Overview

Cyber security now sits at the centre of digital life, and protecting sensitive information and systems from attack calls for deep technical knowledge as well as sound judgement. The BSc (Hons) Computer Science (Cyber Security) at the University of Liverpool builds a solid computer science foundation and then specialises in the skills needed to meet real-world security challenges, from the fundamentals of cryptography to network security. The first year covers programming, computer systems, data structures, algorithms and introductory artificial intelligence. The second and third years move into specialist study of cyber security, computer networks, distributed systems, formal methods and digital forensics. Teaching comes from a School of Computer Science and Informatics with a history stretching back to the 1960s, where 100% of research outputs were rated world-leading or internationally excellent in the latest national assessment. Learning combines lectures, small-group tutorials and supervised laboratory sessions, alongside group and individual projects that build problem-solving, teamwork and presentation skills. The degree is accredited by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, and students can add a year in industry or a year abroad. It suits students who want rigorous computing foundations alongside a focused route into defending digital systems, finishing with a substantial individual project.

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What You’ll Learn

• Programming, object-oriented programming and the paradigms behind different programming languages

• Data structures and algorithms, including how to analyse the complexity of algorithms

• Computer systems and the analytic techniques that underpin computer science

• Introductory artificial intelligence and the foundations of computer science

• Database development and the fundamentals of software engineering

• Computer networks and network security

• Cyber security, from the fundamentals of cryptography to protecting information and systems

• Distributed systems and formal methods

• Digital forensics, alongside optional study of cyberpsychology and human-computer interaction

• An individual computer science project exploring a substantial problem in depth

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Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, students will be able to apply core computer science principles across programming, algorithms, computer systems and databases to build effective software. They will be equipped to use cyber security knowledge, including cryptography and network security, to protect sensitive information and systems from cyber threats. Specialist study of networks, distributed systems, formal methods and digital forensics will develop the technical depth needed to analyse and respond to real security problems. Through group software work and a guided but independent individual project, students will develop the ability to tackle a substantial problem using the principles and methods learned across the programme. Graduates will leave with a BCS-accredited, technically grounded skill set, with strong analytical, teamwork and presentation abilities, well prepared for careers in cyber security, software development and technical consultancy.