Cyber Security and Forensics with Foundation BSc Honours

Program Overview

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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

Course Team

• Dr Anastasia Angelopoulou
• Dr Artie Basukoski
• Dr Ayman El Hajjar
• Chee Yeung
• Dr David Huang
• Professor Djuradj Budimir
• Dr Francois Roubert
• Frantzeska Kolyda
• Dr George Charalambous
• Imtiaz Sandia
• Jade James
• Maria Chondrogianni
• Dr Mohammed Al-Janabi
• Noam Weingarten
• Sadaseevam Nagandiram
• Vassiliki Bouki
• Dr Vasileios Kontogiannis
• Usama Arusi
• Dr Funminiyi Olajide

Why Study This Course?

• Study in central London
• Prepare for industry
• A supportive environment

Entry Requirements

• UK
• International
• 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

In addition to one of the above, you should have:

• GCSE English Language grade 4/C – IB grade 4 Higher Level, GCSE Maths grade 4/C – IB grade 4

If your first language is not English, you will need an IELTS of 6.0 overall, with at least 5.5 in each component.

We also welcome applications from students who are taking a combinations of qualifications listed above. For further information, please contact Course Enquiries.

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.

Other International Qualifications

We accept a wide range of international high school level qualifications. Please see information on country-specific entry requirements

International Foundation Courses

We work in partnership with Kaplan International College London who provide the International Foundation Certificate at their College based in Liverpool Street. These courses are for students who don’t meet our direct entry requirements. Upon successful completion, you can progress to your chosen degree at the University of Westminster. Find out more about the different 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 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
• International

UK tuition fee: £9,535 (Price per academic year)

Please note that if you defer your place, the first year’s tuition fees will be those of the academic year in which you enrol, which may be higher than the fee shown for this year.

Fees are subject to UK Government Parliamentary procedure.

Find out how we set our tuition fees.

Funding

As well as tuition fee loans, there is a range of funding available to help you fund your studies.

Find out about undergraduate student funding options.

Scholarships

The University is dedicated to supporting ambitious and outstanding students and we offer a variety of scholarships to eligible undergraduate students, which cover all or part of your tuition fees.

Find out if you qualify for one of our scholarships.

Additional Costs

See what you may need to pay for and what your tuition fees cover.

International tuition fee: £17,600 (Price per academic year)

When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase International tuition fees.

Please note that if you defer your place, the first year’s tuition fees will be those of the academic year in which you enrol, which may be higher than the fee shown for this year.

Find out how we set our tuition fees.

EU Qualifications Welcome Award Scheme

If you are an international student accepted on an undergraduate programme starting in September 2024 or September 2025 at level 3 (Foundation) or level 4 (first year) on the basis of an eligible EU qualification only, you will be awarded a tuition fee reduction which will align your fee more closely to the one for UK students. For more information, see the EU Qualifications Welcome Award Scheme.

International Student Funding

Find out about funding for international students.

Additional Costs

See what you may need to pay for and what your tuition fees cover.

Teaching and Assessment

How You'll Be Taught

Teaching methods across all our undergraduate courses focus on active student learning through lectures, seminars, workshops, problem-based and blended learning, and where appropriate practical application. Learning typically falls into three broad categories:

• Scheduled hours: examples include lectures, seminars, practical classes, workshops, supervised time in a studio
• Placement: placement hours normally include placement opportunities, but may also include live projects or virtual activity involving employers
• Independent study: non-scheduled time in which students are expected to study independently. This may include preparation for scheduled sessions, follow-up work, wider reading or practice, completion of assessment tasks, or revision

Year

Year

F

24% Scheduled hours 76% Independent study 0% Placement

Year

1

27% Scheduled hours 73% Independent study 0% Placement

Year

2

27% Scheduled hours 73% Independent study 0% Placement

Year

P

1% Scheduled hours 57% Independent study 42% Placement

Year

3

21% Scheduled hours 79% Independent study 0% Placement

Scheduled hours Independent study Placement

How You'll Be Assessed

Our undergraduate courses include a wide variety of assessments.

Assessments typically fall into three broad categories:

• Practical: examples include presentations, videos, podcasts, lab work, creating artefacts
• Written exams: end of semester exams
• Coursework: examples include essays, reports, in-class tests, portfolios, dissertation

Year

Year

F

0% Written exams 33% Practical 67% Coursework

Year

1

0% Written exams 13% Practical 87% Coursework

Year

2

61% Written exams 25% Practical 14% Coursework

Year

P

0% Written exams 25% Practical 75% Coursework

Year

3

0% Written exams 17% Practical 83% Coursework

Written exams Practical Coursework

Data from the academic year 2024/25

Supporting You

Our Student Hub is where you’ll find out about the services and support we offer, helping you get the best out of your time with us.

• Study support – workshops, 1-2-1 support and online resources to help improve your academic and research skills
• Personal tutors – support you in fulfilling your academic and personal potential
• Student advice team – provide specialist advice on a range of issues including funding, benefits and visas
• Extra-curricular activities – volunteering opportunities, sports and fitness activities, student events and more

Visit our student hub

Course Location

With state-of-the-art science and psychology labs and refurbished computer suites, our Cavendish Campus offers our science and technology students a range of learning spaces that are both dynamic and inspiring,

Located in central London, our Cavendish Campus is just a five-minute walk from Oxford Street and Tottenham Court Road.

For more details, visit our Cavendish Campus page.

Related Courses

• Computer Science with Foundation BSc Honours
• Software Engineering with Foundation BEng Honours