Computer Science with Cyber Security

Computer science with cyber security is a degree that combines the foundational principles of computing with specialist training in how digital systems are protected against attack. As society's dependence on networked systems has grown, so has the sophistication of the threats those systems face, and the demand for professionals who can design, build, and defend secure software and infrastructure has grown accordingly. At City St George's, University of London, the MEng or BEng Computer Science with Cyber Security is a five-year full-time programme that includes a sandwich year and work placement, providing a thorough technical education with substantial professional experience.

The computer science foundation of the programme covers algorithms, data structures, software engineering, computer architecture, operating systems, networking, and the mathematical foundations of computing, providing the deep technical knowledge that security work builds upon. The cyber security specialism develops your understanding of how systems are attacked and how they can be defended: cryptography and its mathematical foundations, network security, software vulnerabilities and secure programming practices, intrusion detection, malware analysis, and the legal and ethical dimensions of security work are all part of the curriculum. The sandwich year provides extended professional experience in a software or security environment, developing practical competence alongside the theoretical training of the degree.

Graduates of computer science with cyber security programmes are exceptionally sought after. Financial institutions, government agencies, defence and intelligence organisations, technology companies, healthcare providers, and consultancies all face significant and growing cyber threats, and the demand for skilled security professionals consistently outstrips supply. Roles include security engineer, penetration tester, security analyst, software engineer with security specialisation, incident responder, and security architect.

The five-year programme structure, with its foundation year and sandwich year, provides both additional academic preparation for students who need it and extended professional experience that strengthens graduate employability significantly. Some graduates go on to postgraduate study in cyber security or related fields. City's location in London provides access to a particularly large and diverse professional technology and security community.