I take computer science, economics and biology, can i do cyber security

I’ve been thinking about cyber security but does that require maths alevel? I was thinking about software engineering as well but i think that includes math. i really want to do cyber security but i hate math, will i be able to do it? are there any other degrees that suit my alevels.

(edited 1 month ago)

Reply 1

Rob Bellic

Sorry but the CS field in general is very maths heavy. Some unis don't have a level maths requirements but that's because they teach that maths during the course instead. There's simply no escaping it, you'll have to have a satisfactory understanding of maths by the time you get on the job market.

Software engineering degrees tend to have less maths than pure Computer Science degrees, but it's still present. I would look at each Uni's course structure if you want to go down a software engineering path.

Reply 2

osoulex

U don’t need maths for cyber security at most is gcse grade 6 buddy.
In the other hand software engineering u may need a-level maths

Reply 3

simibains

Original post by osoulex

U don’t need maths for cyber security at most is gcse grade 6 buddy.
In the other hand software engineering u may need a-level maths

thank you!

Reply 4

simibains

Original post by Rob Bellic

Sorry but the CS field in general is very maths heavy. Some unis don't have a level maths requirements but that's because they teach that maths during the course instead. There's simply no escaping it, you'll have to have a satisfactory understanding of maths by the time you get on the job market.
Software engineering degrees tend to have less maths than pure Computer Science degrees, but it's still present. I would look at each Uni's course structure if you want to go down a software engineering path.

okay, thank you!

Reply 5

Lancaster Student Ambassador

Official Rep

Original post by simibains

Hi, I'm a 3rd year computer science student at Lancaster.

Lancaster offers 3 undergraduate degrees for Cyber Security and 3 for Software Engineering:

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Cyber Security BSc Hons (I900) - Lancaster University

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Cyber Security (Study Abroad) BSc Hons (I901) - Lancaster University

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Cyber Security (with Industrial Experience) MSci Hons (I902) - Lancaster University

•

Software Engineering BSc Hons (G602) - Lancaster University

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Software Engineering (Study Abroad) BSc Hons (G603) - Lancaster University

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Software Engineering (with Industrial Experience) MSci Hons (G601) - Lancaster University

Entry requirements for the Cyber Security BSc Hons are as follows:
A Level AAB
Required Subjects We are committed to encouraging the adoption of the A level Computing curriculum and recognising desirable subjects. Students applying with an A level or IB Higher Level in Computing, Computer Science or Mathematics will be considered for a lower offer.
GCSE Mathematics grade B or 6, English Language grade C or 4

What the MSci with industrial placement degree means is that you will study the 3 years of the BSc Cyber Security and then a 4th year where you will do a 10 week industrial placement in the 2nd term which the department will find for you. You can join on the BSc Cyber Security course and if you meet the requirements you can swap onto the MSci course up to the end of 3rd year, alternatively you can drop off the MSci course and onto the BSc course at the end of 3rd year and graduate with a bachelors if you no longer want to do the 4th year.

If you choose to study any of the Computer Science and related degrees (Computer Science, Cyber Security, Software Engineering, Data Science), in 1st year the 4 core modules are taught to everyone and this means you can swap from one degree program to another with the exception of Data Science which you will need to have done the maths minor in order to swap onto and this isn't a guarantee. If you did do the Cyber Security degree then in 2nd and 3rd year you would have Cyber Security core modules and then take optional modules but you can pick modules offered to students on one of the other degree so for example you could choose a software engineering module so you can tailor the degree to you!

With Maths not being a required subject for the degree, rest assured that any maths you need is taught. However, if you find you are struggling with something then you can speak with the lecturers or TAs in the labs and they'll be able to help you work through some of the questions and there is something called MASH MASH (Maths and Stats Hub) | ASK - Lancaster University. They offer workshops, resources and you can book one-to-one sessions with them if there's anything in particular that you're struggling with. There is also something called the FAST Hub FAST Hub - Lancaster University. This is like a drop in with academic staff and again they'll be able to provide you with help and support! Alternatively you can just email the lecturers or pop into their office and arrange for extra help!

Any other information or questions about the course please don't hesitate to ask!

Hope this helps, Ella - Lancaster University Student Ambassador

Reply 6

De Montfort University

Official Rep

Original post by simibains

Hi there,

I'm unsure about other universities, but DMU does not require maths A-levels. Please, see here: https://www.dmu.ac.uk/study/courses/undergraduate-courses/cyber-security-bsc-degree/cyber-security-bsc-hons.aspx#entry-requirements

De Montfort University (DMU) is recognized by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) as a Centre of Excellence for Cyber Security Education and Research. DMU's Cyber Technology Institute (CTI) is also an NCSC Academic Centre of Excellence in Cyber Security Research (ACE-CSR).

Let me know if you have any questions,
Thanks,
Ilya