BSc (Hons) Computer Science (Cyber Security and Networks)

Undergraduate Entry Requirements

Academic Qualifications: International students applying for undergraduate programs are typically required to have achieved a minimum overall score of 65% or above in their high school or secondary school qualifications. This may vary depending on the specific course or program.

English Language Proficiency:

• IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.0 or 6.5 with no individual component below 5.5.
• TOEFL: A minimum score of 72, with a minimum of 17 in each component.
• PTE: A minimum overall score of 59, with no individual score below 59.
• Some programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.

Students must provide:

• academic marksheets & transcripts
• letters of recommendation
• a personal statement - SOP
• passport
• other supporting documents as required by the university.

It is important to note that meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee admission, as the university considers factors such as availability of places and competition for the program. Additionally, some courses may have higher entry requirements or additional selection criteria, such as interviews or portfolio submissions.

The University of Hertfordshire offers a range of scholarships and financial assistance programs to support international students in pursuing their education. These scholarships are designed to recognize academic excellence, encourage diversity, and provide opportunities for students who may face financial barriers.

Vice-Chancellor's Scholarship: This prestigious scholarship is awarded to exceptional international undergraduate and postgraduate students who demonstrate academic excellence. It provides a tuition fee discount of up to £4,000 for the duration of the course.

Regional Scholarships: The university offers several scholarships specifically for students from certain regions or countries. These scholarships vary in value and eligibility criteria, providing financial support to students from specific geographic areas.

Merit Scholarships: Merit-based scholarships are available for high-achieving international students. These scholarships recognize academic excellence and provide financial assistance towards tuition fees.

Sports Scholarships: The university encourages talented athletes to pursue their academic and sporting ambitions simultaneously. Sports scholarships are awarded to exceptional athletes who can demonstrate outstanding sporting achievements and commitment to their chosen sport.

Partnership Scholarships: The university has established partnerships with various organizations, institutions, and governments. Through these partnerships, international students may have access to specific scholarships and funding opportunities.

External Scholarships: The University of Hertfordshire also supports students in their search for external scholarships and funding sources. The dedicated scholarships team provides guidance and information on external scholarships that international students may be eligible to apply for.

It is important to note that each scholarship has specific eligibility criteria, application deadlines, and required documentation.

Graduates of the BSc (Hons) Computer Science (Cyber Security and Networks) program from the University of Hertfordshire possess a unique skill set that prepares them for diverse and rewarding career opportunities in the rapidly growing field of cyber security and network administration. 

Cyber Security Analyst: Graduates may work as cyber security analysts, responsible for protecting organizations from cyber threats by monitoring network traffic, analyzing security breaches, and implementing security measures to safeguard data and systems. They conduct risk assessments, develop security policies, and respond to incidents to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information assets.

Network Security Engineer: Graduates may pursue careers as network security engineers, focusing on the design, implementation, and maintenance of secure computer networks. They configure firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and virtual private networks (VPNs) to defend against unauthorized access, malware, and cyber attacks, and optimize network performance while ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulations.

Penetration Tester (Ethical Hacker): Graduates may work as penetration testers or ethical hackers, conducting authorized simulated cyber attacks on computer systems, networks, and applications to identify vulnerabilities and weaknesses. They assess the security posture of organizations, perform penetration testing, and provide recommendations to enhance security controls and mitigate risks.

Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst: Graduates may join security operations centers (SOCs) as analysts, monitoring and analyzing security alerts and events generated by security systems such as intrusion detection systems (IDS), security information and event management (SIEM) platforms, and endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions. They investigate incidents, triage alerts, and coordinate incident response activities to mitigate threats and minimize impact.

Cryptographer: Graduates may specialize in cryptography, focusing on the development and analysis of cryptographic algorithms and protocols to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and authenticity of digital communications and transactions. They design encryption algorithms, cryptographic key management systems, and cryptographic protocols for secure communication and data protection.

Cybersecurity Consultant: Graduates may work as cybersecurity consultants, advising organizations on cyber security strategy, governance, and compliance. They assess security risks, develop security architectures, and implement security solutions tailored to the specific needs and challenges of clients across various industries, helping them achieve regulatory compliance and protect sensitive information assets.

Incident Responder: Graduates may specialize in incident response, leading the investigation, containment, and recovery efforts in response to security incidents and data breaches. They analyze forensic evidence, identify the root causes of incidents, and develop remediation plans to restore normal operations and prevent future occurrences, collaborating with cross-functional teams and external stakeholders.

Cybersecurity Researcher: Graduates may pursue careers in cybersecurity research, conducting innovative research projects to advance knowledge and technologies in the field of cyber security. They explore emerging threats, vulnerabilities, and attack vectors, develop new defensive techniques, and contribute to academic publications, industry standards, and open-source initiatives to address evolving cyber security challenges.

Information Security Manager: Graduates may progress into management roles as information security managers, overseeing the development, implementation, and maintenance of information security programs within organizations. They define security policies, establish security controls, and manage security awareness training and compliance initiatives to protect assets, mitigate risks, and ensure regulatory compliance.

Cybersecurity Entrepreneur: Graduates with entrepreneurial aspirations may start their own cyber security consulting firms, technology startups, or product companies, offering innovative solutions and services to address specific cyber security needs and market demands. They leverage their expertise, creativity, and business acumen to develop and commercialize cyber security products, solutions, and services, contributing to the growth and innovation of the cyber security industry.