Course overview
Prepare for a fast-moving career in cyber and network security.
Prepare for technical and managerial cyber security roles through programming, networks, ethical hacking, penetration testing, threat intelligence, automation, digital forensics and practical industry-focused projects.
Year One
Build core skills in programming, cyber security, databases, networking, network applications, routing and switching.
Year Two
Develop ethical hacking and penetration-testing capability alongside network implementation, security, automation, research methods and threat intelligence analysis.
Year Three
Complete Cyber Ops, an industrial consulting project and a 40-credit dissertation, then choose two specialist options from digital forensics, the Internet of Things, network management and cloud computing.
Professional certificates
The course provides opportunities to complete CCNA learning in Introduction to Networks, Switching, Routing and Wireless Essentials, and CyberOps. Relevant modules also build knowledge for independently pursuing external ethical-hacking and threat-intelligence certificates.
Blended learning
Combine face-to-face campus teaching and hands-on labs with live online sessions. The final daytime or evening/weekend pattern is confirmed by the scheduling team.
Curriculum
Three years of hands-on cyber security study with specialist options.
01Year 1
Level 4
120 credits
Year 1
Level 4
- Problem Solving Through Programming20 credits
- Cyber Security Essentials20 credits
- Introduction to Databases20 credits
- Introduction to Networks and Security20 credits
- Network Applications20 credits
- Routing and Switching20 credits
02Year 2
Level 5
120 credits
Year 2
Level 5
- Ethical Hacking and Pen Testing20 credits
- Network Implementation20 credits
- Network Security20 credits
- Network Systems Automation20 credits
- Research Methods Project20 credits
- Threat Intelligence Analysis20 credits
03Year 3 — Core
Level 6
80 credits
Year 3 — Core
Level 6
- Cyber Ops20 credits
- Dissertation40 credits
- Industrial Consulting Project20 credits
03Year 3 — Options (choose 2)
Level 6
80 credits
Year 3 — Options (choose 2)
Level 6
- Cybercrime and Digital Forensics20 credits
- Internet of Things20 credits
- Network Management20 credits
- Cloud Computing and Virtualisation20 credits
Module availability and content may change as part of the provider’s ongoing academic review.
Assessment
Practical ways to show what you know.
Assessment uses coursework and examinations, including hands-on practical work with industry-standard software.
Teaching typically includes 9–12 hours of lectures, seminars and practical workshops each week, alongside approximately 30 hours of independent study.
Practical labs develop the ability to identify threats, test security, investigate vulnerabilities and apply appropriate mitigations.
Entry requirements
Your route onto the course.
Academic requirements
- 104–120 UCAS tariff points.
- A-levels, a BTEC Extended Diploma at DMM, a BTEC Diploma at D*D, a T-level at Merit, or an equivalent qualification.
English language
- GCSE English grade 4/C or above.
- An alternative English assessment may be available.
- Certified translations may be requested where qualifications are not in English.
Interview
Depending on the application, an academic interview may assess subject knowledge and readiness, especially where standard requirements are not met or an applicant has been out of education for some time.
Application documents
- Passport personal-details page.
- Qualification certificates and transcripts, with certified translations where required.
- A personal statement of more than 250 words.
- A CV if requested and referee details.
Student visa sponsorship
The study centres currently state that they cannot offer Student visa sponsorship for this course. Applicants requiring sponsorship should confirm alternative eligible programmes directly with the university before applying.
Fees & funding
Understand the full cost.
Annual fees may increase in line with inflation and government guidance.
Tuition does not include optional books, stationery, printing, accommodation, living costs, travel or extracurricular activities.
The course information recommends allowing approximately £200 per year for optional course texts.
Access to a laptop or desktop computer with a microphone, speakers, webcam and reliable internet connection is required for live online sessions.
Optional external professional examinations and certificate vouchers are not included in the tuition fee and carry additional costs.
Funding your study
Eligible UK students may be able to receive government Student Finance support towards tuition and living costs.
Eligibility depends on personal circumstances, previous study, the course and the provider.
What you’ll achieve
Skills for ideas that move forward.
Develop industry-focused skills in risk management, cloud computing, network security, ethical hacking and operating systems.
Gain practical experience through cyber security laboratories, attack and defence scenarios, vulnerability testing and an industry consulting project.
Complete degree-linked CCNA learning and prepare for independently pursued external cyber security certificates.
Career opportunities
Where this course can take you.
Career outcomes depend on your experience, further training and the requirements of each role.
Security operations
- Cyber security analyst
- Cyber defence analyst
- Security operations analyst
Testing and assurance
- Ethical hacker
- Penetration tester
- Cyber security auditor
Investigation
- Digital forensics analyst
- Threat intelligence analyst
- Incident response analyst
Consulting and governance
- Cyber consultant
- Information security specialist
- Risk and compliance analyst
Frequently asked questions
Course questions.
What hands-on experience is included?
Practical work includes security laboratories, simulated attacks, vulnerability testing, incident response, ethical hacking, network configuration and digital-forensics activities.
Are professional certificates included?
Degree modules provide opportunities to complete specified CCNA learning. External professional exams and certificate vouchers are optional and carry separate costs.
Where is the course available?
Current October 2026 application options list London, Birmingham and Manchester. Timetable availability can vary by location and intake.
Can international students receive visa sponsorship?
The study centres currently state that Student visa sponsorship is not available for this course. Applicants requiring sponsorship should check eligible programmes directly with Solent University.