Digital Forensics and Cyber Security

You'll learn all about the world of internet fraud on this intensive Digital Forensics and Cyber Security degree course. Discover techniques for stopping hackers, analysing risks and troubleshooting security issues on the latest gadgets. With professional accreditation from the British Computer Society, this career-focused course will equip you with the key skills necessary to succeed in the cyber security industry.

This cutting-edge course is designed to put you at the forefront of computer security, with the curriculum regularly updated to keep up with the industry. You’ll study the prevention, detection, correction and conviction of digital crimes and enhance your essential knowledge of computing principles such as programming, communication networks and information systems.

As a digital crime-fighter, you’ll have the chance to boost your arsenal through exposure to specialist toolkits such as FTK and MPE+, as well as open-source toolkits such as Kali, Metasploit and Honeypot. Throughout the course you’ll be supported by highly-qualified teaching staff who have strong links with the industry and potential employers. The tutors on your course will provide you with excellent academic guidance, pastoral care and careers advice throughout your studies.

Assessment

You'll be assessed through essays, individual and group coursework, exams, research projects and a final dissertation. You'll receive regular supportive feedback throughout the course.

Professional accreditation

This course is accredited as fully meeting the educational requirement for Chartered IT Professional (CITP) registration. On graduation, you'll be eligible to apply for Membership of the British Computer Society (MBCS).

Entry requirements

In addition to the University's standard entry requirements, you should have:

• A minimum grades CCD in three A levels, one of which must be from a relevant subject (or a minimum of 88 UCAS points from an equivalent Level 3 qualification, eg BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma/Diploma; or Advanced Diploma; or Progression Diploma; or Access to HE Diploma of 60 credits)
• English Language and Mathematics GCSE at grade C/grade 4 or above

Applicants with relevant professional qualifications or extensive professional experience will also be considered on a case by case basis. If you don’t have traditional qualifications or can’t meet the entry requirements for this undergraduate degree, you may still be able to gain entry by completing the Cyber Security Extended Degree BSc.

All applicants must be able to demonstrate proficiency in the English language. Applicants who require a Tier 4 student visa may need to provide a Secure English Language Test (SELT) such as Academic IELTS. For more information about English qualifications please see our English language requirements.

Accelerated study

If you have relevant qualifications or credit from a similar course it may be possible to enter this course at an advanced stage rather than beginning in the first year. Please note, advanced entry is only available for September start. See our information for students applying for advanced entry.

Modular structure

The modules listed below are for the academic year 2018/19 and represent the course modules at this time. Modules and module details (including, but not limited to, location and time) are subject to change over time. Year 1 modules include:

• Computer Hardware and Software Architectures (core, 30 credits)
• Fundamentals of Computing (core, 15 credits)
• Introduction to Information Systems (core, 15 credits)
• Logic and Problem Solving (core, 30 credits)
• Programming (core, 30 credits)

Year 2 modules include

• Computer Forensics (core, 30 credits)
• Networks and Operating Systems (core, 30 credits)
• Professional Issues, Ethics and Computer Law (core, 15 credits)
• Risk, Crisis and Security Management (core, 15 credits)
• Security in Computing (core, 30 credits)

Year 3 modules include

• Digital Crime Investigation (core, 30 credits)
• Ethical Hacking (core, 15 credits)
• Network and Cloud Security (core, 30 credits)
• Project (core, 30 credits)
• Creating a Winning Business 2 (alternative core, 15 credits)
• Work Related Learning II (alternative core, 15 credits)

After the course

You’ll complete this course ready to pursue a career in computer forensics and/or IT security, or in the wider IT industry. Previous graduates have gone on to find employment as data analysts at companies such as MWR InfoSecurity. Potential employers include digital crime investigation companies, government agencies and the police force, as well as national and international organisations that need protection against digital crime.

Throughout the course, you’ll have the opportunity to attend regular student enterprise workshops, where you’ll have the chance to network with potential employers. You’ll also be able to gain valuable work experience through our optional work placement module. This course is also an excellent preparation for further research or studies such as MSc or PhD either at London Met or another university.