BSc (Hons) Cyber Security & Computer Forensics with Foundation Year

As a Computing academic team, we are dedicated to supporting your development as skilled, analytical thinkers who are ethically aware of the impact of technology on the world and its future. To help you achieve this, we use a range of teaching methods tailored to your learning needs.

Your learning experience will include lectures, tutorials, and online resources delivered through our Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), alongside hands-on workshops and interactive exercises.

This approach ensures a dynamic and engaging learning experience, with regular one-to-one feedback and support. By the end of this journey, you will have developed the independence, confidence, and problem-solving skills necessary to succeed at Level 4 and beyond.

Your learning experience will include a blend of lectures, seminars, and hands-on laboratory sessions. On average, you will have around 12 contact hours per week. Laboratory work will often involve small group collaboration, allowing you to engage in discussions, deepen your understanding of lecture material, and apply theoretical concepts in practice.

Beyond these contact hours, you will also have regular scheduled meetings with your assigned academic personal tutor, who serves as your primary point of contact for guidance and support throughout your undergraduate studies.

Building on the knowledge and resources gained from expert-led taught sessions, independent study empowers you to develop into autonomous, self-directed learners throughout your course, from enrolment to graduation.

We provide a range of resources to support your independent research, including web-based materials, journal articles, recorded events relevant to your studies, access to development software, library resources, and online academic skills workshops.

Additionally, we offer maths and statistics support sessions, giving you the opportunity to participate in one-to-one or small group sessions if you need extra guidance in these areas.

You will dedicate a significant portion of your time—approximately 200 hours per semester for a 30-credit module—to independent learning beyond scheduled classes. This includes completing computer-based exercises, preparing for workshops and seminars, conducting research, working on projects, and completing coursework assignments. You will also engage with directed readings, review journal articles and books, and prepare for class tests and assessments under the guidance of your module leader. This independent study will enhance your understanding, particularly during project work, and help you apply theoretical concepts effectively.

Collaborating with peers through group discussions and teamwork will further enrich your learning experience by exposing you to different perspectives. Additionally, a range of support resources, including reading materials and drop-in sessions for both technical and non-technical skills (such as academic writing and referencing), will be available to assist with any challenges you may encounter.

In your final year, the focus will shift toward an independent dissertation. You will conduct research under the guidance of a dedicated supervisor, with regular scheduled meetings to track your progress. This will be your first substantial independent project, requiring strong time management and critical thinking skills to successfully navigate your academic journey.

Your weekly workload typically includes 12 contact hours alongside approximately 25 hours of independent study. Additionally, your course may involve field trips and other events as part of your learning experience.

You will study a combination of 15-credit and 30-credit modules. In-class study time amounts to around 12 hours per week, supplemented by time spent on assessments. For each 30-credit module, assessments typically require around 75 hours of independent work. While there are no formal examinations, some time-constrained assessments will require you to complete specific tasks within a set timeframe.

Completing a 30-credit module requires a commitment of approximately 300 hours, which includes class attendance, independent study, group work, and assessment preparation. While this may seem like a substantial investment, it is essential for developing a strong understanding of the subject and achieving your academic goals. This dedicated time will help you build critical skills, apply theoretical knowledge, and enhance your overall learning experience.

Your teaching will be delivered by a diverse team of academic experts actively engaged in research. This includes participation in conventions and conferences that shape and enhance the course content. To further enrich your learning, we provide insights into industry practices through guest lectures from professionals with real-world experience. Additionally, PhD students, under the close guidance of academic staff, may assist in tutorials or laboratory sessions, offering peer support and sharing their research expertise.

Our academic staff continuously research emerging trends and maintain strong industry connections to ensure that the material you learn remains relevant to employers, enhancing your career prospects.

Key areas of expertise that inform our teaching include XR (AR, MR, VR) and immersive technologies, artificial intelligence, machine learning, databases, knowledge-based systems, and software development using CDIO processes.