Cyber Defence & Intelligence Bournemouth University (BU)

Ready to outsmart the threats others can't see? You'll learn how adversaries think, developing the skills to predict, hunt, and stop cyberattacks before they strike, protecting national security and critical digital systems.

Why study BSc (Hons) Cyber Defence & Intelligence?

• Shape your future as a defence-certified cyber specialist on this course selected and funded by the Office for Students (OfS), designed to develop the UK's next generation of cyber security professionals
• Build advanced technical skills in systems engineering, defence simulation and modelling, and incident response, taking your expertise far beyond traditional cyber degrees
• Our OfS-funded Cyber Competency Centre puts you at the heart of real-world cyber defence. Through government-backed investment, we've recreated authentic threat scenarios where you'll test your abilities in live cyber defence environments and threat scenarios
• An optional placement year will connect you with major defence contractors and commercial security firms, giving you professional experience that will set you apart
• You'll be ready for high-impact roles across the Ministry of Defence, national intelligence services, and global security organisations, equipped with the skills and real-world experiences employers are looking for.

Entry requirements

For 2026 entry: 104–120 UCAS tariff points (A-level grades BCC–BBB) including a minimum of 2 A-levels or equivalent qualifications. We also accept a wide range of vocational qualifications including BTEC Extended Diploma (grade DMM) and T Levels (Merit).

For 2027 entry: 112–128 UCAS tariff points (A-level grades BBC–ABB) including a minimum of 2 A-levels or equivalent qualifications. We also accept a wide range of vocational qualifications including BTEC Extended Diploma (grade DMM–DDM) and T Levels (Merit). 

If English is not your first language, you will need to provide evidence that you can understand English to a satisfactory level. English language requirements for this course are normally:

For 2026 and 2027 entry: IELTS (Academic) 6.0 with minimum 5.5 in each component, or equivalent. 

Please see the course page for full details of entry requirements.