Digital Forensics and Cyber Security with foundation year

Program Overview

This four-year Digital Forensics and Cyber Security BSc (Hons) with a built-in foundation year provides a route into higher education for those who don't meet the entry requirements for a standard undergraduate degree. The program is delivered within the Cyber Security Research Centre, a dedicated facility for industry collaboration and exposure to real-world cybersecurity projects. Graduates can pursue careers in various sectors, including law enforcement, government, commercial IT departments, security consultancies, and cybersecurity research.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• The program is delivered within the Cyber Security Research Centre, a dedicated facility for industry collaboration and exposure to real-world cybersecurity projects from various industries like Fintech, Cyber Security and Digital Forensics.
• It receives full CITP accreditation from BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT, ensuring the degree meets the standards for professional membership and contributing to achieving Chartered IT Professional (CITP) status in the institute.
• You will be trained in protecting against, detecting and convicting digital crimes, gaining skills and experience from dedicated teaching staff and research facilities.
• Upon completion of the foundation year, you'll study the same modules and have the same choice of modules as those studying the standard three-year BSc (Hons).
• You'll graduate with a full undergraduate degree with the same title and award as those who studied the traditional course.

Outline:

Year 0:

The foundation year provides you with the necessary skills for cybersecurity and digital forensics, including:

• Cyber Security Fundamentals
• Introduction to Robotics and Internet of Things
• Mathematics
• Programming
• Fundamentals of Computing
• Logic and Problem Solving

Year 1:

• Computer Hardware and Software Architectures
• Fundamentals of Computing
• Logic and Problem Solving
• Programming

Year 2:

• Cloud Computing and the Internet of Things
• Computer and Mobile Forensics
• Cyber Security in Computing
• Network Forensics and Incident Response
• Professional and Ethical Issues
• Risk, Crisis and Security Management
• Smart Data Discovery

Year 3:

• Digital Investigation and E-Discovery
• Ethical Hacking
• Network and Cloud Security
• Project
• Work Related Learning II

Module Descriptions:

• Cyber Security Fundamentals:
This module introduces the fundamental knowledge concerning computer security, basic cyber threats and the corresponding detection and defence techniques. It covers core concepts, terminology, technologies, professional cyber security skills and case studies to assess your interests and prepare you for further modules.
• Introduction to Robotics and Internet of Things:
This module provides an introductory overview and practical experience in designing and developing a simple system involving elements of robotics and IoT. It covers the necessary principles and theory with lectures and demonstrations, including external software vendors and access to the Cyber Security Research Centre.
• Mathematics:
Introduces mathematical techniques and explores algebraic properties, graphs of the algebraic, logarithm, exponential and trigonometric functions. Also covers differentiation and integration of simple functions.
• Programming:
Introduces theoretical concepts and teaches programming using a high-level language, focusing on sequence, selection, iteration (loops) and list processing. It assesses you through three online tests and aims to enable confident use of a programming language in various practical situations and development environments. Introduces a small-scale computer system design where students build, configure and test a computer system for a given application. Identifies basic features of the Windows operating system and its elements. Also covers health and safety issues, disposal of equipment and explores social, ethical, environmental and economic aspects of computer hardware and software elements. Students will obtain practical skills in designing, implementing and testing software systems for real-world applications, using programming language skills learned in previous modules. Students will develop key skills and knowledge in the aspects of an information system, including databases, websites, and scripts with particular regard to usability.
• Logic and Problem Solving:
Aims to equip students to solve problems systematically, plan their solutions and write them in the form of algorithms. This module also develops mathematical techniques including set theory, logic, relations, functions and operational research techniques.
• Programming:
Introduces programming principles, develops interest, ability and confidence in using a programming language. Students will gain knowledge and experience to solve simple programming problems using established techniques in program design, development and documentation. By the completion of this module, students are expected to be able to design, implement and test object-oriented programs.

Assessment

Assessments for this course include in-class tests, coursework and unseen exams. Coursework can include projects such as a website, a database or program code in addition to a written report/essay.

Teaching:

• The program is delivered by highly-qualified teaching staff with strong industry links and potential employers.
• Students will receive training in the latest technologies and methodologies used in cyber security and digital forensics at the Cyber Security Research Centre.
• The program offers a blend of lectures, seminars, workshops, and practical exercises to ensure a well-rounded learning experience.

Careers

• Graduates of Digital Forensics and Cyber Security program can pursue careers in various sectors, including law enforcement, government, commercial IT departments, security consultancies, and cybersecurity research.

Other

• The course offers opportunities for work-based learning through the Work Related Learning II module and other industry partnerships.
• The Cyber Security Research Centre allows students to work on real-world cybersecurity projects and collaborate with industry partners.