Cyber Security Lancaster University

Could you lead the future of cyber security? Digital technologies impact every part of our lives and cyber security experts are essential for addressing debates around AI, digital forensics, and hacking. As a cyber security student, you will tackle foundational, advanced, and emergent, cyber security topics such as security and penetration testing, cryptography, network security, resilient distributed systems, security of autonomous systems, secure AI, secure cyber-physical systems, and security metrics. Prepare to influence the systems that shape our world and take the next step towards an exciting career.

What to expect

Our three-year BSc Hons Cyber Security degree begins by building your understanding of the fundamental principles and skills in computer science and how they are applied. You will explore a set of key areas such as software development and digital systems. You will also begin to explore the social, ethical, and professional issues associated with cyber security.

Going into Year 2, you will be able to delve deeper into what intrigues you most and specialise your studies towards a specific career path. This includes exploring a range of topics such as cryptography, secure distributed systems, and networking. You will also develop your understanding of how attackers target systems through penetration testing and hacking. You will gain insight into the challenges encountered by a range of industries by facing real-world scenarios and considering their wider impact through lectures, workshops, and group projects.

In Year 3, you will draw on the expertise of the NCSC Academic Centre of Excellence in Cyber Security Research at Lancaster to explore more advanced topics. These include topics such as adversarial AI, the security challenges faced by large scale cyber-physical systems, and advancements in the approach to cyber investigations. Alongside this, you will undertake an individual cyber-focused project in collaboration with one of our academics, where you will further develop the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in your future career.

Personal development

Throughout your degree, you will develop valuable transferrable skills such as analysis, problem-solving, and communication, which make you highly desirable to future employers. The practical skills you gain in programming, network design, risk management, and penetration testing prepare you for applications in the real world, and your insight into sustainable computing and AI will make you a unique candidate prepared to face the challenges of the future. You will also learn how to collaborate, research, and present your findings, developing solutions as part of a team and as a leader.

3 things our students want you to know:

• We have a thriving community that engages in a range of extra-curricular societies and groups. They’re a great opportunity to meet new people and build your professional and technical skills. Current groups include LU Hack, the Lancaster University Ethical Hacking Group who practice safe (and legal!) hacking; FemTech, a group aimed at empowering non-male-identifying students in a male-dominated discipline; and the Computer Science Society, who facilitate talks and guest lectures to help you learn from and engage with experts within and beyond our staff

• We tackle the important considerations of ethics and sustainability as we learn. It’s challenging but inspiring to think about the future of cyber security and its impact on our lives and society, and how we can drive that change.

• Our campus is a fantastic place to learn! We each have our favourite place to study: in the SkyLounge with amazing views, in our brand new high-end computer labs or in the Science and Technology Building's collaborative and creative labs

Entry requirements

These are the typical grades that you will need to study this course. This section will tell you whether you need qualifications in specific subjects, what our English language requirements are, and if there are any extra requirements such as attending an interview or submitting a portfolio.

A levels

AAB. Though not an essential subject entry requirement, applicants with A level Computing, Computer Science or Mathematics will be considered for a lower offer.

Access to HE Diploma

36 Level 3 credits at Distinction plus 9 Level 3 credits at Merit

Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales

We accept the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales in place of one A level, or equivalent qualification, as long as any subject requirements are met.

BTEC Extended Diploma

DDD

BTEC in combination with A levels

A level at grade B plus BTEC(s) at DD, or A levels at grade AB plus BTEC at D. Though not an essential subject entry requirement, applicants with A level Computing, Computer Science or Mathematics will be considered for a lower offer.

International Baccalaureate

35 points overall with 16 points from the best 3 HL subjects. Though not an essential subject entry requirement, applicants with HL Mathematics or Computer Science will be considered for a lower offer.

Scottish Highers and Advanced Highers

We are happy to admit applicants on the basis of five Highers, but where we require a specific subject at A level, we will typically require an Advanced Higher in that subject. If you do not meet the grade requirement through Highers alone, we will consider a combination of Highers and Advanced Highers in separate subjects. Please contact the Admissions team for more information.

T levels

Distinction overall

GCSE requirements

Mathematics grade 6/B, English Language grade 4/C.

We will also look at your overall GCSE profile when considering your application as a whole.

We do have flexibility when considering GCSE requirements. Go to our GCSE information for more details.

English language requirements

If English is not your first language, we require an IELTS score of 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in each component for this programme. English language qualifications for undergraduate study.