Course summary

In today's interconnected world, our software systems, devices, and data are constantly connected to the internet, bringing with it the significant risk of cyberthreats and cyberattacks. Cybersecurity, the practice of protecting systems, networks, and software from digital attacks, has become crucial. On the Computer Science (Cybersecurity) BSc degree course, you’ll gain a good understanding of computer science and a grasp of the important elements of a computer system before specialising in cybersecurity. You’ll develop a thorough appreciation of computer systems and learn essential cybersecurity techniques to mitigate threats, reduce disruptions, and minimise the costs associated with security breaches. Cybersecurity graduates have a wide range of careers open to them. Perhaps you’ll start by becoming a cybersecurity analyst, architect, consultant or programmer in an organisation. Such roles may be a useful grounding for later setting up your own business in the area. Our course is designed for flexibility, so if you’re not sure which route you want to take, you can select modules and specialise gradually during your time with us. You can transfer between Computer Science and Business Computing up to the start of Level 2, then, should you wish, to choose a specialism up to the start of Level 3. We know that when you graduate, you’ll be working on large projects. That’s why one third of each year of our programmes is project-based. On Levels 1 and 2, you’ll build a software solution in a team, and in your final year you’ll carry out an individual project. You’ll also have the opportunity to showcase your projects at the annual Made in Brunel (Software Innovation) event, with awards presented by the likes of Cisco, Sky and Xerox. As part of your degree course, you’ll have the chance to take a year-long work placement between your second year and third year. We’ll support you in finding that all-important paid professional experience, in the UK or abroad. The feedback we’ve received is that those who have taken a placement are much more likely to find a job for which their degree was a formal requirement as it gives you a competitive advantage. Recent graduates have gone on to work for well-known names such as Accenture, Toshiba, Microsoft, British Airways, O2, and Barclays. Our programmes are accredited by the British Computer Society, the Chartered Institute for IT, for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered IT Professional (CITP). The accreditation also allows you to apply for professional membership of the BCS after you have successfully completed your degree. The department has been awarded an Athena SWAN Bronze, recognising our dedication to the advancement of gender equality in STEM subjects. We now have an ongoing three-year action plan to further implement strategies and improve our practices. As part of this endeavour, Brunel’s Women in Engineering and Computing mentoring scheme provides our female students with invaluable help and support from the industry.