BSc Cyber Security and Forensic Computing

The BSc Cyber Security and Forensic Computing at the University of Portsmouth is designed for individuals who seek to join the fight against cybercrime by providing digital security, which can bring down banks, hospitals and governments. The students will build technical and investigative skills to break down security systems, expose gaps in security and identify cyber attackers. This course is accredited by the British Computer Society (The Chartered Institute for IT).

In this course, students will learn to investigate cyberattacks, expose weaknesses in security systems, use ethical hacking to secure operating systems, and become experts in malware forensics and cryptography. The teaching of this course involves lectures, seminars, practical classes and workshops for about 13 hours a week, while the assessment is through coursework, exams and individual or group project work. Students have opportunities for placements with the university’s partners, such as the Hampshire Police High Tech Crime Unit.

The University of Portsmouth (UoP) is located in Portsmouth, England. It was established in 1870 and has been providing quality education. In 2022, UoP ranked as the 25th largest higher institution by student enrolments in the United Kingdom, with around 28,280 students enrolled in undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. The university has modern facilities such as labs and testing facilities, teaching and learning spaces, sport and fitness facilities, study resources and the Ravelin Sports Centre.

UoP offers a conducive learning environment and adequate student support to ensure academic success.  Through the university’s five faculties, several programmes are offered in academic disciplines at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. These programmes include engineering, business, medicine and the arts.

Applicants are to submit a personal statement explaining their interest in the course and any relevant experience. A reference from an academic or employer is required. A  CV can be uploaded to show any relevant work experience.

Grade Requirements:

• Applicants are required to have  112–120 UCAS tariff points from two or three  A levels or equivalent, which should include a relevant subject.
• Alternatively, A Levels - BBB-BBC, which should include a relevant subject such as mathematics, are accepted.

English Proficiency:

• Non-English language speaking applicants need an overall IELTS score of 6.0 with no component score below 5.5.
• Alternatively, other tests such as PTE or TOEFL are accepted.

The tuition fee for the BSc Cyber Security and Forensic Computing in the University of Portsmouth is £19,200 per year (2025 entry) for international students. Fees are reviewed annually and are subject to change.

The University of Portsmouth offers scholarships to international students to reduce their tuition costs. The Chancellor’s Global Academic Merit Scholarship offers a £5,000 reduction in fees, and the Vice Chancellor's Global Development Scholarship offers a £2,500 fee reduction applied to the first year of study. Other scholarships are awarded by the university when students meet the eligibility requirements.

Graduates with a BSc Cyber Security and Forensic Computing from the University of Portsmouth may pursue careers as:

• Digital Forensic Examiner
• Threat Hunter
• Cyber Intelligence Analyst
• Cloud Infrastructure Consultant
• Cyber Security Analyst

Interested applicants can apply for the course through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). For guidance, contact AHZ's trained counsellors.