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Cyber security professionals are in high demand by businesses and organisations worldwide. This programme is designed to give you access to a wealth of potential career routes in cyber security by training you on key techniques, approaches and methodologies of cyber security as practiced within the IT industry. This starts with general concepts about computing, before progressing into more in-depth training on cyber security.
The programme has a strong technical focus to give you a deep level of understanding and hands-on experience on how computing devices operate and communicate in the cyber space and how to secure them properly. You will also learn how to actively assess and improve the security posture of organisations’ cyber systems.
This fast-tracked programme prepares students to work in dynamic and agile organisations or to pursue postgraduate education. Our small-group teaching and learning environment, supported by personal tutors, offer students a personalised learning experience to achieve their full potential. Learning is enriched through collaborative projects, co-curricular activities and seminars by guest speakers from industry. Opportunities for professional skills development are offered throughout the degree programme. Students are encouraged to be innovative and enterprising whilst considering ethical, sustainability, diversity and inclusivity issues.
Graduates of the degree programme will be able to undertake a variety of careers in the IT industry, including programming, systems analysis and design, network and systems management and technical support.
Computing at Buckingham
Advanced knowledge of fundamentals and innovations in digital and technology solutions, and their application to solve real-life problems are at the heart of Buckingham’s computing programmes. Our undergraduate programmes are accredited by the British Computer Society, and they blend theory with practice to ensure students gain confidence, skills, and the expertise required to becoming an IT professional in this increasingly interdisciplinary field.
Student-centred small group teaching and learning utilising state-of-art technologies and equipment, informed by cutting-edge research, prepares graduates of this programme for a rewarding career in industries of the future.
The standard entry requirements for computing are: A-Level: (ABB – BBB), IB 32 or equivalent (Computing and/or Mathematics are desired, but not essential).
Applicants must also have GCSE B in Math and English.
If English is not your first language you will also need an IELTS score of 6.5 (with at least 6.0 in each component).
The first year of this two-year programme introduces students to essential theories and concepts of computing, programming and software development that underpin modern computer science. These theories and concepts build the fundamentals necessary to undertake highly specialised modules in cyber security. All modules include practical work to apply knowledge and understanding to solve problems.
The second year focuses on specialist modules starting from the fundamentals of cybersecurity and cryptography to advanced modules such ethical hacking & penetration testing, digital forensics and cyber incident management.
A substantial project to solve a problem specifically within the domain of cyber security is also undertaken alongside software project management and cloud computing, which are some of the most sought-after skills in the IT sector today. There are several opportunities to work in teams enabling students to develop leadership and collaboration skills.
Quality Teaching
We offer high quality, traditional Oxbridge-style teaching, which leads to our degrees being recognised around the world. The standards of degrees and awards are safeguarded by distinguished external examiners – senior academic staff from other universities in the UK – who approve and moderate assessed work.
Accreditation
This degree programme is accredited by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered IT Professional.
This degree programme is accredited by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for Incorporated Engineer and partially meeting the academic requirement for a Chartered Engineer.
High calibre staff
Our academic staff are friendly, approachable, diverse and highly respected professionals. All academics are research active, many of whom also have worked with business and industry partners on real projects, and can offer networking opportunities for students.
The programme is supported by a highly professional and dedicated team of faculty managers and administrators.
Teaching methods
Teaching is carried out through a combination of lectures supported by seminars, practical workshops and tutorials. It is enhanced by virtual learning environments, online / stand-alone computer-based teaching, learning tools and software packages.
A key feature of the Buckingham teaching method is the use of small tutorial groups which provide the most effective means of ensuring that the students benefit from the academic expertise at their disposal. It is also the philosophy of the University’s faculty to be available to students outside the scheduled tutorial times and to encourage good working relationships between staff and students.
Computing programmes have supervised practical classes in computer labs in which you can apply and practise the techniques you have learnt in the lectures. These practical sessions are usually two or three hours long. You will also be expected to study on your own, using the library for reading and research, and computer laboratories to improve your practical skills.
Each student has a designated supervisor for the Individual Project. Weekly supervision meetings are offered throughout the Project.
Assessment methods
A range of assessment techniques are utilised throughout the degree programme to give students the opportunity to demonstrate achievement of the learning outcomes. Individual and group coursework, presentations, portfolios, quizzes, projects, and exams are the key assessments. The assessment of individual modules within each course varies according to the subject. Please check module information for more details.
Computer labs, software and equipment
The School of Computing has several labs to facilitate the teaching, learning and assessment of its programmes. In addition to two general computer labs with high specification PCs, the School has specialist labs for cyber security and networks, games and immersive application development and robotics.
The Robotics lab includes a Boston Dynamics Spot, a number of indoor and outdoor ground robots, and two collaborative robots. Several sensors/payloads such as lidar scanners, gas sensors, imaging sensors are also available for student projects.
A Birdly virtual flying machine and high-end mixed reality headsets such as Microsoft HoloLens 2 and Varjo XR3 are available to develop and test immersive applications.
The Cyber Security and Networks lab is equipped with devices to configure and secure networks and simulate attacks.
Integrated development environments and a variety of software packages are available for teaching, learning and projects. Most software packages are available for students to install on their own PCs or laptops.
Preparation for work
Accredited by the BCS, the Charted Institute for IT, our undergraduate programmes are designed to blend theory with practice. They combine academic challenge with professional skills that will stand you in good stead for employment in industries of the future. Through our business networks and industry partners, students have opportunities to undertake micro internships, work placements and real-life projects.
Graduate Employment
Our graduates have gone on to work at some of the world’s leading tech firms and multinational corporations such as Adobe, Amazon, Arm, BAE Systems, BT, Google Deep Mind, IBM, Jaguar Land Rover, Meta, Microsoft, PWC, and Salesforce. Some of our graduates work for companies that are highly specialised in their business, for example ASOS, Russell IPM, Vitalograph, and Zizo.
Many of our graduates have gone on to postgraduate studies in world’s leading universities, including Oxford, Cambridge and Edinburgh, and secured jobs in senior positions around the world. Among our alumni are successful tech entrepreneurs.
What our students say
I have been interested in computing and technology from a young age. It always has, and continues to fascinate me how things work. I studied computing at GCSE and Sixth Form level here in the UK, not only learning basic programming but also how vital a role technology plays in business today. So, it was only natural to want to pursue this at a higher education level.
I loved that the course covered all aspects and areas of computing in great detail – from basic programming, to web development, cybersecurity and Artificial Intelligence with interesting and challenging projects, both in groups and individual. My final year project was to build an image-processing application that automatically detects cracks on solar panels. During my time, I also joined the Gaming Society, where I met new people and even went on a trip to London Comic Con.
Mihir Raniga – BSC Computing, 2022
I joined the September 2019 cohort and was surprised by how different the course was compared to my previous university programme. The tight-knit classes allowed me to ask many questions and engage with the lectures more easily; the timetables gave the flexibility to organize my spare time, especially allowing me to apply in practice what I had learned in blockchain and crypto; and having my personal tutor alongside me meant I was encouraged and motivated when I most needed it.
During my time at Buckingham, I was able to form a competitive group called ‘Team Bucklers’ at the Keyloop Dealer Tech Competition and win the regional team prize worth £3000. I was twice nominated to the Student Union body as Equity and Inclusion Officer as well as Ethical and Environmental Officer, where I was able to introduce free-cycling schemes and fundraise against deforestation. I also co-founded a student-led start-up for connecting students on campus via a mobile application with the assistance of the Buckingham Enterprise & Innovation Unit (BEIU).
In the end, I was able to graduate with First Class Honours and with three academic awards for best performance in exam diets and for the most outstanding undergraduate project regarding conversational AI chatbots.
Thomas Humphreys, BSc Computing, 2022
The experience I had at Buckingham was perfect for me. The class sizes were small and the lecturers always had time to help you out if you needed it. I picked up programming extremely quickly thanks to my lecturers’ help, although, the lecturers were also able to challenge you when you needed an extra push. I actually ended up extending my degree into 3 years. The staff were extremely helpful in this process and made it very easy for me to transition into it.
I’m now doing a software engineer graduate scheme course at QinetiQ – a very competitive position which I am so excited to be a part of. I’m still not certain about exactly which area I want to go into and the graduate scheme is able to give me opportunities all around the company. To anyone thinking about studying computing at the University of Buckingham: if you want a supportive atmosphere with kind lecturers who are always ready to help out, this is the place for you.
Bethan Gibson – BSC Computing, 2020
Our Success Stories
We are incredibly proud of our students’ achievements. You can read about them on Our Success Stories page.
The fees for this course are:
| Start | Type | 1st Year | Total cost |
|---|---|---|---|
Sep 2023 Full-time (2 years and 1 term) | UK | £11,424 | £25,704 |
| INT | £18,208 | £40,968 | |
Jan 2024 Full-time (2 Years) | UK | £12,852 | £25,704 |
| INT | £20,484 | £40,968 |
The University reserves the right to increase course fees annually in line with inflation linked to the Retail Price Index (RPI) to take account of the University’s increased costs of delivering educational services. If the University intends to increase your course fees it will notify you via email of this as soon as reasonably practicable.
Course fees do not include additional costs such as books, equipment, writing up fees and so on. Where applicable, these additional costs will be made clear.
You may also find it useful to visit the following fee related information on our site:
Discounts
Students who graduate from the University and plan to continue their studies with a postgraduate degree at Buckingham can benefit from a very generous automatic discount on their fees:
- 33%, those with a first class honours degree from Buckingham
- 25%, those with a Second Class Honours, Upper Division (2:1) degree from Buckingham
Scholarships
Details of our scholarships can be found on our Bursaries and Scholarships page.
On-campus accommodation
We guarantee on-campus accommodation to all new students for their first four terms of study, as long as it is booked and paid for in good time, so you’re assured of a safe and secure home from home when you arrive at the University. Most new students choose this option.
Living on campus enables you to become involved in University activities, make friends, and integrate with the University community. For some of you this will be your first time in the UK; for others it will be the first time living away from home – and independence brings its challenges as well as its excitements. Whatever your circumstances, we know how important it is for you to feel comfortable in your accommodation.
What’s included?
All our study bedrooms are fully furnished, centrally heated, and connected to the internet. With few exceptions they have a wash basin and small refrigerator. We have a large number of ensuite rooms, and are upgrading more rooms each year. There are shared kitchens for when you wish to cook for yourself.
Find out more
If you’d like to find out more, visit our Accommodation pages or get in touch with our Accommodation Team.
We recommend that all prospective students visit our campus if they are able to, at one of our open days or a Campus Tour, campus tours include a typical student room.
We welcome applications in two different ways – directly via our online application form or through UCAS.
Apply directly
Apply online via our course pages:
- Most flexible option
- Apply until shortly before the course starts
- No application fees
- You can apply to us as an extra option alongside your UCAS choices
You can apply directly through our website by clicking the ‘apply’ button at the bottom of the course page.
Apply via UCAS
You can easily make Buckingham one of your UCAS choices:
- You can apply to up to 5 choices
- The application and decision deadlines are set by UCAS
- There is an application fee to UCAS
Our UCAS code is B90.
If you’re interested in transferring to Buckingham from another university then please get in touch to talk through your options.