Course overview
Build strong technical foundations for a cyber security career.
Build a supported foundation in computing, mathematics, digital media and programming before progressing into networks, ethical hacking, penetration testing, threat intelligence, cyber operations and specialist security projects.
Foundation Year
Build introductory knowledge of hardware, software, operating systems, networks, cyber security, programming, mathematics and digital media while developing teamwork and academic study skills.
Year One
Progress into programming, cyber security essentials, databases, network security, network applications, routing and switching.
Year Two
Study ethical hacking, penetration testing, network implementation and security, automation, research methods and threat intelligence.
Year Three
Complete Cyber Ops, an industrial consulting project and a 40-credit dissertation, and choose two specialist options from digital forensics, IoT, network management and cloud computing.
Professional certificates
Degree modules provide opportunities to complete CCNA learning and build the knowledge needed to pursue external ethical-hacking and threat-intelligence certificates independently.
Blended learning
Combine face-to-face teaching and practical laboratories with live online sessions. Daytime and evening/weekend patterns are confirmed by the scheduling team.
Curriculum
A dedicated Foundation Year followed by three years of Cyber Security.
01Foundation Year
Level 3
120 credits
Foundation Year
Level 3
- Problem Solving20 credits
- Foundation Mathematics20 credits
- Group Technology Project20 credits
- Digital Media Technologies20 credits
- Foundation Computing20 credits
- Individual Degree Related Project20 credits
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 across the Foundation Year and degree modules.
Teaching typically includes 9–12 hours of lectures, seminars and hands-on practical workshops each week, alongside approximately 30 hours of independent study.
Practical work develops network configuration, vulnerability testing, threat investigation and cyber defence skills using industry-standard software.
Entry requirements
Your route onto the course.
Academic requirements
- 48 UCAS tariff points.
- A minimum of two completed A-levels, a BTEC Extended Diploma at PPP, a BTEC Diploma at MP, a T-level Pass at D or E, or an equivalent qualification.
- Mature applicants without recent formal study may be considered through relevant workplace or voluntary experience that demonstrates the ability to complete the course.
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 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 a supported foundation in computing, mathematics, programming, academic study and teamwork before progressing into specialist cyber security study.
Build skills in risk management, cloud computing, network security, ethical hacking, data analysis and operating systems.
Gain practical experience through laboratories, attack-and-defence scenarios and industry-focused projects.
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.
How does the Foundation Year support progression?
It develops introductory computing, programming, mathematics, networks, cyber security, academic communication and teamwork before the three-year undergraduate programme begins.
How is the course assessed?
Assessment combines coursework and examinations, with substantial hands-on laboratory work and practical technical projects.
Where is the course available?
Current 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.