Course summary
Home of the two-year degree, the University of Buckingham, based in the South East of England, is ranked 6th for Student Satisfaction in the UK (National Student Survey, 2020). We are proudly independent and not-for-profit, and offer courses in Allied Health, Business, Computing, Education, Humanities, Law, Medicine, Psychology and Security and Intelligence. We are one of the few universities in the UK that offer September and January start dates for almost all of our courses. Based in Buckingham on a riverside campus, we are only 20 minutes’ from Milton Keynes central station and a short drive from Bicester, Aylesbury, Banbury and Northampton. There is free parking on-site and we are within easy reach of London and Oxford. Our award-winning small class tutorials ensure every student is known by name and supported throughout their studies, including by dedicated personal tutors. As pioneers of the two-year degree, we offer a condensed version of the traditional three-year degree, meaning you can gain a full honours degree and complete your studies a whole year earlier. Alternatively, you can complete both your undergraduate and master’s degree with us in just three years: saving you time and money. Cyber security professionals are in high demand by businesses and organisations worldwide. This programme is designed to give you access to a wealth of potential career routes in cyber security by training you on key techniques, approaches and methodologies of cyber security as practiced within the IT industry. This starts with general concepts about computing, before progressing into more in-depth training on cyber security. The programme has a strong technical focus to give you a deep level of understanding and hands-on experience on how computing devices operate and communicate in the cyber space and how to secure them properly. You will also learn how to actively assess and improve the security posture of organisations’ cyber systems. This fast-tracked programme prepares students to work in dynamic and agile organisations or to pursue postgraduate education. Our small-group teaching and learning environment, supported by personal tutors, offer students a personalised learning experience to achieve their full potential. Learning is enriched through collaborative projects, co-curricular activities and seminars by guest speakers from industry. Opportunities for professional skills development are offered throughout the degree programme. Students are encouraged to be innovative and enterprising whilst considering ethical, sustainability, diversity and inclusivity issues. Graduates of the degree programme will be able to undertake a variety of careers in the IT industry, including programming, systems analysis and design, network and systems management and technical support.
Modules
Teaching is carried out through a combination of lectures supported by seminars, practical workshops and tutorials. It is enhanced by virtual learning environments, online / stand-alone computer-based teaching, learning tools and software packages. A key feature of the Buckingham teaching method is the use of small tutorial groups which provide the most effective means of ensuring that the students benefit from the academic expertise at their disposal. It is also the philosophy of the University’s faculty to be available to students outside the scheduled tutorial times and to encourage good working relationships between staff and students. Computing programmes have supervised practical classes in computer labs in which you can apply and practise the techniques you have learnt in the lectures. These practical sessions are usually two or three hours long. You will also be expected to study on your own, using the library for reading and research, and computer laboratories to improve your practical skills. Each student has a designated supervisor for the Individual Project. Weekly supervision meetings are offered throughout the Project.
Assessment method
The first year of this two-year programme introduces students to essential theories and concepts of computing, programming and software development that underpin modern computer science. These theories and concepts build the fundamentals necessary to undertake highly specialised modules in cyber security. All modules include practical work to apply knowledge and understanding to solve problems. The second year focuses on specialist modules starting from the fundamentals of cybersecurity and cryptography to advanced modules such ethical hacking & penetration testing, digital forensics and cyber incident management. A substantial project to solve a problem specifically within the domain of cyber security is also undertaken alongside software project management and cloud computing, which are some of the most sought-after skills in the IT sector today. There are several opportunities to work in teams enabling students to develop leadership and collaboration skills. A range of assessment techniques are utilised throughout the degree programme to give students the opportunity to demonstrate achievement of the learning outcomes. Individual and group coursework, presentations, portfolios, quizzes, projects, and exams are the key assessments. The assessment of individual modules within each course varies according to the subject. Please check module information for more details.
How to apply
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:
- G404
- Institution code:
- B90
- Campus name:
- Main Site
- Campus code:
- -
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
This course may be available at alternative locations, please check if other course options are available
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - 120 - 128 points
A level - BBB - ABB
The standard entry requirements for computing are: A-Level: (ABB – BBB), IB 32 or equivalent (Computing and/or Mathematics are desired, but not essential). Applicants must also have GCSE B in Math and English. If English is not your first language you will also need an IELTS score of 6.5 (with at least 6.0 in each component).
Please click the following link to find out more about qualification requirements for this course
Student Outcomes
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 | £27750 | Whole course |
Northern Ireland | £27750 | Whole course |
Scotland | £27750 | Whole course |
Wales | £27750 | Whole course |
Channel Islands | £27750 | Whole course |
EU | £44400 | Whole course |
International | £44400 | Whole course |
Republic of Ireland | £44400 | Whole course |
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
Provider information
University of Buckingham
Hunter Street
Buckingham
MK18 1EG