Birmingham London Manchester

(Hons) Computing with Foundation Year

This 4-year degree, including a Foundation Year, prepares you for the fast-growing world of cyber security. You’ll develop technical and analytical skills to protect systems, networks, and data against digital threats. Combining hands-on learning with theoretical knowledge, the course covers ethical hacking, risk management, digital forensics, and security strategies for today’s connected world.

This route can be pursued with Student Finance when you meet the official criteria.

Review the funding guide, download the UniStart app to chat with real advisors, or return to all courses if you need a different campus or schedule.

Course Description

This course equips you with the technical, practical, and analytical skills necessary to protect digital systems and networks. You will explore areas such as ethical hacking, digital forensics, risk management, cyber law, and security strategies.

As part of the programme, you will have the opportunity to earn the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) "Introduction to Networks" certification, giving you industry-recognised technical expertise that employers highly value.

The course aims to:

  • Deliver a structured programme that supports and challenges you to achieve your full potential
  • Teach the technical, practical, and critical thinking skills needed for success as a Cyber and Network Security specialist
  • Prepare you for a career in cyber security, ready to face modern threats and technological changes
  • Help you develop a broad range of subject-specific and transferable skills for continuous professional growth

Graduates will be prepared to launch rewarding careers in cyber security, digital forensics, network administration, and IT consultancy — roles that are increasingly critical in today’s digital world.

What You'll Learn

4-year degree including a Foundation Year to build essential academic and technical skills

Learn cyber security fundamentals like ethical hacking, risk management, and digital forensics

Opportunity to earn the industry-recognised Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification

Strong focus on practical, hands-on training through real-world projects and lab simulations

Develop technical, analytical, and critical thinking skills highly valued by employers

Prepare for careers in cyber security, network administration, digital forensics, and IT consultancy

Course Structure

Foundation Year
  • Academic Integrity and Assessment (20 credits)
  • Digital Foundations (20 credits)
  • Fundamentals of Computing (20 credits)
  • Job Search Techniques and Professional Behaviour (20 credits)
  • Personal Development and Career Exploration (20 credits)
  • Study Strategies and Academic Development (20 credits)
Year 1
  • Computer Systems and Internet Technologies (20 credits)
  • Group Project (20 credits)
  • Introduction to Databases (20 credits)
  • Introduction to Programming (20 credits)
  • User-Centric Design (20 credits)
  • Web Development (20 credits)
Year 2
  • Application Development (20 credits)
  • Cloud Technologies (20 credits)
  • Data Science (20 credits)
  • Industry Related Project (20 credits)
  • Information Systems Development (20 credits)
  • Networking Technologies (20 credits)
Year 3
  • Cyber Security (20 credits)
  • Machine Learning (20 credits)
  • Project Management (20 credits)
  • Requirements Management (20 credits)
  • Project (40 credits)

Entry Requirements

Applicants aged 18+

  • Level 3 qualification (60 credits or 80 UCAS tariff points)
  • English: GCSE grade 4/C or CEFR B1
  • On-campus English test available if needed

Applicants aged 21+

  • May apply without standard qualifications
  • Relevant academic, professional, or vocational experience considered

Don't have A-levels? No problem.

We accept equivalent European qualifications: Diploma de Bacalaureat (Romania), Matura (Poland), Abitur (Germany), Baccalaureat (France), and more. Career changers and mature students with relevant UK work experience are also welcome.

Job Prospects

Career Opportunities

This degree prepares you for an exciting career in the fast-evolving field of cyber security and IT. With strong technical, investigative, and analytical skills, you will be ready to tackle digital threats and protect vital data and systems across industries.

Possible career paths include:

  • Cyber Security Analyst – Protect systems and networks against cyber threats
  • Penetration Tester (Ethical Hacker) – Identify and fix security vulnerabilities
  • Network Security Specialist – Design and secure enterprise-level network infrastructures
  • Digital Forensics Investigator – Examine digital evidence for criminal investigations
  • Cybercrime Analyst – Monitor and respond to cybercrimes and digital attacks
  • Cloud Security Specialist – Safeguard cloud-based platforms and services
  • IT Risk and Compliance Officer – Ensure systems meet security standards and legal regulations

Graduates can also continue into specialist postgraduate study or professional certifications like CISSP, CEH, or CompTIA Security+ to further advance their careers.

Tuition Fees & Funding

Tuition Fees

2025/26: £9,535 (per annum)

Total available per year

up to £23,297

Tuition £9,535 + Maintenance up to £13,762. You pay nothing upfront.

Don't worry about fees. Your advisor will check your eligibility and help you apply for full funding, including any additional grants you may qualify for.

Estimate your funding →

Career Prospects

Graduates go on to work in high-demand roles across the UK:

Software Developer £30-55k
Data Analyst £28-45k
IT Technician £22-35k
Cyber Security Analyst £30-50k
AI/Machine Learning Specialist £35-65k
Web Developer £28-45k
Network Engineer £30-48k
IT Project Manager £35-58k

Salary ranges are indicative based on UK market data. Actual salaries depend on location, experience, and employer.

How You'll Learn

Three embedded themes: Technology, Software, and Data. Work-based learning addressing real-world industry problems. Optional placement year within Networking Technologies module. Group projects developing teamwork and communication, plus a comprehensive final-year project.

Assessment Methods

Coursework-based with no examinations. Methods include essays, reports, real-life simulations, presentations, projects, and group debate.

Schedule

Weekdays and/or evenings. Intakes in October, February, and June.

Admissions Interview

Most courses include a short, friendly admissions interview. Before your interview, your UniStart advisor will send you a personalised preparation pack - including a written guide and a video walkthrough - created by our admissions experts specifically for your course.

Students who use our preparation pack have up to a 94% success rate.

Frequently Asked

Is funding really 100% covered?
Yes, eligible students can receive full funding covering tuition fees and living costs through Student Finance England.
How long does the application take?
Most applications can be completed in 15-30 minutes using our streamlined process and expert guidance.
Can I study part-time?
Many courses offer flexible study options including part-time, evening, and weekend classes to fit your schedule.

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