BSc Cyber Security with a Foundation Year
Course overview
The BSc (Hons) Cyber Security with a Foundation Year offers a comprehensive pathway into the fast-growing field of cyber security. The four-year programme begins with a foundation year designed to develop the academic and technical skills necessary for success at degree level.
The course equips students with cutting-edge technical knowledge, practical skills and management capabilities essential to meet today's complex cybersecurity challenges. Through hands-on learning and the use of industry-standard tools and technologies, you will be prepared for roles such as cyber security analyst, engineer or network security architect.
Supported by strong industry partnerships with leading organisations such as Cisco, Oracle, Microsoft, IBM and BT, the course is supported by a vibrant research environment. Students also benefit from the opportunity to earn professional accreditation from bodies including Cisco, Juniper, Huawei and the Linux Professional Institute, enhancing employability in a competitive global market.
Entry requirements
Applicants are required to provide a personal statement outlining their motivation for applying and their academic background. This should be accompanied by a reference from an academic or professional source, as well as a CV highlighting any relevant work experience.
Grade Requirements:
- Applicants should have 88 UCAS tariff points, this can be obtained through a levels or a pearson BTEC level 3 nationl extended dipploma at DMM grade.
- Equivalent international qualifications will be accepted.
- A relevant work experience will be considered on merit
English Proficiency:
- Applicants from non-English-speaking backgrounds must achieve a minimum overall IELTS score of 6.0, with at least 5.5 in each component.
- Equivalent test scores, such as TOEFL or PTE, are also accepted
Scholarships
Accelerate Scholarship
If you come from a lower income family or household, you could receive an offer that is up to four grades below our normal entry requirements – and possibly claim a £1,000 scholarship too.
Up to £1,000Bowater Financial Assistance Award
Graduate Scholarship
20% fee discount for BCU graduates undertaking Master’s or PhD study.
Up to 20% of feesInternational Postgraduate Scholarships
BCU is offering a scholarship of £3,000 to all self-funding international postgraduate students joining BCU on a full-time postgraduate taught Master’s degree in 2026.
Up to £3,000International Undergraduate Scholarships
BCU is offering a guaranteed scholarship of £5,000 to all self-funding international undergraduate students joining BCU on a full-time degree in September 2026.
Up to £5,000Sports Scholarship
Enhanced performance support funding.
The High Achievers' Scholarship
You will be eligible for a £1,000 scholarship to get your university life off to a flying start.
Up to £1,000
Career opportunities
This programme prepares graduates to step into careers including, but not limited to:
- IT Risk Analyst
- Network Security Engineer
- Cyber Security Analyst
- Information Security Consultant
- Digital Forensics Analyst
- Security Operations Centre (SOC) Analyst
Cost of study
For the 2025/2026 academic year, international students enrolling in the BSc Cyber Security with a Foundation Year in Birmingham City University will pay a tuition fee of £17690.
Admission
Interested candidates can apply through UCAS or by using the university’s application form. For personalised guidance, our trained counsellors are available to assist you.
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