• Undergraduate

Cyber Security with Foundation Year BSc (Hons)

Overview

Overview

Why study at the University of West London?
  • Ranked 30th university in the UK - The Guardian University Guide 2025
  • Number 1 London university for overall student satisfaction - National Student Survey 2024**
  • Best university for Student Experience and Teaching Quality in the UK - The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024
Why study this course?

As more people spend more time online, the amount of data they generate grows. If organisations and companies do not have secure information systems, that data could get into the wrong hands – with potentially dangerous results. 

This cyber security course is designed to train tomorrow’s security professionals, combining fundamental concepts and principles with exposure to new technologies and solutions. You will gain a practical understanding of key issues relating to the design, analysis and implementation of modern IT security systems.

As a member of the Amazon Web Services (AWS) Academy programme, we have integrated part of their respected, industry-focused curriculum into our course. 

You can choose to study this course as a part-time intensive option to help you balance your studies with other commitments. You will have classes on Saturdays.

Foundation Year

The foundation year course is designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge you need to continue onto your Honours degree. You will study a range of subjects that will underpin your future study and also gain valuable experience of university life, with full access to campus facilities. Successful completion of the year allows you to progress straight onto Level 4 of this course. Please note that a £2000 Path to Success bursary is available to all UK foundation year students, which is non-repayable.

Select your desired study option, then pick a start date to see relevant course information:

Study options:
We support flexible study by offering some of our courses part-time or via distance learning. To give you real world experience before you graduate, we also offer some courses with a placement or internship. All available options are listed here. Your choices may affect some details of your course, such as the duration and cost per year. Please re-check the details on this page if you change your selection.

Start date:

If your desired start date is not available, try selecting a different study option.

Why study Cyber Security with Foundation Year with us?

Why study Cyber Security with Foundation Year with us?

What our students say…

I was most impressed by UWL over others because of the lecturers, they really know everything about cyber security, they've done their research and they just want to teach you and keep you up to date with all the latest technologies.I believe that the University of West London is the best place to study Cyber Security, especially in London.

Alessandro Cara
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This degree is accredited by BCS, the Chartered Institure of IT
Tile: Mac and PC Labs
Industry focused teaching
Specialist careers advice
Course detail & modules

Course detail & modules

Cyber security is essentially about the protection of information and information systems. On this cyber security course, you will learn how to perform this protective role, exploring different security technologies and studying management processes and control systems.

Our partnership with Amazon Web Services Academy means you will be exposed to new security technologies and solutions. This will help you to gain valuable skills that you can use both during the course and after graduation.  

As you study for your cyber security degree, you will:

  • build the skills you need to tackle modern secure systems 
  • develop your appreciation of commercial and open-source cyber security equipment, software and services
  • learn management and applications central to cyber security issues
  • develop interpersonal skills and business acumen.

Your course will begin with an introduction to cyber security. You will also learn about computing principles, including the essentials of programming and algorithms, software engineering, and mathematics and computer architecture. 

You will go on to hone your knowledge in specialist modules that examine key topics in security. Your computing modules will focus on computer science and artificial intelligence, while a team project will help you to develop team-working skills.

Finally, you will focus on advanced cyber security topics. This will help you consider the interactions between security and AI to reflect your interests and career ambitions. At the end of your course, you will design and develop a security-related project.

After completing the course, you will have the necessary knowledge and skills to embark on a career in cyber security and cyber law enforcement. 

Foundation year

There are many reasons for joining a foundation year course; you may not have the exact subjects or grades at A level to meet the entry requirements, you may have been living abroad or want to change direction with your career. Whatever your starting point, the foundation year offers a firm grounding in the skills and knowledge that you will need to get the most from your studies and thrive at University. Successful completion of the foundation year allows you to progress straight onto Level 4 of this course.

Compulsory modules

  • Study Skills for Success

    This module will enable you to read critically, present an argument, and distinguish between the quality and suitability of materials. It will prepare you to use and evaluate a range of evidence sources throughout your degree.

  • Introduction to Computing Mathematics

    You will learn the core mathematical skills and statistical concepts and techniques to be able to effectively analyse and present information.

    You will develop skills in expressing problems in mathematical language, finding solutions to problems and communicating mathematical ideas clearly and succinctly. 

    You will gain essential mathematical skills that will prepare you for other modules.  

  • Introduction to Web Design and Development

    You will cover the basics of web design and development, learning how to integrate text, graphics and behaviour to create interactive webpages using HTML5, CSS3 and Javascript.

    Other aspects will be covered such as historic development of the web, architecture and basic client server architecture, protocols such as HTTP, issues of accessibility and usability, standards and standardisation organisations (W3C, Internet Working Group) and security (HTTPS, firewalls, certificates). 

  • Personalised Learning

    The Personalised Learning module is intended to equip you with the study skills needed to successfully progress onto level 4, the first year of undergraduate study. Tutor group sessions are an integral part of the module, where you will consolidate your learning and frame it in the context of your subject area. The module will focus on various aspects of study skills, such as those skills related to reading and writing, learning approaches, problem-solving techniques, critical thinking, researching, referencing, plagiarism, legal research and time management.

  • Introduction to Computer Technologies

    Some of the technologies you will cover include:

    Hardware (computer systems)
    • CPU
    • memory
    • motherboard
    • hard drive disk
    • secondary storage
    • graphic cards
    • sound cards
    • input and output devices
    • peripherals (printers, mobile computing devices, tablets, smartphones, etc) 
    Software
    • system software: operating systems, utility programs
    • application software: general purpose application software, special purpose application software, bespoke application software
    Communication Technologies
    • computer networks and components
    • protocols and communication methods
    Social and Economic Impact
    • automation
    • cloud computing
    • Internet of Things
  • Introduction to Software Development

    This module will introduce you to the fundamentals of software programming using Python.  This module forms the basis of other programming modules you will undertake during the course.

Compulsory modules

  • Computer Architecture

    This module will help you to learn the basic concepts behind current computer hardware, software and supporting technologies. As you learn these principles, you will understand how computers work beyond the statements of their high-level language, and this will allow you to write more efficient code.

  • Maths for Computing

    This module will teach you the basic mathematical concepts and techniques of discrete structures. You will study mathematical logic, sets, relations and functions. The module will develop your skills in expressing problems in mathematical language, using mathematical techniques to find solutions to problems and communicating mathematical ideas clearly and succinctly.

  • Programming

    This module covers basic programming concepts and fundamentals using Java programming language. Content includes:

    • an overview of programming paradigms and techniques
    • analysis of problems and design using pseudo-code and flowcharts
    • basic program elements and structure
    • development supported by version-controlled code repositories.
  • Cyber Security in Society

    This module introduces the basic components and concepts of cyber security in modern society, emphasising not only the technical aspects of cyber security, but also its multi-disciplinary natures including legal and crime, business and management, social and human factors, etc.

    The topics of the module will include:

    • Cyber security threat landscape
    • Malware and attacks
    • Actors in cyber security and their roles in cyber security affairs
    • Authentication and password security
    • Networking and network security
    • Cryptography and securing digital information
    • Web security and cyber ethics
    • Cyber crime and warfare
    • Cyber law and legislation
    • Analysis and management of cyber risks
    • Cyber security in business and social media.
  • Algorithms and Data Types

    This module will help you to gain the knowledge and competence to deal with basic data structures and algorithms. You will learn how to specify collections using abstract data types (ADTs) and to implement them using a variety of techniques such as linked lists and trees. You'll also use a range of algorithms, including searching and sorting.

  • Information Systems and Databases

    You will gain the knowledge and skills to design and implement a relational database. It will cover information security and database management issues and an awareness of the central role of relational and other types of databases.

Compulsory modules

  • Applied Cryptography

    This module is an introduction to modern ideas in cryptology and its applications. Increase of storage, manipulation, and transfer of data on computer networks requires effective encryption techniques. This module will provide insight into some of these techniques, algorithms and their development through history. Part of the course is dedicated to the Number Theory relevant to Cryptography.

  • Theory of Computation

    You will gain the knowledge and understanding of fundamental concepts of computational theory and computational complexity. You will learn how to examine whether a given problem can be solved computationally.

  • Artificial Intelligence

    In this module you will gain insights into key techniques within the field of artificial intelligence (AI). Aspects of AI you'll cover include agents, environments and learning as well as techniques such as regression, classification, clustering, reinforcement learning, learning recommendation and decision support systems.

  • Network and Security

    On this module you will identify fundamental issues in computer networks and their security, and study approaches for addressing these issues. By learning these principles, you will be able to understand emerging network technology more quickly.

  • Cyber Threat Analysis

    This module is focused at analysing potential cyber security vulnerabilities/threats within diverse platforms such as; web and mobile applications. It will emphasize specific security issues for such application domains with special consideration given to experimentation to identify and assess potential security vulnerabilities within different application domains followed by understanding of strategies to mitigate against them.

  • Computing Group Project

    The aim of this module is to provide you with the experience of working collaboratively as part of a project team. The module will provide opportunities for you to adopt different project team roles in order to deliver a solution for a real-world client.

Compulsory modules

  • Enterprise Security Management

    The module aims to introduce managerial approaches to information security in modern enterprises. It considers how to manage the use of information assets securely and support the goals and objectives of enterprises through effective information security governance, risk management, and contingency planning.

  • Advanced Topics in Cyber Security

  • Cyber Crime

    This module aims to introduce you to the twenty-first-century offence of cybercrime and the theoretical suppositions underpinning it. It explores the definition, regulation, typologies, methods, categories and patterns of victimisation. It also critically examines law enforcement, regulation and legal issues in digital forensic acquisition.

  • Machine Learning

    Machine learning is an application of artificial intelligence that provides systems with the ability to automatically learn and improve from experience without being explicitly programmed.

    This module familiarises you with some basic machine learning algorithms and techniques and their applications, as well as general questions related to analysing and handling large data sets. Several software libraries and data sets publicly available will be used to illustrate the application of these algorithms. The emphasis will be thus on machine learning algorithms and applications, with some broad explanation of the underlying principles.

  • Project

    You will investigate a topic of interest and prepare a project proposal. You will then present your ideas to the school for approval and once this has been approved, you will begin a detailed literature review of your chosen field. You will choose and follow a suitable development methodology leading to an implementation which you will evaluate.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements

72 UCAS points required from level 3 qualifications

These can include:

  • A-Levels at grades B and C (if you have two A-Levels) or grades D, D and D (if you have three), or above
  • BTEC Extended Diploma with Merit, Merit, Pass
  • Access to HE Diploma
  • T-Levels

You also need GCSE English and Maths (grade 9 – 4 / A* - C) or Level 2 equivalents.

Looking for BSc (Hons) Cyber Security without Foundation Year?

View course
Whether you are changing career or don't have the exact subjects and grades required for this course, you might want to choose this course with a foundation year. This will give you an extra year's study to prepare you for the standard degree programme, where you can go on to graduate with a full Honours degree. Follow the link to see full details of the course with foundation year.

You may be eligible for a student loan to cover the cost of tuition fees, or a maintenance loan. Additional funding is available to some types of students, such as those with dependants and disabled students.

Looking for BSc (Hons) Cyber Security without Foundation Year?

View course
Whether you are changing career or don't have the exact subjects and grades required for this course, you might want to choose this course with a foundation year. This will give you an extra year's study to prepare you for the standard degree programme, where you can go on to graduate with a full Honours degree. Follow the link to see full details of the course with foundation year.
5.5 IELTS or above

You need to meet our English language requirement - a minimum of IELTS 5.5 for each of the four individual components (Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening). Visit our English language requirements page for information on other English language tests we accept.

You also need academic qualifications at the same level as UK applicants. In some countries where teaching is in English, we may accept local qualifications. Check for local equivalents

We offer pre-sessional English language courses if you do not meet these requirements.

Find out more about our English Language courses.

Looking for BSc (Hons) Cyber Security without Foundation Year?

View course
Whether you are changing career or don't have the exact subjects and grades required for this course, you might want to choose this course with a foundation year. This will give you an extra year's study to prepare you for the standard degree programme, where you can go on to graduate with a full Honours degree. Follow the link to see full details of the course with foundation year.

You may be eligible for a student loan to cover the cost of tuition fees, or a maintenance loan. Additional funding is available to some types of students, such as those with dependants and disabled students.

Looking for BSc (Hons) Cyber Security without Foundation Year?

View course
Whether you are changing career or don't have the exact subjects and grades required for this course, you might want to choose this course with a foundation year. This will give you an extra year's study to prepare you for the standard degree programme, where you can go on to graduate with a full Honours degree. Follow the link to see full details of the course with foundation year.
Fees & funding

Fees & funding

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Please note:

  • Fees for the 2026/27 academic year and onwards may be subject to Government regulation and change.
  • Tuition fees are charged for each year of your course. If your course runs for two years or more, you will need to pay the fee for each academic year at the start of that year.
  • If your course runs for less than two years, the cost above is for your full course and you will need to pay the full fee upfront.
  • If no fee is shown above then the fees for this course are not available yet. Please check again later for updates.

Funding your studies

You may be eligible for a student loan to cover the cost of tuition fees, or a maintenance loan. Additional funding is available to some types of students, such as those with dependants and disabled students.

Foundation year bursary

If you are a UK student joining a foundation year course with UWL, you will receive a £2000 Path to Success bursary to support your studies. This is not a loan and does not need to be repaid. You will receive £500 per year subject to your attendance, engagement and progression through your studies. 

To find out more, explore our Undergraduate scholarships and bursaries page.

{{ formatCurrencyValue(currentVariantData.field_p_cv_int_main_fee.name) }} per year

Please note:

  • Fees for the 2026/27 academic year and onwards may be subject to Government regulation and change.
  • Tuition fees are charged for each year of your course. If your course runs for two years or more, you will need to pay the fee for each academic year at the start of that year.
  • If your course runs for less than two years, the cost above is for your full course and you will need to pay the full fee upfront.
  • If no fee is shown above then the fees for this course are not available yet. Please check again later for updates.

International students - funding your studies

We offer scholarships for international students including International Ambassador Scholarships. 

Further information about funding and financial support for international students is available from the UK Council for International Student Affairs.

 

Teaching staff

Teaching staff

Alireza Esfahani is wearing a smart dark grey suit and white shirt with short dark brown hair and short facial hair.

Dr Alireza Esfahani

Dr Alireza Esfahani is a Senior Lecturer in Cyber Security at the School of Computing and Engineering (SCE) at the University of West London, where he also serves as the BSc Cyber Security course leader. From 2021 to 2023, he held a lecturing position at the University of Greenwich. 

Dr Esfahani earned his PhD in Telecommunications through the MAP-TELE doctoral program from the University of Porto, Portugal, in 2017. Following his PhD, he gained valuable postdoctoral experience at the Instituto de Telecomunicações in Portugal, where he worked from July 2017 to May 2019. 

He has made significant contributions to the field of cybersecurity, authoring over 50 scientific publications. Alireza has also worked as a research associate at SnT-CritiX at the University of Luxembourg, where he was instrumental in two EU pilot cybersecurity projects: "SPARTA" and "CyberSec4Eu." He is an active member of the European Cyber Security Organisation (ECSO) and IEEE. 

Dr Esfahani’s research is centered on solving critical security challenges in connected and autonomous vehicle (CAV) networks, focusing on safety, privacy, integrity, availability and reliability of communications. His expertise extends to Software-Defined Networking (SDN) and Open Radio Access Networks (O-RAN), exploring how these technologies can enhance the security and flexibility of intelligent transportation systems. 

His work addresses end-to-end secure communication between vehicles and roadside units, intelligent traffic management and ensuring the safe operation of autonomous vehicles in real-time. He also explores broader advancements in Industry 4.0 and 5G networks, contributing to the integration of AI-driven solutions for autonomous systems.

Recently, Dr Esfahani won a UKRI grant for the project titled "AI-powered Automotive API Security System for Connected & Autonomous Vehicles." If you are interested in pursuing a PhD in this domain, feel free to contact him.

Dr Alireza Esfahani is a Senior Lecturer in Cyber Security at the School of Computing and Engineering (SCE) at the University of West London, where he also serves as the BSc Cyber Security course leader. From 2021 to 2023, he held a lecturing position at the University of Greenwich. 

Dr Esfahani earned his PhD in Telecommunications through the MAP-TELE doctoral program from the University of Porto, Portugal, in 2017. Following his PhD, he gained valuable postdoctoral experience at the Instituto de Telecomunicações in Portugal, where he worked from July 2017 to May 2019. 

He has made significant contributions to the field of cybersecurity, authoring over 50 scientific publications. Alireza has also worked as a research associate at SnT-CritiX at the University of Luxembourg, where he was instrumental in two EU pilot cybersecurity projects: "SPARTA" and "CyberSec4Eu." He is an active member of the European Cyber Security Organisation (ECSO) and IEEE. 

Dr Esfahani’s research is centered on solving critical security challenges in connected and autonomous vehicle (CAV) networks, focusing on safety, privacy, integrity, availability and reliability of communications. His expertise extends to Software-Defined Networking (SDN) and Open Radio Access Networks (O-RAN), exploring how these technologies can enhance the security and flexibility of intelligent transportation systems. 

His work addresses end-to-end secure communication between vehicles and roadside units, intelligent traffic management and ensuring the safe operation of autonomous vehicles in real-time. He also explores broader advancements in Industry 4.0 and 5G networks, contributing to the integration of AI-driven solutions for autonomous systems.

Recently, Dr Esfahani won a UKRI grant for the project titled "AI-powered Automotive API Security System for Connected & Autonomous Vehicles." If you are interested in pursuing a PhD in this domain, feel free to contact him.

Study & career progression

Study & career progression

A female talking to colleagues in front of large data monitors

Cyber Security graduates generally have a good record of finding employment and progressing in their profession. Popular roles and jobs for BSc Cyber Security graduates include:

  • network or computer security technician
  • computer or network security officer
  • identity and access management officer
  • threat and incident response analyst
  • data privacy officer
  • data protection adviser
  • security operations analyst
  • cloud security architect
  • security consultant
  • business continuity manager
  • information risk manager
  • information governance manager
  • cryptographer/cryptologist
  • security software developer
  • source code auditor
  • virus technician.

Once you graduate, you will be able to look for roles with law enforcement, government agencies, security consultancies and commercial IT departments. 

You may also want to progress your studies to explore a related field or specialise on a postgraduate course.

How to apply

How to apply

Important notes for applicants

Disclaimer

*Modern universities - defined as higher education institutions that were granted university status in, and subsequent to, 1992.

**The National Student Survey 2023 and 2024 - Average of answers to all questions by registered student population. Excludes specialist institutions.

Testimonials - our students or former students provided all of our testimonials - often a student from the course but sometimes another student. For example, the testimonial often comes from another UWL student when the course is new.

Optional modules - where optional modules are offered they will run subject to staff availability and viable student numbers opting to take the module.

Videos - all videos on our course pages were accurate at the time of filming. In some cases a new Course Leader has joined the University since the video was filmed.

Availability of placements - if you choose a course with placement/internship route we would like to advise you that if a placement/internship opportunity does not arise when you are expected to undertake the placement then the University will automatically transfer you to the non-internship route, this is to ensure you are still successful in being awarded a degree.