BSc (Hons) Cyber Security

Why Cyber Security at ARU?

• Study in the Silicon Fen, home to Apple, Microsoft, Samsung AI and many more – the perfect opportunity to connect with top employers.
• Engage with real-world projects through our Live Brief assessments, set and driven by local companies such as PA Consulting and Kear Technology Solutions.
• Gain access to the Cisco CCNA, CompTIA Security+ and EC-Council Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) curriculums.
• Explore our on-site specialist labs and our online virtual lab (NETLAB), which are equipped with cyber security and forensics tools and operating systems.
• We're a Cisco Networking Academy, a CompTIA Academic Partner, an EC-Council Academic Partner, VMWare Academy, and AWS Academy.

Cyber attacks make headlines across the globe, and demand for talented computing graduates is outstripping supply. With governments and organisations increasing their cyber protection budgets, there’s never been a better time to invest in your future career by studying cyber security at university.

At ARU’s School of Computing and Information Science, we’ll enable you to fine-tune your network and data skills, take an optional placement year, and make your mark in the global cyber security industry.

What can you do with a degree in cyber security?

It’s predicted that the global cyber security workforce shortage will reach over 4 million by 2020/21, as demand outstrips supply*. As a result, university graduates are in demand to protect vital IT systems from cyber attacks.

With a Cyber Security BSc (Hons), you can expect a typical starting salary of £25-30,000. You could work in IT services, as a security engineer, architect, software developer or analyst; an ethical hacker/penetration tester; a digital forensic analyst; and incident responder; and much more. Alternatively, you could become a teacher or trainer, passing on the knowledge and skills you gained on your cyber security degree.

You could progress to become a cyber security consultant, earning anything between £40,000 and £120,000 per year. Many consultants provide services under their own Limited companies, so you could be your own boss.

Your skills in application security, information security or digital forensics could see you working closely with lawyers, governments, commercial organisations, the education sector and investigation agencies, as well as the finance and e-commerce sectors and national security organisations.

Graduation doesn’t need to be the end of your time with us. We offer a range of postgraduate degrees including MSc Computer Science and MSc Cyber Security. You’re also in the perfect position to continue your academic career and move on to a PhD in Computer Science. Take advantage of our Alumni Scholarship and get 20% off your fees.

*2019 (ISC)2 Cybersecurity Workforce Study.

Employability and personal career development

Informed by employers, our courses support an integrated approach to employability. You’ll have opportunities to develop the skills and abilities they are looking for and gain a deeper understanding of how your academic learning relates to the world of work through Live Briefs and Ruskin Modules.

To amplify your career ambition, you will need to actively dedicate time outside of your studies, whether you choose to explore placements, internships or volunteering. Or you could make a social impact by collaborating with our partner organisations through our volunteer scheme Students at the Heart of Knowledge Exchange (SHoKE). These all give you an edge, providing you with experience that you will be able to evidence on your CV and talk about in interviews.

Our Employability and Careers Service offers a range of expert advice and support to build your unique professional profile, including tailored career appointments, advice on writing your CV, and help to complete job applications. You’ll have 24/7 access to the Careers Centre, our comprehensive online digital resource, which empowers you to start building a Personal Career Development Plan from the very start. Design your future at ARU.