Cyber space comprises all the interactions with all the networks of digital devices, used to store, modify and communicate information. It is global in reach and vast in scale, extending far beyond the Internet.
Studying Cyber Security (BSc) will equip you to be part of the worldwide team securing the human experience in cyber space.
Cyber security seeks to enable the good and prevent the bad in cyber space. For you to contribute to this task, you will learn a broad range of theory and practice. Most things will be viewed from two perspectives: what should happen, and what does happen. Many cyber security challenges lurk in this gap between concept and reality.
You will learn:
How to construct robust software
How to store data over time and communicate it over distance
How computer systems are organised
The capabilities of cryptographic techniques
The processes and procedures that provide assurance that things are as they should be
The mindset, tools, and techniques to discover the shortcomings of cyber systems, duly constrained by ethics and the law
This course has a strong technical focus so that you understand precisely how the digital parts of cyber systems function. However, the role played by people, processes and the physical environment in achieving cyber security is also a critical part of your study. Taken together, you will learn how to harden the security posture of an organisation's cyber systems. You will learn how to think and act coherently in cyber space.
Cyber security professionals are in high demand by businesses worldwide, meaning you will have access to a wealth of potential career routes in a highly mobile profession when you graduate.
This degree explores cyber security in a broad and realistic way. As part of understanding how cyber systems are attacked, protected, and investigated, we look at real-world examples involving cyber crime and digital forensics. This can include references to topics such as online fraud, illegal trade, violence, and the distribution of unlawful or harmful material. These areas are studied strictly from a law-enforcement and investigative perspective to understand threats, evidence, and prevention. While some content may be sensitive, it reflects the realities of cyber security practice and supports professional preparation in this complex, real-world field.
What is the difference between computer science and cyber security?
Computer science focuses on the fundamentals of computer systems, it’s about understanding how computers work and creating software applications that solve problems. Our Cyber Security degree also covers core computer science concepts, while specialising in identifying threats, implementing secure measures, and protecting systems, networks, and data from unauthorised access, theft, damage, or disruption.
Entry requirements
A level typical offer
AAA (applicants from all academic profiles welcome, but STEM subjects are recommended for ease of study onto the programme).
A level contextual offer
We welcome applications from candidates who meet the contextual eligibility criteria and whose predicted grades are close to, or slightly below, the contextual offer level. The typical contextual offer is AAB ( applicants from all academic profiles welcome, but STEM subjects are recommended for ease of study onto the programme). See if you're eligible.
We advise that you also check the English Language requirements for your course which may specify a higher GCSE English requirement. Please find the information about this below.
International Baccalaureate (IB) typical offer
36 (applicants from all academic profiles welcome, but STEM subjects are recommended for ease of study onto the programme).
International Baccalaureate (IB) contextual offer
We welcome applications from candidates who meet the contextual eligibility criteria and whose predicted grades are close to, or slightly below, the contextual offer level. The typical contextual offer is 34 ( applicants from all academic profiles welcome, but STEM subjects are recommended for ease of study onto the programme). See if you're eligible.
We advise that you also check the English Language requirements for your course which may specify a higher GCSE English requirement. Please find the information about this below.
BTEC
We welcome applications from students taking BTECs and/or CTECs and combinations with A levels.
We would require the overall load to be equivalent to 3 A levels and for combinations of qualifications to have no significant subject overlap. Applicants from all academic profiles welcome, but STEM subjects are recommended for ease of study onto the programme. A typical offer would be D*D*D* in the BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma.
Scotland Advanced Highers
AA in two Advanced Highers and AAB in three additional Highers subjects.
Welsh Baccalaureate
AAB in three A levels plus grade C in the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales.
Access to Higher Education Diplomas
We will consider applicants returning to study who are presenting a QAA-recognised Access to Higher Education Diploma on a case-by-case basis.
Typically, we require 45 Credits at Level 3, including Distinction in 33 Level 3 Credits and Merit in 12 Level 3 Credits. We may also require subject specific Credits or an A level to be studied alongside the Access to Higher Education Diploma to fulfil essential subject requirements.
We advise that you also check the English Language requirements for your course which may specify a higher GCSE English requirement. Please find the information about this below.
Warwick may make differential offers to students in certain circumstances, such as those who have participated in a Widening Participation programme or who meet the University’s contextual data criteria. These offers are usually one or two grades below Warwick’s standard offer.
Do you offer foundation programmes?
All students who successfully complete the Warwick International Foundation Programme (IFP) and apply to Warwick through UCAS will receive a guaranteed conditional offer for a related undergraduate programme, for selected courses only. Further details are available in the standard offer and conditions for the IFP.
Can I take a gap year before starting my course?
Yes, Warwick welcomes applications for deferred (gap year) entry.
Will I need to interview for this course?
Warwick does not typically interview applicants. Offers are made based on the UCAS application, including predicted and achieved grades, the personal statement, and the school reference.
Year one lays the foundations for you to develop a deeper understanding of cyber space. You will be studying topics such as software development, computer architecture, networks, operating systems and the fundamentals of cyber security. Discrete mathematics is introduced to support a range of other topics.
Year two deepens and broadens your experience by exploring software engineering, programming languages, human-computer interaction, secure systems, managing and securing information, all from a cyber security perspective.
The third year incorporates advanced topics in cyber security, incident management, digital forensics, low-level techniques such as identifying how potentially obfuscated code behaves, and the science associated with dealing with bulk data. You will also complete an individual project, where you will apply your skills and knowledge to an area of your choice under the supervision of our academics.
All modules are subject to annual curriculum review and enhancement so may vary slightly from what is described here and currently visible on the module catalogue.
Note that the module catalogue is subject to change for future years of study, as we evolve our courses in response to the latest developments in academia and industry.
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
In the final year, you will be able to select two optional modules. Below are examples of existing modules but be aware that not all modules may be offered each year or may be replaced to reflect latest practice in Cyber Security.
Fees and funding
Tuition fee
£9,790
On 26 November 2025, the UK government announced that the tuition fee cap for UK undergraduate students for the 2026-27 academic year would increase to £9,790 from the 2025-26 rate of at £9,535.
Students who qualify for government-regulated fees are classed as ‘Home’ students for fees purposes. In future years, fees for continuing students may be subject to an increase in fees in line with any inflationary uplift as determined by the UK Government (if permitted by law or government policy).
We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Students will be classified as Home or Overseas fee status. Your fee status determines tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available. If you receive an offer, your fee status will be clearly stated alongside the tuition fee information.
If you believe that your fee status has been classified incorrectly, you can complete a fee status assessment questionnaire. Please follow the instructions in your offer information and provide the documents needed to reassess your status.
You will repay your loan or loans gradually once you are working and earning above a certain amount. For students starting their course after 1 August 2023 (on Student Finance England’s Plan 5), you will repay when your income is over £25,000 a year.
Repayments will be taken directly from your salary if you are an employee. If your income falls below the earnings threshold or you stop working, your repayments will stop until your income goes back up above this figure.
Access thousands of part-time opportunities through our agency Unitemps (such as office work, retail jobs or helping at events)
Choose to apply for a job as one of our Student Ambassadors to share your own experience at events like Open Days
There are many different funding routes available, including a number of bursaries and scholarships for full-time undergraduates. If you struggle to meet your essential living costs, our Student Funding team will be on hand to offer advice and support.
Provides additional financial support for qualifying Home students from lower income families of up to £2,500 for eligible students
This bursary is paid directly into your bank account in three equal termly instalments to help with the costs of studying
There is no application for this bursary as your details will be provided directly from the student support awarding bodies (Student Finance England, Student Finance Northern Ireland, and Student Awards Agency Scotland)
A number of scholarship opportunities are open to full-time undergraduate students. These include sporting and musical bursaries, and scholarships offered by commercial organisations.
If you experience financial difficulties during your studies, you may be eligible for Hardship Funding from the University, in the form of an Emergency Loan and/or a non-repayable award
There are no Departmental scholarships available for our Undergraduate courses, however there are other scholarships which you may be eligible for. Please see our scholarships web pages for more information.
Tuition fee
If you are an overseas student enrolling in 2026-27, your annual tuition fees will be as follows:
Band 1 – £27,870 per year (classroom-based courses, including Humanities and most Social Science courses)
Band 2 – £35,530 per year (laboratory-based courses, plus Mathematics, Statistics, Theatre and Performance Studies, Economics, and courses provided by Warwick Business School, with exceptions)
Overseas Tuition fees for 2027-28 academic year have not been set. In future years, fees for continuing students may be subject to an increase in fees in line with an inflationary uplift. Please check our website for updates about 2027-28 fee rates before you apply.
If you are an EU student and eligible for student finance, you may be able to get a Tuition Fee Loan to cover your fees, please visit our Student Funding webpage for guidance for students ordinarily resident outside of England.
We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Students will be classified as Home or Overseas fee status. Your fee status determines tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available. If you receive an offer, your fee status will be clearly stated alongside the tuition fee information.
If you believe that your fee status has been classified incorrectly, you can complete a fee status assessment questionnaire. Please follow the instructions in your offer information and provide the documents needed to reassess your status.
Eligibility for student finance will depend on certain criteria, such as your nationality, residency status, course, and previous level of study. The information below is based on the package of financial support available to students starting their course in 2026.
Eligible European Union (EU) Undergraduates can apply for a loan to help with the cost of Tuition Fees. Eligible EU students who meet additional residency criteria may also be eligible for a loan to assist with living costs.For more information please see Student Finance for Undergraduates - EU StudentsLink opens in a new window.
Access thousands of part-time opportunities through our agency Unitemps (such as office work, retail jobs or helping at events)
Choose to apply for a job as one of our Student Ambassadors to share your own experience at events like Open Days
If you are an international student, you may be eligible for financial help from your own government, from the British Council or from other funding agencies. You can usually request information on scholarships from the Ministry of Education in your home country, or from the local British Council office.
A number of scholarship opportunities are open to full-time undergraduate students. These include sporting and musical bursaries, and scholarships offered by commercial organisations.
If you experience financial difficulties during your studies, you may be eligible for Hardship Funding from the University, in the form of an Emergency Loan and/or a non-repayable award.
As well as tuition fees and living expenses, some courses may require you to cover the cost of field trips or costs associated with travel abroad.
For departmental specific costs, please see the Modules tab on the course web page for the list of core and optional core modules with hyperlinks to our Module Catalogue.
Associated costs can be found on the Study tab for each module listed in the Module Catalogue (please note most of the module content applies to 2025/26 year of study). Information about module specific costs should be considered in conjunction with the more general costs below:
Core text books
Printer credits
Dissertation binding
Robe hire for your degree ceremony
Are there any course specific costs?
Please check with the department.
Teaching and learning
The University of Warwick has been recognised as an Academic Centre of Excellence in Cyber Security Education (ACE-CSE) by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) - a part of GCHQ. This status recognises Warwick for delivering first-rate cyber security education on campus and promoting cyber skills in the community.
On the BSc Cyber Security course, teaching and learning are delivered via a combination of lectures, seminars, and high-intensity workshops with structured independent consolidation activities in between.
Teaching sessions will comprise a mix of conventional lectures, practical laboratory sessions and tutorial sessions. The proportions and emphasis will vary from module to module.
The consolidation activities will typically involve the application of material covered in the workshop to a practical problem. Some of this consolidation activity will be individual, some will be working in teams. Some development projects will span several workshops and run for several weeks.
Much of the practical activity will take place in our dedicated Cyber Security laboratories within the WMG Cyber Security Centre. Your studies will culminate in your final year individual cyber project.
WMG typically delivers teaching in small groups (e.g. around 30, or around 60). Practical classes may be run in smaller groups depending on session requirements, such as computing or laboratory equipment.
A typical module (15 CATS) includes around 30 hours of contact time, including a mixture of lectures, labs and seminars. This results in 10-20 hours per week in total, and the expected total study time per year is 1200 hours.
Your performance will be assessed through a range of assessment strategies which include coursework, presentations, tests, in-lab exercises, and exams. Coursework may be individual or group work, involving aspects of cyber system development, cyber system analysis, cyber research, and presentation of findings. The second and final year focus a lot on providing practical skills and knowledge that can be directly applied in a professional setting.
For the Cyber Security Project in the final year, you will use a range of methods, tools, and techniques to address your chosen research question. This project will help you to develop a range of transferable skills, including critical thinking, problem solving, and communication. These are skills you will carry into a successful career beyond Warwick.
A study abroad year at a partner institution is currently not possible. The very specific curriculum of the BSc Cyber Security means that an intercalated year abroad does not fit alongside the remainder of the curriculum. However, we encourage students to gain short UK and international experiences, such as summer placements and other short-term opportunities.
Careers
Cyber Security professionals are in high demand by businesses worldwide, meaning you’ll have access to a wealth of potential career routes in a highly mobile profession when you graduate.
Career paths could include technical, managerial, and strategic paths in public, private, or charity sectors; enabling social services, commerce, healthcare, transportation, environmental protection and more generally, a secure digital society.
Our graduates have gone on to work for a variety of employers, including:
Accenture
PWC
KPMG
Deloitte
IBM
Ministry of Defence
HP
Cisco
Tata Consultancy Services
They have pursued roles such as:
Graduate Cyber Security Consultant
Information Security Analyst
Technology Analyst
IT Security and Governance Officer
Security Project Manager
Network Consulting Engineer
IT Risk and Resilience Manager
Senior Investigation Officer
Graduates from this programme have also progressed into various government/other security vetted roles.
Our department has a dedicated professionally qualified Senior Careers Consultant to support you. They offer impartial advice and guidance, together with workshops and events throughout the year. Previous examples of workshops and events include:
Our Student Opportunity (Careers) department offer a wide range of workshops, from developing confidence and interview techniques to learning how to articulate what you have to offer in order to impress potential employers. Online resources are also available, including training in drafting CVs and covering letters, practice aptitude and psychometric tests, practice online interviews, and other resources to help you research job opportunities. The myAdvantage databaseLink opens in a new window also advertises job, placement and internship vacancies that are from employers who are targeting Warwick students for their recruitment.
We encourage students to gain short UK and international experiences, such as summer placements and other short-term opportunities.
Life at Warwick
This is where your journey begins. Our campus is the heart of it all. It’s more than just a campus - it's the places you visit, the people you meet, the fun that you have; the experiences you have here will be transformative.
Within a close-knit community of staff and students from all over the world, discover a campus alive with possibilities.
Our campus is where all the elements of your student experience come together in one place. You won't be short of ways to spend your time on campus - whether it's visiting Warwick Arts Centre, using our incredible sports facilities, socialising in our bars, nightclub and cafés, or enjoying an open-air event. Or if you need some peace and quiet, you can explore lakes, woodland and green spaces just a few minutes’ walk from central campus
Follow our students around campus on our social channels to see their experiences first-hand.
Teaching facilities
Our campus is designed to cater for all of your learning needs. You will benefit from a variety of flexible, well-equipped study spaces and teaching facilities across the University.
Oculus, our outstanding learning hub, houses state-of-the-art lecture theatres and innovative social learning and network areas
Different study spaces offering you flexible individual and group study spaces, computers, printing and scanning facilities, multimedia resources and more
Supporting you
Our continuous support network is here to help you adjust to student life and to ensure you can easily access advice on many different issues. These may include managing your finances and workload, and settling into shared accommodation. We also have specialist disability and mental health support teams.
Whether you live in a campus residence or in partnership accommodation off campus, you’ll be part of a community to get the most from your experience at Warwick.
Societies and sports play a huge part in community life at Warwick. With over 300 to choose from, getting involved is one of the easiest ways to make friends and share in experiences. Whether you’re into films, martial arts, astronomy, gaming or musical theatre, you can instantly connect with people with similar interests.
Your university experience is defined by far more than your course or the career path you follow. At Warwick, it’s where you discover who you could become.
74th
Warwick is ranked 74th in the world and top 10 in all major UK league tables
Our alumni community still call Warwick home. From a few hundred in 1965 to more than 310,000 alumni, and it's ever-growing.
As Warwick graduates, our students have access to employability support for two years after graduation, including access to careers appointments, job vacancies and professional networks.
Having forged strong links with global companies through 40 years of collaborative research and development, we really understand the global market you’ll be operating in, and have designed our programmes to match.
Classrooms are hubs of innovation, where academic theories meet practical insights. Designed to simulate the workplace, you will work on collaborative tasks, simulations, and case studies to tackle real-world challenges with your peers. The focus on hands-on learning, industry teaching, and the practical application of knowledge ensures that you are not only well versed in theory, but you can also apply that knowledge in real-world scenarios.
This information is applicable for 2027 entry. Given the interval between the publication of courses and enrolment, some of the information may change. It is important to check our website before you apply. Please read our web page 'Important information to consider before making an application' in advance of applying to Warwick.
Next steps
Experience campus at an Open Day. Can't visit? Receive regular email updates or ask current students and staff questions about life at Warwick.
