BSc (Hons) Computer Science (Cybersecurity)

On this computer science degree you'll develop specialist knowledge of cybersecurity and learn how to keep operating systems secure and protected in the global digital age.

• In this BSc Computer Science pathway you'll specialise in cybersecurity, exploring how to keep computer systems secure from hackers and how to protect users from fraud. These skills are incredibly in demand across a wide range of industries, making you highly employable in a competitive jobs market.
• You'll learn how to interrogate the underlying principles of networking and operating systems, find vulnerabilities, and propose solutions.
• You'll get to grips with understanding cryptography (hiding or coding information to protect it) and how it is used.
• You'll challenge the methods that protect a computer system and network from attack, and develop websites and software that use secure models and principles.
• You'll investigate information flows and the transactional nature of data in both client-server and peer-to-peer networks.
• In your third year, you'll have the opportunity to undertake a year-long industry placement (making this programme four years full-time, or eight years part-time). This gives you valuable experience to build confidence and contacts, further develop your skills and industry insight, and enhance your career prospects.
• The degree is hands-on and practical from the start. You'll explore your potential through practical projects while learning relevant technical skills for your future career.

Contact the department

If you have specific questions about the degree, contact Sean McGrath or Prashanth Thattai Ravikumar.

We accept the following qualifications:

A-level: BBB
BTEC: DDM
International Baccalaureate: 33 points overall with Three HL subjects at 655
Access: Pass with 45 Level 3 credits including 30 Distinctions and a number of merits/passes in subject-specific modules
Scottish qualifications: BBBBC (Higher) or BBC (Advanced Higher)
European Baccalaureate: 75%
Irish Leaving Certificate: H2 H2 H2 H2

Additional requirements

If you do not have a Science or Mathematics-based A-level, you should normally have at least Grade B/Grade 6 at GCSE Mathematics.

Transfers

If you are a University of London student of Computing you may transfer onto the second or third year of this degree.

Alternative qualifications and experience

See our full list of undergraduate entry qualifications.

We welcome students with a range of educational experiences. If you believe you may not meet the standard qualification requirements we would still encourage you to apply because we consider all aspects of your application when making a decision.

We’ll pay particularly careful attention to your personal statement, which is your opportunity to demonstrate your interest in the subject you’ve applied for. Your referees are also welcome to include any relevant contextual comments around your academic achievements. We’ll look at all these things when making a decision on your application, as well as your qualifications and grades, and may still be able to offer you a place.

International qualifications

We also accept a wide range of international qualifications. Find out more about the qualifications we accept from around the world.

If English isn’t your first language, you will need an IELTS score (or equivalent English language qualification) of 6.0 with no element lower than 5.5 to study this programme. If you need assistance with your English language, we offer a range of courses that can help prepare you for degree-level study.

The explosive and ever-growing use of technology in business and enterprise means that there are a whole range of different career possibilities for computer science graduates, particularly those with a cybersecurity specialism.

In terms of job opportunities and salaries, the IT sector is well ahead of most other industrial and commercial sectors.

Where do Goldsmiths computing graduates work?

Some of the recent graduate-level careers for computing alumni have included:

• Software engineer
• Data analyst
• Machine learning developer
• User interface/user experience designer
• Mobile developer
• Full-stack web developer
• E-learning programmer
• Application programmer
• App developer
• Video game developer
• Film special effects and post-production
• Computer music/sound engineer
• Database manager

Employers include:

• FDM Academy
• HepcoMotion
• Jigsaw Systems Ltd
• KCom

The pace of change in the computing sector is rapid, and you may be pursuing careers and using digital methods we cannot yet imagine. You can read more about possible career options after you graduate on our computing careers page.

This programme is also a pathway into Masters-level study in a variety of computing disciplines.

Skills

Throughout the degree you will learn skills including:

• An understanding of what makes networks vulnerable to attack
• Techniques and methods to secure computer systems and transactional data
• Crytographic techniques
• The ability to analyse algorithms and protocols for weakness and threat
• Critical, analytical, creative, reflective and interpersonal skills that will prepare you for a career in industry or research, including the ability to work independently and in groups
• Computational problem solving
• Project management
• Teamwork and collaboration

You'll be supported throughout the programme to understand the different potential career journeys you can follow, and to build a portfolio of work to demonstrate your capability to gain employment or freelance work in that area.

Regular guest lectures from industry support the development of sector knowledge and awareness of different career paths.

Industrial placement year

If you decide to take the industrial placement year, you will develop the practical skills and real-world experience that is sought after by employers.

Some of the companies students have worked at during their work placement year recently include:

• Deutsche Bank
• IBM
• Accenture
• Wieden and Kennedy
• Stink Studios
• Random International