Overview

Every organisation relies on secure digital systems, yet many remain exposed to cyber threats. In the UK, the latest government report (2025) shows a significant number of businesses and charities experienced cyber attacks in the past year. From data breaches to disrupted operations, the impact can be immediate and costly. This growing threat is driving demand for professionals who can protect networks, identify vulnerabilities and respond to threats.

If you enjoy problem-solving, thinking critically and working with technology, our BSc (Hons) Cyber Security and Networks is for you. You’ll apply these skills to real cyber security challenges and build expertise in a fast-moving field.

This course focuses on securing network infrastructure and defending against cyber crime. You’ll build a strong understanding of how systems are designed, managed and protected, while learning to identify risks and respond to real-world threats.

You’ll explore key areas including network security, digital forensics and ethical hacking, alongside current technologies such as AI in cyber security. It also builds your understanding of legal, ethical and professional responsibilities, preparing you to work confidently in the sector.

A strong practical focus runs throughout your learning. In specialist labs, you’ll gain hands-on experience using the same tools and technologies used in industry.

The course aligns with recognised professional standards, with modules that reflect Cisco Certified Network Associate and Cisco Certified Network Professional content. Building on this, you can work towards globally recognised Cisco qualifications through additional study and external exams alongside your degree.

As cyber threats continue to evolve, strong network defences are critical to organisations and national security. This course prepares you to work at the forefront of cyber security. Learn how to protect systems, track emerging threats and respond with confidence. Graduate ready to step into a high-demand, fast-moving industry.

Why study Cyber Security and Networks at GCU?

Build the skills to protect systems and networks, preparing you for roles in a fast-growing and high-demand field.
Apply your learning to real cyber security challenges. Develop problem-solving, analytical and technical skills that employers value through practical, scenario-based work that reflects industry practice.
Study a degree certified by National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC, part of GCHQ). The certification provides the students a trusted, industry-recognised cyber security qualification that enhances employability and career readiness. This degree is also accredited by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT. Modules are aligned to Cisco professional standards, supporting your progression towards globally recognised certifications such as CCNA and CCNP.
Gain hands-on experience in specialist labs, including Cisco networking labs with over 200 devices and digital forensics suites using industry tools such as Metasploit and Cellebrite.

National Cyber Security Centre

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The Chartered Institute for IT

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What you will study

Please note that full module information is in the process of being finalised for publication and will be made available here shortly.

In the meantime, you can view and download the Programme Specification at the bottom of this page. This document provides an overview of the course structure, including indicative modules, learning content and further key information. The modules listed on the Programme Specification are for the current academic year and are intended to give you an idea of what you may be able to study on this course.

Careers

Cyber security skills are in high demand as threats become more advanced and widespread. There is growing need for expertise in digital security, ethical hacking, and wireless and mobile technologies. This creates strong opportunities for graduates who can protect systems and respond to emerging risks.

This degree prepares you for careers across communication networks, security engineering and digital forensics, which are key areas within the IT workforce. With a focus on network infrastructure and cyber defence, you’ll graduate ready to protect systems and respond to real-world threats.

You could go on to roles such as:

Cyber Security Engineer
Security Operations Centre (SOC) Analyst
Network Security Engineer
Digital Forensics Specialist
Penetration Tester (Ethical Hacker)
Security Consultant
Forensic Practitioner.

Our graduates work across sectors including:

technology and IT services
government and public sector
law enforcement
private and corporate organisations.

Course information

Award	Mode of study	Duration	Start date	Location	UCAS
BSc (Hons)	Full time	4 years	Sep 27	Glasgow	I121	Enquire Apply
Award	Mode of study	Duration	Start date	Location	UCAS
BSc (Hons)	Full Time	4 Years	Sep 26	Glasgow	I121	Enquire Apply

Please note that admission to GCU is considered on a competitive basis, and the academic entry requirements stated here may be the minimum required to be eligible for an offer.

International students can get information on entry requirements specific to their country in our International Study section.

Year 1

Standard entry requirement

UCAS Tariff: 96

Scottish Higher: BBCC or equivalent incl Higher in Maths or Computing or a Science. Physics preferred.

A Level: CCC or equivalent incl A Level in Maths or Computing or a Science. Physics preferred.

Minimum entry requirement

UCAS Tariff: 90

Scottish Higher: BCCC or equivalent incl Higher in Maths or Computing or a Science. Physics preferred.

A Level: CCC or equivalent incl A Level in Maths or Computing or a Science. Physics preferred.

Year 2 entry

Standard entry requirement

HNC Cyber Security with A in Graded Unit 1

Year 3 entry

Standard entry requirement

HND Computing: Networking or Cyber Security with AB/BA in Graded Units

English language

IELTS score of 6.0 with no element below 5.5

Additional information for international applicants

Entry requirements by country
Application deadlines
English language tests
Knowledge of English - Applicants from a majority English speaking country may not be required to provide further proof of your English language proficiency. Information about this requirement is available on the Student Visa section of the gov.uk website.

Additional information for all applicants

Relevant experience (Recognition of Prior Learning)

GCU's flexible entry policies exist to allow relevant work experience and prior learning to be considered towards standard entry or advanced entry into a course.

If you do not have the typical academic entry qualifications, but can demonstrate relevant work experience and/or credits from recognised professional bodies, you may be eligible to enter this course via the University's Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) scheme.

Minimum entry requirements

Minimum entry requirements are for widening access students only. If you are from a group that is not currently well-represented in higher education you may qualify as a widening access student. This includes living in a target postcode area, attending a target school or college, attending SWAP, are care-experienced or provide care for someone else, have refugee status or are an asylum seeker.

Teaching methods

You’ll learn through a practical, hands-on approach that reflects real cyber security environments. Teaching combines lectures, workshops and lab-based sessions, giving you the opportunity to apply theory to real scenarios. This helps you build confidence and develop strong technical and analytical skills.

A key focus is developing advanced practical skills and benchmarking these against industry-standard professional qualifications. You’ll also build the wider skills employers expect, including:

research and analysis
technical writing and reporting
team working and collaboration
problem-solving in real-world scenarios.

Assessment methods

Assessments are designed for you to demonstrate your technical ability, apply your knowledge to real problems, and communicate your ideas clearly.

These include:

practical lab assessments
coursework and technical reports
presentations
class tests and examinations
computer-based exercises.

Industry links and professional development

The course is delivered within a strong industry context. You’ll work with technologies and tools used across the sector, helping you build relevant and up-to-date skills.

Regular guest lectures and employability events will help you build a professional network and understand career opportunities.

We are an academic partner of the Council for Registered Ethical Security Testers, an accredited Cisco Academy, and an approved provider of certifications from organisations such as AWS, Microsoft, Oracle, and 7Safe. This gives you the opportunity to align your learning with recognised industry standards and strengthen your professional profile as you progress through the course.

Lab facilities

You’ll learn in specialist labs designed to mirror real cyber security environments. This gives you hands-on experience using the same tools and systems used in industry.

Facilities include:

Cisco networking labs with over 200 devices
digital forensics lab with modern equipment
security Operations Centre lab
virtual environments to simulate cyber-attacks and defence
industry tools such as Metasploit, Nessus, and Nmap.

You’ll also have access to our innovative Netlab online laboratory system, allowing you to continue your learning beyond campus.

Placement opportunity

You will have the opportunity to undertake a placement year between Year 3 and Honours Year 4. During this time, you’ll work in an industry role for up to 12 months before returning to complete your honours degree. This extends your studies on the BSc (Hons) from four years to five years.

You’ll be responsible for securing your placement, but we’ll support you throughout the process. We’ll help you prepare applications, build your CV, and connect you with relevant organisations through our industry links.

This gives you valuable, hands-on experience in a professional setting. You’ll develop practical skills, build your confidence, and gain insight into how the industry works, helping you prepare for your future career.

Exchange and study abroad opportunities

You’ll have the opportunity to apply to study abroad at one of our partner universities in Year 3. This allows you to experience a different learning environment, explore new cultures, and build a global perspective.

Accreditation

This course is certified by National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) which is part of GCHQ. Being an NCSC-certified programme, it provides students a trusted, industry-recognised cyber security qualification that enhances employability and career readiness.

The course is also accredited by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT.

Visit the NCSC website.

Visit the BCS website.

Download the programme specification

In addition to the core modules that all students must undertake, some courses offer students a choice from a selection of optional modules to shape the focus their degree. Optional modules where available, form part of the overall credit structure of the course.

Download the programme specification for a detailed breakdown of the course structure, including modules, what you'll learn and other useful information.

Terms and Conditions

Details of the University’s terms and conditions are available here.

Overview

Why study Cyber Security and Networks at GCU?

Accreditations

What you will study

Careers

Course information