Computer Science with Security and Forensics with a Year of Study Abroad (BSc)
Cardiff University
Program Overview
Year Abroad
Study at a university abroad where you can learn while you travel and experience the practices and culture of a different country.
No prior knowledge required
No prior knowledge or experience of computer science is required to take this course. You will begin your studies with a month-long module in computational thinking to establish core concepts and competencies and support your transition from school to university.
Careers support
We will encourage you to seek summer work placements to help you develop your professional skills. Our Careers and Employability Service are able to assist with planning and organising a placement for you.
Excellent facilities
You will be taught in Abacws - the new home for the School of Computer Science and Informatics. This world-leading facility has been designed in collaboration with students and academic staff to create interdisciplinary, flexible and creative workspaces, with innovative teaching areas being a key feature, including a new Makerspace and IT workshop to support practical computer science projects.
This accredited degree provides both the theoretical and practical knowledge required to become a part of the exciting and dynamic world of computer science which lies at the heart of almost all aspects of modern life, with a strong information security theme.
On this course you will develop transferable technical, analytical and professional skills, supported by a broad awareness of current technology trends, particularly in the field of computer security. The course covers a mixture of core techniques and concepts and evolving, technology-based subject matter.
Business use of web applications and rising cases of cybercrime has fundamentally changed the nature of information security. As a concern for big business economies and consumers alike, graduates with an understanding of computer security and forensics are exceptionally valuable to many employers.
Graduates are able to objectively analyse problems and develop appropriate computational solutions. Your detailed understanding of technology computer security and digital forensics will make you suitable for a range of professional careers and sought-after by employers.
The year of study at a university abroad will give you the opportunity to broaden your experience and learning, and strengthen your transferable skills.
Cardiff, United Kingdom
48 Months
£ 23,450
IELTS: 6.5
Course structure
This four-year course begins by introducing basic computing skills and concepts which will underpin the degree. Short projects in year one are followed by a substantial team project in year two, when you use new skills and knowledge to design and implement a software system. Year three will be spent studying at a university abroad. In year four, you focus on emerging technologies and research-led options, and undertake an individual project demonstrating your understanding of computer security.
The modules shown are an example of the typical curriculum and will be reviewed prior to the 2022/2023 academic year. The final modules will be published by September 2022.
Year one
Modules taught in the first two semesters will introduce fundamental computing skills and concepts that form the basis of your degree. This includes the programming of algorithms using languages such as Python and Java™, an understanding of Internet and web technologies, computer architecture and operating systems, software engineering principles and mathematics for computer science. You will be expected to develop new technical and professional skills, and to demonstrate individual creativity and originality throughout the year.
Year two
Core modules taught in year two introduce advanced topics; some choice is introduced into the degree through optional modules. The structure and processing of data is further explored and simple algorithms are expanded into applications that are able to communicate via networks. Skills developed so far are applied during a team project to professionally design and implement a software system with an information security element. At the same time, your future career, employability or entrepreneurship and professional skills will be enhanced as you begin to look towards life after University.
Year three will be spent studying at a university abroad so you will typically need to apply to the university of your choice no later than early January in year two. Staff will support you in selecting modules that will complement your learning at Cardiff.
Year three: Sandwich year
In year three you will study in a computer science, or similar, department at a university abroad. You will be able to choose from a subset of the universities with which Cardiff University has a student exchange agreement. You will then be able to study and be assessed on modules at the foreign university according to their regulations. These modules should be equivalent to 120 credits and will contribute 10% to your final degree classification. You will be supported and advised in all aspects of your year of study abroad by our Global Opportunities Centre and staff in the School.
The year of study abroad will give you the opportunity to gain academic study experience in the subject of your core degree in a different environment, as well as learning the different styles and approaches within that country. It will allow you to develop the skills necessary to live independently outside the UK, and experience and appreciate the culture and life styles of the host country. In addition, you will have the chance to study modules that are not available in the School of Computer Science and Informatics.
Year four
In year four you will focus on emerging technologies and advanced topics which are often informed by the School’s research. There are a number of optional modules to choose from depending on your specific interests. You will practice professional aspects of forensic computer analysis and gain first-hand knowledge at lectures delivered by experts in computer security and computer forensics. Your understanding of computer security will be demonstrated in completing an individual project.
A level
ABB-BBB. If you have grade B in the relevant language A-level you will have access to the languages advanced pathways.
Extended/International Project Qualification: Applicants with grade A in the EPQ/IPQ will typically receive an offer one grade lower than the standard A level offer. Please note that any subject specific requirements must still be met.
International Baccalaureate
32-31 overall or 665 in 3 HL subjects. If you have grade 6 in the relevant language at HL you will have access to the languages advanced pathways.
GCSE
Grade C or grade 4 in GCSE English Language.
IELTS (academic)
At least 6.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each subskill.
TOEFL iBT
At least 90 overall with minimum scores of 17 for writing, 17 for listening, 18 for reading and 20 for speaking.
PTE Academic
At least 62 overall with a minimum of 59 in all communicative skills.
Trinity ISE II/III
II: at least two Distinctions and two Merits.
III: at least a Pass in all components.
Tuition fees for 2022 entry
Fees for home status
- £9,000
Fees for overseas status
- £23,450
Skilled computer scientists are in extremely high demand. This means the employment prospects for graduates in the computing and ICT industry are very strong. You will be equipped with transferrable skills that open doors to careers in many sectors.
Recent statistics show that the vast majority of our graduates are following their chosen career paths in roles such as Software Engineer, Web Developer, Computer Programmer, Associate Software Developer, Business Analyst and Systems Development Officer.
Many of our graduates go on to work for companies including Airbus Group, Amazon, BBC, BT, Cardiff University, Capgemini, Confused.com, GCHQ, IBM, Lloyds Banking Group, MoD, Morgan Stanley, Sky, South Wales Police and Thomson Reuters. Others have chosen further study or research at Cardiff or other top universities.