Cyber Security
Gain the essential knowledge and skills to become a cyber security professional, protecting vital IT services.
Cyber attacks make headlines across the globe, and demand for talented computing graduates is outstripping supply. With governments and organisations increasing their cyber protection budgets, there’s never been a better time to study cyber security at ARU.
Develop your knowledge and skills in our specialist computing labs, and start to specialise in areas of cyber security that particularly interest you.
We'll help you fine-tune your network and data skills, and make your mark in the global cyber security industry.
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About Computing and Information Science at ARU
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Study in the Silicon Fen, home to Apple, Microsoft, Samsung AI and more – the perfect opportunity to connect with top employers
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Bring the world of work to life through Live Briefs, designed and developed with regional employers to give you exposure to ‘real world’ problem-solving
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Gain recognised certifications as you study: we're a Cisco Networking Academy, a CompTIA Academic Partner, an EC-Council Academic Partner, VMWare Academy, and AWS Academy
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Use specialist labs and a virtual NetLab, equipped with cyber security and forensics tools and operating systems.
Study at an award-winning university
We were named Times Higher Education University of the Year 2023. We've also been awarded a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework – a reflection of the outstanding education we offer our students.
Course options
Key facts
Modules are subject to change and availability, and may vary by location. If you have the choice of optional modules, these are indicated with a *.
- Introduction to Networks (30 credits)
- Introduction to System Architecture and Automation (30 credits)
- Software Principles (15 credits)
- Core Mathematics for Computing (15 credits)
- Cyber Crime Fundamentals (15 credits)
- Into ARU
- Cloud and IoT (15 credits)
- Network Routing and Switching Essentials (30 credits)
- Digital Security (15 credits)
- Networking Technologies (30 credits)
- Principles of Digital Forensics (15 credits)
- Ruskin Module (15 credits)
- Final Project (30 credits)
- Ethical Hacking and Countermeasures (15 credits)
- Digital Forensics and Malware Science (15 credits)
- Professional Issues: Computing and Society (15 credits)
- Security Management, Operations and Analytics (30 credits)
- Software Security (15 credits)
To prepare you for university study, you can take a foundation year at the start of this course. Find out more about foundation years.
- Foundation in Engineering, Computing and Technology
You can choose to take an optional placement year as part of this course. Placements typically happen in Year 3, and your course will take four years overall. Find out more about placement years.
- Work Placement - Computing and Information Sciences
Read profiles of teaching and research staff on this course.
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Dr Hossein AbroshanSenior Lecturer
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Dr Erika Sanchez-VelazquezDeputy Head of School
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Dr James KadirireSenior Lecturer
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Andrew MooreSenior Lecturer Practitioner
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Dr Ronak Al-HaddadLecturer
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Dr Bernardi PranggonoAssociate Professor
Student experience
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Hear from ARU Senior Lecturer Dr Razvan-Ion Dinita in this Springpod subject spotlight: Decoding social media: an exploration of programming and platforms. Watch the full lecture on Springpod
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Cyber Security graduate Thomas reflects on their university journey and offers advice for future students.
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Get to grips with the inner workings of computers with hands on, interactive sessions. Take a virtual tour of our Computer Science degree.
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Work closely with students who share your interest in computer science and get expert guidance from academics who will support you through your studies.
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Facilities
As a Cyber Security student at ARU you’ll learn in lecture theatres and labs, and:
- use tools such as Kali Linux Penetration Testing Distribution, X-Ways Forensic, Autopsy, Cisco PacketTracer, OWASP ZAP and Burp Suite
- apply fundamental skills in penetration testing, digital forensic investigations and analysing how malware operates
- use virtualisation software (VMware), and our virtual Netlab offering 24/7 remote access to cyber security and networking software
- enjoy access to the Cisco CCNA, CompTIA Security+ and EC-Council Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) curricula.
Careers
What can you do with a degree in cyber security?
Our Cyber Security BSc (Hons) is designed to prepare you for a variety of high-demand roles in the cyber security industry, across a broad range of government and commercial organisations of all shapes and sizes.
ARU ranked in the top 10% in the country for graduates in employment or further study (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2024), and 5th in the country for the proportion of UK undergraduates who are employed as managers, directors, or senior officials 15 months after graduating. We're also in the top 10% in the country for the number of graduates in employment and further study who agreed they are using what they learnt during their studies.
Popular job titles include security engineer, architect, software developer or analyst; ethical hacker/penetration tester; digital forensic analyst; and incident responder. Alternatively, you could pass on the knowledge and skills you gained on your cyber security degree as a teacher or trainer.
A typical starting salary in the cyber security industry is £25-30,000, rising to anything between £40-120,000 for a cyber security consultant.
Our students have gone to work as:
- Junior Security Analyst
- Security Engineer
- Threat Intelligence Analyst
- Application Analyst
- Security Consultant
Graduation doesn’t need to be the end of your time with us. We offer a range of postgraduate degrees including MSc Computer Science and MSc Cyber Security. You’re also in the perfect position to continue your academic career and move on to a PhD in Computer Science. Take advantage of our Alumni Scholarship and get 20% off your fees.
Employability and personal career development
Informed by employers, our courses support an integrated approach to employability. You’ll have opportunities to develop the skills and abilities they are looking for and gain a deeper understanding of how your academic learning relates to the world of work through Live Briefs and Ruskin Modules.
To amplify your career ambition, you will need to actively dedicate time outside of your studies, whether you choose to explore placements, internships or volunteering. Or you could make a social impact by collaborating with our partner organisations through our volunteer scheme Students at the Heart of Knowledge Exchange (SHoKE). These all give you an edge, providing you with experience that you will be able to evidence on your CV and talk about in interviews.
Our Employability and Careers Service offers a range of expert advice and support to build your unique professional profile, including tailored career appointments, advice on writing your CV, and help to complete job applications. You’ll have 24/7 access to the Careers Centre, our comprehensive online digital resource, which empowers you to start building a Personal Career Development Plan from the very start. Design your future at ARU.
Tejasvi
"Figuring out the packet tracer files and configuring networks have been my favourite memories. They seemed so impossible at times and yet we managed to figure them out. It felt so rewarding!"
TejasviBSc (Hons) Cyber Security
Entry requirements
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Fees and paying for university
Apply for Cyber Security
Clearing places available
UK students, apply through Clearing for a September 2025 start
UK students
Call our Clearing line
01245 686868
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