BSc Cyber Security with foundation year
University of Greater Manchester
About this course
BSc (Hons) in BSc (Hons) Cyber Security with foundation year, a Computing and Software Engineering degree focused on protecting computer systems and digital information from threats. Core topics include Programming, Systems Design, Computer Architecture, and Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning. The course begins with a foundational year providing grounding in core computing principles before advancing to degree-level study. The first year covers academic and practical foundations through Computer Systems, Fundamentals of Programming, and Maths for Computing. The second year introduces Networking Principles, Security Fundamentals, and Modern Operating Systems. The third year builds advanced competence with Ethical Hacking and Pen Testing, Cloud Technologies, and Programming for Cyber Security. The final year culminates in an independent Project alongside modules such as Machine Learning for Cyber Defence, Information Security Management, and Digital Forensics.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
48 UCAS points. We accept a full range of qualifications that carry UCAS points, including A-levels and BTECs. Please see our guide to the UCAS Tariff for examples of how to achieve these points. For most courses, we are also able to consider non-tariffable qualifications. Any subjects are acceptable at Level 3. Relevant science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) and computing-related subjects are preferred. You should also have five GCSEs at grade 4/C or above (or equivalent), including English and Mathematics. We'll be happy to consider your application if you don't meet the standard entry requirements but have non-traditional qualifications and/or relevant experience. We may ask you to undertake an additional assessment(s) to determine your suitability for the course. You may be required to attend an interview and/or provide a portfolio of work. If English isn’t your first language, you’ll also need IELTS 6.0 with no less than 5.5 in any band (or equivalent). We also accept a range of other English language qualifications – please visit our English Language Requirements web page for more details.
What students say
Based on about 23 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 94%
- Learning opportunities: 88%
- Assessment and feedback: 92%
- Academic support: 88%
- Organisation and management: 88%
- Learning resources: 90%
- Student voice: 85%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 10 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 40%
- Left higher education: 60%
What graduates do next
Based on about 10 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 65%
- Working and studying: 5%
- Unemployed: 15%
Most common jobs
- Information Technology Professionals: 35%
- Web and Multimedia Design Professionals: 25%
- Leisure, travel and related personal service occupations: 5%
- Sales occupations: 5%
- Process, plant and machine operatives: 5%
- Find their work meaningful: 85%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 55%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 55%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 120 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North West: 83%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 3%
- East Midlands: 2%
- West Midlands: 3%
- East of England: 1%
- London: 4%
- South East: 1%
- South West: 2%
- Scotland: 1%
Who gets in
Based on about 20 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 100%
Accreditation & quality ratings
TEF 2023 (whole university): Silver overall, Gold for student experience, Bronze for student outcomes.
Modules
- Professional and Academic Skills
- Project Design, Academic Integrity and Ethics
- Collaborative Project
- Logical Analysis and Problem Solving
- Computer Systems
- Fundamentals of Programming
- Foundations of Computer Science and Academic Skills
- Programming
- Maths for Computing
- Modern Operating Systems
- Networking Principles
- Security Fundamentals
- Computer Systems Architecture
- Cloud Technologies
- Ethical Hacking and Pen Testing
- Enterprise Operating Systems
- Scaling Networks
- Programming for Cyber Security
- Research and Professional Issues
- Project
- Information Security Management
- Digital Forensics
- Operations Management
- Machine Learning for Cyber Defence
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Cyber Security with foundation year at University of Greater Manchester earn?
The median salary is £26,000 after 15 months, £21,000 after 3 years, £26,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £21,000 and £34,000. The £26,500 median after five years is £5,500 less than the UK median for Information technology.
What do graduates of BSc Cyber Security with foundation year at University of Greater Manchester do next?
75% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2022-23).
Are students happy with the teaching on BSc Cyber Security with foundation year at University of Greater Manchester?
94% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2024-25.
What grades do I need for BSc Cyber Security with foundation year at University of Greater Manchester?
The average entrant had 55 UCAS points.
How many students continue on BSc Cyber Security with foundation year at University of Greater Manchester?
40% of students continued into their second year, and 60% left higher education.