Ethical Hacking and Cyber Security MSci/BSc (Hons)

Undergraduate

Student stands in focus in background with large screen showing code, two other students on laptop sit between him and the camera

Dive into cyber security, ethical hacking, digital forensics and secure networking. Learn practical skills, gain knowledge and build towards a future-proof cybersecurity career.

Course option

Degree with foundation year

Year of entry

2025-26 2026-27

Location

Coventry University (Coventry)

Study mode

Full-time
Sandwich

Duration

BSc:
3 years full-time
4 years sandwich
MSci:
4 years full-time
5 years sandwich

UCAS codes

GG45 / I120

Start date

September 2026
November 2026
January 2027
March 2027
May 2027
July 2027

How to apply

Book an Open Day

Download a prospectus

Course overview

This course could be the right fit for aspiring cybersecurity professionals, tech enthusiasts and problem-solvers who want practical skills in ethical hacking, network security and digital forensics. Gain industry-relevant expertise through labs, and real-world projects to launch your career. With this course, you could benefit from opportunities for hands-on learning, industry placements and an integrated master's degree (subject to meeting progression standards).²

Key course highlights

Practical ethical hacking: learn penetration testing, web security and exploit development in dedicated hacking labs.
Security and forensics: master risk management, secure network infrastructures, incident response and digital evidence analysis.
Industry-aligned learning: apply skills through 'Capture the Flag’ challenges, simulations and collaborative projects.

Rated Gold Overall

Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023

5 QS Stars for Teaching and Facilities

QS Stars University Ratings

Top 5 Student City in England (Coventry)

QS Best Student Cities Index 2026

Why you should study this course

Hands-on, industry-relevant skills:  gain real-world expertise through practical labs, penetration testing exercises and ‘Capture the Flag’-style challenges in dedicated hacking labs.
Career-focused learning:  master in-demand areas like ethical hacking, network security and digital forensics—directly aligned with industry roles such as penetration tester, security operation centre analyst or forensic investigator.
Active industry engagement: employability is at the core of our courses, and as such we aim to provide you with optional industry guest lectures and networking events to help you stand out from the crowd (subject to availability).²
Modern facilities:  train in specialist on-campus ethical hacking and computing labs with professional tools, simulating real cyber threats in a controlled environment.⁴
Enjoy a seamless progression route: with an integrated master's year, you get the opportunity to study a master’s degree while paying undergraduate fees (subject to meeting progression standards).

What you'll study

This course is designed to equip you with practical and theoretical expertise in cybersecurity. Learn about programming, ethical hacking techniques, risk management and incident response, and prepare for roles such as penetration tester, security analyst or forensic investigator. With industry-aligned modules and specialist labs, you should feel confident to tackle evolving cyber threats and security challenges after you graduate. Please note that further study opportunities are subject to competitive application, availability, meeting any applicable visa requirements and additional costs may apply.

Modules

Cyber Security Fundamentals – 30 credits

Learn cyber security fundamentals, tools and skills you'll use throughout your degree. Explore how to protect digital assets and data while learning how cyber-attacks happen and how to defend against them.

Work with common operating systems used in security, such as Linux and Windows command line, and build an understanding of core cyber security concepts, including cyber-crimes, data breaches, threats and attacks. Learn how to identify system and network-level vulnerabilities and how they can be exploited.

Compulsory

Legal and Ethical Factors in Cyber Security – 30 credits

Understand the legal and ethical issues surrounding cyber security today. Through real-life case studies, debates and discussions, explore how technology impacts society and how global laws and ethics shape what’s considered right and wrong in the digital world. Examine the ethics of computer security, the growing use of artificial intelligence and the wider social context of connected systems and data collection.

Look at professional ethics and explore key legislation such as the Computer Misuse Act, Data Protection laws and privacy regulations. Discuss how security technologies are regulated and consider important issues around intellectual property and copyright in a digital age.

Gain an introduction to information security management. Explore how an organisation’s people, data, technologies and networks all play a role in keeping information secure. Topics include understanding different security roles and responsibilities, building a positive security culture, and developing professionalism in the workplace. Focus on the human side of cyber security, including intentional and unintentional errors, insider threats, the importance of following policies and procedures, and raising awareness of risks and best practices.

Compulsory

Networking and Computer Architecture – 30 credits

Gain a solid introduction to how computers work. Explore the key components of computer systems, learning how data is represented, processed and flows through a system. Explore data representation using binary and hexadecimal, logic laws, truth tables, logic gates and how set theory connects with logical operations.

Next, understand processor structure and operations, memory organisation and how machine and assembly code work. Dive into computer networks—learning about TCP/IP and ISO/OSI models, physical and logical network topologies, network media and how data travels through wired and wireless connections. Examine media contention and error correction, giving you a clear picture of how reliable communication is achieved in digital systems.

Compulsory

Introduction to Programming – 30 credits

Gain an introduction to the core concepts of programming using industry-standard tools and a widely used programming language. Build your understanding of how code works and develop problem-solving skills that will support your progress throughout the course.

Learn about data types and structures, operators (including arithmetic, comparison and logical), and how to write conditional and control statements. Explore functions and classes to help organise your code effectively. As part of good software development practice, you’ll be introduced to version control systems, as well as key techniques like debugging, testing, and documentation and commenting, ensuring you build clean, readable and reliable code.

Compulsory

Modules

Digital Forensics – 30 credits

Build on your understanding of how digital investigations are carried out within the UK’s legal framework. Learn how to identify, collect, preserve and analyse digital evidence; while following ethical and legal standards such as those set by the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) and global best practices.

Explore key investigation methods and how to apply them in real-world scenarios. Topics include collecting, processing and preserving digital evidence, using forensic toolkits, understanding UK cybercrime legislation and following the investigative process. You’ll also cover device, Windows, Linux and memory forensics, including developing skills in forensic report-writing and expert testimony.

Compulsory

Ethical Hacking – 30 credits

Build hands-on ethical hacking skills, focusing on penetration testing techniques and how to exploit remote systems responsibly. Explore a range of attack vectors and the strategies used at each stage of the penetration testing process.

Learn about penetration testing methodologies such as PTES and the Cyber Kill Chain and how to identify, classify and manage vulnerabilities. Practise server and network reconnaissance, explore common web vulnerabilities including those found in the OWASP Top 10 (like SQL injection and XSS) and develop your ability to perform privilege escalation techniques in a secure, ethical environment.

Compulsory

Networking – 30 credits

Examine the fundamentals of computer networks and how they operate. Explore how data travels across network systems, the protocols that control this communication and how to analyse performance and ensure network security.

Learn about the ISO/OSI and TCP/IP models, error detection methods like parity checks, checksums and CRC and medium access control (MAC). Look into IP addressing and subnetting, routing protocols, transport layer protocols such as TCP and UDP and congestion control techniques—giving you the essential skills to understand, design and troubleshoot computer networks.

Compulsory

Security Operations – 30 credits

Build expertise in planning, designing and improving information security to protect organisations from evolving cyber threats. Learn how to manage security across people, data, technology and networks, while keeping risks low and costs efficient.

Study key areas including the structure and role of a Security Operations Centre, threat modelling techniques like attack trees, STRIDE and DREAD, and intrusion detection strategies using IDS, IPS, EDR and SIEM tools.

Learn about incident response, from preparation to recovery and explores automation tools like SOAR, XDR and AI-driven approaches. Understand the legal and ethical frameworks guiding security monitoring in the UK, EU and US.

Compulsory

There’s no better way to find out what you love doing than trying it out for yourself, which is why a work placement² can often be beneficial. Work placements usually occur between your second and final year of study. They’re a great way to help you explore your potential career path and gain valuable work experience, whilst developing transferable skills for the future.

Modules

UK work placement – 0 credits

This module²provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved placement undertaken during your programme. A placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent; however, each placement will be considered on its own merits, having regard to the ability to achieve the learning outcomes.

Optional

International Study/Work Placement – 0 credits

This module²  provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved international study/work placement undertaken during your programme. A work/study placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent; however, each placement will be considered on its own merits, having regard to the ability to achieve the learning outcomes.

Optional

Modules

Project - 30 credits

Apply the knowledge and skills you’ve gained throughout your degree to a major, independent project. Develop problem-solving abilities, conduct independent research and showcase your technical expertise in your chosen field.

Support lectures will help you with project planning and time management, research methods and literature reviews, system design and development, data collection and analysis, and ethical considerations.

Compulsory

Secure Network Design and Management – 30 credits

Investigate computer networks, covering network models, architecture and the protocols that control data transmission. Explore design methodologies like three-tier architecture and DMZ, as well as management topics such as access rights and network monitoring.

Security is a key focus, with coverage of policies, authentication methods, VPNs, ACLs and firewalls. Study WAN connectivity, network scaling, relevant protocols like OSPF and BGP, media technologies and modern services including cloud computing and service level agreements.

Compulsory

Digital Security Audit and Risk Management – 30 credits

Learn how to manage digital security risks through effective corporate governance, risk assessment and security audits. Learn about information assurance models and how to apply security audit frameworks through real-world case studies.

Topics include different security controls at managerial, operational and technical levels and how to align these with business goals. Study ISO 27000 standards, risk assessment methods and compliance in payment ecosystems like PCI DSS. The module also covers the COBIT governance framework and its alignment with ITIL and ISO standards.

Compulsory

Choose one of the following two optional modules

Advanced Digital Forensics – 30 credits

Dive into advanced digital forensic methods with a focus on network forensics. Learn how to capture, analyse and interpret network traffic to spot security incidents and trace unauthorised activity. Explore cloud forensics, malware analysis and anti-forensic techniques like data hiding and trail obfuscation used to evade detection.

Examine data recovery principles, storage technologies, and laws, plus forensic tools like Wireshark and TCPdump for analysing network layers and malware traces. Look into emerging areas such as social media, email and cloud forensics.

Advanced Ethical Hacking and Exploit Development – 30 credits

Explore advanced hacking techniques and how to defend against them. Study network security topics like Active Directory, virtualisation and cloud security. Learn about advanced ethical hacking skills, including reverse engineering and exploit development.

Key topics include security of network protocols such as Active Directory, advanced web exploitation, reverse engineering, exploit development, kernel-level exploits, memory corruption attacks like buffer and heap overflows, and Return-Oriented Programming (ROP).

Optional

If you meet the progression requirements, you could choose to take an additional fourth year master's option³, which will deepen your knowledge and expertise.

Modules

Applied Theory of Cyber Security and Secure Design – 30 credits

Gain a deep understanding of cyber security theory, cryptographic methods and how to evaluate system security.

Study platform security covering operating systems, web, embedded devices, cloud, virtualisation, security as a service and trusted computing. Learn security evaluation frameworks like OWASP and the Cyber Kill Chain.

Dive into cryptography foundations including Shannon’s information theory, entropy, stream and block ciphers, cryptographic PRNGs and hashes. Explore symmetric and asymmetric key cryptography, Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) and future developments in cryptography.

Compulsory

Network Security and Incident Response – 30 credits

Develop the knowledge and skills to protect and secure network infrastructures, while providing a comprehensive understanding of incident detection and response.

Study network security architecture, firewalls and access control lists (ACLs). Learn about intrusion detection and prevention systems, wireless security protocols and techniques for network monitoring and analysis. The module also covers risk management to help you assess and reduce security threats effectively.

Compulsory

Cloud Infrastructure and Operations – 30 credits

Gain a solid understanding of cloud computing principles, technologies and best practices. Explore emerging cloud technologies and learn how to manage cloud operations effectively.

Topics covered include operating systems, cloud platforms, virtualisation and containerisation. Study monitoring and logging, as well as DevOps and Agile practices to prepare you for modern cloud environments.

Compulsory

Security of Connected Systems – 30 credits

Understand how cyber security applies to connected systems like IoT and automotive technologies. Explore current and emerging trends, mobile communication methods (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Zigbee) and key protocols like MQTT used in smart devices.

Study security issues in automotive and autonomous vehicles, along with the legal and ethical considerations around data collected by connected devices. Examine security policies for embedded systems and the emerging threats posed by AI, IoT, autonomous vehicles and our increasingly connected world.

Compulsory

We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.

How you'll learn

Your course will be based on a series of lectures, with associated seminars and project-based practical classes.

In addition, your personal tutor will review and discuss your progress with you and provide advice. You will be expected to engage in both class and online activities and discussions. Each module will also require you to participate in additional guided reading and self-directed study, to reinforce the learning gained from timetabled sessions.

We believe that the best way of learning is through doing - applying the theoretical concepts to practical problems. Throughout the course, emphasis is placed on the practical development of work, with a significant portion of your time being spent on assisted lab tasks, which may involve live practical hacking challenges, seminars discussing topics such as cryptography and secrecy or project-based classes, which may involve more in-depth work developing secure systems in hostile environments².

Teaching contact hours

As a full-time undergraduate student, you will study modules totalling 120 credits each academic year. You will normally study one 30-credit module at a time. A typical 30-credit module requires a total of 300 hours of study made up of teaching contact hours, guided and independent study.

Teaching hours

Teaching hours may vary depending on your year of study and selected modules. During your first year, you can expect 12-15 teaching hours each week. You will also have the option to attend additional sessions, including time with a progress coach or to meet with staff for advice and feedback. As you progress through your studies, teaching hours may reduce.

Guided and independent study

Throughout your studies, you will be expected to spend time in guided and independent study to make up the required study hours per module. You'll be digging deeper into topics, review what you've learned and complete assignments. This can be completed around your personal commitments. As you progress through your studies, you'll spend more time in independent study.

Online learning

As an innovative university, we use different teaching methods including online tools and emerging technologies. So, some of your teaching hours and assessments may be delivered online

Assessment

This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which could vary depending upon the module.

Assessment methods may include:

formal examinations
phase tests
essays
group work
presentations
reports
projects
coursework
exams
individual assignments
laboratories.

The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.

Entry requirements

Typical entry requirements:

Requirement	What we're looking for
UCAS points	BSc (Hons): 120 MSci: 128
A level	BSc (Hons): BBB to include one from Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Further Mathematics, Computer Science, Computing or Design Technology. Excludes General Studies. MSci: ABB to include one from Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Further Mathematics, Computer Science, Computing or Design Technology. Excludes General Studies.
GCSE	BSc (Hons): GCSE maths and English at grade 4 / C or Functional Skills Level 2, or other equivalent Level 2 awards. MSci: GCSE maths and English at grade 4 / C or Functional Skills Level 2, or other equivalent Level 2 awards.
BTEC	BSc (Hons): DDM in IT or a technical subject. MSci: DDD in IT or a technical subject.
IB Diploma	BSc (Hons): 29 points to include one from Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Design Technology or IT at Higher level. MSci: 31 points to include one from Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Design Technology or IT at Higher level.
Access to HE	BSc (Hons): The Access to HE Diploma to include 30 Level 3 credits in either Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science or Statistics. Plus GCSE English Language and Mathematics at grade 4 or above. MSci: The Access to HE Diploma to include 30 Level 3 credits all at merit or above in either Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science or Statistics. Plus GCSE English Language and Mathematics at grade 4 or above.

Other qualifications and experience

Our students come from a variety of backgrounds, each with a unique story. We recognise a breadth of qualifications. If your qualifications differ from the above, contact our Admissions Team who will be happy to discuss your qualifications and routes into your chosen course.

Contextual/Fair Access Offers

If you meet the criteria for our Fair Access Offer, you could automatically receive a contextual offer which is 16 UCAS points lower than our standard entry requirements. View the criteria for our Fair Access Offer.

Select your region to find detailed information about entry requirements:

You can view our full list of country specific entry requirements on our Entry requirements page.

If you do not have the typical entry requirements, you may want to consider studying this course with an international foundation pathway. Upon successful completion this should provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to progress onto this undergraduate degree.

Alternatively, visit our International hub for further advice and guidance on finding in-country agents and representatives, joining our in-country events and how to apply.

English language requirements

IELTS: 6.0 overall, with no component lower than 5.5.

If you don't meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

For more information on our approved English language tests visit our English language requirements page.

Not got the required grades? We offer this degree with an integrated foundation year.

Fees and funding

Student	Full-time	Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man	2026/27 fees TBC 2025/26 fees: £9,535 per year	Not available
EU	2026/27 fees TBC 2025/26 fees: £9,535 per year with EU Support Bursary 2026/27 fees TBC 2025/26 fees: £19,850 per year without EU Support Bursary	Not available
International	2026/27 fees TBC 2025/26 fees: £19,850 per year	Not available

If you choose to study this course with a professional placement² or study abroad year, you will need to pay a tuition fee³ to cover your academic support throughout your placement year. Students commencing their professional placement in the academic year 2027/28 will pay £1,500 if they are paying UK fees, or £1,800 if they are paying international fees.

For advice and guidance on tuition fees and student loans visit our Undergraduate Finance page and see The University’s Tuition Fee and Refund Terms and Conditions.

The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, if Parliament permits an increase in tuition fees, the university may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation.

If you choose to study this course with a professional placement, the University will charge the tuition fees stated above for those on a placement during Academic Year 2027/28. The University will review professional placement tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study, but such that it will be no more than 5% above inflation.

For international students, we may increase fees each year, but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation. If you defer your course start date or have to extend your studies beyond the normal duration of the course (e.g. to repeat a year or resit examinations) the University reserves the right to charge you fees at a higher rate and/or in accordance with any legislative changes during the additional period of study.

We offer a range of International scholarships to students all over the world. For more information, visit our International Scholarships page.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessments, facilities and support services. There may be additional costs not covered by this fee such as accommodation and living costs, recommended reading books, stationery, printing and re-assessments should you need them. Find out what's included in your tuition costs.

The following are additional costs not included in the tuition fees:

Any optional overseas ﬁeld trips or visits: £400+ per trip.
Any costs associated with securing, attending or completing a placement (whether in the UK or abroad).

*Irish student fees

The rights of Irish residents to study in the UK are preserved under the Common Travel Area arrangement. If you are an Irish student and meet the residency criteria, you can study in England, pay the same level of tuition fees as English students and utilise the Tuition Fee Loan.

**EU Support Bursary

Following the UK's exit from the European Union, we are offering financial support to all eligible EU students who wish to study an undergraduate or a postgraduate degree with us full-time. This bursary will be used to offset the cost of your tuition fees to bring them in line with that of UK students. Students studying a degree with a foundation year with us are not eligible for the bursary.

How do you know if you need to pay UK or international tuition fees?

We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Your fee status determines your tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available to you. The rules about who pays UK (home) or international (overseas) fees for higher education courses in England are set by the Department for Education. The regulations identify all the different categories of student who can insist on paying the home rate. The regulations can be difficult to understand, so the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) has provided fee status guidance to help you identify whether you are eligible to pay the home or overseas rate.

If you meet all the criteria required by any one category, including any residence requirements, your institution must charge you the home rate. You only need to find one category that you fit into.

Facilities

Your studies will be centred in high-specification learning environments that benefit from extensive social learning facilities, well-appointed laboratories, lecturing facilities and classrooms, facilitating our innovative teaching methods across a diverse suite of courses.

Ethical Hacking Lab: a course-specific room with custom operating systems and software, which allows you to reconfigure the set-up in order to practice your hacking techniques.
Networking Lab: which allows you to build and test the physical network.

Facilities are subject to availability. Access to some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) may vary from those advertised and/or may have reduced availability or restrictions where the university is following public authority guidance, decisions or orders.

Careers and opportunities

Upon successful completion of the course, you should be able to:

understand, categorise and discuss threats to computer systems and services
apply sound investigations and reporting procedures to identify and report issues in systems, or as part of a forensic investigation
apply research and problem-solving skills to a security-related project.

We encourage our graduates to come back to give guest talks, meet (and often recruit) the current students and take part in extracurricular events (subject to availability)².

Where our graduates work

Past graduates of Coventry University have found work in penetration testing, digital forensics and network security. Working for organisations such LRQA Nettitude Cyber Security Services, Janet, the BBC and the UK government. Other students have gone on to successful careers outside of security, in software development roles.

The graduate destinations listed above illustrate potential career paths. You may need to gain additional qualifications or practical experience, pass professional examinations, complete training, cover associated costs and meet specific visa or immigration requirements to secure employment in these fields.

Two students sat at a desk working on a laptop

Discover Phoenix+

Phoenix+ brings you together with other students to learn, experience and develop essential knowledge and skills. Whatever destination you choose, it's about preparing you for life after university.

Learn more about Phoenix+

How to apply

BSc (Hons) with foundation year

Apply via UCAS

C85

Institution code

View our courses on UCAS

Visit UCAS

UK students

Full-time students can apply for this course through UCAS. Read our application pages to find out your next steps to apply.

How to apply

Apply via UCAS

If this course has a part-time option you will need to apply directly to the university.

Apply via the portal

If you'd like further support or more information about your course get in touch with us today.

+44 (0)24 7765 2222

ukadmissions@coventry.ac.uk

Complete our contact form

International students

International codes:
BSc: EESU078
MSci: EESU077

How to apply

For further support for international applicants applying for an undergraduate degree view our International hub.

You can also download our International mini guide for an overview of study options and why you should study with us.

Get in touch with us today for further advice and guidance.

+44 (0)24 7765 2152

ioadmissions@coventry.ac.uk

Complete our contact form

Disclaimers

Coventry University together with Coventry University London, Coventry University Wrocław, CU Coventry, CU London, CU Scarborough, and Coventry University Online come together to form part of the Coventry University Group (the University) with all degrees awarded by Coventry University.

¹Accreditations, partnerships and memberships

The majority of our courses have been formally recognised by professional bodies, which means the courses have been reviewed and tested to ensure they reach a set standard. In some instances, studying on an accredited course can give you additional benefits such as exemptions from professional exams (subject to availability, fees may apply. See the relevant body website for more details). Accreditations, partnerships, exemptions and memberships are subject to successful renewal in accordance with the relevant bodies’ standard review process and subject to the university maintaining the same high standards of course delivery. If the accreditation, recognition or membership of this course changes, we will seek to notify applicants and students as soon as possible.

²UK and international opportunities

Please note that we are unable to guarantee any UK or international opportunities (whether required or optional) such as internships, work experience, field trips, conferences, placements or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be unpaid and/or subject to additional costs (which could include, but is not limited to, equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire, travel, accommodation and visas), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable travel, public authority guidance, decisions or orders and visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand any visa requirements, please contact the International Office.

³Tuition fees

The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation.

⁴Facilities

Student Contract

By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. A copy of the current 2025/2026 contract is available on the website for information purposes however the 2026/2027 contract will apply for the 2026/2027 intake. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the university will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the university.