Explore the full details of the NOUN BSc Cyber Security programme, including admission requirements, programme structure, degree rules, tuition fees, application steps, and career opportunities for graduates. Designed for working learners, this flexible ODL programme prepares you for high-demand cyber security roles in Nigeria and globally.
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Cyber security is one of the most in-demand fields of the 21st century, and the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) offers a fully accredited BSc Cyber Security programme designed to prepare students for today’s rapidly evolving digital world.
Delivered through the Open and Distance Learning (ODL) mode, the programme allows you to study at your own pace—perfect for working professionals, business owners, part-time students, and anyone seeking career advancement without disrupting their schedule.
NOUN’s BSc Cyber Security programme focuses on:
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- Ethical hacking
- Digital forensics
- Network and information security
- Cybercrime prevention
- Secure system design
- Risk analysis and governance
With Nigeria’s increasing shift toward digital systems, banks, governments, startups, telecoms, and private organisations now require skilled cyber security professionals more than ever—making this degree strategic and highly marketable.
Key Details Table (Quick Overview)
| Programme | BSc Cyber Security |
|---|---|
| Faculty | Faculty of Computing |
| Mode of Study | Open and Distance Learning (ODL) |
| Duration | Minimum 4 years (8 semesters) |
| Accreditation | Fully NUC-accredited |
| Entry Level Options | 100 Level, 200 Level (Direct Entry), Transfer |
| UTME Requirement | No UTME required |
| JAMB Requirement | JAMB Regularization Only |
| Final Project Required? | Yes |
| TMA & Exams | 30% (TMA), 70% (Exam) |
| Flexible Study? | Yes — 100% ODL |
Programme Overview
The NOUN BSc Cyber Security programme is designed to build highly skilled cybersecurity professionals who can detect, prevent, and respond to cyber threats across different digital environments.
The programme equips students with:
- Strong foundational computing skills
- Technical expertise in cyber defenses
- Ability to analyze, monitor, and secure digital infrastructure
- Ethical hacking and penetration testing skills
- Knowledge of national and global cybercrime laws
- Understanding of security governance and compliance
Graduates are trained to function as security analysts, penetration testers, incident responders, digital forensic experts, and security consultants in both public and private sectors.
Admission Requirements (UTME Not Required)
NOUN does not require UTME/JAMB exam for admission into BSc Cyber Security.
However, prospective students must complete JAMB regularization to obtain a valid JAMB Registration Number for NYSC eligibility.
100 Level Admission Requirements
To qualify for 100L admission, you need:
- Minimum of 5 O’Level credits in not more than two sittings, including:
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Physics
- and any other two relevant science subjects
- A valid JAMB registration number (via JAMB Regularization—not UTME)
200 Level (Direct Entry) Requirements
You may be admitted into 200L with:
- National Diploma (ND) or NCE in Computer Science, Cyber Security, IT, or related fields
- Diploma from NOUN in Computing discipline
- IJMB / JUPEB / A-Level passes in relevant subjects
- Valid JAMB registration number (via regularization)
Transfer Students
Students transferring from another university must:
- Provide official transcripts
- Meet NOUN’s transfer rules
- Complete JAMB regularization
Degree Rules & Credit Distribution
To graduate with a BSc Cyber Security from NOUN, students must fulfill the following requirements:
Total Credit Requirement
- Minimum Credits: 120–140 (depending on entry level)
- 4-Year Structure: 100L–400L
Course Load
- Minimum per semester: 10 credit units
- Maximum per semester: 20 credit units
- Carryover allowance: Up to 24 units with approval
Graduation Components
- Core cyber security courses
- Electives in computing and security
- GST (General Studies) courses
- IT-related practicum
- Final Year Project (Compulsory)
- All TMAs + Exams must be completed
Assessment Structure
- Tutor-Marked Assignments (TMA): 30%
- Examinations: 70%
Project Requirement
Students must undertake a supervised final-year project involving:
- A cyber security investigation
- A security solution design
- A system analysis or forensic case study
- A written report submitted for assessment
Tuition & Fees (Estimated)
NOUN fees are affordable and paid per semester.
| Fee Type | Amount (₦) |
|---|---|
| Application Form | 5,000 |
| Acceptance Fee | 10,000 |
| First Semester Fees (100 Level) | ~45,000–55,000 |
| Subsequent Semesters | 35,000–45,000 |
| Project Fee (Final Year) | 15,000 |
| ICT Fees | Included |
Note: No hidden charges. No extra payment for lectures or course materials.
Career Opportunities for BSc Cyber Security Graduates
Cyber security professionals are in high demand—locally and globally.
Graduates of NOUN’s Cyber Security programme can work as:
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1. Cyber Security Analyst
Monitor systems, detect threats, respond to incidents.
2. Penetration Tester (Ethical Hacker)
Test systems for vulnerabilities.
3. Network Security Engineer
Secure network architecture and infrastructure.
4. Digital Forensic Analyst
Investigate cybercrimes and recover digital evidence.
5. Cybercrime & Fraud Analyst
Work with banks, EFCC, NDLEA, law enforcement, etc.
6. Information Security Officer (ISO)
Oversee organizational data protection and security policies.
7. Risk & Compliance Analyst
Ensure compliance with national and international cyber laws.
8. Cloud/Systems Security Specialist
Protect cloud-based environments and enterprise systems.
9. Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst
Work in real-time security monitoring centers.
10. IT Auditor
Evaluate systems for security, risk, and compliance.
NOUN graduates are eligible to work in:
- Banks and Fintech companies
- Government institutions
- Telecom companies
- Tech startups
- Cybersecurity firms
- Oil & Gas
- Military and paramilitary organizations
Conclusion
The NOUN BSc Cyber Security Programme provides a flexible, affordable, and high-quality pathway into one of the world’s fastest-growing tech careers. With no UTME required, easy entry through JAMB regularization, and a fully accredited curriculum, students can advance their careers while studying at their own pace.
Whether you’re switching careers, seeking promotion, or entering the tech world for the first time, this programme equips you with the skills to thrive in Nigeria’s cybersecurity ecosystem and beyond.
FAQs About NOUN BSc Cyber Security Programme
1. Does NOUN require JAMB/UTME for Cyber Security?
No. UTME is not required.
You only need JAMB regularization to get a valid JAMB registration number.
2. How long is NOUN’s BSc Cyber Security Programme?
Minimum 4 years (for 100L students).
Direct entry students may finish earlier.
3. Is the programme accredited?
Yes — fully NUC accredited.
4. Can I work while studying the programme?
Yes — the ODL mode allows flexible and self-paced study.
5. Does NOUN offer practical cyber security training?
Yes — through virtual labs, projects, and hands-on assessments.
