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BSc (Hons) Computer Science (Cyber Security)

Key information

The world relies on digital technology more than ever before. As a result, today the prevention of cyberattacks, data breaches and identity theft are a priority for individuals, businesses and governments alike.

Level
Undergraduate
Delivery type
Full Time
Degree qualification
BSc (Hons)
Mode of delivery
On-Campus
Duration
4 years
Location
Dubai
Start date
September

The escalating reliance on digital technology has made fortifying against cyber threats, such as attacks, data breaches, and identity theft, more crucial than ever. This urgency is a shared priority among individuals, businesses, and governments today. 

The BSc in Computer Science (Cyber Security) programme establishes a robust foundation, imparting practical skills in computer science with a distinct focus on cyber security. It equips students not only with technical proficiency but also with essential professional skills necessary to tackle the contemporary challenges in cyber security faced by organisations and society. 

This programme delves into the core concepts of networks and computer systems, enabling an understanding of how communications can be probed and manipulated while also teaching forensic analysis of systems. Students will explore secure programming techniques and the essential methods for safeguarding real-world networks and systems, including access control, encryption, and intrusion detection. 

Throughout the initial three years, students engage in eight compulsory courses per year, and in the fourth year, they pursue five mandatory courses alongside three elective ones. 

Your student experience

  • Tools for Your Success 
  • Rankings: We are Ranked 6th in Scotland for Computer Science by The Complete University Guide 2023 

  • Industry-Validated Curriculum: Our programme is meticulously crafted in consultation with leaders in the field of computer science. This ensures that you're equipped with the precise skills sought after by employers, giving you a competitive edge in the job market right from the beginning of your career. 

  • Mastery of Essential Software Tools: In today's dynamic tech landscape, mastering fundamental software tools like Python, data analysis libraries, and programming frameworks is crucial. We've intensified our focus on these tools, ensuring you're well-versed and ready to thrive in practical computer science applications. 

  • Integrated Course Structure: We've optimised our course structure to create a cohesive learning experience, emphasising the interconnectedness of various computer science disciplines. This integrated approach will empower you to solve intricate challenges and innovate across multiple domains within the field. 

  • Access to Advanced Topics: Through our updated curriculum, you'll explore a range of advanced subjects, including machine learning, computational intelligence, and data mining. This expansion of your expertise will refine your skills and prepare you for tackling complex real-world computing projects. 

Go Global

With Go Global, Heriot-Watt's global student programme, you can carry your studies to new places and experience new cultures, expanding your horizons on the way. You'll discover what it means to be a true global citizen and emerge prepared for wherever your career journey will take you.

Inter-Campus Transfer: United Kingdom

Discover new friends and places with an inter-campus transfer to the UK.

Course content

September Intake - Dubai

Mandatory September

  • Logic and Proof
  • Introduction to Interaction Design
  • Praxis
  • Software Development 1

Mandatory January

  • Discrete Mathematics
  • Introduction to Computer Systems
  • Software Development 2
  • Web Design and Databases

Fees and funding

AED 79,100 per year

  • All tuition fees inclusive of VAT.

Entry requirements

We have standard entry requirements for all of our courses that you will have to meet.

For entry into Year 1 September or January intake, our entry criteria are listed below. However, please note that the final decision remains at the discretion of the course director after evaluating scores of individual relevant subjects.

Students who are eligible to be admitted directly into second year can choose to join the first year, where available.

  • GCE A-Level - CCC (or AABB at AS-Level) 
  • CBSE/Other Indian Boards - 65%. 
  • American High School Diploma/SABIS - 70% + SAT I – 1000 (500 English and 500 Math) 
  • Tawjihiyya - 80% or Elite/Advance - 75% + EmSAT (English 1400 and 1200 Maths) 
  • International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 24 points (3 HL – including Maths, and 3 SL) 
  • BTEC Level 3 Ext Diploma - MMM 
  • FBISE grade 12 or equivalent - 70% 
  • Russian/Kazakhstan (Attestat) - Grades of 5 in every subject + IELTS 6.0 
  • French Baccalaureate - 13/20 + IELTS 6.0 
  • Lebanese Baccalaureate - 85% or 13/20 + IELTS 6.0 
  • Foundation year - Successful completion of Heriot-Watt University Degree Entry Programme (Engineering) with a CCCC.  
  • Compulsory subjects to include Mathematics and English. 

To find out more about the specific entry requirements for your country, please refer to our International Entry Requirements.

To find out about the entry requirements for this programme, please send an email to dubaienquiries@hw.ac.uk

Why Heriot-Watt

As the first British university to set up a campus in Dubai in 2005, we have established ourselves as a pioneer in the higher education market in the UAE. The five-star accreditation by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) secured in 2019, 2020, and 2022 is a testament to our reputation for world-class teaching.

The futuristic Dubai campus is designed to offer interactive and collaborative learning experiences with innovative classroom styles fostering group work and engagement like Collaborative lecture theatres, Digitally Classrooms and Seminar rooms. The campus also has dedicated cutting-edge laboratories and workshops that span various engineering disciplines along with Psychology, IT, Photography, Design and Architecture.

Our practical, leading-edge research combined with strong links to business and industry, have made our graduates highly employable and sought after by the best organisations worldwide, with over 90% in graduate-level jobs or further study within six months of graduation. On top of that, we have beautiful campuses, across the globe, so you'll get a truly international education through our Go Global programme.

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