Computer Science and Cyber Security

Computer science and cyber security sit at the intersection of two disciplines that are increasingly inseparable. Computer science provides the foundational understanding of how computing systems are designed, built, and made to work, while cyber security asks how those systems can be protected against the growing range of threats that accompany their use. In a world where digital infrastructure underpins everything from financial systems to healthcare, democratic processes, and critical national infrastructure, the people who can both build robust systems and defend them against sophisticated attacks are in high demand.

At Surrey this three-year full-time programme develops strong computer science skills as its foundation, covering algorithms, data structures, programming, software engineering, operating systems, and networks. Cyber security knowledge is integrated throughout, including cryptography, network security, secure software development, digital forensics, and the study of how attacks are conducted and how defences are designed and tested. The programme emphasises forward-looking, innovative thinking in a constantly evolving threat landscape, and gives you the opportunity to personalise your studies to reflect your interests as the programme progresses.

Surrey's connections to industry in the South East and its research strengths in computing provide a strong environment for developing both technical depth and professional readiness.

Graduates of computer science and cyber security programmes find themselves in one of the most actively recruited sectors of the economy. Roles in security operations, penetration testing, security architecture, software development, network engineering, and digital forensics are among the most direct destinations. Government agencies, financial institutions, technology companies, defence contractors, and consultancies all recruit strongly in this area.

Many graduates also pursue postgraduate study or professional certifications to specialise further, whether in information security, cloud computing, machine learning, or related fields.