Cardiff University
Computer Science with Security and Forensics (Year in Industry) BSc (Hons)
Cardiff University

Key Course Facts

Student Reviews

Below you can see course specific reviews of 125 graduates of Computer Science with Security and Forensics (Year in Industry) BSc (Hons) and other courses in Computer Science at Cardiff University for each of the survey questions in comparison to the average for all UK degree courses in Computer Science.

Overall student satisfaction
67 /100
125 total respondents

Primarily based on data from undergraduate degree students.

The NSS is commissioned by the Office for Students

Salary

Salary of Graduates in Computer Science

Important: Salary data below is not course specific, but contains data of all students of Computer Science at the university. Due to data collection methodology, salary data is mainly based on data related to undergraduate students.

  15 months after graduation 3 years after graduation 5 years after graduation
Median salary £30000 £28500 £37000
25-75 percentile range £26000 - £35000 £22500 - £36000 £27000 - £49500


Salary of all UK Graduates of Computer Science

  15 months after graduation 3 years after graduation 5 years after graduation
Median salary £29821 £25150 £29857
25-75 percentile range £24771 - £35770 £18886 - £32933 £21689 - £41100

Course Description

The BSc Computer Science with Security and Forensics degree aims to give you a dynamic, theory-based and practical understanding of computer science with a strong information security theme. Students on this course 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.

Thinking like a computer scientist involves modelling real world problems on appropriate levels of abstraction, and developing elegant, efficient and practical solutions based on established mathematical and engineering principles.

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.

Distinctive features

The course does not require any prior knowledge or experience of computer science or computer security. You will begin your studies with a month-long module which establishes core concepts and competencies and supports the transition to studying at a university. You will develop your understanding of computer science, information security and digital forensics through project work and module options. A dedicated cybersecurity and digital forensics teaching laboratory supports this study.

Our approach to security and forensics is that they should be considered first from a business needs and requirements perspective, then follow a systematic implementation into corporate environments via risk assessment, security policy, and finally technical implementation of security techniques.

This degree offers the opportunity to take an industrial placement between taught years two and three.

Accredited by BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered IT Professional.

Jobs & Career Perspectives

15 months after graduation, graduates of this course were asked about what they do and, if they are working, about their current job and their perspectives.

Current jobs

Required skill level of job after 15 months

Jobs of graduates of this course (15 months after graduation)

Example below based on all graduates of Computer Science with Security and Forensics (Year in Industry) BSc (Hons) at Cardiff University

78% Science, engineering and technology associate professionals
7% Engineering professionals
2% Sales occupations
2% Elementary occupations
2% Business and Financial Project Management Professionals
2% Teaching Professionals
2% Information Technology Professionals
2% Media Professionals
2% Teaching Professionals

Grading & Study Time

Grading Distribution

Students of the course received the following grades

Entry Requirements / Admissions

UCAS Tariff of Accepted Students for this course

Qualification requirements

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)

We do not accept Critical Thinking, General Studies, Citizenship Studies, or other similar equivalent subjects. We will accept a combination of BTEC subjects, A-levels, and other qualifications, subject to the course specific grade and subject requirements.

Requirements for international students / English requirements

IELTS academic test score (similar tests may be accepted as well)

    • 6.5
    • MBA

Cardiff University has many scholarships on offer to our prospective students. Please see our website at http://www.cardiff.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/funding/scholarships for further information.
Get advice on which foundation courses are best for you to still study Computer Science with Security and Forensics (Year in Industry), BSc (Hons), if you do not meet the minimum requirements in terms of UCAS score, A levels, or English language requirements.

Costs

Tuition Fees Computer Science with Security and Forensics (Year in Industry) BSc (Hons)

England UK £9000 year 1
Northern Ireland £9000 year 1
Scotland £9000 year 1
Wales £9000 year 1
Channel Islands £9000 year 1
Ireland £9000 year 1
EU £25450 year 1
International £25450 year 1
EU £28200 year 1
International £28200 year 1

Additional fee information

Students from the UK and Islands:

Fees stated are for the 2024/25 academic year. The University reserves the right to increase tuition fees in the second and subsequent years of a course as permitted by law or Welsh Government policy. Where applicable we will notify you of any change in tuition fee by the end of June in the academic year before the one in which the fee will increase.

Fees for entry in subsequent years are subject to increase and will be confirmed by the end of October in the year preceding your start date of your programme.

Tuition fees cover all reasonable costs required for you to complete to the degree programme stated. Please note that you may choose to participate in study trips, associated placements or purchase equipment while studying on your degree programme which will be at your own cost. Tuition fees do not include living costs such as accommodation, subsistence or travel.

Students from the EU, EEA, and Switzerland:

Students from the rest of the world (international):

Fees for entry in subsequent years are subject to increase and will be confirmed by the end of October in the year preceding your start date of your programme.

Tuition fees cover all reasonable costs required for you to complete the degree programme stated. Please note that you may choose to participate in study trips, associated placements or purchase equipment while studying on your degree programme which will be at your own cost. Tuition fees do not include living costs such as accommodation, subsistence or travel.

Average student cost of living in the UK

Rent £518
Water, gas electricity, internet (at home) £50
Supermarket shopping £81
Clothing £35
Eating out £33
Alcohol £27
Takeaways / food deliveries £30
Going out / entertainment (excl.alcohol, food) £24
Holidays and weekend trips £78
Transport within city £17
Self-care / sports £20
Stationary / books £13
Mobile phone / internet £13
Cable TV / streaming £7
Insurance £51
Other £95
  
Average student cost of living £1092

London costs approx 34% more than average, mainly due to rent being 67% higher than average of other cities. For students staying in student halls, costs of water, gas, electricity, wifi are generally included in the rental. Students in smaller cities where accommodation is in walking/biking distance transport costs tend to be significantly smaller.

How to apply

Application deadline:

January 1, 2025

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Possible Entry Points:

  • year 1 (Default entry point)

University Rankings

Positions of Cardiff University in top UK and global rankings.

Rankings of Cardiff University in related subject specific rankings.

Computer Science

    • #1 
    • #26 
    Computer Science
    CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
    [Published 08 June, 2023]
    • #2 
    • #251 
    Computer Science
    THE World University Rankings by Subject
    [Published 26 October, 2022]
    • #1 
    • #283 
    Computer Science
    NTU Rankings by Subject
    [Published 11 July, 2023]

See all 33 university rankings of Cardiff University

About Cardiff University

Established in 1883, Cardiff University is located in the urban setting of the city of Cardiff, Wales. Some of the university’s most obvious advantages include world-leading research, a knowledgeable and proactive career services office, and the central location. Cardiff is a vibrant, modern city with a young and diverse population known for accepting people from all walks of life.

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Where is this programme taught

Main Site - Cardiff
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