BSc (Hons) Cyber Security
- Entry year:
- 2026/27
- Start date:
- September
- Study mode:
- Full-time
- Course duration:
- 4 years Placement year, 3 years FullTime
- Campus:
- City
Why study this course with LJMU?
- State-of-the-art computing facilities with specialist computer security software
- Practical, hands-on experience incorporated into modules wherever possible
- High quality teaching from staff involved in internationally recognised research.
- Graduates increasingly in demand as IT security problems escalate
- Opportunity to undertake a 12-month paid industrial work placement
- Strong links with local and national organisations including Xyone Security, Fujitsu, IBM, Eutechnyx and Sony Computer Entertainment Europe
- International Foundation Year course available offering direct progression onto this degree programme - visit LJMU's International Study Centre to find out more
- Start month: September
- Campus location: City Campus
About your course
The BSc (Hons) Cyber Security at Liverpool John Moores University is informed by internationally important research, which means your studies will be at the forefront of developments in this important field. The course is accredited by the British Computer Society (BCS).
As we increase the scope of our working and personal lives online there has been a rise in the number of attacks being made against information systems by hackers and other criminals looking to steal resources. It seems that on a weekly basis there is another news story detailing a new ransomware attack or a new vulnerability in a piece of software used by the public.
The UK government has identified a skills gap and therefore a need for more staff trained in Computer Security. Students graduating from the Computer Security course will be in demand by companies looking to fill their Computer Security roles with trained staff. LJMU has a growing national and international reputation for its research into computer security and this expertise ensures the degree is at the leading edge of developments in this discipline.
About the BSc (Hons) Cyber Security Degree
The Cyber Security course will teach you the skills required to be able to identify Computer Security issues, how to solve these issues and how to recover if a Security breach occurs. Students will learn some Digital Forensics skills to help them identify where attacks are being launched from and ways to secure their systems against them. There is a close relationship between Digital Forensics and Cyber Security, and it is necessary that professionals in both areas are aware of each others roles in securing computing systems.
Students will study Cyber Security topics such as Penetration Testing, Secure Software Development, Ethical Hacking, Applied Cryptography and Network Forensics. Modules will teach the required practical skills and the theory that underpins this material, as well as understanding of the business context for security. The modules are informed by internationally recognised research by the staff who teach the modules.
The Cyber Security modules are complemented by modules in Computer Science. We balance the specialist skills of Computer Security with broader topics in Computer Science such as Operating Systems, Databases Systems, Programming, and Computer Systems, that are required as context for applying security skills.
The curriculum is informed by consultancy with Fujitsu and Computer Security companies within the local area. This ensures that the course is up to date and producing students who can go straight into the industry.
Work-related Learning
Practical, hands-on experience to boost your employability is incorporated into this programme wherever possible. However the best way to really get a taste of working in the computer security industry or the IT industry in general is to take a year out after your second year and spend 12 months on supervised work placement.
This invaluable experience gives you a chance to put into practice the many concepts and techniques you have learnt on the course, as well as developing new skills. We highly recommend that you take up this opportunity, as it will greatly enhance your prospects when you come to negotiate your way around the competitive graduate job market.
Dedicated Facilities
There is a dedicated Cyber Security lab with its own private internal network that students can use to run experiments and look at the ways in which malware works. We teach Ethical Hacking using a virtual environment and this gives students a good practical experience of Ethical Hacking in the real world.
Upon Graduation
Students who graduate from the Cyber Security course are normally in work or further study within 12 months of graduating. Students on the course develop problem solving skills that are transferrable to employment, both in Computer Security and outside of the industry. Students have gained employment recently with GCHQ, Microsoft, Google, Raytheon, BT and Very. Students who continue onto further study have either started a masters course, PGCE or a PhD.
Course modules
What you will study on this degree
Further guidance on modules
Modules are designated core or optional in accordance with professional body requirements, as applicable, and LJMU’s Academic Framework Regulations. Whilst you are required to study core modules, optional modules provide you with an element of choice. Their availability may vary and will be subject to meeting minimum student numbers.
Where changes to modules are necessary these will be communicated as appropriate.
Core modules
Intro to Programming
20 credits
20 credits
In this module you will study programming and problem-solving skills with no prior assumptions of programming experience. You will gain an understanding of how software is developed and become familiar with a range of computer programming paradigms.
Computer Systems Architecture
20 credits
20 credits
This module provides you with fundamental knowledge of modern computer architecture and networks. This knowledge forms the core of all computing courses and will be built upon in subsequent modules in Level 5 and 6.
Professional Practice
10 credits
10 credits
This module provides you with an opportunity to consider your future role as a computing professional. The seminars will be used to develop strategies that you can use, providing opportunities for you to apply concepts to real-world scenarios. You will develop your understanding of professionalism in computing, of working in the computing industry, and of the ethical frameworks and codes of conduct for a computing industry in which Artificial Intelligence has considerable impact.
Data Modelling
10 credits
10 credits
The module begins by exploring data and its domain in the context of Computer Science. The students explore the methodology & technology necessary in taking data and deriving info using industry standard tools for BI (Business Intelligence). The module moves on by exploring ERM (Entity Relational Modelling) & Normalisation, ultimately leading towards viable designs for RDBs (Relational Database). This module thusly supports students in further study, most notably in feeding necessary knowledge into NQF5’s Database Systems module.
Introduction to Digital Forensics and Cyber Security
20 credits
20 credits
This module provides you with the basic concepts, methods, techniques and experience of digital forensics and cyber security. You will apply your knowledge and develop practical skills in the assessments by undertaking a digital forensic investigation and a security analysis of a case study.
Problem Solving for Cyber Security
20 credits
20 credits
Students will participate in lectures where students are encouraged to ask questions / discuss scenarios, and practical tutorials / lab sessions where students are encouraged to put theory gained though lectures into practice.
Web Development I
20 credits
20 credits
This module introduces the concepts of client-side web development. Students will learn how to create interactive web pages that present a user interface using HTML5 and CSS, processed using custom JavaScript code.
Core modules
Database Systems
20 credits
20 credits
The module begins by exploring the operation of database systems through a scrutiny of modern RDBMS (Relational Database Management Systems), the SQL (Structured Query Language) along with database connectivity APIs (Application Programming Interfaces). The module moves on by exploring some of the managerial considerations of large-scale RDBMS. The module concludes by exploring the operation of emerging NoSQL (Not Only SQL) database systems. This module thusly represents the logical follow-on to NQF4’s Data Modelling module.
Operating Systems
20 credits
20 credits
Operating systems are the backbone of modern computing. Knowledge of their design, structure and use is of critical importance. In response, this module provides a comprehensive introduction to the design principles, concepts, and technologies of modern operating systems. Students will explore the fundamentals of operating system design and function, command-line control, as well as emerging topics in virtualisation and containerisation.
System Penetration Testing
20 credits
20 credits
In this module, students will consider the various stages of a penetration testing lifecycle and the necessary technologies available in performing software tests. This module prepares students for a broader discussion of ethical hacking in the final year. Students will be familiarised with tactics, techniques and procedures used in real-world attack campaigns as well as common penetration testing techniques, security issues and software vulnerabilities. This includes methods, techniques, and AI-powered tools that can be used during penetration testing. Finally, students will learn how to write a structured pen testing report.
Secure Software Development
20 credits
20 credits
In this module, students will examine common software security problems and how to apply security by design principles during software development to prevent them. Students will explore how to detect and assess vulnerabilities and threats in the context of software-based systems. They will undertake a group software development task involving the application of DevSecOps principles. As part of this task, they will be expected to undertake a variety of roles as seen in secure software development teams (i.e., developer, software tester, vulnerability researcher, etc.) They will be expected to complete this task following a suitable secure design pattern. They will also be expected to complete a report that demonstrates an understanding of how software should be designed, implemented, and tested to reduce the risk of security vulnerabilities.
Information Security Management
20 credits
20 credits
Information Security Management generally refers to the wide range of activities that information security practitioners engage in, although typically excludes the actual development of secure solutions through software development. In this module you will focus on security risk analysis, management and information governance, and compliance aspects of being an information security practitioner.
Group Project
20 credits
20 credits
The module has two main purposes. First, you will be equipped with adequate research skills and experience of working on subject-related research topics, to lead into your final year project. Second, this module works to enhance your professionalism, including teamworking, which boosts employability and your awareness of what is expected in an employment scenario.
Optional modules
Sandwich Year - Computer Security
120 credits
120 credits
The aim is to provide students with an extended period of work experience at an approved partner that will complement their programme of study at LJMU. This will give students the opportunity to develop professional skills relevant to their programme of study as well as the attitude and behaviours necessary for employment in a diverse and changing environment. This extended placement forms a key part of a sandwich degree. All placements need to be assessed and approved prior to commencement in line with the LJMU Placement Learning Code of Practice. The Code of Practice requires students to conduct themselves in a professional and responsible manner during the placement - failure to do so may lead to the placement being terminated prematurely. Placements are normally for one calendar year on a full-time basis. Split placements of a shorter duration may be permissible. There is an expectation that a minimum of 1200 hours will be spent in the workplace.
Study Year Abroad - Computer Security
120 credits
120 credits
The aim is to provide students with an additional year of study at an approved overseas partner that will complement their programme at LJMU. This is an additional year of full-time study at an approved higher education institution. The modules to be studied must be agreed in advance, and must be appropriate for the student's programme of study. Assuming successful completion of this year, mark-bearing credit will be awarded by the Faculty Recognition Group. The grade conversion scale to be used will be made available in advance of the year abroad.
Core modules
Network Forensics
20 credits
20 credits
Students will participate in lectures where they are encouraged to ask questions / discuss scenarios, and practical tutorials / lab sessions where students are encouraged to put theory gained though lectures into practice.
Network Defence
20 credits
20 credits
This module aims to develop your understanding of computer security and network defence. Through critically assessing a variety of security technologies for protection of computer networks, you will develop practical skills in the use of security countermeasure technologies and associated tools.
Ethical Hacking
20 credits
20 credits
The increasing level of interconnectivity and the exposed nature of modern systems is driving the demand for secure systems. Ethical hacking provides a way of finding vulnerabilities before attackers do, so that security issues can be fixed and associated risks mitigated. It also serves as a practical way to evaluate existing cybersecurity defences. In this module you will learn about various ethical hacking concepts, tools, and techniques, which enable cybersecurity problems to be identified and resolved.
Applied Cryptography
20 credits
20 credits
The spectacular growth of the Internet has spawned a great demand for awareness of security threats to computer networks and application of security techniques to network protection. In response to the demand, this module examines various security issues, cryptographic algorithms and security services that are essential for network security. It also explains various applications based on cryptographic techniques.
Project
40 credits
40 credits
This module presents you with the opportunity to complete a substantial project in a chosen area relevant to your programme. The scope of what is an appropriate artefact varies between programmes and you will discuss this with your programme teams. This module will enable you to use rigorous development or scientific methods to produce an artefact, resulting in an oral and written report.
Your Learning Experience
Excellent facilities and learning resources
We adopt an active blended learning approach, meaning you will experience a combination of face-to-face and online learning during your time at LJMU. This enables you to experience a rich and diverse learning experience and engage fully with your studies. Our approach ensures that you can easily access support from your personal tutor, either by meeting them on-campus or via a video call to suit your needs.
You will begin the course with a 3 day induction and then spend approximately 15 hours per week in the classroom. Independent study is a fundamental element of the course and accounts for about 70% or around 35 hours of your weekly study time. Teaching is mostly via lectures with more informal lab sessions, online activities and small-group tutorials to reinforce ideas discussed in the lectures and to give you a chance to develop ideas with staff and other students.
Work-related Learning
Practical, hands-on experience to boost your employability is incorporated into this programme wherever possible. However the best way to really get a taste of working in the cyber security industry or the IT industry in general is to take a year out after your second year and spend 12 months on supervised work placement. This invaluable experience gives you a chance to put into practice the many concepts and techniques you have learnt on the course, as well as developing new skills. We highly recommend that you take up this opportunity, as it will greatly enhance your prospects when you come to negotiate your way around the competitive graduate job market.
Dedicated personal tutor, plus study skills support
Each student on the course is assigned a personal tutor during the induction week of their first year on the course. The personal tutor will help you settle into study at LJMU and advise you on any issues that arise that you require advice. They will have regular meetings with you, discuss your progress and give advice on how to improve your work.
Should you choose to undertake a years work placement, this support will continue as a supervisor that will stay in close contact during your placement.
Your lecturers
We are proud of our academic staffs high quality teaching standards and approachability. Informal staff-student relationships are excellent. If you decide to study within the School of Computer Science and Mathematics, you will be joining a relaxed and friendly environment in which staff are committed not only to their students welfare but also to ensuring that courses are continually developed to meet the needs of employers.
Assessment varies depending on the modules you choose, but will usually include a combination of exams and coursework.
You will be assessed by a combination of coursework and exams plus an independent final year project which contributes substantially to your final mark. Your tutors will give prompt and constructive feedback via Canvas (our virtual learning environment), face-to-face or in writing. This will help you to identify your strengths as well as the areas where you may need to put in more work.
Career prospects
Security is often cited among the top five IT skills demanded by employers. The need to improve knowledge and education in computer security has long been acknowledged. This means that potential careers open to you as a graduate of this programme are wide ranging and include: information security analyst computer security consultant guiding cyber security initiatives network or system administrator network security management software or web developer data analyst, data recovery, data mining. Alternatively, many of our graduates continue their studies with a masters or research programme.
Where you will study
This programme is delivered in the Byrom Street complex of LJMUs City Campus. Here you'll find high quality lecture theatres, meeting and seminar rooms plus social spaces and a large café. The City Campus Library is just minutes away on Tithebarn Street.
LJMU has a growing national and international reputation for its research into cyber security and this expertise ensures the degree is at the leading edge of developments in this discipline.
Career paths
Security is often cited among the top five IT skills demanded by employers.
The need to improve knowledge and education in cyber security has long been acknowledged. This means that potential careers open to you as a graduate of this programme are wide ranging and include:
- information security analyst
- computer security consultant
- network or system administrator
- software or web developer
- data analyst, data recovery, data mining
- police force intelligence officer
- guiding cyber security initiatives
- computer forensic analyst
- network security management
- education provision
- IT project manager
Alternatively, many of our graduates continue their studies with a masters or research programme.
Student Futures - Careers, Employability and Enterprise Service
A wide range of opportunities and support is available to you, within and beyond your course, to ensure our students experience a transformation in their career trajectory. Every undergraduate curriculum includes Future Focus during Level 4, an e-learning resource and workshop designed to help you to develop your talents, passion and purpose.
Every student has access to Careers Zone 24/7, LJMU's suite of online Apps, resources and jobs board via the LJMU Student Futures website.
Tuition fees and funding
- Full-time per year:
- £9,535
- Study abroad year:
- £1,430
- Placement year:
- £1,905
Fees
The fees quoted above cover registration, tuition, supervision, assessment and examinations as well as library membership and student IT support with access to printed, multimedia and digital resources including programme-appropriate software and on campus Wi-Fi.
Financial Support
The University offers a range of scholarships to support students through their studies. You'll find all the information you need on our specialist funding pages, including details of the Student Support Fund and other activities to support with the cost of living.
Additional Costs
In addition to fees, students should also keep in mind the cost of:
- Accommodation
- Travel costs including those for placements, visas and travel for studying abroad and field trips unless paid for by LJMU
- Stationery, IT equipment, professional body membership and graduation gown hire
The University reserves the right to increase tuition fees in accordance with any changes to the maximum allowable fees set by the UK Parliament. In the event of such a change, any fee increase will be subject to a maximum cap of 10% of the total course cost as originally stated at the time of your offer.
- Full-time per year:
- £18,250
- Placement year:
- £3,910
International Scholarships and payment plans
Liverpool John Moores University is committed to supporting international students by providing a range of scholarships and flexible payment plans to help students manage their tuition fees.
Scholarships
LJMU provides a variety of undergraduate scholarships to support international students. Scholarships are available to self-funded students who have accepted their offer and met all the conditions outlined in their offer letter. Students must also demonstrate that they can cover living costs, travel, and other expenses associated to studying at the university.
All self-funded international students are eligible for an automatic scholarship worth up to £3,000. For more details and to view our full list of scholarships, visit the international scholarship webpages.
Deposit
All students must pay a £5,000 deposit before they can receive their CAS letter.
For more information view our deposit page.
Tuition Fee Payment Plan
After paying their £5,000 deposit, students have the option to pay their fees in full or in three equal instalments minus any internal scholarships and discounts. There are two payment options available for international students. You can either pay your tuition fees in full before enrolment or opt for a payment plan. With the payment plan, you can pay your fees in three instalments after making your £5,000 deposit. The first instalment is due before enrolment.
All payments should be made through Flywire. Full details can be found in the How to Pay Guide.
Entry requirements
Please choose your qualifications below to view requirements
Grades/points required from qualifications: BBC (112)
Work out how many UCAS points your qualifications are worth by visiting the UCAS Tariff Calculator.
Qualification requirements
GCSEs and equivalents
Grade 4 or grade C or above in English Language and Mathematics/ Numeracy.
GCSE Equivalences accepted:
• Key Skills Level 2 in English/Maths
• NVQ Level 2 Functional skills in Maths and English Writing and or Reading
• Skills for Life Level 2 in Numeracy/English
• Higher Diploma in Maths/English
• Northern Ireland Essential Skills Level 2 in Communication or Application of Number
• Wales Essential Skills Level 2 in Communication or Application of Number
A levels
BBC
Minimum Number of A Levels: 2
Maximum AS UCAS Points: 20
BTECs
Extended Diploma: DMM
Access awards
Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications
International Baccalaureate
Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications
OCR Cambridge Technical
Extended Diploma: DMM
Irish awards
Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications
T levels
Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications.
International requirements
IELTS
6.0 overall with no component below 5.5, taken within two years of the course start date.
https://www.ljmu.ac.uk/study/courses/international-entry-requirements
Please Note: All international qualifications are subject to a qualification equivalency check.
How to apply
Securing your place at LJMU
UCAS is the official application route for our full-time undergraduate courses. Further information on the UCAS application process can be found here https://www.ljmu.ac.uk/study/undergraduate-students/how-to-apply.
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