Why study cyber security?
Nearly half of UK businesses have a basic cyber security skills gap, with 30% experiencing more advanced skills gaps in areas such as malware detection, secure personal data management, forensic analysis, and penetration testing (Gov.uk, Cyber Security Skills in the UK Labour Market, 2025)
The demand for skilled and qualified cyber security professionals continues to grow at a rapid pace.
The average UK salary for cyber security ranges by location and cyber security role, but typically you could earn:
- Entry level: £25,000-£40,000
- Mid-level: £35,000-£70,000
- Senior level: £60,000-£120,000+
- Average UK salary: £50,000+
(cybersecurityjobs.tech, 2025)
With rapid growth within the cyber security industry and the average UK salary for cyber security professionals at over £50,000 (salary.com, 2025), now is the perfect time to start or progress your cyber security career.
Our BSc (Hons) Cyber Security course with Foundation Year is designed to teach you all the fundamental technical, practical, and critical thinking skills needed to meet this demand and succeed as a Cyber and Network Security specialist.
Building strong foundations for a successful career in cyber security
The Foundation Year of this course offers a route into cyber security for students who are new to cyber security or do not meet the standard entry requirements for our 3-year BSc (Hons) Cyber Security course.
You’ll build knowledge and understanding of key topics, including foundational computing concepts such as:
- Hardware
- Software
- Operating systems
- Computer networks
- Computer programming
All of which are central to the study of cyber security and computing. You’ll then continue to develop these in Year 1 and beyond on our cyber security undergraduate programme.
Why study a cyber security degree with foundation year at Southampton Solent University Centres?
Two industry-recognised cyber security qualifications
Alongside your BSc (Hons) Cyber Security degree, gain CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) ‘Introduction to Networks’ certification, a modern industry-recognised professional qualification. This will equip you with the practical and technical skills that are highly valued by the industry.
Career-focused teaching and learning
This four-year cyber security course supports and challenges you to achieve the best of your ability and successfully meet your career aspirations in the field of cyber security.
Prepare for a career as a network and cyber security specialist, ready to embrace challenges and contribute to the ever-changing world of computer networking technology. Not only that, but it will also prepare you for both technical roles, such as ethical hacking and penetration testing, and managerial roles, such as governance and information security auditing, giving you more options and potential career routes upon graduation.
Develop a range of subject-specific and transferable skills, which can facilitate continued personal and professional development.
Flexible cyber security study that suits your schedule
You will learn through a combination of in-person and online teaching and independent study, with a choice of timetables (daytime, evening and weekend, and weekend only) and intakes. This will enable you to fit your degree studies around your personal life without the need to take a lengthy break from your existing career.
Study cyber security in a city near you
Alongside a choice of when you learn, you also have the power to choose where you study. With three city-centre campus locations, you can study Cyber Security with Foundation Year in London, Birmingham, or Manchester, making the commute to your on-campus sessions a breeze.
Cyber security teaching and assessment
Learn from cyber security experts, specialists in their field. The cyber security faculty here at Southampton Solent University Centres have many years of experience in the industry; most of them are Cisco qualified.
You will learn theoretical concepts and participate in hands-on practical labs, putting your learning into practice, and get to grips with industry standard software, all under the careful guidance of qualified cyber security experts.
- Lectures, seminars, and hands-on practical workshops: 9-12 hours per week
- Independent study: 30 hours per week
- Assessment: coursework and exams
Blended learning – choose your timetable
Get the best of both worlds with a balance of face-to-face and online teaching.
Receiving the same number of live contact hours as face-to-face programmes, a typical timetable may include:
- Daytime cyber security students: 2 days of tuition per week. One on-campus and one online. Teaching will usually take place between 9:30am and 4:30pm
- Evening and weekend cyber security students: timetables will typically follow one of the following patterns each week:
- 2 evenings live online and 1 weekend day face-to-face on-campus, or
- 2 evenings face-to-face on-campus and 1 weekend day live online
teaching will usually take place between 5:45pm and 8:45pm for evening sessions, and 9:30am and 4:30pm for weekend sessions.
- Weekend cyber security students: face-to-face sessions on a Saturday and online sessions on a Sunday. Teaching will usually take place between 9:30am and 4:30pm
Learn more about Blended Learning at Southampton Solent University Centres.
Please note that the blended timetable pattern will be decided by the scheduling team and you will receive your scheduled timetable after you are fully enrolled and ahead of induction activities.
This course is delivered as part of a partnership between QA Higher Education and Solent University. The programme is validated by the University and delivered by QA Higher Education.
Want to find out more?
Download brochureCyber Security Modules
All units are core and are worth 20 credits unless specified.
Foundation Year
This module is an introduction to the wide range of processes used for current digital media, audio and visual technologies.
The module introduces the learners to the basic concepts and practices in different areas of computing focusing on computer hardware, software, operating systems, computer networks, and cyber security.
This module provides an introduction to the technologies and the mathematics that underpin much of computing and media technology.
This module explores the foundations of collaborative work practice, the importance of team work in the digital and technology industries including its context within an academic environment, by offering practical guidance on current best practice for either running or being part of a successful team.
This module develops academic study skills that students will need for future levels of study. It lays the foundation for constructing reports and presentations in an academic style.
This module serves as an introduction to computer programming and aims to develop the fundamental problem solving techniques that are required to solve computational problems.
Year 1
This module will introduce you to software implementation through the process of understanding how to solve problems using programming.
In this module you will be introduced to the importance of cyber security. Studying concepts including; basic security theory and security assistance, the basic techniques for application of security concepts; and the role of ethical hackers.
In this module you are introduced to the skills and concepts required to develop and use relational databases. You will learn how to write programs interacting with databases and how to create them.
In this module you’ll explore networks by using a network simulator to learn what devices and connections are used. These will then be applied to various principles of networking, protocols and associated technologies. This module will give you an industry cisco certificate.
This module investigates the function and management of operating systems and the services that run on networks to facilitate this communication between systems.
To prepare for the network transition towards controller based activities, this module will prepare you with the knowledge of foundational technologies, ensuring you stay relevant with skill sets.
Year 2
This module offers an opportunity to develop the blend of understanding and skills required, including specialist technical ethical hacking skills (emphasis is placed on the ethical use of the skills acquired).
This module aims to equip you with the knowledge and practical skills to design, implement and test computer networks to meet a company’s requirement.
The module will investigate the theoretical concepts of network security and the application of these to the design of secure networks.
Throughout this module you will explore topics including network system principles, services and configuration, and investigate the applications and management of network systems.
This module will align you with the forefront of scientific knowledge, and, in doing so, you will hone your research skills.
This module discusses the notion of cyber threat intelligence and its main challenges and opportunities, and presents solutions and tools to provide threat intelligence.
Year 3
On this module you will discover, identify, and analyse threats, perform attack techniques, discover vulnerabilities and apply mitigations.
Your dissertation may be practical or investigative in nature, but all projects must produce specific artefacts that demonstrate your intellectual and practical skills in the subject area.
The module will deliver ‘Real-world’ learning which involves interaction with employers and external organisations to allow you to prepare, rehearse and reflect on your experiences.
This module considers electronic offending perpetrated against individuals, businesses, organisations and governments; the impacts of such crime; measures taken to manage it; and its detection, investigation and prosecution.
By the end of the module you will have explored how to evaluate, critically analyse and synthesise information, data and ideas and acquired practical skills in the field of the Internet of Things (IoT).
This module investigates the issues relating to the design and management of computer networks.
On this module you will learn how to investigate, critique and evaluate a range of cloud computing enabling technologies and your applications from various user cases and case studies.
The course information displayed on this page is correct for the academic year 2025/26. We aim to run the course as advertised however, changes may be necessary due to updates to the curriculum (due to academic or industry developments), student demand or UK compliance reasons.
Cyber Security Academic Requirements
- 48 UCAS points
- A minimum of two completed A-levels, a BTEC Extended Diploma at PPP or BTEC Diploma at MP, a T-Level Pass (D or E), or equivalent.
- We will consider mature students who haven’t recently undertaken a formalised course of study at A-level or equivalent, but who can demonstrate relevant workplace or voluntary experience, indicating their ability to complete the course successfully.
If you have any questions regarding our entry requirements or studying with us, please contact us.
Cyber Security English Language Requirements
- GCSE English Grade 4/C.
- IELTS 6.0 with no component less than 5.5 in each band, or equivalent. Alternatively, applicants can sit the QA Higher Education English test.
Please note that if your qualifications are not in English, we might need certified translations in order to proceed with your application.
Interviews
Depending on your application, you may be invited for an Academic interview.
| Academic Interview |
|
Related course
We also offer this programme without a Foundation Year, please see the BSc (Hons) Cyber Security course page for more information.
International students
Please note: we are not currently able to sponsor international students to study this programme at Solent University Centres. If you require sponsorship to study as an international student, this course will unfortunately be unavailable to you. If you would like to discuss alternative options, please contact 020 3944 1243.
Cyber Security Careers
This course is the first step towards your career goals, providing the skills and knowledge needed to succeed.
| Risk Management | Cloud Computing | Network Security |
| Ethical Hacking | Data Analysis | Operating Systems |
Developing skills that are industry-focused and transferrable, you will be the ideal candidate for jobs in a variety of fields and sectors.
Course graduates possess a broad array of skills and specialisms, making them well-suited for a diverse range of cyber security and computing roles.
Potential job roles this cyber security programme might open for you include:
| Ethical Hacker | Cyber Security Auditor |
| Cyber Security Analyst | Digital Forensics Analyst |
| Cyber Consultant | Cyber Defence Analyst |
Cyber Security with Foundation – Tuition fees 2025/26
£9,535 per annum
Cyber Security with Foundation – Tuition fees 2026/27
£9,790 per annum
What’s included in your tuition fees
| Academic Support, including the Academic Community of Excellence (ACE) Team |
| Careers and Employment Service |
| Class hours (lectures, seminars and tutorials) |
| Facilities (computers, on-campus wi-fi, printers, vending machines) |
| Library resources, including a large online catalogue of books, journals and other more |
| Online resources |
| Social spaces (quiet study spaces, multi-faith rooms and spaces to socialise) |
| Student Support (Welfare Team, Finance Team and more) |
Additional costs
Tuition fees do not include the cost of course books you may choose to purchase, stationery, printing, photocopying, accommodation, living expenses, travel or any other extracurricular activities.
We recommend you allow an additional £200 per annum to buy some of the course texts which are around £30 each.
Requirements
Access to a laptop/PC with a microphone, speakers, webcam and a reliable internet connect is required for accessing your live online sessions.
Ready To Apply for Cyber Security with Foundation Year?
If you are ready to apply, please complete our online application form in the links below and provide any required supporting documents (examples below):
- Your passport personal details page
- Copies of previous qualifications, including final certificates and transcripts, translated into English (if not in English)
- A personal statement (more than 250 words)
- Your CV (if required)
- Your referee details
We will assess your application and provide you with a response using the email address you have submitted with your application.
APPLY FOR FEBRUARY 2026
You will be directed to a QA Higher Education portal to set up an account and complete your application.
| Evening & Weekend classes | |
|---|---|
| London | Cyber Security with Foundation Year – Apply for February |
| Birmingham | Not Available |
| Manchester | Not Available |
| Weekend classes | |
|---|---|
| London | Cyber Security with Foundation Year – Apply for February |
| Birmingham | Not Available |
| Manchester | Not Available |
Want To Ask Us A Question Regarding Our Cyber Security Course?
If you have any questions regarding this programme, entry requirements, or studying with us, contact us using the form below.
Key Information
Level
Undergraduate
Entry Requirements
48 UCAS points
Tuition Fees
2025/26: £9,535 (per annum)
Duration
4 years
Start Date
October and February
Next Application Deadline
12 January 2026
Location
London/Birmingham/Manchester
Course Overview
- Course Overview
- Course modules
- Entry requirements
- Careers
- Tuition fees
- Apply online
Why study cyber security?
Nearly half of UK businesses have a basic cyber security skills gap, with 30% experiencing more advanced skills gaps in areas such as malware detection, secure personal data management, forensic analysis, and penetration testing (Gov.uk, Cyber Security Skills in the UK Labour Market, 2025)
The demand for skilled and qualified cyber security professionals continues to grow at a rapid pace.
The average UK salary for cyber security ranges by location and cyber security role, but typically you could earn:
- Entry level: £25,000-£40,000
- Mid-level: £35,000-£70,000
- Senior level: £60,000-£120,000+
- Average UK salary: £50,000+
(cybersecurityjobs.tech, 2025)
With rapid growth within the cyber security industry and the average UK salary for cyber security professionals at over £50,000 (salary.com, 2025), now is the perfect time to start or progress your cyber security career.
Our BSc (Hons) Cyber Security course with Foundation Year is designed to teach you all the fundamental technical, practical, and critical thinking skills needed to meet this demand and succeed as a Cyber and Network Security specialist.
Building strong foundations for a successful career in cyber security
The Foundation Year of this course offers a route into cyber security for students who are new to cyber security or do not meet the standard entry requirements for our 3-year BSc (Hons) Cyber Security course.
You’ll build knowledge and understanding of key topics, including foundational computing concepts such as:
- Hardware
- Software
- Operating systems
- Computer networks
- Computer programming
All of which are central to the study of cyber security and computing. You’ll then continue to develop these in Year 1 and beyond on our cyber security undergraduate programme.
Why study a cyber security degree with foundation year at Southampton Solent University Centres?
Two industry-recognised cyber security qualifications
Alongside your BSc (Hons) Cyber Security degree, gain CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) ‘Introduction to Networks’ certification, a modern industry-recognised professional qualification. This will equip you with the practical and technical skills that are highly valued by the industry.
Career-focused teaching and learning
This four-year cyber security course supports and challenges you to achieve the best of your ability and successfully meet your career aspirations in the field of cyber security.
Prepare for a career as a network and cyber security specialist, ready to embrace challenges and contribute to the ever-changing world of computer networking technology. Not only that, but it will also prepare you for both technical roles, such as ethical hacking and penetration testing, and managerial roles, such as governance and information security auditing, giving you more options and potential career routes upon graduation.
Develop a range of subject-specific and transferable skills, which can facilitate continued personal and professional development.
Flexible cyber security study that suits your schedule
You will learn through a combination of in-person and online teaching and independent study, with a choice of timetables (daytime, evening and weekend, and weekend only) and intakes. This will enable you to fit your degree studies around your personal life without the need to take a lengthy break from your existing career.
Study cyber security in a city near you
Alongside a choice of when you learn, you also have the power to choose where you study. With three city-centre campus locations, you can study Cyber Security with Foundation Year in London, Birmingham, or Manchester, making the commute to your on-campus sessions a breeze.
Cyber security teaching and assessment
Learn from cyber security experts, specialists in their field. The cyber security faculty here at Southampton Solent University Centres have many years of experience in the industry; most of them are Cisco qualified.
You will learn theoretical concepts and participate in hands-on practical labs, putting your learning into practice, and get to grips with industry standard software, all under the careful guidance of qualified cyber security experts.
- Lectures, seminars, and hands-on practical workshops: 9-12 hours per week
- Independent study: 30 hours per week
- Assessment: coursework and exams
Blended learning – choose your timetable
Get the best of both worlds with a balance of face-to-face and online teaching.
Receiving the same number of live contact hours as face-to-face programmes, a typical timetable may include:
- Daytime cyber security students: 2 days of tuition per week. One on-campus and one online. Teaching will usually take place between 9:30am and 4:30pm
- Evening and weekend cyber security students: timetables will typically follow one of the following patterns each week:
- 2 evenings live online and 1 weekend day face-to-face on-campus, or
- 2 evenings face-to-face on-campus and 1 weekend day live online
teaching will usually take place between 5:45pm and 8:45pm for evening sessions, and 9:30am and 4:30pm for weekend sessions.
- Weekend cyber security students: face-to-face sessions on a Saturday and online sessions on a Sunday. Teaching will usually take place between 9:30am and 4:30pm
Learn more about Blended Learning at Southampton Solent University Centres.
Please note that the blended timetable pattern will be decided by the scheduling team and you will receive your scheduled timetable after you are fully enrolled and ahead of induction activities.
This course is delivered as part of a partnership between QA Higher Education and Solent University. The programme is validated by the University and delivered by QA Higher Education.
Key information
Level
Undergraduate
Entry Requirements
48 UCAS points
Tuition Fees
2025/26: £9,535 (per annum)
Duration
4 years
Start Date
October and February
Next Application Deadline
12 January 2026
Location
London/Birmingham/Manchester
Want to find out more?
Download brochureCyber Security Modules
All units are core and are worth 20 credits unless specified.
Foundation Year
This module is an introduction to the wide range of processes used for current digital media, audio and visual technologies.
The module introduces the learners to the basic concepts and practices in different areas of computing focusing on computer hardware, software, operating systems, computer networks, and cyber security.
This module provides an introduction to the technologies and the mathematics that underpin much of computing and media technology.
This module explores the foundations of collaborative work practice, the importance of team work in the digital and technology industries including its context within an academic environment, by offering practical guidance on current best practice for either running or being part of a successful team.
This module develops academic study skills that students will need for future levels of study. It lays the foundation for constructing reports and presentations in an academic style.
This module serves as an introduction to computer programming and aims to develop the fundamental problem solving techniques that are required to solve computational problems.
Year 1
This module will introduce you to software implementation through the process of understanding how to solve problems using programming.
In this module you will be introduced to the importance of cyber security. Studying concepts including; basic security theory and security assistance, the basic techniques for application of security concepts; and the role of ethical hackers.
In this module you are introduced to the skills and concepts required to develop and use relational databases. You will learn how to write programs interacting with databases and how to create them.
In this module you’ll explore networks by using a network simulator to learn what devices and connections are used. These will then be applied to various principles of networking, protocols and associated technologies. This module will give you an industry cisco certificate.
This module investigates the function and management of operating systems and the services that run on networks to facilitate this communication between systems.
To prepare for the network transition towards controller based activities, this module will prepare you with the knowledge of foundational technologies, ensuring you stay relevant with skill sets.
Year 2
This module offers an opportunity to develop the blend of understanding and skills required, including specialist technical ethical hacking skills (emphasis is placed on the ethical use of the skills acquired).
This module aims to equip you with the knowledge and practical skills to design, implement and test computer networks to meet a company’s requirement.
The module will investigate the theoretical concepts of network security and the application of these to the design of secure networks.
Throughout this module you will explore topics including network system principles, services and configuration, and investigate the applications and management of network systems.
This module will align you with the forefront of scientific knowledge, and, in doing so, you will hone your research skills.
This module discusses the notion of cyber threat intelligence and its main challenges and opportunities, and presents solutions and tools to provide threat intelligence.
Year 3
On this module you will discover, identify, and analyse threats, perform attack techniques, discover vulnerabilities and apply mitigations.
Your dissertation may be practical or investigative in nature, but all projects must produce specific artefacts that demonstrate your intellectual and practical skills in the subject area.
The module will deliver ‘Real-world’ learning which involves interaction with employers and external organisations to allow you to prepare, rehearse and reflect on your experiences.
This module considers electronic offending perpetrated against individuals, businesses, organisations and governments; the impacts of such crime; measures taken to manage it; and its detection, investigation and prosecution.
By the end of the module you will have explored how to evaluate, critically analyse and synthesise information, data and ideas and acquired practical skills in the field of the Internet of Things (IoT).
This module investigates the issues relating to the design and management of computer networks.
On this module you will learn how to investigate, critique and evaluate a range of cloud computing enabling technologies and your applications from various user cases and case studies.
The course information displayed on this page is correct for the academic year 2025/26. We aim to run the course as advertised however, changes may be necessary due to updates to the curriculum (due to academic or industry developments), student demand or UK compliance reasons.
Cyber Security Academic Requirements
- 48 UCAS points
- A minimum of two completed A-levels, a BTEC Extended Diploma at PPP or BTEC Diploma at MP, a T-Level Pass (D or E), or equivalent.
- We will consider mature students who haven’t recently undertaken a formalised course of study at A-level or equivalent, but who can demonstrate relevant workplace or voluntary experience, indicating their ability to complete the course successfully.
If you have any questions regarding our entry requirements or studying with us, please contact us.
Cyber Security English Language Requirements
- GCSE English Grade 4/C.
- IELTS 6.0 with no component less than 5.5 in each band, or equivalent. Alternatively, applicants can sit the QA Higher Education English test.
Please note that if your qualifications are not in English, we might need certified translations in order to proceed with your application.
Interviews
Depending on your application, you may be invited for an Academic interview.
| Academic Interview |
|
Related course
We also offer this programme without a Foundation Year, please see the BSc (Hons) Cyber Security course page for more information.
International students
Please note: we are not currently able to sponsor international students to study this programme at Solent University Centres. If you require sponsorship to study as an international student, this course will unfortunately be unavailable to you. If you would like to discuss alternative options, please contact 020 3944 1243.
Cyber Security Careers
This course is the first step towards your career goals, providing the skills and knowledge needed to succeed.
| Risk Management | Cloud Computing | Network Security |
| Ethical Hacking | Data Analysis | Operating Systems |
Developing skills that are industry-focused and transferrable, you will be the ideal candidate for jobs in a variety of fields and sectors.
Course graduates possess a broad array of skills and specialisms, making them well-suited for a diverse range of cyber security and computing roles.
Potential job roles this cyber security programme might open for you include:
| Ethical Hacker | Cyber Security Auditor |
| Cyber Security Analyst | Digital Forensics Analyst |
| Cyber Consultant | Cyber Defence Analyst |
Cyber Security with Foundation – Tuition fees 2025/26
£9,535 per annum
Cyber Security with Foundation – Tuition fees 2026/27
£9,790 per annum
What’s included in your tuition fees
| Academic Support, including the Academic Community of Excellence (ACE) Team |
| Careers and Employment Service |
| Class hours (lectures, seminars and tutorials) |
| Facilities (computers, on-campus wi-fi, printers, vending machines) |
| Library resources, including a large online catalogue of books, journals and other more |
| Online resources |
| Social spaces (quiet study spaces, multi-faith rooms and spaces to socialise) |
| Student Support (Welfare Team, Finance Team and more) |
Additional costs
Tuition fees do not include the cost of course books you may choose to purchase, stationery, printing, photocopying, accommodation, living expenses, travel or any other extracurricular activities.
We recommend you allow an additional £200 per annum to buy some of the course texts which are around £30 each.
Requirements
Access to a laptop/PC with a microphone, speakers, webcam and a reliable internet connect is required for accessing your live online sessions.
Ready To Apply for Cyber Security with Foundation Year?
If you are ready to apply, please complete our online application form in the links below and provide any required supporting documents (examples below):
- Your passport personal details page
- Copies of previous qualifications, including final certificates and transcripts, translated into English (if not in English)
- A personal statement (more than 250 words)
- Your CV (if required)
- Your referee details
We will assess your application and provide you with a response using the email address you have submitted with your application.
APPLY FOR FEBRUARY 2026
You will be directed to a QA Higher Education portal to set up an account and complete your application.
| Evening & Weekend classes | |
|---|---|
| London | Cyber Security with Foundation Year – Apply for February |
| Birmingham | Not Available |
| Manchester | Not Available |
| Weekend classes | |
|---|---|
| London | Cyber Security with Foundation Year – Apply for February |
| Birmingham | Not Available |
| Manchester | Not Available |
Want To Ask Us A Question Regarding Our Cyber Security Course?
If you have any questions regarding this programme, entry requirements, or studying with us, contact us using the form below.