Course overview
Studying Cyber Security will give you the skills and knowledge to develop dependable software systems.
You’ll learn about:
- security mechanisms for computing
- software verification techniques and tools
- cryptography
- cryptographic protocols
We’ll focus on the design and development of dependable software systems, including:
- cryptographies
- software verification technology
In your first two years, you’ll study a broad Computer Science curriculum. You’ll learn about problem-solving, program design and implementation.
In your final year, you’ll learn more about cyber security and study more specialised modules.
Our Computer Science with Cyber Security degree will prepare you for a career in different technical roles. You’ll be able to work in software houses, with companies designing and deploying dependable software in safety-critical industry sectors.
Your course and study experience – disclaimers and terms and conditions
Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to Covid-19.
View our Academic experience page, which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2024-25.
See our terms and conditions and student complaints information, which gives details of circumstances that may lead to changes to programmes, modules or University services.
Additional information
Flexible degree structure
All our Computer Science students study the same modules for the first two years. Once you have a good foundation, you’ll specialise later in your course. This means you can transfer between our degrees, until the end of your second year.
Quality and ranking
- Global Top 130 University – QS World University Rankings 2025
- Top 140 for Engineering and Technology – QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024
- 65% increase in research power since 2014 – Research Excellence Framework 2021
- 42% of our research is classified as 4* world-leading research – Research Excellence Framework 2021
- Top 25 in the UK and Top 100 in the world for sustainable development – Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024
- Global Top 170 University – Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024
Professional accreditation and recognition
- British Computer Society (BCS)
Our degrees are accredited by the British Computer Society (BCS) so that you can be assured that you will graduate with a degree that meets the standard set by the IT industry and provides a strong foundation for a career in computer science.
BCS is the Chartered Institute for IT. Studying a BCS-accredited degree provides the foundation for a chartered IT professional qualification.
All professional accreditations are reviewed regularly by their professional body.
Modules and learning
Modules
The information below is intended to provide an example of what you will study.
Most degrees are divided into stages. Each stage lasts for one academic year, and you’ll complete modules totalling 120 credits by the end of each stage.
Our teaching is informed by research. Course content may change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.
Optional module availability
Student demand for optional modules may affect availability.
Full details of the modules on offer will be published through the Programme Regulations and Specifications ahead of each academic year. This usually happens in May.
To find out more please see our terms and conditions
You’ll get experience in Java programming, develop your problem-solving skills, and get a broad view of hardware and software architectures.
During this year, you’ll get an insight into what it’s like working in the digital sector.
Modules
| Compulsory Modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| Fundamentals of Computing | 20 |
| Computer Systems Design and Architectures | 20 |
| Foundations of Data Science | 20 |
| Programming Portfolio 1 | 30 |
| Programming Portfolio 2 | 30 |
We’ll introduce you to requirements analysis and databases, and the formal specification of software systems.
You’ll also work in a team to engineer a substantial software product, developing practical teamwork skills.
Modules
| Compulsory Modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| Security Programming | 20 |
| Algorithm Design and Analysis | 10 |
| Software Engineering Team Project | 30 |
| Introducing Contemporary Topics in Computing | 30 |
| Software Systems Design and Implementation | 30 |
Modules
| Compulsory Modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| Major Project and Dissertation in Computer Science | 60 |
| Cryptography | 10 |
| System and Network Security | 20 |
| Optional Modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| Distributed Systems | 10 |
| Graphics for Games | 10 |
| Gaming Technologies and Simulations | 20 |
| Introduction to BioDesign and Natural Computing | 20 |
| Biomedical Data Analytics and AI | 20 |
| Fault Tolerant and Cyber-Physical Systems | 20 |
| Human Computer Interaction: Interaction Design | 20 |
| Computer Vision & AI | 20 |
| Data Visualization and Visual Analytics | 10 |
| Career Development for final year students | 20 |
Teaching and assessment
Teaching methods
Teaching methods include:
- lectures, including guest lectures from visiting professionals
- tutorials from our expert staff
- supervised practical work, which will account for most of your time
- project work to help you develop real-world business skills, such as teamwork and project management
During your project work in Stage 2, you’ll work as a team to develop a software product.
In Stage 3, you’ll work on a major individual project and a dissertation.
Skills and experience
Business skills
In addition to your academic work, employers look for evidence of skills and experience. Our degrees have been created with industry needs in mind.
In Stage 2, you will gain a realistic preview into industry life, being taught in a team environment with real-life industry briefs. You will pick a problem, identified by industry, and develop a project to find a solution. The projects are marked by industry representatives, lecturers and the project sponsor.
Opportunities
Study abroad
Experience life in another country by choosing to study abroad as part of your degree. You’ll be encouraged to embrace fun and challenging experiences, make connections with new communities and graduate as a globally aware professional, ready for your future.
You can choose to spend up to a year studying at a partner institution overseas.
If you choose to study abroad, it will extend your degree by a year.
Find out more about study abroad
Industry placement in computing
You can apply to spend 9 to 12 months on an accredited and paid industry placement during your degree. You’ll get University support from our dedicated team.
Your placement is a great opportunity to gain practical experience, key business skills and industry contacts. This practical experience can help you develop outside of university.
Your placement can be in the UK or abroad. And it’ll take place between Stages 2 and 3.
Facilities and environment
Facilities
You’ll be part of the School of Computing, based in the Urban Sciences Building on our Newcastle Helix campus.
This brand new £58m building offers great facilities for our students, including:
- cyber-physical systems laboratory
- decision theatre for data visualisation
- flat floor teaching facilities
- 315 PCs with a Raspberry Pi3 on every desk
The building and the surrounding area is becoming a living laboratory, underpinning research to make urban centres more sustainable for future generations.
The Newcastle Helix is an innovation district in the heart of Newcastle-upon-Tyne.
Research across the Newcastle Helix focuses on:
- cyber-physical systems
- infrastructure
- smart grids
- future of our city
- big data
Wellbeing spaces
Wellbeing and inclusivity are at the heart of our School. The USB has several wellbeing spaces for students, including:
- The Retreat: A sensory space with relaxing stimuli to distract from busy student life.
- Wellbeing room: Designed for relaxation and quiet time. Here you can take a moment to breathe and unwind. It can also be used by students with special medical requirements.
- Prayer room: For all faiths and none, this space can be used for prayer or quiet reflection.
Support
To help you with academic and personal issues during your course, you’ll have the support of an academic staff member. They’ll be your personal tutor throughout your studies.
Our peer mentors will help you adjust to life at university during your first year. Our peer mentors are fellow students who can help you settle in and answer any questions you might have.
Your future
Join a network of successful graduates
Recent graduates have taken the following roles after graduation:
- security operations analyst
- software developer
- cloud engineer consultant
- software analyst engineer
Preparing you for career success
In the present job market, computing science graduates are better placed than many others to obtain employment in a challenging and fulfilling career, and the employability of Newcastle graduates is particularly high.
An increasing number of employers require digital skills, meaning our graduates are highly sought after. They move into bespoke software development roles in software houses and computer manufacturers and also into corporate organisations that use computers on a larger scale, such as banking, insurance and manufacturing companies and public sector institutions.
Benefit from strong industry links
You’ll also benefit from our well-established links with organisations within the industry. Our placement students and graduates are regularly recruited by companies such as:
- Nissan
- Waterstons
- Accenture
- IBM
- P&G
- Deloitte
- Microsoft
- Sage
- DWP
- GCHQ
You can also gain work experience with local businesses. Many local businesses approach our School to advertise short, part-time or voluntary work opportunities.
Careers support
We want all our students to succeed in their careers. That’s why we’ve designed our courses to give you the skills employers are looking for. You can also go to guest lectures from industry professionals, mock interviews, and professional skills workshops.
Every year, the school hosts a week of career events. In the past, these have included:
- hackathon workshops
- placement discussions
- coding and enterprise challenges
- employer talks
- networking events
Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through our ncl+ initiative.
Visit our Careers Service website
Recognition of professional qualifications outside of the UK
From 1 January 2021 there is an update to the way professional qualifications are recognised by countries outside of the UK
Check the government’s website for more information.
Entry requirements
All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements and offers below apply to 2025 entry.
| A-Level | |
|---|---|
| AAB (excluding General Studies and Critical Thinking).
We are committed to encouraging the adoption of A level Computing. Students applying with an A level in Computing will receive favourable consideration. GCSE Mathematics grade B or 6 required. |
|
| International Baccalaureate | |
|---|---|
| 34 points. Standard Level Mathematics or Mathematical Studies required at grade 5 if not offered at Higher Level. | |
