Computer and Digital Forensics (with Foundation Year) BSc (Hons)

Study the fundamental concepts of problem-solving, algorithms and data structure, and how they can be integrated to create solutions to complex computational tasks.

You use classic puzzles and recreational games to demonstrate the fundamental building blocks of algorithms. Develop your knowledge of design principles and your proficiency in creating algorithmic procedures by learning to think computationally when solving puzzles, and creating routines for playing simple computer-enabled games.

This is a 30-credit module.

Working in small teams, you design, develop and demonstrate a software solution that relates to an agreed specification following an agile development methodology.

This is a 30-credit module.

Learn the tools, techniques and methods you need to develop information systems such as gathering requirements, requirements modelling, designing data models and implementing a solution.

This is a 30-credit module.

Gain an introduction to programming if you have little or no experience of it. You use tools that are easily available, easy to use and familiar to anyone who's used a computer. Learn how programming language constructs are applied to increasing complex problems.

This is a 30-credit module.

Study network design solutions and current trends in network design including the increased demand for bandwidth and wireless solutions. Get hands-on experience using key network simulation software. You also cover security threats, their solutions, assessing and managing security risk, legal requirements, and social and ethical issues.

This is a 30-credit module.

Study core threshold concepts in forensic computing and earn the skills you need to be a digital forensic technician. You learn and develop a skillset based on industry professional practice requirements. You consider investigation principles and develop your knowledge of how computers store data.

This is a 30-credit module.

You study the principles of digital intelligence, digital investigations, digital crime and the underlying principles of cyber crime. And you look at where you can find digital sources of evidence and intelligence. You also look at their structure, content and value to an investigation, as well as the surrounding legal and ethical implications of using this information. Finally, you consider relevant approaches to examining and interpreting intelligence sources.

This is a 30-credit module.

Cover a full range of computer and network security issues. Study systematic approaches to managing security risks, identification and authentication, elementary cryptography, network technology and relevant security issues. Learn about the basic network technology including deploying routers, switches, firewalls, cabling and servers as well as communication protocols and topologies. And understand how they're used and how they function in the real world.

This is a 30-credit module.

You develop a solution, proposal, product or service in response to an enterprise challenge set by industry partners or business clients.

Working in small teams, you determine the project aims, objectives, roles, tasks, deliverables, schedules and documentation. You take a professional approach, informed by innovative industry practice, to deliver a successful project that meets the set challenge.

You develop a solution, proposal, product or service, pitching it to academics and industry experts. You reflect on the project process as a whole and review sustainability, diversity, ethical and legal issues, and evaluate team members’ performance.

This is a 30-credit module.

Examine the principles of investigating crimes committed using the internet. Learn to investigate topics such as examining online activity, cyber crime and electronic social engineering. And consider how to investigate a person’s online and digital presence to get valuable intelligence leads from the data you examine. Focus on digital imagery and social media, and the data you can leverage from these technologies.

Develop practical skills and theoretical knowledge that can help you work in open-source intelligence, victim identity investigations, online child sexual exploitation investigations, and other child protection roles.

This is a 30-credit module.

Learn how to investigate data on mobile devices including digital imagery, social media and an individual’s online footprint. Develop your knowledge of the principles you need to examine mobile devices and their attached storage media, and other portable digital devices. And learn how to effectively investigate cases involving these devices.

This is a 30-credit module.

You study common desktop operating systems and how digital data is stored within them. Develop the knowledge and skills you need to analyse storage media, operating systems and file systems, using common underlying principles to carry out investigations. You also study common operating and file system-specific artefacts as sources of evidence or intelligence in a digital forensic investigation.

This is a 30-credit module.

You have the option to spend one year in industry learning and developing your skills. We encourage and support you with applying for a placement, job hunting and networking.

You gain experience favoured by graduate recruiters and develop your technical skillset. You also obtain the transferable skills required in any professional environment, including communication, negotiation, teamwork, leadership, organisation, confidence, self-reliance, problem-solving, being able to work under pressure, and commercial awareness.

Many employers view a placement as a year-long interview, therefore placements are increasingly becoming an essential part of an organisation's pre-selection strategy in their graduate recruitment process. Benefits include:

· improved job prospects
· enhanced employment skills and improved career progression opportunities
· a higher starting salary than your full-time counterparts
· a better degree classification
· a richer CV
· a year's salary before completing your degree
· experience of workplace culture
· the opportunity to design and base your final-year project within a working environment.

If you are unable to secure a work placement with an employer, then you simply continue on a course without the work placement.

Produce a substantial artefact related to the computing field, and write a report and commented walk-through video, with supervision from our academic staff.

You are guided to develop your work-discipline and your professional outlook. Taking full responsibility for your project, carry out an in-depth exploration of a chosen subject area that demonstrates your ability to scope the project, plan, research, analyse, synthesise, and creatively apply and execute what you've already studied. Consider its risks, security and sustainability as well as the legal, social, ethical, equality, diversity and inclusion issues.

You develop your professional skills in time management, communication, problem solving and critical thinking.

This is a 60-credit module.

Explore the digital forensics lifecycle, from crime scene through to the courtroom. You get an insight into the complex investigative approaches associated with examining digital evidence. You consider how practitioners approach a digital investigation, exploring investigative strategies, techniques and best practices for acquiring, analysing, interpreting and reporting digital evidence.

You work in groups to create a digital forensic problem scenario containing mock evidence and a problem brief outlining what's been done. Each group swaps scenarios and, as individuals, you examine your allocated case and report on your findings. You see the complexity of digital data and investigations, and mimic real-world investigative processes and procedures.

There is a professional practice theme throughout which includes the relevant codes of conduct, quality standards and accreditation to give you the key information and skills you need in a forensic practice career.

This is a 30-credit module.

Digital forensics is a constantly changing discipline. You explore current issues and emerging trends and technology, and how they impact on digital forensic professional practice. Learn advanced digital forensic techniques so that you are employment-ready and can horizon scan throughout your career.

This is a 30-credit module.