Overview

Digital systems now underpin nearly every part of modern life, and protecting them from an ever-growing range of cyber threats has become one of computing's most pressing challenges. The BSc (Hons) Computer Science (Cyber Security) at Newcastle University equips students with the skills to design and build software systems that can withstand these threats, combining a broad computing foundation with specialist study in security and resilience. Newcastle is recognised as an Academic Centre of Excellence in Cyber Security Research and by the UK's National Cyber Security Centre, and the course is delivered from the £58 million Urban Sciences Building, home to a cyber-physical systems laboratory and data visualisation facilities. Students study alongside all Computer Science degree pathways for the first two years, allowing flexibility to transfer between courses before specialising, and there are also opportunities to take a paid industry placement or a study abroad year. This degree suits those drawn to problem-solving and the technical detail of secure systems, and prepares graduates for technical roles across software houses, government, and safety-critical industries.

What You'll Learn

The fundamentals of computing, including Java and Python programming

Computer systems design and architectures

Data science foundations and algorithm design and analysis

Security programming and software engineering

Requirements analysis, databases and formal software specification

Team-based software engineering, building a substantial software product

Cryptography and cryptographic protocols

System and network security

A major individual project and dissertation in an area of cyber security

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, students will be able to draw on a strong grounding in core computing principles alongside specialist expertise in cyber security, from cryptographic techniques and secure authentication through to network defence and risk assessment, and will be equipped to critically evaluate security threats and apply appropriate technical solutions to real-world problems. Extensive practical work throughout the degree, including a team-based software engineering project and hands-on use of industrial-strength development tools, builds the collaborative and technical skills needed to design, build and verify dependable software systems. Students will also complete a major individual project and dissertation, researching and developing a solution to a genuine cyber security challenge under expert supervision, sharpening the research and communication skills expected of a computing science graduate ready for further study or a career in the sector.