Cyber Security and Forensics with Foundation BSc Honours
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2025-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
Cyber Security and Forensics with Foundation BSc Honours
Overview
Our degree courses with foundation year offer the opportunity to prepare you for advanced study before you progress onto a full honours degree at the University of Westminster. Whether you do not feel ready for degree-level study, don’t have the right qualifications, want to change your subject specialism or return to study after an absence from education, we aim to encourage a broad range of students to undertake our Foundation year in order to progress onto their full honours degree with us.
The Foundation year is designed to give you the opportunity to explore new ideas, opening up new perspectives on the key debates within your chosen field. During the foundation year you will explore a range of creative disciplines and get a chance to develop in your chosen field, benefiting from workshops in our high end facilities and working with leading academics who will encourage you to become a confident and creative thinker. Core modules accelerate your academic and professional development and you will also take modules within your chosen field, giving you the chance to develop a cross-disciplinary perspective on your course.
On successful completion of the foundation year, you'll be able to move on to study for the Cyber Security and Forensics BSc Honours over a further three years of study.
Our Cyber Security and Forensics BSc is designed to meet the ever-growing requirements and challenges facing businesses, governments and individuals.
The cyber security and forensics domains are fast changing and dynamic due to ever evolving threats and the need for countermeasures. Companies now need to frequently change and improve their information systems security more than ever before.
Our course brings together a mix of several disciplines and provides the fundamental skills needed for a successful career in cyber security and forensics. You’ll learn crucial theories, principles and methodologies used in the cyber security industry today. You’ll also have the opportunity to apply these learnings to practical assignments and real-life scenarios in our dedicated labs.
The aim is to turn you into a skilled, innovative, and confident problem solver. You’ll learn to consider the global outlook and societal aspects of the current environment when producing solutions that are both sustainable and adaptable. In addition, you’ll gain skills in key aspects of cyber security and forensics and use industrial tools and techniques, both offensive and defensive, in order to produce cyber resilient digital solutions.
The Cyber Security and Forensics BSc is designed to meet the requirements and expectations of the UK government strategic vision for 2030 to become a leading responsible democratic cyber power. Therefore, this course is designed to be aligned with the key knowledge areas of the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC).
Teaching methods on this course focus on active student learning and, where appropriate, practical application. You’ll also be exposed to industry guest speakers, live industry briefs and placement opportunities.
Top reasons to study with us
- State-of-the-art technologies and resources – you’ll have access to a dedicated forensics computer laboratory and over 30 computing laboratories with an extensive range of software providing access to Linux/UNIX, Windows and Mac OS, including the use of specialised software tools and packages for cyber security and forensics
- Gain industry insider knowledge – you'll benefit from presentations by industry professionals who regularly appear as guest speakers
- Develop in-demand skills – the need for improved computer security has never been greater, with a growing demand for cyber security specialists
- Fit for industry– Some of our graduates from similar courses have gone on to work in leading governmental and security organisations such as the Police and the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD)
Course structure
You’ll learn through a mixture of lectures, practical tutorials, laboratory sessions and independent study.
In Year 1 you’ll be introduced to the fundamentals of computer systems and cyber security.
In Years 2 and 3 you’ll apply your knowledge to practical assignments and learn critical project management and professional skills.
This degree includes an optional year abroad or placement.
The following modules are indicative of what you’ll study on this course.
- Foundation
- Year 1
- Year 2
- Placement Year
- Year 3
Subjects of study include:
- Computer Systems and Networks
- Critical Thinking in a Changing World
- Foundation Mathematics
- Information Systems and Data Representation
- Introduction to Academic Practice
- Programming
Credit Level 3
Subjects of study include:
- Applied Mathematics
- Introduction to Cyber Security and Forensics
- Introduction to Networks
- Programming Methodology I
- Programming Methodology II
- Trends in Computer Science
Credit Level 4
Subjects of study include:
- Agile Project Management and Professional Experience
- Applied Cryptography
- Digital Forensics
- Machine Learning and Data Mining
- Network Security
- Operating Systems
- Risk Management and IT Governance
- Web Applications Security
Credit Level 5
Between Years 2 and 3, you’ll have the opportunity to undertake a professional placement year in industry. Completing the placement year will lead to the final award Bachelor of Science with Honours - Cyber Security and Forensics with Industrial Experience.
Alternatively, you can undertake a period of study abroad at one of Westminster’s partner institutions. Successful completion will lead to the final award Bachelor of Science with Honours - Cyber Security and Forensics with International Experience.
Subjects of study include:
- Applied AI
- Cyber Security and Forensics Final Year Project
- Cyber Security Threats and Counter Measures
- Defensive programming techniques
- Incident Response and Malware Analysis
- Wireless Networks Security
Credit Level 6
Programme recognition
The Cyber Security and Forensics BSc is intended to fulfil the educational requirements of the British Computer Society (BCS) for the CITP (Chartered IT Professional) and partial CEng (Chartered Engineer). Due to the 5-year accreditation timeline the course will be considered for the accreditation in 2027. The accreditation will be backdated to include the first intake from September 2023. On successful completion of this process your course will become accredited in 2027.
Careers
With computers being central to all aspects of our daily lives, as industries ranging from communications to banking have come to rely on them, the need for improved computer security has never been greater. This means that there is a growing demand for specialists in cyber security and digital forensics.
This course is designed with a high degree of relevance to the requirements of industry. It will equip you with the necessary skills for jobs in the field of cyber security and digital forensics.
Industry links
We have links with professionals from a range of fields in the cyber security and digital forensics industries.
Work placement opportunities
You’ll have the opportunity to undertake a work placement year to develop your skills and enhance your employability.
3,000
Employers around the world
The University’s Careers and Employability Service has built up a network of over 3,000 employers around the world, helping all our students explore and connect with exciting opportunities and careers.
Industry links
Industry engagement is an essential part of the course as you'll hear from industry speakers and receive mentorship from industry professionals as part of your group project work.
As part of the course, you'll also have the opportunity to participate in a communication exchange with leading industry experts and businesses who can provide more specialised advice to bolster your portfolio and prepare you for future interviews. You'll also have other opportunities to attend industry-led talks and presentations on campus.
Job roles
This course will prepare you for roles in a variety of areas, including:
- Anti-piracy/content protection analyst
- Computer forensics analyst
- Computer security incident responder
- Cyber security manager
- Information security analyst
- Information security assurance officer
- Information security assurance analyst
- Information security consultant
- Information security risk officer
- IT security engineer
- IT security operations specialist
- Penetration tester (also known as ethical hacker)
- Researcher in applied cryptography
- Researcher in network/computer security
- Security officer
- Source code auditor
- Vulnerability assessor
Graduate employment
Graduates from similar courses at the University of Westminster, such as the Network Security BSc, have found employment at organisations including:
- KPMG UK
- Metropolitan Police
- UK Ministry of Defence
- Willis Towers Watson
Westminster Employability Award
Employers value graduates who have invested in their personal and professional development – and our Westminster Employability Award gives you the chance to formally document and demonstrate these activities and achievements.
The award is flexible and can be completed in your own time, allowing you to choose from a set of extracurricular activities.
Activities might include gaining experience through a part-time job or placement, signing up to a University-run scheme – such as mentoring or teaching in a school – or completing online exercises.
International Opportunities
Many of our courses offer international study and work experiences, and the University provides other global opportunities that all students can apply for – so whatever you're studying, you'll have the chance to go abroad.
Opportunities could include:
- Taking part in semester or year-long exchanges at institutions around the world
- Attending an international summer school or field trip
- Developing your CV through volunteering or work placements abroad
International experience broadens horizons, boosts self-confidence, and improves global understanding, alongside being fantastic for your career.
Course Leaders
- Dr Ayman El Hajjar
- Noam Weingarten
Why study this course?
- Study in central London
- Prepare for industry
- A supportive environment
Entry Requirements
- UK
- A Levels – DDE (64 UCAS Tariff points)
- T levels – 64 UCAS Tariff points
- International Baccalaureate – 64 UCAS Tariff points from from all components of the Diploma Programme. International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme will be considered on a case-by-case basis
- BTEC Extended Diploma – MPP
- BTEC Diploma – MM
- Access– 64 UCAS Tariff points from the Access course
- INTERNATIONAL
- International Baccalaureate – 64 UCAS Tariff points from all components of the Diploma Programme. International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme will be considered on a case-by-case basis. You can refer to the UCAS calculator to determine your point score
- We accept a wide range of international high school level qualifications. Please see information on Country-specific entry requirements
- We work in partnership with Kaplan International College London who provide International Foundation Certificate courses for students who don’t meet our entry requirements. Upon successful completion, you can progress to your chosen degree at the University of Westminster. Find out about a range of university preparation courses that are accepted for entry.
English language requirements
- If your first language is not English, you will need an IELTS of 6.0 overall, with at least 5.5 in each component. Please note we accept a wide range of English language qualifications and assessments. Find out more at English language requirements.
- If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, then we offer online and on campus pre-sessional English programmes to help develop your English language skills to the required level before you start your course. Find out more about our pre-sessional English programmes.
Fees and Funding
- UK
- UK tuition fee: £9,535 (Price per academic year)
- Funding
- Scholarships
- Additional costs
- INTERNATIONAL
- International tuition fee: £17,000 (Price per academic year)
- EU Qualifications Welcome Award Scheme
- International student funding
- Additional costs
Teaching and Assessment
- How you'll be taught
- How you'll be assessed
Supporting you
- Study support
- Personal tutors
- Student advice team
- Extra-curricular activities
Course Location
- Cavendish Campus
Related Courses
- Computer Science with Foundation BSc Honours
- Software Engineering with Foundation BEng Honours
Program Outline
The Foundation year is designed to give you the opportunity to explore new ideas, opening up new perspectives on the key debates within your chosen field. During the foundation year you will explore a range of creative disciplines and get a chance to develop in your chosen field, benefiting from workshops in our high end facilities and working with leading academics who will encourage you to become a confident and creative thinker. Core modules accelerate your academic and professional development and you will also take modules within your chosen field, giving you the chance to develop a cross-disciplinary perspective on your course. The cyber security and forensics domains are fast changing and dynamic due to ever evolving threats and the need for countermeasures. Companies now need to frequently change and improve their information systems security more than ever before. Our course brings together a mix of several disciplines and provides the fundamental skills needed for a successful career in cyber security and forensics. You’ll learn crucial theories, principles and methodologies used in the cyber security industry today. The aim is to turn you into a skilled, innovative, and confident problem solver. You’ll learn to consider the global outlook and societal aspects of the current environment when producing solutions that are both sustainable and adaptable. In addition, you’ll gain skills in key aspects of cyber security and forensics and use industrial tools and techniques, both offensive and defensive, in order to produce cyber resilient digital solutions. The Cyber Security and Forensics BSc is designed to meet the requirements and expectations of the UK government strategic vision for 2030 to become a leading responsible democratic cyber power. this course is designed to be aligned with the key knowledge areas of the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC).
Outline:
You’ll learn through a mixture of lectures, practical tutorials, laboratory sessions and independent study. In Year 1 you’ll be introduced to the fundamentals of computer systems and cyber security. In Years 2 and 3 you’ll apply your knowledge to practical assignments and learn critical project management and professional skills. This degree includes an optional year abroad or placement.
Foundation Year:
- Computer Systems and Networks
- Critical Thinking for Academic and Professional Development
- Foundation Mathematics
- Introduction to Academic Practice
- Programming
Year 1:
- Applied Mathematics
- Introduction to Cyber Security and Forensics
- Introduction to Networks
- Programming Methodology I
- Programming Methodology II
- Trends in Computer Science
Year 2:
- Applied Cryptography
- Digital Forensics
- Network Security
- Risk Management and IT Governance
- Web Applications Security
- Agile Project Management and Professional Experience
- Machine Learning and Data Mining
- Operating Systems
Placement Year:
Between Years 2 and 3, you’ll have the opportunity to undertake a professional placement year in industry. Completing the placement year will lead to the final award Bachelor of Science with Honours - Cyber Security and Forensics with Industrial Experience. Alternatively, you can undertake a period of study abroad at one of Westminster’s partner institutions. Successful completion will lead to the final award Bachelor of Science with Honours - Cyber Security and Forensics with International Experience.
Year 3:
- Cyber Security and Forensics Final Year Project
- Incident Response and Malware Analysis
- Wireless Networks Security
- Applied AI
- Cyber Security Threats and Counter Measures
Teaching:
Teaching methods on this course focus on active student learning and, where appropriate, practical application. This means that there is a growing demand for specialists in cyber security and digital forensics. This course is designed with a high degree of relevance to the requirements of industry.
- Gain industry insider knowledge – you'll benefit from presentations by industry professionals who regularly appear as guest speakers
- Develop in-demand skills – the need for improved computer security has never been greater, with a growing demand for cyber security specialists
- Industry engagement is an essential part of the course as you'll hear from industry speakers and receive mentorship from industry professionals as part of your group project work.
- As part of the course, you'll also have the opportunity to participate in a communication exchange with leading industry experts and businesses who can provide more specialised advice to bolster your portfolio and prepare you for future interviews.
- Graduates from similar courses at the University of Westminster, such as the Network Security BSc, have found employment at organisations including:
- KPMG UK
- Metropolitan Police
- UK Ministry of Defence
- Willis Towers Watson
- The Cyber Security and Forensics BSc is intended to fulfil the educational requirements of the British Computer Society (BCS) for the CITP (Chartered IT Professional) and partial CEng (Chartered Engineer). Due to the 5-year accreditation timeline the course will be considered for the accreditation in 2027. The accreditation will be backdated to include the first intake from September 2023. On successful completion of this process your course will become accredited in 2027.
UK Fees:
£9,250 (Price per academic year)
International Fees:
£17,000
