BSc

BSc (Hons) Cybersecurity

Defend systems, networks, and data from modern threats

Online only

3 years full-time360 creditsEnglish

Begin your application Explore programme

Overview

Cybersecurity at ALU trains defenders and ethical hackers in a controlled campus lab environment. You will configure firewalls, analyse malware samples, and conduct penetration tests under faculty supervision. Modules span cryptography, secure software development, digital forensics, and security governance. Capture-the-flag competitions and industry certifications (CompTIA Security+) are integrated into the curriculum.

The Cyber Range lab simulates enterprise networks for red-team/blue-team exercises each semester.

Who This Programme Is For

Computing students passionate about security
IT professionals seeking formal security credentials
Students aiming for MSc Cybersecurity or CISSP pathways

Faculty spotlight

Dr. Fiona McAllister leads Network Security; Professor James Okello supervises malware analysis research.

How you can study

Digital only

Study online

100% tuition-free online

Every programme can be completed fully online with zero tuition fees — study from anywhere in the world.

✦ Tuition: £0 / $0
✦ Course exams from $45 — 95% sponsorship rate
✦ Learn from anywhere · Live online seminars

Apply online →

What You Will Learn

Harden systems and networks against common attack vectors
Conduct authorised penetration tests with documented findings
Analyse security incidents using forensic procedures
Advise organisations on risk management and compliance

Curriculum

Year 1

Code	Course	Credits
CYB101	Computing & Networks Computing & Networks — core module covering foundational concepts, applied practice, and formal assessment on this degree pathway. Core concepts and frameworks in Computing & Networks Theory applied to contemporary organisational cases Methods, tools, and professional standards Ethics, risk, and responsible practice Assessment: coursework, exam, or applied project	20
CYB102	Programming for Security Programming for Security — core module covering foundational concepts, applied practice, and formal assessment on this degree pathway. Core concepts and frameworks in Programming for Security Theory applied to contemporary organisational cases Methods, tools, and professional standards Ethics, risk, and responsible practice Assessment: coursework, exam, or applied project	20
CYB103	Information Security Principles Information Security Principles — core module covering foundational concepts, applied practice, and formal assessment on this degree pathway. Core concepts and frameworks in Information Security Principles Theory applied to contemporary organisational cases Methods, tools, and professional standards Ethics, risk, and responsible practice Assessment: coursework, exam, or applied project	20
CYB104	Mathematics for Cyber Mathematics for Cyber — core module covering foundational concepts, applied practice, and formal assessment on this degree pathway. Core concepts and frameworks in Mathematics for Cyber Theory applied to contemporary organisational cases Methods, tools, and professional standards Ethics, risk, and responsible practice Assessment: coursework, exam, or applied project	20

Year 2

Code	Course	Credits
CYB201	Cryptography Cryptography — core module covering foundational concepts, applied practice, and formal assessment on this degree pathway. Core concepts and frameworks in Cryptography Theory applied to contemporary organisational cases Methods, tools, and professional standards Ethics, risk, and responsible practice Assessment: coursework, exam, or applied project	20
CYB202	Network Defence Network Defence — core module covering foundational concepts, applied practice, and formal assessment on this degree pathway. Core concepts and frameworks in Network Defence Theory applied to contemporary organisational cases Methods, tools, and professional standards Ethics, risk, and responsible practice Assessment: coursework, exam, or applied project	20
CYB203	Ethical Hacking Ethical Hacking — core module covering foundational concepts, applied practice, and formal assessment on this degree pathway. Core concepts and frameworks in Ethical Hacking Theory applied to contemporary organisational cases Methods, tools, and professional standards Ethics, risk, and responsible practice Assessment: coursework, exam, or applied project	20
CYB204	Digital Forensics Digital Forensics — core module covering foundational concepts, applied practice, and formal assessment on this degree pathway. Core concepts and frameworks in Digital Forensics Theory applied to contemporary organisational cases Methods, tools, and professional standards Ethics, risk, and responsible practice Assessment: coursework, exam, or applied project	20

Year 3

Code

Course

Credits

CYB301

Security Operations

Security Operations — core module covering foundational concepts, applied practice, and formal assessment on this degree pathway.

Core concepts and frameworks in Security Operations
Theory applied to contemporary organisational cases
Methods, tools, and professional standards
Ethics, risk, and responsible practice
Assessment: coursework, exam, or applied project

CYB302

Honours Security Project

Honours Security Project — core module covering foundational concepts, applied practice, and formal assessment on this degree pathway.

Core concepts and frameworks in Honours Security Project
Theory applied to contemporary organisational cases
Methods, tools, and professional standards
Ethics, risk, and responsible practice
Assessment: coursework, exam, or applied project

Career Paths

Security Analyst
Penetration Tester
SOC Analyst
IT Auditor
Further Study (MSc Cybersecurity)

Programme Highlights

Dedicated Cyber Range lab
CTF competitions and Security+ preparation
Industry mentors from financial services and government
Pathway to MSc Cybersecurity

Admission Requirements

A-levels BBB (or equivalent) in relevant subjects, or an Access to HE Diploma with Merit profile
International Baccalaureate 28 points, or high school diploma with GPA 3.0/4.0 minimum
Personal statement (400–600 words) explaining your academic interests and career goals
One academic reference from a teacher, tutor, or school counsellor
English proficiency: IELTS 5.5, TOEFL 46, or equivalent (waived for prior English-medium study)
Optional: portfolio or interview for creative and professional programmes

Recognised & Accredited

Ready to begin?BSc (Hons) Cybersecurity

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Overview

The Cyber Range lab simulates enterprise networks for red-team/blue-team exercises each semester.

Curriculum

Year 1

Code	Course	Credits
CYB101	Computing & Networks Computing & Networks — core module covering foundational concepts, applied practice, and formal assessment on this degree pathway. Core concepts and frameworks in Computing & Networks Theory applied to contemporary organisational cases Methods, tools, and professional standards Ethics, risk, and responsible practice Assessment: coursework, exam, or applied project	20
CYB102	Programming for Security Programming for Security — core module covering foundational concepts, applied practice, and formal assessment on this degree pathway. Core concepts and frameworks in Programming for Security Theory applied to contemporary organisational cases Methods, tools, and professional standards Ethics, risk, and responsible practice Assessment: coursework, exam, or applied project	20
CYB103	Information Security Principles Information Security Principles — core module covering foundational concepts, applied practice, and formal assessment on this degree pathway. Core concepts and frameworks in Information Security Principles Theory applied to contemporary organisational cases Methods, tools, and professional standards Ethics, risk, and responsible practice Assessment: coursework, exam, or applied project	20
CYB104	Mathematics for Cyber Mathematics for Cyber — core module covering foundational concepts, applied practice, and formal assessment on this degree pathway. Core concepts and frameworks in Mathematics for Cyber Theory applied to contemporary organisational cases Methods, tools, and professional standards Ethics, risk, and responsible practice Assessment: coursework, exam, or applied project	20

Year 2

Code	Course	Credits
CYB201	Cryptography Cryptography — core module covering foundational concepts, applied practice, and formal assessment on this degree pathway. Core concepts and frameworks in Cryptography Theory applied to contemporary organisational cases Methods, tools, and professional standards Ethics, risk, and responsible practice Assessment: coursework, exam, or applied project	20
CYB202	Network Defence Network Defence — core module covering foundational concepts, applied practice, and formal assessment on this degree pathway. Core concepts and frameworks in Network Defence Theory applied to contemporary organisational cases Methods, tools, and professional standards Ethics, risk, and responsible practice Assessment: coursework, exam, or applied project	20
CYB203	Ethical Hacking Ethical Hacking — core module covering foundational concepts, applied practice, and formal assessment on this degree pathway. Core concepts and frameworks in Ethical Hacking Theory applied to contemporary organisational cases Methods, tools, and professional standards Ethics, risk, and responsible practice Assessment: coursework, exam, or applied project	20
CYB204	Digital Forensics Digital Forensics — core module covering foundational concepts, applied practice, and formal assessment on this degree pathway. Core concepts and frameworks in Digital Forensics Theory applied to contemporary organisational cases Methods, tools, and professional standards Ethics, risk, and responsible practice Assessment: coursework, exam, or applied project	20

Year 3

Code

Course

Credits

CYB301

Security Operations

Security Operations — core module covering foundational concepts, applied practice, and formal assessment on this degree pathway.

Core concepts and frameworks in Security Operations
Theory applied to contemporary organisational cases
Methods, tools, and professional standards
Ethics, risk, and responsible practice
Assessment: coursework, exam, or applied project

CYB302

Honours Security Project

Honours Security Project — core module covering foundational concepts, applied practice, and formal assessment on this degree pathway.

Core concepts and frameworks in Honours Security Project
Theory applied to contemporary organisational cases
Methods, tools, and professional standards
Ethics, risk, and responsible practice
Assessment: coursework, exam, or applied project

Admission Requirements

A-levels BBB (or equivalent) in relevant subjects, or an Access to HE Diploma with Merit profile

International Baccalaureate 28 points, or high school diploma with GPA 3.0/4.0 minimum

Personal statement (400–600 words) explaining your academic interests and career goals

One academic reference from a teacher, tutor, or school counsellor

English proficiency: IELTS 5.5, TOEFL 46, or equivalent (waived for prior English-medium study)

Optional: portfolio or interview for creative and professional programmes

Recognised & Accredited