Cyber Security and Forensics with Foundation BSc Honours

Program Overview

The four-year Cyber Security and Forensics BSc program offers a blend of theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and industry engagement to equip students with expertise in the ever-changing field of cyber security and forensics. Through the program's innovative teaching methods, students become skilled problem solvers who understand global and societal aspects of cybersecurity. The program aligns with the government's strategic vision and prepares graduates for successful careers in various roles, ranging from penetration testers to cyber security managers.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• Program Overview: This four or five-year program offers a foundation year to prepare students for advanced study before progressing to a full honors degree in Cyber Security and Forensics.
It caters to students who may not be ready for degree-level study, lack the necessary qualifications, wish to change their subject specialism, or return to education after a break.
• Objectives: The foundation year aims to encourage a broad range of students to explore new ideas, develop a cross-disciplinary perspective, and gain confidence and creativity.
The Cyber Security and Forensics BSc aims to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed for a successful career in the field, addressing the ever-growing challenges facing businesses, governments, and individuals. It combines various disciplines to provide fundamental skills, crucial theories, principles, and methodologies used in the industry.
• Learning Outcomes: Students will become skilled, innovative, and confident problem solvers, considering global and societal aspects of the current environment.
They will gain expertise in key aspects of cyber security and forensics, utilizing industrial tools and techniques (both offensive and defensive) to create cyber-resilient digital solutions.
• Alignment: The program aligns with the UK government's strategic vision for 2030 to become a leading responsible democratic cyber power, adhering to the key knowledge areas of the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC).

Outline:

• Program Structure: The program consists of a foundation year followed by three years of study for the Cyber Security and Forensics BSc Honours.
An optional year abroad or placement is available.
• Foundation Year:
• Modules:
• Computer Systems and Networks
• Critical Thinking for Academic and Professional Development
• Foundation Mathematics
• Introduction to Academic Practice
• Programming
• Year 1:
• Modules:
• Applied Mathematics
• Introduction to Cyber Security and Forensics
• Introduction to Networks
• Programming Methodology I
• Programming Methodology II
• Trends in Computer Science
• Year 2:
• Modules:
• 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:
• Options:
Students can choose to undertake a professional placement year in industry or a period of study abroad at one of Westminster's partner institutions.
• Award: Successful completion of the placement year leads to a Bachelor of Science with Honours - Cyber Security and Forensics with Industrial Experience.
Successful completion of the study abroad option leads to a Bachelor of Science with Honours - Cyber Security and Forensics with International Experience.
• Year 3:
• Modules:
• Cyber Security and Forensics Final Year Project
• Incident Response and Malware Analysis
• Wireless Networks Security
• Applied AI
• Cyber Security Threats and Counter Measures
• Defensive Programming Techniques

Assessment:

• Assessment Methods: The program utilizes a variety of assessment methods, including:
• Lectures
• Practical tutorials
• Laboratory sessions
• Independent study
• Presentations
• Videos
• Podcasts
• Lab work
• Creating artefacts
• Essays
• Reports
• In-class tests
• Portfolios
• Dissertations

Teaching:

• Teaching Methods: Teaching methods emphasize active student learning through:
• Lectures
• Seminars
• Workshops
• Problem-based and blended learning
• Practical application
• Faculty: The program is led by experienced faculty members, including:
• Dr Ayman El Hajjar - Senior Lecturer in cyber security and forensics
• Noam Weingarten - Senior Lecturer
• Dr Anastasia Angelopoulou - Senior Lecturer
• Dr Artie Basukoski - Senior Lecturer
• Dr David Huang - Senior Lecturer in Computer Science and Network Systems
• Dr Djuradj Budimir - Reader in Wireless Communications
• Francois Roubert - Senior Lecturer
• Frantzeska Kolyda - Senior Lecturer
• Dr George Charalambous - Senior Lecturer
• Imtiaz Sandia - Senior Lecturer
• Jade James - Lecturer
• Maria Chondrogianni - Principal Lecturer
• Dr Mohammed Al-Janabi - Senior Lecturer
• Sadaseevam Nagandiram - Lecturer
• Vassiliki Bouki - Principal Lecturer
• Dr Vasileios Kontogiannis - Reader
• Usama Arusi - Lecturer
• Jude Osamor - Lecturer
• Dr Funminiyi Olajide - Senior Lecturer
• Unique Approaches: The program incorporates industry guest speakers, live industry briefs, and placement opportunities to provide students with real-world experience and insights.

Careers:

• Potential Career Paths: Graduates are well-prepared for roles in various areas, including:
• Anti-piracy/content protection analyst
• Computer forensics analyst
• Computer security incident responder
• Cyber security manager
• IT security engineer
• IT security operations specialist
• Penetration tester (ethical hacker)
• Researcher in applied cryptography
• Researcher in network/computer security
• Security officer
• Source code auditor
• Vulnerability assessor
The University's Careers and Employability Service has a network of over 3,000 employers worldwide, offering students access to exciting opportunities and careers.
• Outcomes: Graduates from similar courses at the University of Westminster have found employment at organizations such as:
• KPMG UK
• Metropolitan Police
• UK Ministry of Defence
Accreditation is expected in 2027, backdated to include the first intake from September 2023.
• Industry Links: The program emphasizes industry engagement through:
• Presentations by industry professionals
• Mentorship from industry professionals
• Communication exchange with leading industry experts and businesses
• Industry-led talks and presentations on campus
• Westminster Employability Award: The program offers the Westminster Employability Award, allowing students to formally document and demonstrate their personal and professional development through extracurricular activities.
• Semester or year-long exchanges at institutions around the world
• International summer schools or field trips
• Volunteering or work placements abroad
• Campus Location: The program is based at the Cavendish Campus in central London, offering students access to state-of-the-art science and psychology labs, refurbished computer suites, and a dynamic and inspiring learning environment.

UK FEES:

£9,250 per academic year

International Fees:

£ 15,400 per academic year