Overview

Protecting organisations from ever-evolving cyber threats has become one of technology's most urgent challenges, and building genuine expertise means combining strong computing fundamentals with specialist security knowledge. The BSc (Hons) Computer Science with Cyber Security at the University of York builds this foundation before allowing students to specialise in areas such as identity, trust and secure systems, working through a focused cyber security project that balances technical, commercial and societal considerations. Teaching takes place in the purpose-built Ian Wand Building, giving students access to software and hardware laboratories, collaborative spaces and specialist research facilities. The course suits students who want deep technical expertise in defending digital systems, with the option to add a placement year for genuine industry experience.

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What You'll Learn

• Core programming, software engineering and the mathematical foundations of computer science

• Human-computer interaction and object-oriented data structures and algorithms

• Computer architecture, operating systems, security and networking

• Machine learning, optimisation and introductory data science

• A specialist individual project focused on a chosen cyber security topic

• Cryptography theory and practice, alongside ethical hacking and network security

• Human factors in technology and how they shape security vulnerabilities

• The legal, ethical and societal implications of cyber security and computing more broadly

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Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, students will be able to apply computational thinking to complex security problems, using strong analytical skills in algorithm selection, representation and abstraction across the breadth of computer science. They will be equipped to design and build secure computer-based systems, balancing technical, commercial and societal considerations to protect organisations from real cyber threats. Through a specialist individual project and advanced cyber security modules, students will develop deeper technical expertise in areas such as cryptography, ethical hacking and network security. Graduates will leave able to communicate complex security problems clearly to technical and non-technical audiences alike, and to operate as responsible computing professionals attentive to the wider legal and ethical implications of their work.