Cybersecurity & Forensics BEng (Hons)

Program Overview

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BEng (Hons) Cybersecurity & Forensics

Overview

The BEng (Hons) Cybersecurity and Forensics course has been awarded full undergraduate certification from the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) – the first undergraduate course in the UK to achieve full accreditation. This course combines three of the most sought-after streams of computing, capitalising on the rising awareness of the importance of network security.

Mode of Study:

• Full-time

Duration:

• 4 years

Start date:

• September

UCAS code:

• GG57

Placement:

• Yes

Study Abroad:

• Yes

Course details

This course will provide you with the knowledge and skills required to pursue a career in a computing-related field, which will allow the application of security and digital forensics expertise.

How you’ll be taught

• You will be attending lectures and tutorials as a part of this programme.
• The timetable and attendance may vary based on the course you will be studying and the modules that you will have.

Assessments

• Mixture of essays, practical assignments and exams.

Work placement

• A year long Work Based Learning module is available for this programme which can be undertaken in 3rd year which consists of 60 credits.
• In 2nd year, students attend timetabled Placement Preparation sessions which provides comprehensive information about sourcing a placement, tips for enhancing CVs, cover letters and interview preparation.
• A Student Futures Placement Coordinator is available to support students with their placement applications and approving placements as part of the course.
• If this option is chosen, the course duration will be extended by one trimester.

Study abroad

• International study is available, and is intended to develop overall graduate attributes and global citizenship.
• The School has several agreements with overseas partner institutions, both in the EU and further afield, providing varied and exciting opportunities tailored around your individual study and cultural interests.

Popular modules

Year 1

• Software Development 1
• Information Systems in Organisations
• Computer Systems 1
• Practical Networks 1
• Introduction to Human-Computer Interaction
• Programming Fundamentals

Year 2

• Database Systems
• Systems and Services
• Scripting for Cybersecurity and Forensics
• Practical Networks 2
• Digital Forensics
• Web Technologies

Year 3

• Data Analytics
• Networked Services
• Network Security and Cryptography
• Group Project
• Computing in Contemporary Society
• Core Options

Year 4

• Honours Projects
• OS Forensics
• Security Systems for loT
• Security Testing and Advanced Network Forensics
• Secure Software Development

ACCREDITATION AND CERTIFICATION

• The course has been awarded full undergraduate certification from the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC).

Entry requirements

Entry requirements

• Our entry requirements indicate both Standard and Minimum qualifications with which we normally accept students.
• Competition for places varies from year to year and you aren't guaranteed a place if you meet the minimum qualifications.

Year 1

Minimum Year 1

• SQA Higher: Standard Entry Requirement: ABBB. National 5 grade C in Maths OR Applications of Maths
• A Level: BBC
• Irish Leaving Certificate: H2, H2, H2, H3 at Higher Level and grade O4 in Ordinary Level Maths
• Scottish HNC: HNC with C in the graded unit in one of the following: Computing, Computer Networking, Computer Networking and Internet Technology, Cyber Security.
• BTEC (QCF) Extended Diploma Level 3: Minimum grades DDM (Distinction, Distinction, Merit) in a related subject
• International Baccalaureate Diploma: Award of Diploma with 29 points overall with three HL subjects at grades 6, 5, 5
• European Baccalaureate: Pass at 70% or above with grade 7 in three subjects.

Year 2

Minimum Year 2

• HNC: HNC - Pass in Cyber Security, Computing, Computer Networking or Computer Networking & Internet Technology with A in the graded unit.
• SQA Advanced Higher: BBC
• A Level: BBB to include a Science*
• BTEC (QCF) Extended Diploma Level 3: Minimum grades DDD (Distinction, Distinction, Distinction) in a related subject

Year 3

Minimum Year 3

• HND: HND - Pass in Networking, Cyber Security (does not need Forensics module as is covered already), Computing: Networking, Computer Networking & Internet Technology with Grade B at SCQF Level 8 in the graded units to include the Forensics Fundamentals module.

English language

• If your first language isn't English, you'll normally need to undertake an approved English language test and our minimum English language requirements will apply.

International students

• We welcome applications from students studying a wide range of international qualifications.

Fees & funding

Tuition fees for 2024/25

• Scotland: £1,820
• England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland: £9,250
• Overseas and EU: £19,340

Careers

What can you do with a degree in Cybersecurity & Forensics?

• From the very beginning of your first year to final year, the Cybersecurity & Forensics degree will help you to grow as an IT professional who can investigate and detect whether a system of an organization has been compromised and can analyze intrusions after they've occurred.
• Our past graduates have secured the following roles but not limited to:
  • Security Consultant
  • Design Engineer
  • Test/Debug Engineer
  • Forensic Engineer
  • Security Auditor
  • Web Server Support

What does a Cybersecurity expert do?

• Your day-to-day responsibilities will vary based on the career path you choose.
• If you become a cybersecurity specialist, your top priority will be to secure the system of an organization from cyber-attacks, threats and vulnerabilities by constantly monitoring and analyzing the system.

What does a Digital Forensic Specialist do?

• If you become a digital forensic specialist, you will be looking for and retrieving highly sensitive data that can be used as evidence in a criminal investigation after a security breach has taken place.