Cyber Security and Forensics with Foundation BSc Honours - Courses

Program Overview

The University of Westminster's Cyber Security and Forensics BSc program prepares students for careers in these high-demand fields through a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical applications. The curriculum covers topics such as digital forensics, network security, and incident response, equipping graduates with the skills to protect digital systems from emerging threats and address real-world cybersecurity challenges. The program includes an optional year abroad or placement, providing students with valuable industry experience and a foundation for a successful career in the cyber security and forensics industry.

Program Outline

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. 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. 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. this course is designed to be aligned with the key knowledge areas of the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC).

Outline:

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.

Foundation Year:

• Computer Systems and Networks
• Critical Thinking for Academic and Professional Development
• Foundation Mathematics
• Introduction to Academic Practice
• Programming

Year 1:

• Applied Mathematics
• Introduction to Cyber Security and Forensics
• Introduction to Networks
• Programming Methodology I
• Programming Methodology II
• Trends in Computer Science

Year 2:

• 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:

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.

Year 3:

• Cyber Security and Forensics Final Year Project
• Incident Response and Malware Analysis
• Wireless Networks Security
• Applied AI
• Cyber Security Threats and Counter Measures

Teaching:

Teaching methods on this course focus on active student learning and, where appropriate, practical application. 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.

• 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
• 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.
• 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
• 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.

UK Fees:

£9,250 (Price per academic year)

International Fees:

£17,000