Computer Science

Computer science with a specialism in cybersecurity is a degree for students who want both the foundational knowledge of computing and a focused expertise in the discipline of protecting digital systems from attack. In a world where software systems, connected devices and vast stores of sensitive data are under constant threat from increasingly sophisticated adversaries, cybersecurity has become one of the most critically important and rapidly growing fields in technology. The combination of computer science grounding and security specialism prepares you for a career at the frontier of this challenge.

At Brunel University London, this three-year full-time programme includes a foundation year, which gives you the mathematical, programming and technical foundations needed before you progress to the full degree. This makes the programme accessible to students who need to build their scientific and technical preparation before engaging with the full depth of computer science and cybersecurity.

You will study programming, algorithms, data structures, computer architecture, networking, operating systems and software engineering alongside cybersecurity topics including cryptography, network security, penetration testing, secure coding, malware analysis, digital forensics and the governance and risk management frameworks that organisations use to protect themselves. The ability to think from both the offensive and defensive perspective is central to what effective security professionals develop.

Graduates go on to careers in cybersecurity analysis, penetration testing, security engineering, digital forensics, incident response, risk management, security architecture and security consulting across financial services, defence, healthcare, government and technology sectors. The demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals is high and growing. Postgraduate study or professional certifications are common routes for those who want to specialise further.