Course summary
The BSc Computer Science with Security and Forensics degree aims to give you a dynamic, theory-based and practical understanding of computer science with a strong information security theme. Students on this course will develop transferable technical, analytical and professional skills, supported by a broad awareness of current technology trends, particularly in the field of computer security. The course covers a mixture of core techniques and concepts and evolving, technology-based subject matter. Thinking like a computer scientist involves modelling real world problems on appropriate levels of abstraction, and developing elegant, efficient and practical solutions based on established mathematical and engineering principles. Business use of web applications and rising cases of cybercrime has fundamentally changed the nature of information security. As a concern for big business economies and consumers alike, graduates with an understanding of computer security and forensics are exceptionally valuable to many employers. Graduates are able to objectively analyse problems and develop appropriate computational solutions. Your detailed understanding of technology computer security and digital forensics will make you suitable for a range of professional careers and sought-after by employers. Distinctive features
- The course does not require any prior knowledge or experience of computer science or computer security. You will begin your studies with a month-long module which establishes core concepts and competencies and supports the transition to studying at a university. You will develop your understanding of computer science, information security and digital forensics through project work and module options. A dedicated cybersecurity and digital forensics teaching laboratory supports this study.
- Our approach to security and forensics is that they should be considered first from a business needs and requirements perspective, then follow a systematic implementation into corporate environments via risk assessment, security policy, and finally technical implementation of security techniques.
- This degree offers the opportunity to take an industrial placement between taught years two and three.
How to apply
29Jan
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:
- GKF4
- Institution code:
- C15
- Campus name:
- Main Site - Cardiff
- Campus code:
- -
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - Not accepted
A level - ABB - BBC
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - DDM - DMM
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 32 - 30 points
Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (last awarded Summer 2024)
Extended Project - A
GCSE/National 4/National 5
T Level
We do not accept Critical Thinking, General Studies, Citizenship Studies, or other similar equivalent subjects. We will accept a combination of BTEC subjects, A-levels, and other qualifications, subject to the course specific grade and subject requirements.
English language requirements
All applicants are expected to have demonstrable English language skills. Most courses ask for GCSE English grade C/4 or equivalent, but some courses ask for GCSE English grade B/6 or equivalent.
To find out more, please go to:
https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/study/international/english-language-requirements/undergraduate
Student Outcomes
Operated by the Office for Students
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
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
| England | £9535 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £9535 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £9535 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £9535 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £9535 | Year 1 |
| Republic of Ireland | £9535 | Year 1 |
| EU | £29450 | Year 1 |
| International | £29450 | Year 1 |
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
Students from the UK and Islands:
Fees stated are for the 2025/26 academic year. The University reserves the right to increase tuition fees in the second and subsequent years of a course as permitted by law or Welsh Government policy. Where applicable we will notify you of any change in tuition fee by the end of June in the academic year before the one in which the fee will increase.
Fees for entry in subsequent years are subject to increase and will be confirmed by the end of October in the year preceding your start date of your programme, or as soon as possible thereafter.
Tuition fees cover all reasonable costs required for you to complete to the degree programme stated. Please note that you may choose to participate in study trips, associated placements or purchase equipment while studying on your degree programme which will be at your own cost. Tuition fees do not include living costs such as accommodation, subsistence or travel.
Students from the EU, EEA, and Switzerland:
If you are an EU/EEA/Swiss national, unless you qualify for UK fee status, tuition fees for 2025/26 will be in line with the fees charged for international students. You can check whether you are eligible for UK (Home) fee status on the UKCISA website: https://www.ukcisa.org.uk/Information--Advice/Fees-and-Money/Wales-HE-fee-status#layer-6099
Students from the rest of the world (international):
Fees stated are for 2025/26 entry and are fixed for the duration of the programme, excluding Medicine and Dentistry programmes. Please note that during the pre-clinical element of Medicine and Dentistry programmes the fee rate will be fixed, after which the clinical fee rate will be charged. Further details are available on the university website at: http://www.cardiff.ac.uk/study/international/funding-and-fees
Fees for entry in subsequent years are subject to increase and will be confirmed by the end of October in the year preceding your start date of your programme, or as soon as possible thereafter.
Tuition fees cover all reasonable costs required for you to complete the degree programme stated. Please note that you may choose to participate in study trips, associated placements or purchase equipment while studying on your degree programme which will be at your own cost. Tuition fees do not include living costs such as accommodation, subsistence or travel.
Sponsorship information
Cardiff University has many scholarships on offer to our prospective students. Please see our website at http://www.cardiff.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/funding/scholarships for further information.
Provider information
Cardiff University
PO Box 921
Cardiff
CF10 3XQ