BSc (Hons) Cyber Security

This course covers six key areas of cyber security: 

• Networking
• Databases
• Software development and management
• Cyber security
• Artificial intelligence and machine learning
• Ethics and regulations.

If you are studying the BSc (Hons) Cyber Security with Integrated Foundation Year version of this course, key study topics in your foundation year will include:

• Understanding how graphical computer outputs are generated, interpreted, and utilised in digital systems
• Applying planning, time management, and structured production methods to achieve successful software and hardware outcomes
• Developing responsible and accountable technical workflows in creative computing
• Analysing complex problems, formulating strategic approaches, implementing solutions, and critically evaluating results
• Experimenting with physical computing, graphical interfaces, and software tools to explore creative and technical possibilities
• Demonstrating and understanding of the historical development, impact, and limitations of Artificial Intelligence (AI)
• Gaining foundational knowledge of programming concepts, including functions, arrays, objects, and event-driven programming.

If you choose to add an Integrated Foundation Year on this course, you will be first introduced to the fundamental principles of design. Your foundation year gives you the time, space and support to explore your strengths, build confidence and prepare for the demands of project-based, industry-focused learning. Modules are as follows:

• Module 1: Diagnostic exploration - making informed choices
• Module 2: Technical - Technical knowledge in practice
• Module 3: Specialist - Innovating specialist practice
• Module 4: Integration - Integrated practice for progression to Higher Education

Establish essential computing foundations in network systems, databases and system automation while building interdisciplinary professional skills and industry connections.

Modules may include:

• Rave Beginnings in Computing
• Computer Systems
• System Automation
• Network Systems
• Computing in Society
• Databases

Develop practical expertise in digital forensics, cloud systems, network security and risk management through hands-on, industry-aligned testing.

Modules may include:

• Cyber Risk Management
• Network Security
• Security Testing
• Digital Forensics
• Professional Skills
• Cloud Based Systems

Refine your technical expertise in security operations, cyber automation and secure software development while delivering an industry-ready Final Major Project.

Modules may include:

• Cyber Security Automation
• Cloud Based Security
• Security Operations
• Secure Software Development
• Career Preparation
• Final Major Project

A variety of learning and teaching methods are employed in this course. 

These include but are not limited to;

Active Studio and Active Classroom Learning: 66.6%
Tutorials and labs: 13.0%
Scheduled academic/assessment support: 14.6%
Individual project supervision (face-to-face and online): 5.8%

The course is assessed entirely by coursework.

Study hours

BSc (Hons) Cyber Security with Integrated Foundation Year

• 1152 hours of face-to-face taught
• 3648 hours independent study learning

BSc (Hons) Cyber Security 

• 864 hours of face-to-face taught
• 2736 hours independent study learning

Students will benefit from owning a laptop with a base specification of Intel Core i5/AMD Ryzen 5 processor, 16 GB RAM, 512 GB SSD, and 64-bit Windows 11 Pro, with hardware virtualisation support (Intel VT-x/AMD-V). Ideally, it should support upgrading to 32 GB RAM or more, as cybersecurity work often requires running multiple virtual machines, security tools, network simulations, and containerised lab environments simultaneously. Cost will vary with laptop makes and models but a budget of £500 - £1200 should be sufficient to purchase one that meets the above criteria. Shared studio computers are available on campus for students who do not yet have their own device.

This course uses university cyber security laboratories and workstations institutionally supported/approved digital, cloud and security platforms; software may be institutionally supported, open-source, free-tier, local or simulated. Industry site visits, CTF competitions, external hackathons and conferences will be planned into the academic calendar year and may require some travel related expenditure (budget £200-£300).

Our campus 

You'll study in a building designed to encourage collaboration between the different disciplines and practices within Ravensbourne, and to stimulate the work of innovative professionals and creative collaboration.

It features a variety of workspaces, including social and quiet areas, high-tech creative suites, technology hubs, design studios and more. 

Want to see where you'd be studying up close? When you book a guided building tour, you can see our fantastic facilities for yourself and find out more from one of our helpful student ambassadors.

Our local area

Ravensbourne is ideally connected - North Greenwich station is just a 2-minute walk away from our campus and offers amazing views from the Greenwich Peninsula.

These transport links offer an easy route to some of London's major business hubs, perfect for reaching possible placements or networking events with employers in the worlds of business or technology.  

At Ravensbourne we accept a wide range of qualifications for entry onto our courses, whilst also considering the context in which they were achieved. For this course, we would usually require a GCSE Grade 4 or above in English and Maths in addition to any of the below (including a Level 3 STEM subject);

• Three A Levels at grade BBC or above
• BTEC Extended Diploma at grade DMM
• UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma
• T Level (pass or above)
• Access to Higher Education Diploma
• International Baccalaureate at grade 24 or above
• Other/Mixed qualifications equivalent to 112 UCAS Tariff points

At Ravensbourne we accept a wide range of qualifications for entry onto our courses, whilst also considering the context in which they were achieved. For this course, we would usually require a GCSE Grade 4 or above in English and Maths in addition to any of the below:

• Two A Levels at grade CC or above
• BTEC Extended Diploma at grade MPP
• Other/Mixed qualifications equivalent to 64 UCAS Tariff points

There are no interview or portfolio requirements for this course.