£29900Year 1

* This is a provisional fee and subject to change.

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

Home (UK) students tuition fee per year*: £9,535

EU and international students tuition fee per year**: £29,900

Other essential costs***: There are no single associated costs greater than £50 per item on this course.

*The tuition fee for Home (UK) undergraduates is controlled by Government regulations. This figure is the fee for the academic year 2025/26 and is shown as a guide. The fee for the academic year 2026/27 has not yet been announced.

**This figure is the fee for EU and international students on this course in the academic year 2026/27.

Royal Holloway reserves the right to increase tuition fees annually for all students. For further information see: https://www.royalholloway.ac.uk/studying-here/fees-and-funding/

*** These estimated costs relate to studying this particular degree at Royal Holloway during the 2026/27 academic year. Costs, such as accommodation, food, books and other learning materials and printing, have not been included.

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