Overview
This programme at Cardiff University combines the core foundations of computer science with a dedicated focus on cyber security, preparing students to defend systems against an increasingly complex threat landscape. Students build strong technical grounding in programming, systems, and mathematics before specialising in areas such as digital forensics and applied cryptography. The course reflects growing demand for professionals who can think critically about security while designing and building reliable software.

What You'll Learn

• Core programming and problem-solving using languages such as Python and Java, alongside computer architecture and operating systems

• Software engineering principles, data structures and algorithms, and mathematics for computing

• Full stack development, secure coding practices, and defence against malware

• A collaborative cyber security project applying technical and professional skills to a real-world scenario

• Specialist study of digital forensics, incident response, and applied cryptography

• Optional modules spanning artificial intelligence, robotics, data analysis, and related computing disciplines

• An individual final-year project centred on a cyber security challenge

Learning Outcomes
Graduates will be able to explain core computing principles, including algorithms, data structures, and computational theory, alongside the security vulnerabilities and mitigation strategies relevant to modern systems. They will apply computational thinking and mathematical reasoning to design secure, well-structured solutions to complex problems, weighing technical, ethical, and organisational trade-offs. Students will also develop the professional skills to work independently and in teams, communicate clearly across different audiences, and approach real-world computing challenges with a security-conscious mindset.