Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
Undergraduate BSc (Hons)
Available in clearingCyber Security
Learn to outthink cyber criminals and defend the digital world. Develop hands-on expertise in cyber security and learn how to protect businesses from attacks.
Course overview
-
I2R4 -
L27 -
Headingley Campus Beckett Park -
Full-Time -
3 Years -
21 Sep 2026
With cyber threats growing in scale and sophistication, cyber security has become one of the most exciting and in-demand areas of computing. This hands-on degree combines core computing knowledge with specialist cyber security expertise, equipping you with the skills to identify, investigate, and defend against digital threats in an increasingly connected world.
You’ll learn how cyber-attacks happen, why they succeed, and how to stop them. From ethical hacking to secure systems design, this course blends theory with practical, real-world application so you’ll graduate ready to make an impact.
As part of this cyber security degree, you'll:
- Build a broad knowledge of computing alongside in-depth cyber security expertise, applying your skills to real-world scenarios
- Apply your understanding of computer systems and networks to protect organisations and users from malicious attacks
- Explore key cyber security topics, including malware and vulnerabilities, secure coding, sandboxing, virtualisation, and penetration testing
- Develop practical investigative and ethical hacking techniques used by cyber security professionals
- Gain hands-on experience using our bespoke Hacktivity system, which replicates real business systems and cyber-attacks, giving you a safe space to test, attack, and defend systems like in industry
Share insight to get ahead
Join our Ethical Hacking Society to explore the latest developments in cyber security, collaborate with like-minded students, and hear from industry experts. It’s a great way to deepen your knowledge, build confidence, and stay ahead in this fast-moving field.
Network with professionals
You'll gain experience preparing and presenting work for industry clients and, where appropriate, for use within courts of law. Attending conferences helps you build your professional network, while your final year project gives you the opportunity to tackle real cyber security challenges alongside local employers.
Cybercrime & Security Innovation Centre
As part of our Cybercrime and Security Innovation Centre, our teaching staff work closely with West Yorkshire Police to develop innovative ways of tackling cybercrime. This partnership gives you access to cutting-edge research, industry expertise, and real insight into how cyber security operates in live investigations and operational environments.
Experience life in industry
We work closely with organisations to identify placement opportunities, giving you the chance to put your learning into practice in a professional setting. Our strong links with the security industry and law enforcement help you build practical experience, confidence, and a standout CV.
Deepen your expertise
Want to take your learning further? You could choose to study BSc (Hons) Cyber Security & Digital Forensics, developing specialist digital investigation skills. Alternatively, our four-year MEng Cyber Security & Digital Forensics enables you to deepen your technical knowledge and prepare for senior or specialist roles within the industry, graduating at master’s-level.
Why study the BSc Cyber Security course at Leeds Beckett University?
- Professionally accredited by the British Computer Society and certified by the National Cyber Security Centre
- Access to specialist software, including Hacktivity and Hackerbot, bringing theory to life
- Strong industry partnerships, including our collaboration with West Yorkshire Police
- Ethical Hacking Society – sharpen your skills and meet fellow cyber enthusiasts
- Placement opportunities – gain valuable experience and boost your career prospects
Explore videos and blogs
My Defining Moments: Why you should study Cyber Security & Digital Forensics at Leeds Beckett University Alina, a final year student on our Cyber Security & Digital Forensics course, shares her most memorable moments studying at Leeds Beckett University.
BSc (Hons) Computer Forensics & Security (now: BSc (Hons) Cyber Security & Digital Forensics) student experience - Devarajan Ragavan Devarajan talks about his university experience and his project, which featured at the School's student showcase event.
Building Future Cyber Security Experts: Learn How to Defend Organisations Worldwide Join the revolution in cyber security with Leeds Beckett University’s Hacktivity platform. Discover how to prevent massive cryptocurrency heists by becoming a skilled cyber security professional.
Everything you need to know
Discover all there is to know about the course, from entry requirements and fees to exploring the school you’ll be joining - we’ve got it covered.
Entry requirements
72
points required
If you’re unsure how to work out your UCAS points we have a UCAS Tariff Calculator which will do it for you. All you need to do is enter your qualifications and let the UCAS Tariff Calculator do the maths.
We have welcomed students from over 140 countries to study at Leeds Beckett University. If you are interested in studying with us you can find all the information you need about entry requirements and how to apply on our country specific pages.
Entry requirements
72
points required
48 from two A Levels or equivalent, excluding General Studies.
If you're applying via UCAS, find out more about how your qualifications fit into the UCAS tariff.
GCSEs
GCSE English Language and Maths at Grade 4 or above (Grade C for those sitting their GCSE from 2017 onwards) or equivalent.IELTS
IELTS 6.0 with no skills below 5.5, or an equivalent qualification. The University provides excellent support for any applicant who may be required to undertake additional English language courses.
Selection Criteria
We may use selection criteria based on your personal attributes; experience and/or commitment to the area of study. This information will be derived from your personal statement and reference and will only be used if you have met the general entry requirements.
Mature Applicants
Our university welcomes applications from mature applicants who demonstrate academic potential. All students will be considered through the contextual admissions policy described above. If you do not meet the requirements through the contextual admissions policy, we may still be able to make you an offer if you have recent relevant work experience through our 'Recognition of Prior Learning' policy. Please ensure that you list both your qualifications and any relevant work experience in your application so that we can consider you under both schemes where applicable. All applicants should meet our standard entry requirements of GCSE grade 4 in English language and, where specified, Maths. Alternative qualifications such as functional skills are accepted in lieu of GCSEs for most courses.We have welcomed students from over 140 countries to study at Leeds Beckett University. If you are interested in studying with us you can find all the information you need about entry requirements and how to apply on our country specific pages.
If you're applying via UCAS, find out more about how your qualifications fit into the UCAS tariff.
IELTS
IELTS 6.0 with no skills below 5.5, or an equivalent qualification. The University provides excellent support for any applicant who may be required to undertake additional English language courses.
Selection Criteria
We may use selection criteria based on your personal attributes; experience and/or commitment to the area of study. This information will be derived from your personal statement and reference and will only be used if you have met the general entry requirements.
Additional entry requirements:
Verify your qualifications
If you are an international student, we can help you to compare and verify your qualifications. Please contact our International Office on +44 (0)113 812 1111 09.00 to 17.00 Mon-Thurs / 09.00 to 16.30 Fri GMT or email internationaloffice@leedsbeckett.ac.uk.Need to improve your English Language skills?
Don't worry if you don't have the level of English required for your chosen course. We offer a wide range of courses which have been designed to help you to improve your qualifications and English language ability, most of which are accredited by the British Council. Check your English and find out more about our English courses.More questions?
No matter what your questions, we are here to answer them, visit our International website to get more information and find out about our online open days.Independent study is a crucial part of learning at university and you will be required to undertake many hours of self-directed research and reading, and preparation and writing of assessments. Your course is delivered through a number of modules, which will help you to plan your time and establish a study routine. Outside of your lectures, workshops and tutorials, a range of support is available to assist with your independent study. Our subject-specific librarians will be on hand to direct you to the specialist learning and study-skill resources. You’ll also be assigned an academic advisor to give you tailored feedback and support.
Modules, teaching and learning
What you'll learn
Gain a solid introduction to the principles and practices of digital forensics This module explores the tools, techniques, and methodologies used in digital investigations, including how digital devices operate, where digital artefacts can be found, and how evidence is safely preserved and acquired. You'll work within legal, ethical, and professional frameworks, developing an understanding of privacy law, data protection, regulation, retention, and investigatory legislation relating to digital crime. By the end of the module, you'll understand how law and legal research operate within a digital landscape.
Explore how information is shared efficiently and securely across computer networks. This module introduces the principles and techniques that underpin modern communication systems, including networking protocols, error detection and recovery, multiplexing, and security mechanisms. You'll also examine how the limitations of communication media influence the performance and capabilities of applications, building a strong foundation in network communication concepts.
Learn how to think like a programmer. This module introduces core programming concepts such as variables and data types, sequence, selection and iteration, basic algorithms, and structured programming. With a focus on traditional procedural type programming, you'll develop problem-solving skills by designing and implementing algorithms to address common computing challenges, building a strong foundation for further programming study.
Step into the mindset of a hacker, ethically. This module introduces the motives, methods and processes used by attackers, before applying these same techniques to perform ethical hacking and penetration testing. You'll explore how system vulnerabilities are identified and exploited in order to test and strengthen security. Alongside practical skills, you'll examine ethics and privacy in cyber security and gain an understanding of program compilation and execution within secure development environments.
Develop the skills needed to design and build effective database systems. This module introduces database modelling, development and implementation skills. This module equips you with database modelling and implementation, while exploring the organisational contexts in which databases are used. You'll consider ethical, professional, and data protection issues alongside practical development skills. By the end of the module, you'll be able to design and implement a database system to meet the needs of a simple business application.
Build on your programming knowledge by exploring object-oriented programming and its associated design techniques. You'll study key concepts such as classes, inheritance, and polymorphism, and learn how to implement them using a modern object-oriented language. As the module progresses, you'll develop more complex programs structured across multiple files and classes, reflecting contemporary software architectures. You'll also learn to apply object-oriented design using appropriate modelling notation.
What you'll learn
Advance your digital forensics expertise by examining the legal, technical, and practical aspects of forensic investigation. This module explores common file systems, forensic tools, and legal considerations surrounding the seizure and analysis of digital evidence. Working collaboratively, you'll discuss ethical and legal issues related to prosecution and misuse of computing systems. Through hands-on practice, you'll recover artefacts from multiple and learn to install, configure, and use forensic software to acquire, analyse, and report digital forensic evidence.
Develop a broad and connected understanding of cyber security. Using the Cyber Body of Knowledge (CyBOK) as a framework, this module helps you visualise how different areas of cyber security fit together and how your skills develop across the field. You'll explore human, organisational, and risk management perspectives, alongside technical topics such as cryptography, hashing, and encryption. Infrastructure security, including network, hardware, and cyber-physical systems, forms a key part of this wide-ranging module.
Explore how modern web applications and networks are protected, and attacked. This module provides a practical introduction to security mechanisms, threats, and defences, including the OWASP Top 10 Web Application Security Risks. You'll conduct security assessments of websites, configure firewall rules, and implement VPNs, while exploring strategies to mitigate risks in web applications and organisational networks connected to the public Internet.
Develop an in-depth practical understanding of the core analysis techniques, processes and specialist tools used by today's forensic examiners. You'll explore how to examine and interpret digital evidence across key platforms and operating systems. Through hands-on experience, you'll learn to identify and analyse critical data sources and evaluate their relevance and significance in a forensic context.
Develop your professional, technical, and entrepreneurial skills through collaborative project work. Working in small teams, you'll design, develop, and present a solution to a real or case-study-based problem, supported by specialist staff. You'll apply project management techniques and professional working practices while developing research, design, evaluation, and presentation skills. The module also explores the legal, social, ethical, and professional issues that are related to working in industry contexts.
Option modules may include
Extend your database development skills by designing and building more advanced database applications. This module focuses on procedural and non-procedural database programming, reusable code, and appropriate constraints. Working from a case study, you'll identify requirements, design solutions, implement and test database systems. You'll collaborate as part of a data development team, applying organisational models, and demonstrate professional communication, ethical practice, and organisational models.
Explore the technologies that power interactive websites and web-based systems. This module examines client-side, server-side, and data storage technologies, focusing on the three-tier architecture that underpins modern web applications. Through experimentation and real-world case studies, you'll analyse how data is flows between tiers and how applications manage user interaction. You'll also consider key issues around data validation, performance, and security within contemporary web environments.
Develop advanced programming skills from both a technical and team-based perspective. This module explores topics such as exception handling, interfaces, collections, and algorithm analysis, alongside collaborative development practices. You'll gain an understanding of algorithm efficiency and problem-solving techniques including searching, sorting, and recursion, preparing you for complex software development challenges.
What you'll learn
Bring your learning together in a major client-led project. As the culmination of your course, this module challenges you to plan, research, design, build, test, and evaluate a substantial product or service to a professional standard. You'll develop independence, critical reflection, and self-evaluation skills while delivering a solution aligned to industry expectations.
Learn how organisations respond to cyber attacks in real time. This module develops your skills in security monitoring, incident detection, and investigation. You'll explore techniques for identifying compromises, recovering systems, and restoring services, while applying investigative methods to understand how incidents occurred. Through practical challenges, you'll sharpen your problem-solving skills and apply theory in realistic security scenarios.
Explore a wide range of system-level security defences and techniques used to mitigate cyber attacks. This module examines how security breaches occur, the vulnerabilities they exploit, and the tools and methods used to defend against them. You'll gain insight into both offensive and defensive security approaches, developing the ability to apply advanced defensive techniques such as access controls, sandboxing, and object-oriented mechanisms to protect systems effectively.
Option modules may include
Take a practical and strategic approach to advanced data and database development. This module focuses on modelling, design, and programming strategies for modern database applications. You'll explore solutions across different stages of database projects, including ETL processes and end-user reporting. By the end, you'll design high-quality, reusable, and performant code while considering team collaboration and professional practice.
Explore current standards, tools, and technologies used to engineer modern web applications. This module adopts a high-level, tool-based approach to design and development, enabling you to evaluate, select, and apply appropriate technologies for different contexts. You'll develop both practical and analytical skills to design, build, and assess robust internet applications that meet professional expectations, industry standards, and user needs.
Advance your programming expertise through an in-depth exploration of contemporary software engineering tools and methods. This module focuses on advanced object-oriented techniques, design patterns, and modern development methodologies. Used in professional practice. By emphasising transferable skills, teamwork, and industry-relevant workflows, the module prepares you to design, develop, and maintain complex software systems with confidence in real-world development environments.
This module equips you with a solid understanding of mobile systems and the challenges of developing for resource-constrained devices. You'll investigate the architectures, platforms, and development techniques used to create efficient, high-performing mobile applications. By the end of the module, you'll be able to approach complex software issues systematically with creativity and precision, demonstrating originality and systematic problem-solving in your solutions.
Machine learning has become an important tool for data mining and analysis. In this module, you'll gain a solid understanding of how key machine learning techniques work and how to implement them effectively. While the module maintains a strong balance between theory and practice, it places greater emphasis on practical application whenever possible. By the end, you'll have a clear appreciation of the role of models in machine learning, along with key concepts such as learning techniques, feature extraction, sampling, and model evaluation.
This course offers the opportunity to take a ‘placement’ year – a year of paid employment in industry which will build your skills and experience. This is usually taken between the second and third year of your degree and will extend the length of your course by an additional year.
Students who choose the placement route find it helps with both their studies and getting a job after graduation. It can build your confidence, contacts, and of course your CV. Leeds Beckett advertise lots of placement opportunities and provide support in helping you find the right placement for you.
Fees and funding
£9,790
UK
The annual tuition fee for students entering in the 2026/27 academic year is anticipated to be £9790 (the maximum annual tuition fee cap announced by the UK Government, which is subject to parliamentary approval).
For each subsequent year of study, the University may charge up to the maximum annual tuition fee cap set by the UK Government, which may increase in line with any uplift determined by the UK Government by law or government policy (such increases are expected to be linked to inflation).
Placement Year
You will normally spend a whole year in placement. For this year you will be charged a reduced fee, which is yet to be confirmed.
£16,840
International 2026
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2026/27 is £16840.
Placement Year
You will normally spend a whole year in placement. For this year you will be charged a reduced fee of £2526.Fees and funding
£9,790
For students entering in 2026
The annual tuition fee for students entering in the 2026/27 academic year is anticipated to be £9790 (the maximum annual tuition fee cap announced by the UK Government, which is subject to parliamentary approval).
For each subsequent year of study, the University may charge up to the maximum annual tuition fee cap set by the UK Government, which may increase in line with any uplift determined by the UK Government by law or government policy (such increases are expected to be linked to inflation).
Placement Year
You will normally spend a whole year in placement. For this year you will be charged a reduced fee, which is yet to be confirmed.Additional course costs
Tuition Fees
Your tuition fees cover the cost of registration, tuition, academic supervision, assessments and examinations.
The following are also included in the cost of your course:
- 24/7 Library and student IT support
- Free wifi via eduroam
- Skills workshops and resources
- Library membership, giving access to more than 500,000 printed, multimedia and digital resources
- Access to software, including five free copies of Microsoft Office 365 to install on your PC,laptop and MAC, and access to free high-end software via the Leeds Beckett remote app
- Loan of high-end media equipment to support your studies
In many cases, costs associated with your course will be included in your course fee. However, in some cases there are ‘essential’ additional costs (those that you will be required to meet in addition to your course fee), and/or ‘optional’ additional costs (costs that are not required, but that you might choose to pay). We have included those essential or optional additional costs that relate to your course, below.
Essential Costs
- Placement locations and experiences will vary throughout the course. You'll need to pay for any additional travel or dual accommodation costs.
Optional Costs
- You'll need a laptop running Windows 10. You can borrow one from the university free of charge should you choose to not purchase your own. All our computer labs also run the operating system you'll need.
Other study-related expenses to consider: materials that you will need to complete your course such as books (whilst the library provides access to readings recommended for your modules, you may wish to purchase your own copies of some books); you can also make suggestions for books to be added to Library stock; placement costs (these may include travel expenses and living costs); student visas (international students only); printing, photocopying and stationery (you may need to pay for multiple copies of your dissertation or final project to be printed and bound); events associated with your course such as field trips; study abroad opportunities (travel costs and accommodation, visas and immunisations). Other costs could include academic conferences (travel costs) and professional-body membership (where applicable). The costs you will need to cover for graduation will include gown hire and guest tickets, and optional extras such as professional photography.
As well as your mobile phone, you will also need access to a desktop computer and/or laptop to complete assignments and access university online services such as MyBeckett, your virtual learning environment. You can book and borrow AV equipment through the media equipment service accessed online via the student hub and located in the library at each campus. Equipment includes: 360 Cameras, iPads, GoPros, MacBooks, portable data projectors, portable projection screens, flipchart stands, remote presenters, digital cameras and camcorders, SLR cameras, speakers, microphones, headphones, headsets, tripods, digital audio recorders and PC/laptops (a laptop loans service is provided on campus in the library on both campuses). Student laptops are also available from the laptop lockers located in the libraries.
This list is not exhaustive, costs are approximate and will vary depending on the choices you make during your course. Any rental, travel or living costs are also in addition to your course fees. If you choose to study via distance learning, you may not be able to access all of the facilities listed if you are not able to visit us on campus.
£16,840
For students entering in 2026
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2026/27 is £16840.
Placement Year
You will normally spend a whole year in placement. For this year you will be charged a reduced fee of £2526.Additional course costs
Tuition Fees
Your tuition fees cover the cost of registration, tuition, academic supervision, assessments and examinations.
The following are also included in the cost of your course:
- 24/7 Library and student IT support
- Free wifi via eduroam
- Skills workshops and resources
- Library membership, giving access to more than 500,000 printed, multimedia and digital resources
- Access to software, including five free copies of Microsoft Office 365 to install on your PC,laptop and MAC, and access to free high-end software via the Leeds Beckett remote app
- Loan of high-end media equipment to support your studies
In many cases, costs associated with your course will be included in your course fee. However, in some cases there are ‘essential’ additional costs (those that you will be required to meet in addition to your course fee), and/or ‘optional’ additional costs (costs that are not required, but that you might choose to pay). We have included those essential or optional additional costs that relate to your course, below.
Essential Costs
- Placement locations and experiences will vary throughout the course. You'll need to pay for any additional travel or dual accommodation costs.
Optional Costs
- You'll need a laptop running Windows 10. You can borrow one from the university free of charge should you choose to not purchase your own. All our computer labs also run the operating system you'll need.
Other study-related expenses to consider: materials that you will need to complete your course such as books (whilst the library provides access to readings recommended for your modules, you may wish to purchase your own copies of some books); you can also make suggestions for books to be added to Library stock; placement costs (these may include travel expenses and living costs); student visas (international students only); printing, photocopying and stationery (you may need to pay for multiple copies of your dissertation or final project to be printed and bound); events associated with your course such as field trips; study abroad opportunities (travel costs and accommodation, visas and immunisations). Other costs could include academic conferences (travel costs) and professional-body membership (where applicable). The costs you will need to cover for graduation will include gown hire and guest tickets, and optional extras such as professional photography.
As well as your mobile phone, you will also need access to a desktop computer and/or laptop to complete assignments and access university online services such as MyBeckett, your virtual learning environment. You can book and borrow AV equipment through the media equipment service accessed online via the student hub and located in the library at each campus. Equipment includes: 360 Cameras, iPads, GoPros, MacBooks, portable data projectors, portable projection screens, flipchart stands, remote presenters, digital cameras and camcorders, SLR cameras, speakers, microphones, headphones, headsets, tripods, digital audio recorders and PC/laptops (a laptop loans service is provided on campus in the library on both campuses). Student laptops are also available from the laptop lockers located in the libraries.
This list is not exhaustive, costs are approximate and will vary depending on the choices you make during your course. Any rental, travel or living costs are also in addition to your course fees. If you choose to study via distance learning, you may not be able to access all of the facilities listed if you are not able to visit us on campus.
Scholarships and bursaries
We are committed to ensuring that an education at Leeds Beckett University is open to all. If you're thinking of joining us for undergraduate study, you may be eligible for a non-repayable scholarship or bursary to help with the cost of university. To find out if you are be eligible visit our scholarships and bursaries page.
We also offer a range of non-repayable scholarships for international students. To find out if you may be eligible visit our scholarships for international students page and select your home country from the drop-down list.
97%
of BSc (Hons) Cyber Security students were positive about the availability of specialist facilities
5th
Leeds Beckett University other courses in computing ranked 5th in England
Career prospects
There's a lot to consider when choosing your cyber security course. Take a look at the team you'll be working with, employability statistics and career prospects to help make up your mind.
Career Prospects
Cyber security professionals are in high demand across every sector, from finance and healthcare to government, law enforcement, and technology. This course is designed to prepare you for a wide range of roles where you’ll help organisations prevent, detect, and respond to cyber threats.
You could progress into roles such as:
- Cyber security analyst
- Penetration tester (ethical hacker)
- Security operations centre (SOC) analyst
- Digital forensics analyst
- Network or systems security engineer
- Malware or threat analyst
You’ll also be well placed to pursue postgraduate study, further professional certifications, or specialist training, helping you stand out in a competitive global industry and build a career at the forefront of digital security.
Dr Pip Trevorrow
Course Director / School of Built Environment, Engineering and Computing
Pip is Course Director for Cyber Security and Digital Forensics. She teaches across all levels (4 through to 7 and PhD) on the courses. She is actively supervising PhD students with has six PhD completions to date.
Our Graduate Promise
We have a dedicated team of people who will support you with all aspects of your career planning, from day one until 18 months after you graduate.
Getting you career ready is an integral part of your university life and this is embedded throughout your lectures and seminars. Outside of your course there is a wide range of support available to help you achieve your career goals, including:
- Getting ready to apply for jobs
- Working on your CV
- Interview skills and assessment centres
- Connecting with employers and organisations
We’re ranked in the Top 10 universities in the UK for job prospects
(Student Crowd, 2025 - the only awards based entirely on student reviews).
Find out why...
Student life
At Leeds Beckett your experience is important to us, find out more about what to expect from your time on this course and life at uni.
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