Overview
Computer forensics and security are dynamic and growing areas of computing. As cybercrime continues to rise, so does the need for computing professionals to nurture the skills to defend against and investigate it.
You'll study specialist computing forensics and security issues alongside broader computing topics, using a variety of the most up-to-date tools and techniques. With significant demand for skilled graduates in the fields of digital forensics and cybersecurity, this degree brings with it excellent career prospects.
Cyber security incidents can have a number of outcomes, including civil litigation or criminal prosecution. You'll develop skills to use computer forensic techniques to recover intelligence and evidence from digital devices for the purposes of both civil litigation and criminal prosecution.
What's more, you'll learn the latest security tools including Autopsy, X-Ways, XRY, TSK, and Wireshark. You'll also explore how ethical hacking approaches can be used to highlight security vulnerabilities so they can be fixed or mitigated. In your final year, you'll have the knowledge and skills to focus on your chosen area as you complete an individual project.
Our foundation year option enables you to join the Computer Forensics and Security course even if you don’t have the formal qualifications or experience to meet the entry requirements. It equips you with the knowledge to move into formal degree study, setting you up for future success.
We know employers are looking for dynamic, open-minded graduates who can adapt, innovate, and collaborate. This is why we have designed a new way of teaching and learning to ensure that you are work-ready for when you graduate. Our 2026 course will reflect this new approach. The 2026 course page will be made live shortly.
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UCAS Tariff Points
Accepted qualifications
We accept a wide range of general qualifications that attract UCAS Tariff points either on their own or in combination with others. Below are some common examples.
| Qualification | Grades |
|---|---|
| A Levels | DDE |
| BTEC | MPP |
| Access | Pass 45 Credits |
| International Baccalaureate | TBC |
More information
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Module information
Modules for years 1-3 for this course are changing from September 2026, however, your foundation year 0 is unaffected. Due to these changes, you will study the foundation year 0 modules listed on this page, then from year 1 onwards you will then study the modules listed on the updated course page.
Core/optional modules
How you’ll learn
The course uses elements of the pioneering CDIO (conceive, design, implement, operate) international engineering education model, developed by the world-renowned Massachusetts Institute of Technology. CDIO gives you a rich hands-on experience and some of your teaching will be done via real-world inspired projects.
You'll be taught through a combination of lectures, seminars and practical labs. You'll typically have around 12 contact hours per week (depending on your module choices) and are expected to also spend about 4 hours each week co-ordinating with team members on group activities. Lab work usually involves working in small groups where you can discuss and develop your understanding of topics covered in lectures and put theory into practice.
You'll also have regular scheduled meetings, in addition to the above contact hours, with an assigned academic personal tutor.
All courses are informed by the University’s Learning and Teaching Strategy 2015-2022.
When not attending timetabled sessions, you'll continue learning through self-study. Typically, this involves completing computer-based exercises, preparing for workshops and seminars, undertaking research in the library, working on projects, undertaking coursework assignments or preparing for class tests and examinations and reading journal articles and books. Your module leader will direct you towards specific readings and/or activities to complete before class.
For your final year Individual Study (dissertation), you'll undertake independent research and will be assigned a supervisor, who will guide you through your first substantial and independent work during regular scheduled meetings.
Your overall workload typically consists of 12 contact hours and an additional 25 hours of independent learning per week. In addition, there may be field trips.
For each 20 credit module, your study time will about 10 hours a week plus work on assessments or preparation for examinations. Assessments would normally be expected to take approximately 50 hours for an assignment worth 50% of a 20 credit module. A similar amount of preparation and revision time would be expected for an examination worth 50% of a 20 credit module.
The team consists of highly qualified academics. They have a range of expertise and experience.
All our team members hold Doctoral or professional qualifications (e.g. Member of the British Computer Society or Eur. Ing.). Find out more about the current teaching. You should note that members of the teaching team might change.
Postgraduate students assist in some teaching and assessing some modules. However, experienced academics teach the majority of lectures and seminars.
Our fantastic team is dedicated to making you feel at home and helping you transition into your new university life.Dr Man QiCourse Director
How you’ll be assessed
You'll be assessed largely by coursework and project work, though some modules will also have examinations or class tests. Coursework is mainly practically-oriented with appropriate theoretical elements to ensure a well rounded education. Assessments are generally individual, with group work in some modules where this matches the approaches used in industry.
We use coursework assessment methods based on their suitability for specific modules. Formative feedback is provided formally in Year 1 and during the Year 3 individual study, and informally in workshops and seminars.
Methods of assessment used include production of software artefacts, project plans and diaries, essays, reports, ‘investigation-based’ presentations, oral presentations, individual studies/projects, poster presentations, online assessment, logs, examinations and time constrained assignments.
Feedback
You'll receive feedback on all practice assessments and on formal assessments undertaken by coursework. Feedback on examination performance is available upon request from the module leader. Feedback is intended to help you learn and you are encouraged to discuss it with your module tutor.
We aim to provide you with feedback within 15 working days of hand-in (formal coursework assessment).
Your future career
As well as a breadth of technical skills, you will develop hugely important professional skills to enable you to engage successfully with employers and their business. The option to take a year in industry as part of your degree provides an immersive experience for you to enrich your technical and professional skills further.
Areas of work for the computer forensic/cyber security professional include, but are not limited to digital forensic investigation in law enforcement, the intelligence services (MI5), consultancy, financial services or healthcare. Staff at Canterbury Christ Church have real-life experience in all of these areas and are well placed to advise what practitioner life is really like at the operational end of cyber security work.
You will also have a strong grounding for further study on specialist Masters or Research (MPhil/PhD) programmes. This degree will stand you in good stead to work towards professional qualifications with a number of commercial providers and also those of the British Computer Society.
Fees
The 2025/26 annual tuition fees for this course are:
| UK | Overseas | |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time - Foundation Year 0 | £9,535 | £15,500 |
| Full-time - years 1-3 | £9,535 | £15,500 |
Tuition fees for all courses are payable on an annual basis, except where stated.
The tuition fees relate to 2025/26 only. Please read the 2025/26 Tuition Fee Statement for further information regarding tuition fees and year on year fee increases.
Home (UK) Fees
Home (UK) tuition fees for Foundation Years at Canterbury Christ Church University will be set in line with the maximum tuition fee cap for foundation years in classroom-based subjects or non-classroom based subjects, as set by the UK Government.
Home (UK) tuition fees for subsequent years 1-3 are currently set in line with the maximum tuition fee cap for standard undergraduate degrees set by the UK Government.
The Government has announced that it will increase the tuition fee cap by 3.1%, in line with inflation, for the 2025/26 academic cycle. Subject to parliamentary approval, the University intends to increase our tuition fees in line with this and as per our terms and conditions. This means that from September 2025 onwards, our undergraduate home tuition fees for subsequent years of study are expected to be £9,535.
Overseas/International Fees
Undergraduate / PGCE tuition fees for international students are not set by the UK Government.
- Read advice about funding your degree
- See information about the financial support available for undergraduate studies
- If you would like information about paying your fees, please contact accounts.receivable@canterbury.ac.uk
- For specific fee queries, please contact fees@canterbury.ac.uk
You will have the chance to build your professional network by connecting with industry experts, attending events such as conferences and career fairs, and engaging with our strong alumni community. Many of our graduates maintain close ties with the University, offering valuable career advice and job opportunities to current students.
Industry professionals play a vital role in shaping our curriculum, ensuring the course remains aligned with the latest developments in the tech industry. Their insights help refine the program, equipping you with the most relevant skills and knowledge. Additionally, local companies frequently share job opportunities tailored specifically for our students, creating a direct pathway to employment after graduation.
Regulated by the Office for Students
The Office for Students (OfS) regulates Canterbury Christ Church University. The OfS is the independent regulator of higher education in England. It aims to ensure that every student, whatever their background, has a fulfilling experience of higher education that enriches their lives and careers. Further details about its work are available on the OfS website.
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Duration:
4 yearsUCAS code:
FG4FLocation(s):
CanterburyStudent life
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