BSc (Hons) Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics with Integrated Foundation Year

Program Overview

The BSc (Hons) Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics with Integrated Foundation Year program at the University of Sunderland equips students with the skills to investigate and mitigate cyber threats effectively. Through a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical experience, graduates are prepared for diverse career paths in cybersecurity and digital forensics, including roles as cybersecurity analysts, digital forensics investigators, and penetration testers. The program emphasizes hands-on training and utilizes state-of-the-art facilities, including the David Goldman Technology Centre and CyberZone.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

BSc (Hons) Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics with Integrated Foundation Year

This four-year undergraduate program addresses the growing need for cybersecurity and digital forensics professionals, equipping students with the skills to investigate and mitigate cyber threats effectively. The program starts with a foundation year, providing a solid grounding in computing fundamentals before delving into specialist modules. Students will gain expertise in:

• Computer security and ethical hacking
• Preservation and extraction of digital evidence
• Network security and vulnerabilities
• Malware analysis and defense strategies
• Law and ethics relating to cybercrime and digital forensics.
The program aims to prepare students for diverse career paths in various sectors, including law enforcement, government agencies, private corporations, and consultancy firms. It also serves as a strong foundation for postgraduate studies in related fields.

Outline:

Year 1: Integrated Foundation Year

This foundation year equips students with the essential knowledge and skills in computer science.

• Five modules are covered:
• Foundations of Computing:
Introduces diverse perspectives on computing, explores the inner workings of modern computers, and covers fundamental programming concepts.
• Essential Study Skills: Develops academic skills like writing, communication, and time management.
• Project: Completion of a project in a chosen subject area, demonstrating research and analysis skills.
• Fundamentals of Computer Networking and Security: Introduces the components of computer networks, security threats, and hands-on practice with network security.
• Practical Maths: Consolidates numeracy skills, analyzes statistical data, and applies mathematical concepts to real-world scenarios.

Year 2: National Level 4

• Software Engineering: Covers software development methodologies, quality assurance, ethical considerations, and the software development lifecycle.
• Computer Systems, Architectures and Networks: Explores the internal workings of a computer, operating systems, troubleshooting, and basic network concepts.
• Introduction to Programming: Introduces fundamental programming concepts using languages like Python or C#, debugging techniques, and data structures.
• Full Stack Development: Covers front-end and back-end web development, utilizing frameworks to build dynamic web applications with modern programming languages.
• Specialist Project: Students develop an individual project in their preferred area of study, working with subject specialists.
• Emerging Technologies: Discusses the impact of emerging technologies like virtual reality, drones, cryptocurrencies, and wearable technology on society and industry.

Year 3: National Level 5

• Advanced Programming: Deepens knowledge of object-oriented programming concepts and software design using UML diagrams and techniques.
• Cyber Security: Explores security principles, technologies, case studies of cybercrime, and the design of secure systems.
• Enterprise Project: Participates in the planning, development, and implementation of a software solution for a client, applying project management skills to deliver a successful solution.
• Secure Networks: Develops practical skills in implementing and securing complex network infrastructure, evaluating security requirements.
• Digital Forensic Computing Practice: Explores digital forensics techniques, evidence collection from various sources, data recovery, file analysis, and legal considerations.
• Virtualisation and Cloud Infrastructure: Explores cloud computing concepts, best practices, DevOps, Linux environments, and the design of cloud infrastructure.

Year 4: National Level 6

• Cyber Threat Landscape: Investigates the current cyber threat landscape, performs risk assessments, analyzes cybercrime cases, and develops security strategies.
• Web Application Security: Understands web application vulnerabilities, testing methodologies, ethical hacking techniques, and web application security principles.
• Digital Forensic Investigations: Investigates advanced topics in digital forensics, including social media analysis, mobile forensics, and ethical and legal considerations for forensic professionals.
• Penetration Testing and Ethical Hacking: Analyzes the legal and technical aspects of secure systems, explores ethical hacking principles, and develops practical skills in conducting penetration tests.
• Project: Conducts in-depth research in a chosen Cybersecurity or Digital Forensics topic, presenting a final project demonstrating knowledge and research skills.

Assessment:

The program utilizes various assessment methods to evaluate student understanding and progress throughout the course. These may include:

• Coursework: Essays, assignments, research papers, project reports, and online quizzes.
• Examinations: Written exams testing knowledge of theoretical concepts and practical problem-solving skills.
• Presentations: Delivering presentations to showcase research findings and demonstrate communication skills.
• Practical Projects: Implementing and showcasing software projects, demonstrating technical skills and problem-solving abilities.

Teaching:

The program utilizes diverse teaching methods to cater to different learning styles and provide a stimulating learning environment. These methods include:

• Lectures: Eminent faculty members deliver comprehensive lectures on key topics, providing a strong foundation in theoretical concepts.
• Tutorials: Smaller group sessions allow for interactive learning, problem-solving exercises, and personalized feedback from instructors.
• Seminars: Engaging discussions and debates on current issues in cybersecurity and digital forensics foster critical thinking and knowledge sharing.
• Laboratory Sessions: Hands-on practical experience with industry-standard tools and technologies solidify theoretical knowledge in a practical setting.
• Independent Study: Encourages self-directed learning, research, and exploration of specific topics of interest.

Careers:

Graduates from the program can pursue diverse career paths in various sectors, including:

• Cybersecurity Analyst: Monitors networks for security threats, implements security measures, and investigates cybercrime activities.
• Digital Forensics Investigator: Conducts digital investigations, recovers and analyzes electronic evidence, and prepares reports for legal proceedings.
• Penetration Tester: Conducts ethical hacking tests to identify security vulnerabilities in systems and networks.
• Security Consultant: Provides expert advice and guidance to organizations on implementing security measures and managing cyber risks.
• Network Security Engineer: Designs, implements, and maintains secure network infrastructure.
• Law Enforcement: Utilizes digital forensics skills to investigate cybercrime and provide evidence for legal prosecution.

Other:

• The David Goldman Technology Centre: Home to the program, this state-of-the-art technology centre provides access to high-performance machines, cybersecurity simulation tools, and specialized software for hands-on learning experiences.

• CyberZone: A unique facility dedicated to cybersecurity exploration, featuring high-performance machines, virtual machine simulations, malware analysis tools, and secure network environments for practical cybersecurity training.

• Forensics Lab: This lab provides industry-standard forensic workstations, software tools, and equipment for students to practice digital forensics techniques, including data recovery, analysis, and presentation in legal settings.

• Project Lab: Final year students have access to a dedicated space with specialized software to work on their individual projects, allowing them to develop technical skills and showcase their capabilities.

• Integrated Foundation Year: This initial year provides students from diverse backgrounds a solid foundation in computing fundamentals, preparing them for the more specialized modules in the subsequent years.

• Emphasis on Practical Applications: The program prioritizes hands-on training through laboratory sessions, simulations, and practical projects, equipping students with the skills to apply their theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios.

Please note:

This information about the program is subject to change and may be updated without prior notice. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, please refer to the official website of the University of Sunderland.

The annual fee for this course is £9,250 if you're from the UK/Ireland/EU settled/pre-settled. If you're a full-time UK/Irish/EU settled/EU pre-settled student, you may be eligible to receive financial support to cover your fees for the full four years. UK and EU settled students may also be eligible to receive a maintenance loan. Please note, this course isn't available to international students.