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Cyber Security with Foundation Year

BSc Cyber Security with Foundation Year

Full or part-time distance learning foundation year course.


Are you ready to shape a secure online world? Our BSc Cyber Security with Foundation Year could be your gateway to an exciting career in this field. As our lives become increasingly intertwined with the digital realm, organisations across the globe need skilled professionals to secure their digital infrastructure and protect the everyday people who use their digital products.


The Foundation Year of this course equips you with the confidence and skills to pursue your degree in cyber security. This essential year ensures you're ready to advance into the core concepts of cyber defence, from understanding the intricacies of cryptography and network security to mastering the principles of ethical hacking and digital forensics.


When you study Cyber Security with a Foundation Year at Walbrook, you benefit from round-the-clock access to a dynamic online learning platform. Supported by your Study Coach and career coaches, your course is structured to transition you seamlessly into a future where you stand on the front lines of the digital age.

At a glance: your online foundation course

Location:

  • Online, distance learning


Start dates:

  • Next intake TBC


Tuition fees, funding and scholarships:

  • Total course cost for foundation year course is £26,565 (full and part-time).

  • UK students may be eligible for an undergraduate tuition fee loan.

  • Students self-funding will need to make a pre-payment based on one month’s tuition fees to accept an unconditional offer. 

  • You may be eligible for a Walbrook Scholarship giving you a £1,200 reduction in tuition fees if you are self-funding your course.

  • For UK students: if you experience financial difficulty as a student you can apply for support from our Hardship Fund. Applications open twice a year, funds allocated by committee.


Entry requirements:

  • At least 3 GCSEs (minimum grade 4, maths and English) or 45 credits at Level 2 or equivalent.

  • No A-Levels required.

  • English language: IELTS Level 6 or above with no element below 5.5 (or equivalent).



Fees for this Cyber Security foundation course

Complete your degree at your own pace and fit your studies around your professional and personal life.  


For UK students, the total fees for our online courses will be the same – whether you choose to study full or part-time. To explore all funding options for your BSc (Hons) Cyber Security with Foundation Year degree, check out our UK fees and funding page or international fees and funding page.


Student loans


UK students may be eligible for a student loan for this online distance-learning course.

  • Apply for a part-time loan even for full-time study to allow flexibility in funding.

  • Submit your loan application at least 6-8 weeks before your chosen start date to avoid delays.  

  • We can’t officially enrol you or allow you to start your course until your loan has been approved and verified by the Student Loans Company (SLC). You will need to upload proof that your loan has been confirmed at least 7 days before your chosen start month – otherwise, your start will be deferred to the next available intake.


Walbrook Scholarship


If you’re self-funding your course, you’ll have the opportunity to apply for a Walbrook Scholarship. The Walbrook Scholarship is an award of £1,200 towards your tuition fees, spread over the duration of your course and reducing your total fees. You are eligible to apply if you are funding your course yourself (you are not taking a government undergraduate student loan) and your household income is less than £3,500 per month.


Undergraduate Hardship Fund


If you experience financial difficulty as an undergraduate student, you can apply for support from our Hardship Fund. Hardship funds are made available to UK students twice in the academic year – you’ll be informed when applications are open and allocation of funds will be agreed by the Scholarship, Bursaries and Prizes Committee.


Tuition fee pre-payment for self-funding students


To accept your unconditional offer, you’ll need to make a pre-payment of your tuition fees.

  • The pre-payment amount is based on one month’s tuition fee, which will depend on your course and study mode, and with set limits to make it manageable. You’ll need to pay at least £500, and no more than £900.

  • You’ll have 90 days to pay, and your pre-payment must be made at least 7 days before your chosen start date – otherwise, your start will be deferred to the next available intake.

  • Undergraduate students using a government tuition fee loan are not asked to make a pre-payment.


Fee reductions


For UK and international students, you can also get 2% off your total fees if you pay annually in advance or 10% off if you pay upfront in full for an undergraduate course.



The prices shown below are for our online study mode only. They are inclusive of your tuition fee pre-payment and do not include any scholarships.

Online degree
Full time
Duration 4 years
Complete your degree in the shortest possible time and study flexibly – when and where suits you!

US$8,578

a year

You'll study 7–8 modules per year (approx. 25 hrs/week).
Online degree
Part time option one
Duration 5.5 years
Study for a degree whilst fitting it around your work, care and other life commitments.

US$6,239

a year

You'll study 5–6 modules per year (approx. 19 hrs/week).
Online degree
Part time option two
Duration 8 years
Take time to study and spread the tuition fees over a longer period – at no extra cost.

US$4,288

a year

You'll study 3–4 modules per year (approx. 12 hrs/week).

Shape your future with Walbrook online courses

Flexible learning: your life, your pace

Choose when and where to study, full or part-time, with your progress fully supported by our study coaches. Learning never has to feel rushed or delayed – it's your journey on your schedule.

Over 145 years of expertise

Benefit from our long heritage of education in business, management, and technology combined with the latest digital advancements to equip you with future-oriented skills.

Innovative personalised learning

Learn on your own terms. Gain the skills you need to reach your full potential with digital study materials, available anytime, anywhere, through your 100% online study platform.

Rewarding your ambition

Distance learning is an affordable, tailored option that fits your lifestyle, with fee reductions available. Fees for online degrees can also be spread over the length of your chosen course.

Entry requirements for Cyber Security with Foundation Year

Every application is different. If you’re not sure whether you meet the entry requirements, or you have any questions, contact us for advice. 

Typical offer

English language requirements

Have two A levels? Why not start your BSc now?

If you have two subjects at A level or equivalent you might be eligible to study Cyber Security without an integrated Foundation Year.

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Book a webinar: discover the Walbrook difference

Curious about what makes Walbrook stand out? Our engaging webinars are your gateway to a world of possibilities. Each session is a journey through the unique features of online learning with us, designed to fuel your ambition.

Book a webinar

Cyber Security foundation course details

On this BSc Cyber Security with Foundation Year, you'll explore critical cyber security principles, studying key concepts such as data protection, network security, and ethical hacking to defend against sophisticated digital threats. By combining foundational studies with in-depth knowledge of cyber security, this course strengthens your academic skills in your first year, ensuring you're prepared to excel in your degree-level studies and beyond.

Programme specification and academic regulation

This foundation year course includes the following modules:

Core modules

Elective modules

Discover how our courses are structured

See how modules are organised by semester and learn how part-time study options can fit around your life.

See how our courses are structured

Assessments on this course

Assessment types vary across modules. Here's an overview of the main types of assessments you'll take during your core studies:

  • Exams: sit for a 90-minute timed test with a mix of multiple-choice and open-ended questions.

  • Oral assignments and reflection papers: give a 7-10 minute presentation and write 1,500 words to show your understanding.

  • Advanced workbooks: complete a series of short tasks (150-300 words each) based on what you’ve studied.

  • Case studies: analyse real-world problems and suggest solutions in a detailed 3,000-word report.

  • Written assignments: research and write 3,000 words on a specific topic, using evidence to support your arguments.

  • Research essays: explore a topic in depth and present your findings in a 3,000-word essay..

  • Bachelor thesis: use in-depth research to produce an advanced 7,500 to 10,000-word dissertation on a specialised topic.

See our detailed guide to online exams and assessments.

How you'll study

Studying online with Walbrook is designed to be flexible and engaging, giving you access to everything you need to succeed:

Self-study

You’ll be in control of your learning, with the flexibility to study through the following activities, when it suits you:

  • Self-paced learning: engaging with written or recorded course materials to develop your knowledge.

  • Exam prep and quizzes: revising, testing your understanding, and preparing for assessments.

  • Assignments and/or projects: applying what you’ve learned through coursework.

Teaching

You’ll have access to a range of learning and teaching support, including:

  • Expert module lecturers: learn from experienced professionals who bring real-world insights and academic expertise to your studies.

  • Engage in planned sessions: discuss topics with your peers through online discussion platforms 

Support when you need it

Learning online doesn’t mean learning alone. You’ll have access to:

  • Digital library service: get expert support to access essential study materials, including eBooks, journals, and research tools tailored to your course.

  • Your Study Coach: to help you stay on track, understand your learning style, and meet your goals.

How to apply

Applying to Walbrook is simple, and you can do it directly – there’s no need to use UCAS. This means a faster, more personalised process so you can start your studies when you’re ready. 

  • Check entry requirements: review our entry requirements to make sure you meet them. 

  • Complete your application: fill out our online application form with your details. 

  • Submit your documents: upload any required documents, such as academic transcripts and proof of ID. 

  • Accept your unconditional offer: by uploading proof of loan approval or making your pre-payment. 

Contact us about our online degrees

Any questions about our online degrees or studying at Walbrook? Our Study Advisors are here to help.


Our office is open Monday to Friday from 8.00am to 5.30pm UK time (excluding UK public holidays).

Career opportunities: Cyber Security with Foundation Year

This Cyber Security Foundation Course prepares you for a wide range of roles in industries where the protection of information is vital. From securing network infrastructures to developing sophisticated defence mechanisms against cyber threats, you'll be equipped to protect digital assets and foster a culture of safety and awareness in any professional setting.


After completing this bachelor's degree with Foundation Year in Cyber Security, you'll find yourself prepared for careers such as:

A man wearing glasses sat at a desk, analysing system security on a computer monitor

Information security analyst

In this role, you’ll safeguard an organisation's computer systems and networks by planning and implementing security measures to protect sensitive information.


Your day-to-day responsibilities include monitoring for security breaches, investigating violations when they occur, and developing strategies to prevent future threats. You'll employ a variety of tools, from firewalls to encryption, ensuring the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of data.

Two young professionals walking in an office, consulting on cyber security

Cyber security consultant

As a cyber security consultant, you'll serve as an advisory expert on how to protect IT infrastructures from various cyber threats.


This involves conducting security assessments, understanding the organisational landscape of security, and recommending improvements. Your analytical skills will be crucial in identifying vulnerabilities, suggesting remedial measures, and sometimes overseeing the implementation of these strategies in diverse environments.

A woman wearing glasses working on a laptop, searching for vulnerabilities within a cyber system

Penetration tester

Penetration testers, or ethical hackers, simulate cyber-attacks to find vulnerabilities in an organisation's system before malicious hackers can exploit them.


Your role revolves around creatively outthinking cybercriminals, using tools and techniques to breach corporate defences, and providing actionable feedback to strengthen systems. This hands-on role not only requires deep technical knowledge but also a perpetual readiness to learn and adapt to new hacking methodologies.

Studying at Walbrook has been a real game-changer, because I can set my own schedule at the start of the week, I know exactly what I'm going to study, and also, I don't feel rushed to finish any modules. I can take it at my own pace, and I can study at my own level.

Arturs Jurzanovs

BSc (Hons) Computer Science

Why study a Cyber Security Foundation course?