Computer Science for Cybersecurity with Foundation Year

This new BSc Computer Science for Cybersecurity is a cutting-edge degree ideal if you are eager to explore computer science especially tailored for a career in cybersecurity.

Why choose this course?

• It offers a unique blend of foundational computer science principles and advanced cybersecurity techniques to ensure you are well prepared to tackle the challenges of the workplace.

• You will gain hands-on experience with the latest cybersecurity tools and technologies working on real-world projects that address current industry needs.

• Our state-of-the-art facilities and strong industry partnerships provide you with opportunities for internships, collaborative projects and networking with leading professionals.

• Our faculty comprises experts working at the forefront of computer science research and development who bring their deep knowledge and experience into the classroom. This helps ensure that you receive the most up-to-date education and insights into the rapidly evolving world of cybersecurity.

What you will learn

This course equips you with a solid foundation in computer science and advanced expertise in cybersecurity. It has a distinctive curriculum that covers topics ranging from algorithms and data structures to machine learning, cryptography and network analysis for threat monitoring and response.

You will develop engineering and science skills and will gain knowledge and expertise to develop secure software and learn how to assess and respond to complex cybersecurity problems.

How you will learn

Teaching may include lectures, seminars, tutorials and practical classes. Many computing modules include laboratory-based exercises. In your final year you will gain valuable experience for your future career in undertaking a project in which you will apply your knowledge to explore a cybersecurity system.

This course is available to study full- or part-time. It has an evening timetable so you can balance your studies with work, family and other commitments.

Foundation Year

If you opt for the Foundation Year route, this will fully prepare you for undergraduate study. It is ideal if you are returning to study after a gap, or if you have not previously studied the relevant subjects, or if you didn't achieve the grades you need for a place on your chosen undergraduate degree.

Highlights

• Our world-class research activity informs our teaching, and we provide a stimulating teaching and research environment for both part-time and full-time students.

• Birkbeck was ranked in the top 25 universities in the UK for its Computer Science and Informatics research in the most recent 2021 Research Excellence Framework.

• Birkbeck established one of the first computing departments in the UK in 1957 and was a pioneer in database technologies, e-commerce and data science studies.

• We have several laboratories of networked PCs with a range of language compilers, database and other application software that you can access daily from morning till late in the evening. We are also connected, via the SuperJANET network, to the computers of other academic institutions in London, elsewhere in the UK and abroad.

Careers and employability

On successfully completing this BSc you will have gained valuable transferable skills including in:

• critically evaluating arguments and evidence

• developing and presenting substantial reports

• analysing, appraising and presenting work under pressure

• communicating effectively using appropriate interpersonal skills

• collaborating with others as a member of a team.

Graduates from this degree may find themselves following career paths in the following sorts of roles:

• cybersecurity analyst

• programmer

• software engineer

• database administrator

• testing and software quality engineer.

You may also decide to progress your studies further at postgraduate level, for example with our MSc Data Analytics and AI.

For information about course structure and the modules you will be studying, please visit Birkbeck’s online prospectus.

A combination of examinations, tests, essays, laboratory-based exercises, group exercises, presentations and a final-year project.