BSc (Hons) Computer Forensics and Security
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2023-09-01 | - |
| 2024-09-01 | - |
| 2025-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
The BSc (Hons) Computer Forensics and Security program at Canterbury Christ Church University equips graduates with the skills and knowledge to combat cybercrime. Through hands-on learning and industry-standard tools, students develop expertise in digital forensics, ethical hacking, and security management. The program prepares graduates for careers in law enforcement, intelligence services, and the private sector, with a high graduate employment rate and strong industry partnerships.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Overview
The BSc (Hons) Computer Forensics and Security program at Canterbury Christ Church University equips graduates with the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue careers in the growing field of cyber security.
As cybercrime continues to rise, the demand for skilled professionals who can protect systems from malicious attacks, human error, and vulnerabilities is increasing. This program prepares graduates to become cyber forensics investigators, who can use their skills to:
- Protect organizational ecosystems
- Perform ethical hacking
- Respond to various online security threats
- Utilize essential security tools (Autopsy, X-Ways, XRY, TSK, and Wireshark)
- Equip students with the essential skills and knowledge to investigate and combat cybercrime
- Provide practical experience working with industry-standard security tools Students participate in a rich, hands-on curriculum that focuses on the real-world application of theoretical knowledge. The program utilizes the pioneering CDIO (conceive, design, implement, operate) model in its instructional framework, providing students with comprehensive and practical experiences while promoting collaboration and real-world project applications.
Outline:
Core Modules:
Year 1
- Programming Design and Development (40 Credits)
- Computational Thinking (20 Credits)
- Ethics and Employability (20 Credits)
- Mathematics for Computer Science (20 Credits)
Year 2
- Network Security (20 Credits)
- Operating Systems Security (20 Credits)
- Digital Forensics (20 Credits)
- Malware Analysis (20 Credits)
- Security Management (20 Credits)
Year 3
- Individual Study (Dissertation) (40 Credits)
- Ethical Hacking (20 Credits)
- Incident Response (20 Credits)
- Cloud Security (20 Credits)
- Advanced Computer Forensics (20 Credits)
Option Modules:
Examples of Option Modules (availability may vary):
- Mobile Device Forensics
- Blockchain Security
- Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in Cybersecurity
- Cryptography
- Web Application Security
- Advanced Penetration Testing
- Security Auditing
Schedule:
Students typically have around 12 contact hours per week, supplemented by 4 hours of team coordination for group activities. Regular meetings with an assigned academic personal tutor are also scheduled.
Teaching:
Instructional methods involve a combination of lectures, seminars, and practical labs. The program strongly emphasizes hands-on learning through real-world inspired projects.
Faculty:
The teaching team comprises highly qualified academics with extensive industry experience and expertise. All members hold Doctoral or professional qualifications and are actively involved in research, publications, and professional practice.
Assessment:
Assessment strategies primarily focus on coursework and project work, with some modules incorporating examinations or class tests. Coursework offers a blend of practical exercises and theoretical elements, ensuring a well-rounded education. Assessments can be individual or group-based, depending on the module. Formative feedback is provided formally in Year 1 and during the Year 3 individual study, and informally in workshops and seminars. Assessment methods encompass diverse strategies, including:
- Production of software artifacts
- Project plans and diaries
- Essays
- Reports
- "Investigation-based" presentations
- Oral presentations
- Individual studies/projects
- Poster presentations
- Online assessment
- Logs
- Examinations
- Time-constrained assignments Feedback on assessments is provided within 15 working days of submission for coursework and upon request for examinations.
Careers:
Graduates possess both technical and professional skills, equipping them to excel in roles within the ever-evolving field of cyber security. An optional professional placement during the degree further enriches students' skillsets through valuable real-world experience.
- Digital forensic investigation in law enforcement
- Intelligence services (MI5)
- Consultancy
- Financial services
- Healthcare The program also provides a strong foundation for further study in specialist Masters or Research (MPhil/PhD) programs.
Other:
- The program boasts a graduate employment rate of 96%, with alumni successfully pursuing careers in diverse organizations like MI5, the National Crime Agency, GCHQ, EY, PwC, and Accenture.
- Canterbury Christ Church University has partnerships with leading tech companies like IBM, SAP, and Fortinet, providing students with access to advanced learning opportunities and industry insights.
- The program fosters real-world industry engagement through diverse initiatives, including guest lectures from industry experts, site visits, and collaborative projects.
UK
Full-time: £9,250 Full-time - placement year: £1,850 Part-time: £4,625
Overseas
Home (UK) Fees:
The fees above are for the 2024/25 academic year but may be subject to change following any announcements by the UK Government (approved by Parliament) regarding maximum Undergraduate tuition fee caps for 2024/25. In addition, the University reserves the right to increase all full-time and part-time Undergraduate tuition fees mid-course, in line with any further inflationary increase in the Government tuition fee cap which is approved by Parliament. Students with an Overseas fee status will be eligible for an International student Scholarship fee discount of £1,500, which will be applied to all Full-time Undergraduate courses with a tuition fee of £15,500.
