Cyber Security & Computer Forensics, BSc

​​We are delighted to welcome you to the course and look forward to supporting you as you begin your studies.

During Welcome Week, you will have the opportunity to meet the course team, learn more about the structure of your course, explore the university systems and resources you will be using, and begin getting to know your fellow students.

It is very important that you attend all scheduled Welcome Week activities, as these sessions will help you understand what to expect from the course and how to access support from the beginning.

​You will also be introduced to your Personal Academic Tutor (PAT), who will be an important point of contact throughout your studies.

Your PAT can support you with academic progress, help you reflect on your development, and guide you towards appropriate university services if you need further advice or support. We encourage you to engage actively with your PAT and the wider course team so that you can make the most of your time at university.

Your Course

​​​​The academic year will be split into two semesters – one running from September to January, and a second one from January to May.

During Semester 1 you will study:

• Software Development
• Introduction to Computing
• Success Modules - 3 x  5 credit modules

During Semester 2 you will study:

• Computer Systems
• Emerging Technologies

Teaching

​Teaching on the course will normally include a combination of lectures, practical labs, workshops, guided online activities and independent study. The course uses a blended approach, with most modules combining directly taught sessions with practical activities. Guided online activities may also be used to support scheduled teaching, including short videos and other learning resources.

​You will take part in practical lab work using industry-relevant tools and techniques. The course document specifically highlights opportunities to use tools such as Wireshark and Kali Linux to simulate cyberattacks and forensic investigations. You will also develop coding and scripting skills for security automation using tools and languages such as Python, PowerShell and Bash.

​Learning will be informed by current cyber security threats, forensic techniques, emerging technologies and real-world case studies. You will also explore topics such as AI-driven cyber security, blockchain security, cloud forensics, IoT security, cyber law, privacy and ethical issues in digital investigations.

​Blackboard and Virtual Learning Systems

​You will use Blackboard as an important part of your learning. Blackboard is the university’s virtual learning environment and is where you should expect to find module information, teaching materials, announcements, assessment briefs, submission points, feedback and other learning resources.

You should check Blackboard regularly, as it will be one of the main ways module teams communicate important information.

You may also use other university systems for email, timetable information, library resources, online learning materials, assessment submission and student support. The course also uses guided online learning activities to supplement scheduled teaching, so engaging with digital systems will be an important part of your study routine.

​​Before starting the course, you are encouraged to do some light pre-reading to help you feel more confident with the key ideas they will meet in cyber security, computer forensics and computing more broadly.

The course covers areas such as network security, ethical hacking, digital forensics, cyber law, privacy, ethical issues, programming/scripting, emerging technologies and the use of industry tools such as Wireshark, Kali Linux, Python, PowerShell and Bash.

​You may find it useful to explore the following topics before teaching begins:

• ​Basic cyber security concepts: malware, phishing, passwords, encryption, firewalls, vulnerabilities, risk and cyber attacks.
• ​Computer networks: IP addresses, DNS, TCP/IP, ports, protocols, routers, packets and basic network troubleshooting.
• ​Digital forensics: what digital evidence is, how it is collected, why evidence integrity matters, and the role of forensic investigation in cybercrime.
• ​Ethical hacking: the difference between legal/ethical testing and unauthorised hacking, including responsible disclosure.
• ​Programming and scripting basics: especially Python, as well as an awareness of command-line tools.
• ​Cyber law and ethics: privacy, data protection, computer misuse and professional responsibility.
• ​Current cyber security news: students are encouraged to follow major cyber incidents in the news and think about how organisations respond to them.

​Suggested introductory resources include:

• ​Introductory Python tutorials, such as beginner Python exercises or basic scripting practice.
• ​Beginner networking resources covering TCP/IP, DNS, HTTP/HTTPS and common network tools.
• ​Introductory videos or tutorials on Wireshark and Kali Linux.
• ​News and reports from reputable cyber security organisations, such as the National Cyber Security Centre.
• ​University Learning Skills Hub resources on academic writing, referencing, avoiding plagiarism, time management and independent study.

​You do not need to master these topics before arrival. The aim is simply to become familiar with the language and basic ideas of the subject, so that the first few weeks of teaching feel more accessible and engaging.

Specific reading lists, software guidance and module materials will be provided through Blackboard and by module teams once teaching begins.