Cyber Security and Digital Forensics, BSc Hons

Program Overview

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Cyber Security and Digital Forensics, BSc Hons

This degree equips you with the investigative skills, tools and techniques that are fundamental to cyber security and digital forensics.

Course Overview

On this degree, you will gain practical experience in using current generation tools and techniques for developing, maintaining, and designing secure systems. The modules you can study include Penetration Testing and Ethical Vulnerability Scanning, Computer Forensics, and Information Security.

You will learn about the security needs of networks, users and applications, and the forensic methods required for the collection and preservation of evidence. You will also explore the legal, social, ethical, and professional issues which can arise within security and forensics.

UCAS Points

112 (view full requirements)

Course/Institution Codes

GF54 G BSc/CyS&DF

Interested in a Different Year?

Select your preferred year of entry to view up to date information.

School

Computing and Mathematical Sciences

Location

Greenwich Campus

Duration

• 3 years full-time
• 6 years part-time
• 4 years sandwich

Start Month

September

Home/International Fees 2025/26

• £9,535 / £17,500

What You Should Know About This Course

• You will develop knowledge of computer and organisational security, computer crime, police and forensic methods, and the requirements for collecting evidence.
• This degree allows you to master techniques for critically evaluating and modelling the security, performance and quality of security systems.
• University of Greenwich is an academic partner with The Council for Registered Ethical Security Testers (CREST).
• The degree is fully certified by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), a part of GCHQ.

Computing Partnership Benefits

Students on several of our courses can benefit from partnerships we have with industry bodies, adding real value to your degree and future career.

What You Will Study

Full Time

• Year 1:
  • Computer and Communication Systems (15 credits)
  • Paradigms of Programming (30 credits)
  • Algorithms and Data Structures (15 credits)
  • Introduction to Compilers (15 credits)
  • Principles of Software Engineering (15 credits)
  • Mathematics for Computer Science (15 credits)
  • Advanced Mathematics for Computer Science (15 credits)
• Year 2:
  • Advanced Programming (15 credits)
  • Introduction to Computer Forensics (15 credits)
  • Computer Networks (15 credits)
  • Operating Systems (15 credits)
  • Information Security (15 credits)
  • Advanced Algorithms and Data Structures (15 credits)
  • Computational Methods and Numerical Techniques (30 credits)
• Year 3:
  • Penetration Testing and Ethical Vulnerability Scanning (15 credits)
  • Final Year Projects (60 credits)
  • Computer Forensics 3 (15 credits)
  • Network Security (15 credits)
  • Coding and Cryptography (15 credits)

Part Time

• Year 1:
  • Paradigms of Programming (30 credits)
  • Mathematics for Computer Science (15 credits)
  • Advanced Mathematics for Computer Science (15 credits)
• Year 2:
  • Computer and Communication Systems (15 credits)
  • Algorithms and Data Structures (15 credits)
  • Introduction to Compilers (15 credits)
  • Principles of Software Engineering (15 credits)
• Year 3:
  • Advanced Programming (15 credits)
  • Advanced Algorithms and Data Structures (15 credits)
  • Computational Methods and Numerical Techniques (30 credits)
• Year 4:
  • Introduction to Computer Forensics (15 credits)
  • Computer Networks (15 credits)
  • Operating Systems (15 credits)
  • Information Security (15 credits)
• Year 5:
  • Penetration Testing and Ethical Vulnerability Scanning (15 credits)
  • Computer Forensics 3 (15 credits)
  • Network Security (15 credits)
  • Coding and Cryptography (15 credits)
• Year 6:
  • Final Year Projects (60 credits)

Sandwich

• Year 1:
  • Computer and Communication Systems (15 credits)
  • Paradigms of Programming (30 credits)
  • Algorithms and Data Structures (15 credits)
  • Introduction to Compilers (15 credits)
  • Principles of Software Engineering (15 credits)
  • Mathematics for Computer Science (15 credits)
  • Advanced Mathematics for Computer Science (15 credits)
• Year 2:
  • Advanced Programming (15 credits)
  • Introduction to Computer Forensics (15 credits)
  • Computer Networks (15 credits)
  • Operating Systems (15 credits)
  • Information Security (15 credits)
  • Advanced Algorithms and Data Structures (15 credits)
  • Computational Methods and Numerical Techniques (30 credits)
• Year 3:
  • Work Placement Course - CMS
• Year 4:
  • Penetration Testing and Ethical Vulnerability Scanning (15 credits)
  • Final Year Projects (60 credits)
  • Computer Forensics 3 (15 credits)
  • Network Security (15 credits)
  • Coding and Cryptography (15 credits)

Entry Requirements

UK Citizens and Permanent Residents

• 112 UCAS Tariff points
• We accept A Levels, T Levels, BTECs, Access to HE and all other qualifications with UCAS Tariff points
• Contextual offers to this programme
• Applicants that meet specific eligibility criteria will be made a contextual offer with a reduced tariff of up to 16 UCAS Tariff points

International Entry Requirements

• The University of Greenwich accepts a broad range of international qualifications for admission to our courses
• For detailed information on the academic and English language requirements, please find your country in our directory
• Alternatively, please contact us at

How You Will Learn

Teaching

• Learning takes place through a combination of timetabled learning and independent study
• You can view more information about how each module is taught within our 'What you will study' section
• Seminars and workshops enable you to discuss and develop your understanding of topics covered in lectures in smaller groups
• You will also be able to meet your personal tutor
• Timetabled learning may fall between 9am and 9pm depending on your courses and tutorials

Class Sizes

• The typical student intake per year averages 50-100
• Lectures are normally attended by larger groups, and seminars or tutorials by smaller groups
• Numbers can vary more widely for modules that are shared between degrees

Independent Learning

• Outside of timetabled sessions, you are also expected to dedicate a significant amount of time each week to self-study
• This may involve further reading and research, analysing relevant sources in depth, and preparing coursework and presentations
• You can use Stockwell Street library and online resources to support you in these activities

Overall Workload

• Your overall workload consists of lectures, practical classes, independent learning, and assessments
• For full-time students, the workload should be approximately equivalent to a full-time job
• For part-time students, this will reduce in proportion with the number of modules you are studying

Assessment

• You can view how each module is assessed within our 'What you will study' section
• Each course has formal assessments which count towards your grade
• Some courses may also include 'practice' assignments, which help you monitor progress and do not count towards your final grade

Fees and Funding

Tuition Fees

• Cohort | Full time | Part time | Distance learning
• Home* | £9,535 | £2,384 per 30 credits | N/A
• International | £17,500 | £4,375 per 30 credits | N/A

Other Costs

• Technology: There are no compulsory costs beyond your tuition fees
• Software: We provide licences for certain software to use on your own computers, depending on your course

Scholarships and Bursaries

• We offer a wide range of financial help including scholarships and bursaries
• The Greenwich Bursary
• EU Bursary

Careers and Placements

Will I Have a Work Placement?

• This course can be taken in sandwich mode, which means you can take a year to work in industry between your second and final years of study
• Sandwich placements are relevant to your degree subject and are paid roles

How Long is My Placement?

• Sandwich placements last for between 9-13 months
• Work-based learning module placements are normally one day a week for either one or two terms depending on the number of credits available from the module

What Are the Financial Arrangements?

• Sandwich placements are paid roles whereas work-based learning module placements are normally unpaid

What Sort of Careers Do Graduates Pursue?

• Former students have secured placement years at HSBC Hong Kong, Kent Connects, Affiliate Window, CERN, Royal Museums Greenwich and Uctel
• Graduates from this course can enter a wide variety of careers, such as cyber security analysts, penetration testers, network management specialists, forensics analysts, e-forensics discovery specialists, and malware reverse engineers
• Recent graduates are currently working for the Metropolitan Police Service, KPMG, PwC, Deloitte, MI5 and GCHQ

Are Internships Available?

• Students are encouraged to take up Summer internships during the Summer holidays, though it is up to the student to find them
• Support is available to students from the Employability and Careers Service when applying for placements and internships

Do You Provide Employability Services?

• Employability activities take place all the time at Greenwich and students are encouraged to take part in as many opportunities as possible
• The central Employability and Careers Service provides support for students preparing to apply for placements and graduate roles, such as CV clinics, mock interviews and employability skills workshops
• In addition, your School has a dedicated Employability Officer who will be organising work-related activities throughout the year which will help you to build you industry knowledge and networks

Accommodation

Greenwich

• Living in halls of residence is a great way to make new friends and get into the social side of university life
• With four great locations, all minutes away from the campus and the centre of historic Greenwich, you will be at the heart of one of the most beautiful university settings in the UK
• Rooms start at £146.30/wk and include Wi-Fi, utility bills, access to our on-campus gym and 24-hour security - and just a 10-minute train journey to central London
• Students based at our Greenwich campus can also choose to live the Student Village at Avery Hill, which is only a short ride on our free shuttle bus

Support and Advice

Academic Skills and Study Support

• We want you to make the most of your time with us
• You can access study skills support through your tutor, our subject librarians, and our online academic skills centre
• Where appropriate, we provide support in academic English and mathematics
• If you need to use particular IT packages for a specific module, we provide training for this

Do You Provide Employability Services?

• Employability activities take place all the time at Greenwich and students are encouraged to take part in as many opportunities as possible
• The central Employability and Careers Service provides support for students preparing to apply for placements and graduate roles, such as CV clinics, mock interviews and employability skills workshops
• In addition, your School has a dedicated Employability Officer who will be organising work-related activities throughout the year which will help you to build you industry knowledge and networks

Program Outline

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Cyber Security and Digital Forensics, BSc Hons - University of Greenwich

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Degree Overview:

This degree equips students with the investigative skills, tools, and techniques fundamental to cyber security and digital forensics. The program focuses on practical experience using current generation tools and techniques for developing, maintaining, and designing secure systems. Students will learn about the security needs of networks, users, and applications, as well as the forensic methods required for evidence collection and preservation. The program also explores the legal, social, ethical, and professional issues that can arise within security and forensics.

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Outline:

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Full-time:

• Year 1:
• Computer and Communication Systems (15 credits)
• Paradigms of Programming (30 credits)
• Algorithms and Data Structures (15 credits)
• Introduction to Compilers (15 credits)
• Principles of Software Engineering (15 credits)
• Mathematics for Computer Science (15 credits)
• Advanced Mathematics for Computer Science (15 credits)
• Year 2:
• Advanced Programming (15 credits)
• Introduction to Computer Forensics (15 credits)
• Computer Networks (15 credits)
• Operating Systems (15 credits)
• Information Security (15 credits)
• Advanced Algorithms and Data Structures (15 credits)
• Computational Methods and Numerical Techniques (30 credits)
• Year 3:
• Penetration Testing and Ethical Vulnerability Scanning (15 credits)
• Final Year Projects (60 credits)
• Computer Forensics 3 (15 credits)
• Network Security (15 credits)
• Coding and Cryptography (15 credits)

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Part-time:

• Year 1:
• Paradigms of Programming (30 credits)
• Mathematics for Computer Science (15 credits)
• Advanced Mathematics for Computer Science (15 credits)
• Year 2:
• Computer and Communication Systems (15 credits)
• Algorithms and Data Structures (15 credits)
• Introduction to Compilers (15 credits)
• Principles of Software Engineering (15 credits)
• Year 3:
• Advanced Programming (15 credits)
• Advanced Algorithms and Data Structures (15 credits)
• Computational Methods and Numerical Techniques (30 credits)
• Year 4:
• Introduction to Computer Forensics (15 credits)
• Computer Networks (15 credits)
• Operating Systems (15 credits)
• Information Security (15 credits)
• Year 5:
• Penetration Testing and Ethical Vulnerability Scanning (15 credits)
• Computer Forensics 3 (15 credits)
• Network Security (15 credits)
• Coding and Cryptography (15 credits)
• Year 6:
• Final Year Projects (60 credits)

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Sandwich:

• Year 1:
• Computer and Communication Systems (15 credits)
• Paradigms of Programming (30 credits)
• Algorithms and Data Structures (15 credits)
• Introduction to Compilers (15 credits)
• Principles of Software Engineering (15 credits)
• Mathematics for Computer Science (15 credits)
• Advanced Mathematics for Computer Science (15 credits)
• Year 2:
• Advanced Programming (15 credits)
• Introduction to Computer Forensics (15 credits)
• Computer Networks (15 credits)
• Operating Systems (15 credits)
• Information Security (15 credits)
• Advanced Algorithms and Data Structures (15 credits)
• Computational Methods and Numerical Techniques (30 credits)
• Year 3:
• Work Placement Course - CMS
• Year 4:
• Penetration Testing and Ethical Vulnerability Scanning (15 credits)
• Final Year Projects (60 credits)
• Computer Forensics 3 (15 credits)
• Network Security (15 credits)
• Coding and Cryptography (15 credits)

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Assessment:

The program uses a combination of assessment methods depending on the modules chosen. These methods may include:

• Formal assessments: These count towards the final grade.
• Practice assignments: These help students monitor progress and do not count towards the final grade.

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Teaching:

• The program employs a range of innovative teaching and learning methods.
• Lectures and laboratories/tutorials are dynamic and interactive.
• Students are taught by an experienced team of lecturers, supported by a team of technical officers.

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Careers:

• Graduates can enter a wide variety of careers, such as:
• Cyber security analysts
• Penetration testers
• Network management specialists
• Forensics analysts
• E-forensics discovery specialists
• Malware reverse engineers
• Recent graduates are currently working for organizations like:
• Metropolitan Police Service
• KPMG
• PwC
• Deloitte
• MI5
• The degree is fully certified by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), a part of GCHQ.
• Students on several of the University's computing courses can benefit from partnerships with industry bodies, adding real value to their degree and future career.
• The program provides licences for certain software to use on students' own computers, including:
• Virtual Desktop access
• Tableau Desktop
• Microsoft Azure Devtools for Teaching (including Visio, Project, SQL Server, etc)
• Nvivo
• SPSS Modeler

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Fees:

• Home students: £9,250.
• International students: £17,000.