---
title: "BSc (Hons) Cyber Security with Foundation Year"
description: "Start your career with Arden’s BSc (Hons) Cyber Security with Foundation Year. Develop the technical knowledge, practical skills and confidence you need to protect digital systems, data and organisations from cyber threats."
canonical: "https://ads.pr1.ops.ads.arden-prod01.arden.ac.uk/our-courses/undergraduate/foundation-year-entry-degrees/bsc-cyber-security-foundation"
published: 2026-10-19
updated: 2026-11-04
author: "Arden University"
---

# BSc (Hons) Cyber Security with Foundation Year

## Course details and modules

As organisations rely more heavily on digital systems, cyber security is an important part of protecting data, services and infrastructure. This course helps you develop the technical skills needed to work in this changing field.

You will progress from foundational computing knowledge to specialist cyber security topics, building your understanding through academic study and practical activities.

You will also gain experience through projects and simulations developed with Google Cloud, helping you apply what you learn to practical security challenges and prepare for a career in cyber security.

### Modules

Foundation Year

- CREATE (30 credits)
- Fundamentals of Software Development (30 credits)
- Applied Tech Concepts (30 credits)
- Skills for University Study (30 credits)

Level 4

- **Core Modules**
- Professional Digital Practice (Employability) (30 credits)
- Network & Cloud Fundamentals (30 credits)
- Programming for Digital Professionals (30 credits)
- Applied Data Analytics & AI (30 credits)

Level 5

- **Core Modules**
- Applied Professional Skills (Automated Workflows) (30 credits)
- Digital Forensics & Incident Management (30 credits)
- **Optional Modules**
- Information Security and Risk Management (30 credits)
- Cloud Infrastructure and Services (30 credits)
- Applied Data Intelligence (30 credits)
- Human-Centred Design and User Experience (30 credits)

Level 6

- **Core Modules**
- Arden Impact Module (30 credits)
- Secure System Engineering (30 credits)
- Cyber Threat Defence (30 credits)
- **Optional Modules**
- Internet of Things & Edge Computing (30 credits)
- Applied AI (30 credits)
- Big Data Engineering (30 credits)

*Due to the evolving nature of AI tools and technologies, we may from time to time add, replace or remove certain AI tools (such as the large language model) and/or change course details and content related to AI to give you the most up-to-date and industry-relevant learning experience.*

### How do we assess you?

Assessment on the course is designed to reflect the real-world complexity of cyber security, AI and professional practice. You’ll experience a varied and inclusive approach to assessment, helping you develop your knowledge and skills progressively throughout the course.

You’ll complete a mix of individual and group work, written and practical assessments, and formative and summative activities, such as reports, case study analyses, presentations, and portfolios.

## Study options

This course is available to study through Arden’s blended learning study mode at our campuses in [**London Ealing**](https://arden.ac.uk/where-to-study/locations/london/ealing-study-centre), [**London Stratford**](https://arden.ac.uk/where-to-study/locations/london/stratford-campus), [**London Holborn**](https://arden.ac.uk/where-to-study/locations/london/holborn-study-centre),  [**Manchester**](https://arden.ac.uk/where-to-study/locations/manchester), [**Birmingham**](https://arden.ac.uk/where-to-study/locations/birmingham), [**Leeds**](https://arden.ac.uk/where-to-study/locations/leeds), [**Newcastle**](https://arden.ac.uk/where-to-study/locations/newcastle), and [**Nottingham**](https://arden.ac.uk/where-to-study/locations/nottingham).

### Blended learning

**How does it work?**

When you choose our blended learning study mode, each week you’ll have eight hours of timetabled classes spread over two days at the Arden campus of your choice. This is combined with around 25 hours of independent study, which takes place through ilearn, our university campus in the cloud. ilearn contains all the resources you need to study successfully. As a blended learning student you’ll also have access to our Library Portal, an extensive digital library with thousands of journal titles, eBooks, and a range of academic and industry databases that you can use to research and gain in-depth information on your area of study. At Arden, all of your course materials are provided free of charge, removing the need for you to buy expensive textbooks to study your degree successfully.

Blended learning is the best option for students who prefer the structure of regular face to face classes with their tutor and fellow classmates, and is particularly suited to students who live within commuting or driving distance of one of our UK campuses.

If you're a student from England who is enrolling on a blended learning course with Arden (based in one of our UK campuses) then you can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan and Maintenance Loan to help pay for your living expenses. You can find more information on our [**fees and funding page**](https://arden.ac.uk/studying-with-us/fees-and-funding/undergraduate-loans). If you're a student from Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland you can find information about obtaining a student loan to cover your costs from your student finance body.

[**Learn more about blended learning**](https://arden.ac.uk/studying-with-us/blended-learning)

## Entry requirements

At Arden University we consider applications on a case by case basis. If you have significant work experience, have qualifications you have gained elsewhere, or a degree or qualification that isn't a clear pathway to this degree - we are more than happy to discuss your application.

### Eligibility

To be able to study this course, we need to see that you have:

- A minimum of 45 credits at Level 3 completed within the last 3 years, or an equivalent qualification.
- Applicants may be considered based on a minimum of 2 years of professional work experience evidenced with a CV and Reference.
- We also offer this course as a standard Bachelor’s degree without foundation year. To view the course details, [please click here](https://arden.ac.uk/our-courses/undergraduate/computing-degrees/bsc-hons-cyber-security).

### English Proficiency

- IELTS 6.0 (no less than 5.5 in any element); or TOEFL iBT 80; or equivalent

We’ll ask you for a personal statement that demonstrates your ability to study the course. We may also want references and evidence of relevant experiences.

## Meet the faculty

![Professor John Parkinson, PhD, PGDip, FHEA](https://cdn.arden.ac.uk/s3fs-public/styles/quote_m/public/2025-12/John%20P.png)

***A future-facing faculty preparing graduates for an AI-enabled world***

Hello, I’m Professor John Parkinson, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences & Technology (FoSST) at Arden University. I joined Arden after twenty-five years of research, teaching, and leadership in UK higher education. Throughout my career, I have been driven by a passion for understanding human behaviour and creating learning environments that help people thrive.

My academic career has centred on behavioural science, human motivation, applied research, and public policy. Beyond academia, I am a qualified counsellor and a strong advocate for student-centred, future-focused education. These experiences have shown me how quickly society shifts — and how vital it is that education keeps pace. At Arden, we are committed to ensuring that every student encounters an AI-infused curriculum, develops the literacies needed to thrive in data-rich workplaces, and learns to apply
technology ethically and insightfully to real-world challenges.

Throughout the Faculty, we have a deep commitment to applied, interdisciplinary learning, preparing students for the complexities of an evolving world. Across psychology, computing and data science, criminology, law, and the social sciences, our faculty brings together disciplines that are all being reshaped by artificial intelligence and rapid technological change. With the university’s new investment and strategic focus on digital transformation, our mission is clear: to prepare graduates who can harness the power of AI responsibly, creatively, and confidently.

We champion interdisciplinary thinking because the future will demand nothing less. Whatever programme you study, you will experience learning that is flexible, applied, technology-enabled, and grounded in strong academic foundations. Our goal is to not only help you succeed academically, but to ensure you graduate ready for the emerging AI-augmented professions of the future — resilient, skilled, and able to make a positive impact on society.

Welcome to the Faculty of Social Sciences & Technology. I look forward to supporting you as we build this ambitious, future-ready community together.

Professor John Parkinson, PhD, PGDip, FHEA

Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences & Technology

## Career prospects

In a collaboration with Google Cloud, we’ve created brand-new, future-focused degree programmes. Designed with Google Cloud experts, these courses bridge the gap between higher education and cutting-edge tech industry demands, helping you build skills for a successful career across cyber security, data and intelligence, and AI.

- [ A New Partnership in AI Education \| Arden University & Google Cloud  ](https://study.arden.ac.uk/google-cloud)

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### What will the BSc (Hons) Cyber Security with Foundation Year do for me?

The course will help you develop a strong technical foundation before specialising in cyber security. You’ll build practical digital and computing skills alongside your cyber security knowledge, giving you the confidence to understand, assess and respond to security challenges.

You’ll also develop an understanding of AI and emerging technologies, including how they can support learning, problem-solving and professional practice. Through Arden’s partnership with Google Cloud, you’ll have opportunities to engage with Google Cloud expertise and technology as the partnership develops, and prepare for a career in cyber security and technology with industry-relevant knowledge and experience.

### What can I do after Arden University?

Cyber security is an increasingly important part of the digital economy, with organisations across every sector needing skilled professionals to protect their systems, data and people. This course will give you a broad technical foundation alongside specialist cyber security skills, helping you prepare for a range of roles as you develop your experience.

Potential career paths could include:

- 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

## Industry skills

![Arden University and Google Cloud logo](https://cdn.arden.ac.uk/s3fs-public/styles/kb_image_low__resize/public/2026-09/Picture1.png?VersionId=9m0GaZ6Rv57C414sQdyomgp9ZVLxUQwA&itok=_OfKtVpN%20)

**Future-defining degrees, developed with Google Cloud**

Designed with Google Cloud experts, our created brand-new, future-focused degree programmes bridge the gap between higher education and cutting-edge tech industry demands covering cyber security, data science, AI systems engineering, applied AI in business management, and more.

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