About the course
Overview
Do you have the ability to join the front line in defending computer networks from cyber attacks? Or are you interested in ethical hacking to probe the digital defences of major corporations?
On this BSc (Hons) Cyber Security and Forensic Computing degree course, you’ll turn your tech talent into a professional qualification, armed with a toolkit of knowledge and skills to tackle the toughest digital security challenges.
This degree could lead to a career in law enforcement or British Intelligence. You’ll be qualified to take on roles in cyber security, cryptography and forensic investigation.
What you'll experience
On this degree course, you'll:
- Build sought-after technical and investigative skills to break down security systems, and expose gaps in security when they occur
- Learn to identify cyber intruders, recommend security fixes, and stop hackers in their tracks
- Understand how to investigate cybercrime for the Police and the steps needed to take a case through to court
- Spend plenty of time in our high-powered computer labs, getting to grips with the latest tools and techniques
- Be taught by staff with years of experience and expertise in computer security, with teaching informed by up-to-date research into the latest advancements in forensic computing
- Apply your skills to practical problems as part of the department’s partnership with charities, local and global organisations
- Take advantage of opportunities to put your skills to work through our close relationship with the Hampshire Police High Tech Crime Unit
- Design and develop software, hardware and networks, in fields such as digital forensics and artificial intelligence
- Pick the brains of visiting speakers, who are experts in the forensic and cyber security field
Software and equipment you can use includes:
- a mobile computing lab to develop Android and iOS apps
- a pervasive computing lab for high-performance computing
- a usability lab including state-of-the-art eye tracking equipment
- Linux and Windows systems
- a forensics lab with professional-standard forensic tools
Careers and opportunities
Police investigations and civil disputes increasingly involve investigations of computer systems, mobile phones or other information devices. So there's lots of demand for professionals in the field.
When you complete the course, you could work in private and public companies in areas such as law enforcement, cyber security and computer forensics. You'll also be able to register as a Chartered IT Professional (CITP).
What jobs can you do with a Cyber Security and Forensic Computing degree?
Roles our graduates have taken on include:
- security architect
- penetration tester
- cyber security analyst
- forensic investigator
- eDiscovery examiner
- software developer
You'll get advice and support from our Careers and Employability service throughout your studies, and for 5 years after you graduate.
Work experience and career planning
On this course you'll have the opportunity to do an internship with Hampshire Police's High-tech crime unit on our campus.
Our Careers and Employability service can help you find further relevant work experience during your course. We can help you identify placements, internships and voluntary opportunities that will complement your studies, build your CV and put your skills to the test.
Learning support
As well as support by faculty teaching staff and your personal tutor, you can use the University’s Academic Skills Unit (ASK).
ASK provides one-to-one support in areas such as:
- academic writing
- note taking
- time management
- critical thinking
- presentation skills
- referencing
- working in groups
- revision, memory and exam techniques
If you have a disability or need extra support, the Additional Support and Disability Centre (ASDAC) will give you help, support and advice.
Maths and stats support
The Maths Cafe offers free advice and assistance with mathematical skills in a friendly, informal environment. You can come to our daily drop-in sessions, develop your maths skills at a workshop or use our online resources.
Teaching
Teaching methods on this course include:
- lectures
- seminars
- tutorials
- laboratory work
- project work
How you'll spend your time
Each academic year is divided into 2 teaching blocks and 2 assessment periods:
- September to December – teaching block 1
- January – assessment period 1
- January to May – teaching block 2 (includes Easter break)
- May to June – assessment period 2
Most teaching takes place during the day, Monday to Friday. You may occasionally need to go to University and course events in the evenings and at weekends.
There’s usually no teaching on Wednesday afternoons.
How you're assessed
You’ll be assessed through:
- critical evaluation essays
- written exams
- research projects
- mini projects
- presentations
You’ll be able to test your skills and knowledge informally before you do assessments that count towards your final mark.
You can get feedback on all practice and formal assessments so you can improve in the future.
The way you’re assessed may depend on the modules you select. As a guide, students on this course last year were typically assessed as follows:
- Year 1 students: 27% by written exams and 73% by coursework
- Year 2 students: 52% by written exams, 3% by practical exams and 45% by coursework
- Year 3 students: 30% by written exams and 70% by coursework