Cyber Security and Forensics (BSc Honour)

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

Teaching methods on this course focus on active student learning and, where appropriate, practical application. You’ll also be exposed to industry guest speakers, live industry briefs and placement opportunities.

Our Cyber Security and Forensics BSc is designed to meet the ever-growing requirements and challenges facing businesses, governments and individuals.

• 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. You’ll also have the opportunity to apply these learnings to practical assignments and real-life scenarios in our dedicated labs.

Top reasons to study with us

• State-of-the-art technologies and resources – you’ll have access to a dedicated forensics computer laboratory and over 30 computing laboratories with an extensive range of software providing access to Linux/UNIX, Windows and Mac OS, including the use of specialised software tools and packages for cyber security and forensics
• 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
• Fit for industry – Some of our graduates from similar courses have gone on to work in leading governmental and security organisations such as the Police and the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD)

Course structure

• 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.
• The following modules are indicative of what you’ll study on this course.

Year 1
Subjects of study include:

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

Credit Level 4

Year 2
Subjects of study include:

• 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

Credit Level 5

Year 3
Subjects of study include:

• 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

Credit Level 6

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.

Programme recognition

• 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.

Careers

• With computers being central to all aspects of our daily lives, as industries ranging from communications to banking have come to rely on them, the need for improved computer security has never been greater. 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. It will equip you with the necessary skills for jobs in the field of cyber security and digital forensics.

Industry links

• We have links with professionals from a range of fields in the cyber security and digital forensics industries.

Work placement opportunities

• You’ll have the opportunity to undertake a work placement year to develop your skills and enhance your employability.

Employers around the world

• The University’s Careers and Employability Service has built up a network of over 3,000 employers around the world, helping all our students explore and connect with exciting opportunities and careers.

Job roles
This course will prepare you for roles in a variety of areas, including:

• Anti-piracy/content protection analyst
• Computer forensics analyst
• Computer security incident responder
• Cyber security manager
• Information security analyst
• Information security assurance officer
• Information security assurance analyst
• Information security consultant
• Information security risk officer
• IT security engineer
• IT security operations specialist
• Penetration tester (also known as ethical hacker)
• Researcher in applied cryptography
• Researcher in network/computer security
• Security officer
• Source code auditor
• Vulnerability assessor

Graduate employment

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

Westminster Employability Award

• Employers value graduates who have invested in their personal and professional development – and our Westminster Employability Award gives you the chance to formally document and demonstrate these activities and achievements.

The award is flexible and can be completed in your own time, allowing you to choose from a set of extracurricular activities.

• Activities might include gaining experience through a part-time job or placement, signing up to a University-run scheme – such as mentoring or teaching in a school – or completing online exercises.

International Opportunities

• Many of our courses offer international study and work experiences, and the University provides other global opportunities that all students can apply for - so whatever you're studying, you'll have the chance to go abroad.

Opportunities could include:

• Taking part in semester or year-long exchanges at institutions around the world
• Attending an international summer school or field trip
• Developing your CV through volunteering or work placements abroad
• International experience broadens horizons, boosts self-confidence, and improves global understanding, alongside being fantastic for your career.