Students working at desktop computers in an Arden computer room

Undergraduate · Computing

BSc (Hons) Cyber Security

Co-developed with Google Cloud.

Future-proof your career with a degree in cyber security.

Register your interestSee what you'll study

Subject to validation

  • AI-assisted Python from your first year
  • Agentic AI security simulations
  • Build your AI skills with Google Skills
  • Skills to work towards Google Cloud certifications
Arden University and Google Cloud
Why choose this degree

Build the skills employers want

Learn AI and subject expertise together, so you have both the skills and the know-how to apply them.

  • A student working at a desktop computer
    01 · Practical AI skills

    Graduate with in-demand, practical AI skills

    Build digital fluency, automated scripts and practical problem-solving with modern AI tools, starting with scripts that automate routine security tasks.

  • A student typing on a laptop beside a cup of coffee
    02 · AI in your subject

    AI applied in cyber security

    Work in a Python innovation lab to build automated security solutions and explore real cloud architecture challenges.

  • An Arden student in headphones working on a laptop
    03 · Real experience

    Real experience and Google Cloud skills

    Work on real industry challenges in your final year and build your AI skills with Google Skills.

Register your interest
About the course

Course overview

Learn to spot threats, respond to incidents and protect the systems organisations rely on. You’ll write AI-assisted Python, practise in security simulations and set up automated agents that run routine tasks for you.

Every organisation now depends on digital systems, and every one of them needs people who can keep those systems safe. The BSc (Hons) Cyber Security gives you the technical knowledge, practical skills and confidence to protect digital systems, data and organisations from cyber threats.

You’ll start with broad foundations in computing, networks, cloud, data and AI, then move into specialist areas including network security, ethical hacking, cyber threat intelligence and digital forensics.

AI is part of every stage of the course. You’ll learn how AI is used in modern cyber defence. You’ll then practise threat detection, incident response and risk management in agentic AI security simulations co-developed with Google Cloud. Agentic AI means AI tools that can carry out tasks by themselves. These simulations let you practise before you face real incidents at work.

Cyber security skills you’ll build

  • Network security, ethical hacking and cyber threat intelligence.
  • Threat detection and incident response.
  • Digital forensics and investigation.
  • Governance, security management and risk control.
  • How AI is used in cyber defence, and where its limits are.
  • Problem-solving, communication and professional skills.
How your skills grow

How you’ll use AI in cyber security, year by year

First, you’ll learn Python with AI to help you. Next, you’ll build automated agents that run tasks for you. In your final year, you’ll take on real industry challenges and gain the skills to work towards Google Cloud certifications.

  1. Level 4 · first year

    Simulations and a Python innovation lab

    Learn how networks, cloud and programming fit together. Then write Python code with help from AI, in an innovation lab and interactive simulations, to build simple scripts that automate security tasks.

  2. Level 5 · second year

    Google Cloud skills and simple agents

    Investigate incidents in Digital Forensics & Incident Management. You’ll also learn to set up simple no-code and low-code agents: automated helpers that run routine tasks for you, so you can focus on the most serious threats. You’ll also work through case studies from Google Cloud experts.

  3. Level 6 · final year

    Real industry challenges and certification skills

    Take on Secure System Engineering and Cyber Threat Defence, work on real industry challenges, and gain the skills to work towards Google Cloud certifications.

What Google Cloud adds

Learn the subject with Arden. Prove the skill with Google Cloud.

Your degree is co-developed with Google Cloud and taught and awarded by Arden University. It brings Google Cloud’s expertise together with Arden’s academic experience, so what you learn reflects how security professionals use cloud and AI today. Alongside your degree, you can explore learning resources from Google to develop your understanding of AI and how to use it.

  • Agentic AI security simulations

    Practise threat detection and incident response in simulations co-developed with Google Cloud, before you face real incidents at work.

  • Build your AI skills with Google Skills

    Explore learning resources from Google to develop your understanding of AI and how to use it.

  • Skills for Google Cloud certification

    Gain the skills to work towards Google Cloud certifications in your final year.

Key information

Course details

Cyber security protects the data, services and systems that organisations rely on. You’ll move from computing basics to specialist security topics, learning through study, projects and simulations co-developed with Google Cloud.

Not sure you’re ready to start at degree level? A foundation year gives you an extra year to build your study skills and confidence first. Switch it on to see how your course changes.

Qualification
BSc (Hons)
Awarded by
Arden University
Partnership
Co-developed with Google Cloud
Level
Undergraduate
Duration
3 years full-time
Entry route
Start at Level 4. A foundation year is available if you need it.
Start date
February 2027
Study modes
Blended or online
Attendance
Weekdays
Campus locations
London Ealing, London Holborn, London Stratford, Birmingham, Leeds, Manchester, Nottingham
Online availability
Available internationally
Learning platform
Arden’s digital learning platform
Course materials
Included, with no textbook purchase required
Validation
Subject to validation

Your degree is taught, assessed and awarded by Arden University. Google Cloud contributes learning content, tools and subject-matter expertise.

Modules

What you'll study

Modules are grouped by year. Level 4 is your first year, Level 5 your second and Level 6 your final year. Each column shows that year’s modules and, where confirmed, how many credits each is worth.

Returning to study, or don’t yet meet the entry requirements? Switch on the foundation year to see what you’d study before Level 4.

  1. Level 4

    4 modules
    First year

    Core modules

    • Professional Digital Practice (Employability)30 credits
    • Network & Cloud Fundamentals30 credits
    • Programming for Digital Professionals30 credits
    • Applied Data Analytics & AI30 credits

  2. Level 5

    6 modules
    Second year

    Core modules

    • Applied Professional Skills (Automated Workflows)30 credits
    • Digital Forensics & Incident Management30 credits

    Optional modules

    • Information Security and Risk Management30 credits
    • Cloud Infrastructure and Services30 credits
    • Applied Data Intelligence30 credits
    • Human-Centred Design and User Experience30 credits

  3. Level 6

    6 modules
    Final year

    Core modules

    • Arden Impact Module30 credits
    • Secure System Engineering30 credits
    • Cyber Threat Defence30 credits

    Optional modules

    • Internet of Things & Edge Computing30 credits
    • Applied AI30 credits
    • Big Data Engineering30 credits

Modules are subject to validation and may change.

Register your interestWe'll send you the confirmed module list and fees as soon as they're published.
Careers

Careers after this course

Cyber security matters in every sector, and employers increasingly want people who understand how AI is changing both attack and defence. You’ll graduate with broad technical foundations, specialist security skills and practical AI experience you can talk through at interview.

Examples of roles this course could lead to

  • Cyber Security Analyst
  • Security Analyst
  • Cyber Security Consultant
  • SOC Analyst
  • Information Security Analyst
  • Cyber Threat Intelligence Analyst
  • Digital Forensics Analyst
  • Network Security Specialist
  • IT Security Specialist
  • Incident Response Analyst
  • Security Engineer
  • Junior Cyber Security Technician
Study options

How you can study

Study through blended learning at one of seven Arden UK campuses, or online from anywhere, with the same high standards of teaching. Full-time, the degree takes three years, or four if you start with a foundation year. The foundation year is studied on campus, through blended learning.

Blended learning

Where
London Ealing, London Holborn, London Stratford, Birmingham, Leeds, Manchester, Nottingham
Platform
Arden’s digital learning platform

Blended learning means eight hours of timetabled classes each week, over two days at your chosen Arden campus. You’ll also do around 25 hours of independent study a week through Arden’s digital learning platform. You’ll have the Library Portal, journal titles, eBooks and academic and industry databases to hand. Essential course materials are provided, so there are no textbooks to buy.

It suits students who value regular face-to-face teaching with tutors and classmates and who live within commuting distance of an Arden campus.

Funding. Eligible students may be able to access tuition-fee and maintenance support. Funding arrangements vary across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Online learning

Where
Online, from anywhere in the world
Platform
Arden’s digital learning platform

Online learning is available for this degree without a foundation year. The foundation year is studied on campus, through blended learning.

Studying online means you can enrol with Arden from anywhere in the UK or the world and study from home, without attending classes in a physical location. You’ll study through Arden’s digital learning platform, with your virtual classroom, lecture theatre and the Library Portal’s journal titles, eBooks and academic and industry databases. All your course materials are provided free of charge.

Studying online doesn’t mean studying alone. You’ll get regular feedback and guidance from your course tutor, and you can meet other students through the community and the discussion boards built into each module.

Applying

Entry requirements

Academic requirements
  • A minimum of 45 credits at Level 3 completed within the last three years, or an equivalent qualification.
  • We may also consider you if you have at least two years of professional work experience, shown in a CV and a reference.
  • We look at every application individually.
  • A personal statement, references or evidence of relevant experience may be requested.
English language requirements
  • IELTS 6.0, with no less than 5.5 in any element.
  • TOEFL iBT 80.
  • Or an accepted equivalent.

Don’t meet these requirements yet, or want to build your confidence first? Switch on the foundation year to see the route in.

Foundation year (optional)

Start with a foundation year

A foundation year is an optional extra year at the start of your degree. It helps you build the study skills and confidence to succeed before your first year (Level 4) begins.

  • Who it’s for

    It suits you if you don’t yet meet the entry requirements, you’re coming back to study after a break, or you’re changing career and would like to build your confidence first.

  • How long it takes

    With a foundation year, your degree takes four years instead of three. The foundation year is studied on campus, through blended learning.

  • Where it leads

    When you complete the foundation year, you move on to Level 4, the first year of your degree, and study the same modules as everyone else.

See your course with a foundation year

You’ll learn the basics of software development and key technology concepts, and build the study skills you need for university.

Switch it on to add the foundation year to the course details, modules and entry requirements on this page. Your choice also changes the foundation year answer in the registration form.

See the foundation year modules

Not sure where to start?

We’ll help you find the right starting point. Register your interest, and our admissions team can talk you through your options, including the foundation year.

Register your interest

The world is moving fast. Learn to move with it.Co-developed with Google Cloud.

Whether you’re changing career, coming back to study or building on the career you have, register your interest in the BSc (Hons) Cyber Security and we’ll tell you as soon as applications open.

Be first to know when applications open

  • An email the moment applications open
  • The confirmed module list and fees as soon as they're published
  • Invitations to online sessions about your course, as they become available
  • No obligation to apply, and you can unsubscribe at any time
Do you want to start with a foundation year?

The information you provide on this form will be used by Arden University to get in touch with you about your enquiry. All information will be processed in accordance with Arden University Privacy Policy.

Course details and modules are subject to validation and may change.

Arden University and Google Cloud

Arden University awards every qualification shown.

Register your interest