Foundation Programme: Cybersecurity

Course overview

In our foundation programme for cybersecurity, you will gain the fundamental knowledge needed for your future undergraduate studies, paving the way toward a BSc in Cybersecurity.

On this programme, you will learn, collaborate, and flourish through a blend of academic modules, specific subject knowledge, and project-based learning with students in other digital areas and foundation students across different frameworks. This approach mimics the real-life working world, where your career will be enriched by working alongside people with different skill sets, viewpoints, and approaches, while also supporting a wider community of learning and building the specific skills for your progression.

“The teaching was very good. All the lecturers seemed to know a lot about what they were teaching and were very passionate about it. In addition, the lecturers were open to explaining everything in more detail when asked about it.”

Denver Fernandes

Graduate Software Developer, PCMS Group PLC

Why Engineering and Physical Sciences Foundation Programme: Cybersecurity at Aston?

Gold standard teaching

Aston University was awarded Gold- the highest possible rating for Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF, 2023)

Hands on collaborative teaching

Our dedicated academics ensure smooth transitions for students from diverse backgrounds

Thriving student life

Aston Students’ Union was rated 8th in the UK in the 2022 What Uni League Table

Careers and Placements

Whatever your Aston University journey, we're here to help. Discover what's possible with Careers and Placements.

ASTON POWER SKILLS

Built into every undergraduate degree

Gain the skills employers look for worldwide.

AI & Digital

Innovation & Entrepreneurship

Inclusive Leadership

Environmental Sustainability

Discover Power Skills

Course description

Engineering and Physical Sciences Foundation Programme: Cybersecurity

The Engineering and Physical Sciences Foundation Programme: Cybersecurity programme at Aston University introduces you to the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to thrive in the tech world.

What we will provide
First-class teaching in the UK’s second largest city, delivered by experienced and seasoned cybersecurity professionals and academics who bring a wealth of real-world experience to the classroom. Use of state-of-the-art facilities, including modern computer labs.

We are an Adobe Creative Campus meaning you will have access to top-notch software licenses, including Adobe and Solidworks, commonly used in industry. To find out more, visit here.

It is not mandatory to bring your own device for this course, however if you choose to do so please note will need laptop specifications of i5 or above (or AMD equivalent).

What you will provide
Are you captivated by the ever-evolving digital landscape? We are looking for individuals passionate about technology, with a curiosity to uncover the inner workings of systems, applications, and networks. Problem-solving and logical thinking are critical on this course, as cybersecurity is as much about adapting to the evolving threat landscape as it is about pre-emptively countering those threats.

What skills we teach
Our foundation programme will prepare you fully for undergraduate study and provide a pathway to BSc Cyber Security. As well as developing your technical skills, you’ll have the opportunity to develop the skills and attributes needed to be a professional engineer or applied scientist. You’ll learn note taking, academic writing, clear communication and the collection, evaluation and analysis of data from different sources.

Progression opportunities
On successful completion of our foundation programme, you will then have the opportunity to transition onto our BSc Cyber Security degree. Our graduates from this our BSc programme have gone on to successful roles such as Cybersecurity Analyst, Technical Consultant and Information Security Analyst for leading companies like American Express, Seven Trent Water and Capgemini.

How you will learn

Our teaching methods range from engaging lectures to interactive workshops, allowing you to absorb knowledge through multiple approaches. You will dive into real-world projects that challenge and inspire you through hands-on work, where you will put theory into practice.

Here at Aston University, we are passionate about supporting our students. You will have a personal tutor throughout your studies to provide support and guidance. The Learning Development Centre is there to provide maths support, academic writing development, advice, and strategies for managing your studies. You will also have the opportunity to get involved in PAL sessions, learning from your peers who have been through the course content before you.

Extracurricular activities:

You can join a vibrant community of like-minded individuals in our Aston Computer Science Society
Become a member of the 'Industry Club'. Where you'll gain access to hands-on industry experience, internships, and projects with tech companies. Helping you build your professional network from the get-go.
Challenge yourself in the annual Aston Hack hackathon, a frenzied 24 hours of designing, coding, and making.
Let your creativity run wild in our Design Challenge, whilst you tackle real-world engineering problems and propose innovative solutions.
Join our Formula Student team where you will design, build, and race your very own formula-style car.

What you will learn

On this programme, you'll receive an introduction of principles and disciplines of cybersecurity. You will develop the essential skills to transition onto BSc Cybersecurity, and gain invaluable hands-on experience that sets you apart in industry.

My Aston Experience

Lionel shares his experience about studying computing at Aston

Find out more

Facilities

Aston University campus is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including modern computer labs, collaborative spaces, and resources to aid your studies and research. We have dedicated lab officers and laptop support technician’s available to all students.

Engineering and Physical Sciences Foundation Programme: Cybersecurity students will learn in our isolated CyberLab, a virtualised infrastructure, dedicated to mimic actual security operations centres, giving you an authentic but safe environment to refine your skills.

Augmented reality headset

Driving simulator

Course objectives

Provides the necessary fundamental skills and knowledge for progression into Stage 1 of study.
Develops transferrable and communication skills required to be successful in further study.
Develops ethical and inclusive, problem solvers and critical thinkers.
You will begin to develop the global awareness, sustainability, and inclusive practice required in modern professional practice.

Modules

Foundation year modules

In your foundation year you will study the following core modules:

Module Title	Credits
Undergraduate Professional Skills	15
Mathematics 1	15
Introduction to Scientific Principles	15
Industries of the Future	15
Global Engineering Project	15
Introduction to Programming: Web Design	15
Applied Computer Science	15
Mathematics 2	15
Total	120

Foundation year outcomes

On successful completion of the first year, you will be able to:

Use mathematical principles to solve well-defined problems.
Solve well-defined problems using technical and scientific concepts relevant to the framework of study.
Collaborate in multidisciplinary teams, demonstrating inclusive, effective communication and teamwork skills.
Communicate discipline relevant technical ideas and solutions effectively, in a variety of ways, to diverse audiences, using appropriate terminology.
Conduct practical activities using appropriate equipment/tools, review data and draw conclusions to support technical decision-making relevant to the framework of study.
Discuss ethical and professional responsibilities, including stakeholder involvement, sustainability, safety, technical, EDI, and social factors.
Collect, interpret, and present, data from a variety of sources.
Reflect on their own learning needs and successes.
Demonstrate awareness of project management principles and methods.

We may update our courses to reflect best practices and academic developments. If we do, we’ll let you know of any changes at the earliest opportunity by updating our course webpages. If you have already received an offer, we’ll write to you directly to let you know of the changes.

ASTON POWER SKILLS

Built into every undergraduate degree

Gain the skills employers look for worldwide.
As an Aston student, you will develop expertise in four key areas:

AI & Digital

Join the rise of the humans. Don't fear AI, master it and use it for good. Develop digital skills for the future, whatever career you want to pursue.

Innovation & Entrepreneurship

Don't follow the rules, rewrite them. Today’s fast-changing world needs original thinkers. Creators. Innovators. Risk takers. So get ready to think smart and reach the next level.

Inclusive Leadership

Make space for every voice to be heard. Be the one who brings people together with a shared vision. Learn to break down barriers and be the leader the future needs.

Environmental Sustainability

It's not game over for our planet. It's game on. Together we can create a greener tomorrow. The world urgently needs graduates who can shape more sustainable and ethical ways of working. The future depends on it.

Entry requirements

A Levels
Standard offer: CCD
EPQ Offer: CDD and Level 3 Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) grade B
Core Maths Offer: CDD and Level 3 Core Maths Qualification grade B
Aston ready (Widening participation) offer: DDD
Contextual offers
Aston Ready is our contextual offer scheme that could reduce your undergraduate offer by one or two grades. Assessed at the point of application, there are no additional forms to fill in.

Contextual offer criteria

Extended Diploma and National Extended Diploma: Merit Merit Merit
Extended Diploma in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering with an overall grade of Merit
National Diploma and Diploma: Merit Merit plus 1 A-level at minimum Grade D
Diploma in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering with an overall grade Merit plus an A-Level in any subject at grade D OR achieve an overall grade Merit plus a BTEC Sub Dip/ Extended National Cert in any subject grade Merit
Foundation or 90 credits Diploma: Merit Merit plus 2 A-level minimum Grade CD
National Extended Certificate or Subsidiary Diploma: Merit plus 2 A-level minimum Grade CD

26 including 3, 3, 3 in Higher Level subjects

Successful completion of the QAA-recognised Access Diploma with 60 credits including 45 credits at Level 3. You must obtain a minimum of 9 Distinctions, 12 Merits and 24 Pass.

All subjects are accepted at T Level: Merit

Additionally to our Level 3 requirement each applicant must meet a GCSE (level 2) requirements:

GCSE English Language or Literature minimum grade C/4
GCSE Mathematics minimum grade C/4

Fees and scholarships

Course fees

This foundation programme is available to UK students only. International students interested in a foundation programme should visit OnCampus Aston.

UK students
(2025/26)

Annual tuition fees:	£9,535*
During placement year:	£1,250

UK students (Home Undergraduate):

The annual tuition fee for the programme commencing in academic year 2025/26 will be £9,535 (subject to the passing of legislation implementing the Government’s policy to increase the maximum tuition fee from £9,250, payable by Home Undergraduate students on full-time courses). The fee for the placement year is £1,250.

All students:

The duration of your programme is set out at the top of this course page and you will be responsible for the payment of an annual tuition fee in each of these years. The University reserves the right to increase tuition fees annually in accordance with its Terms and Conditions and subject at all times to the maximum tuition fee caps set by Government from time to time. This means that your total tuition fee may be higher than stated above, but your total tuition fee will never increase by more than 6% year on year. An increase in fees will allow the University to cover the increased costs of delivering the course and ensure it is able to maintain high standards of education and facilities.

Scholarships

At Aston University we are committed to supporting the most talented and hardworking students to achieve their potential by providing a range of scholarships to help lower tuition and living costs.

Explore our scholarships

Assessment

The Engineering and Physical Sciences Foundation Programme: Cybersecurity programme employs a range of authentic assessment methods, including presentations, coursework, quizzes, and some exams. We make sure to coordinate deadlines to ensure you have a manageable workload.

The assessment methods will reflect the most effective and relevant way to review your performance for each module. Therefore, each module will be assessed in a variety of ways to reflect your knowledge from that module and how you would apply it in the real world.

Career prospects

Engineering and physical science skills are used in almost all aspects of our modern lives, meaning that graduates in these areas are in high demand. Students who have completed an Engineering and Physical Science Foundation Programme go on to study for their Bachelor level degree.

Upon completion of their BSc degree, some of our graduates from this versatile and in-demand degree have gone on to successful roles such as Cybersecurity Analyst, Technical Consultant and Information Security Analyst for leading companies like American Express, Seven Trent Water and Capgemini.

Be part of our community

Once you have joined us at Aston University, you’ll always be part of our community, even beyond graduation.

Alumni Services

Frequently Asked Questions

Why study The Engineering and Physical Sciences Foundation Programme: Cybersecurity at Aston University?

This course will prepare you for a successful career in an exciting and in-demand sector.

In this cutting-edge course, you'll delve into security dynamics and the art of risk management, exploring the human factors that shape cyber threats. You will gain a holistic understanding of cybersecurity, as the curriculum uniquely intertwines cybersecurity concepts with the power of computer science skills.

Is Birmingham a good place to study?

Our campus is based in the centre of Birmingham, the youngest major city in Europe and a great place to live, work and study.

Great music and entertainment with a vibrant nightlife. Bars, clubs, pubs, live music, festivals, concerts. Whatever your tastes, there's something here for everyone.
Fantastic food. Birmingham's diverse community means you can try anything from the famous Balti triangle, the Chinese Quarter, high street chains, halal and vegan food, and Michelin-star dining.
World-class shopping. The Bullring and Grand Central is a shopper's paradise. From the world's biggest Primark to luxury brands at the Mailbox.
Arts and culture. Museums, galleries, theatres, concerts and Birmingham's art collection is as wide as it is impressive - not to be missed.
Green, open spaces. One of the greenest cities in Europe, Birmingham has hundreds of publicly accessible parks and green spaces across the city.
Sporting action. Birmingham has some of the most exciting venues for watching or participating in sport in the UK.

Discover Birmingham