COURSE IN DEPTH
Year One
In order to complete this course, you must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits).
Computer Systems
20 credits
Within the Computer Systems Module, you will gain knowledge and experience of computers and computer hardware.
This module presents a holistic view of how computer systems work and it also provides the underpinning knowledge required:
- for the design of computer architecture
- to show how software interacts with hardware
- to apply electronics principles
- to use number systems for computer technology
Computer Forensic Fundamentals
20 credits
This module provides an introduction to the core principles of a typical computer forensic investigation. It aims to develop a firm grounding in the underpinning knowledge and skills required to analyse and evaluate data from a computer and related data storage devices in a forensically sound manner.
This module emphasises a “hands-on” approach to learning forensic computing techniques using opensource and commercial forensic tools. The module will teach you the fundamental data structures applicable to computer forensics and how various tools can be exploited to analyse these structures in a variety of case types.
Applied Operating Systems
20 credits
In this module, you learn how modern operating systems are the glue that bind computer hardware and networks together and how they manage the user experience for individual computers and wider networks. We will focus on the function and purpose of operating systems, with a focus on hands-on practical skills.
We will build on learning from your networking, programming and computer systems modules, enhancing and extending skills in all these areas. You will make heavy use of Open Source Software, demonstrating what can be achieved with this huge publicly shareable resource on a very limited budget.
Computer Programming
20 credits
Within the module of Computer Programming you will learn the key skills of Programming and how this relates to technology and communications. Programming is an engineering tool that plays a vital role to drive most of the modern technologies surrounding us, including the technological devices for communication, transportation and entertainment.
In other words, it can be said that our modern lifestyles are heavily dependent on programming. Moreover, businesses increasingly rely on computers and the software run on them. Programming skills and a broader and deeper understanding of programming are therefore becoming increasingly important to the jobs market.
Mathematics for Computing
20 credits
The module gives you the opportunity to learn mathematical concepts and methods and critically reflect on how they relate to computing and communication systems. You will develop core mathematical and statistical skills which are fundamental in computing and technical work in general. You will be expected to solve mathematical and statistical problems on paper and on a computer
Network Fundamentals
20 credits
The module provides the opportunity to learn and critically reflect the skills required in building and designing basic networks and their requirements within a network infrastructure. This module builds on the underpinning knowledge and theory of networking systems.
Year Two
In order to complete this course, you must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits).
Software Security
20 credits
Software is ubiquitous. Not only is it deployed on traditional computing platforms (such as workstations and servers) but it is also embedded in network equipment (such as routers and firewalls) and consumer devices (such as hearing aids and smartphones). This module introduces you to a system programming language and the edit-compile-link-execute process. It continues the software theme that you began at Level 4 when you studied Computer Programming and Applied Operating Systems
System Security Attacks and Defences
20 credits
The module has been designed to provide you with the necessary theoretical framework, foundations and practical support for understanding security solutions with reference to the application of cryptography, access control and a wider range of security attack categories and defensive approaches and systems.
Computer Forensics Tools and Technique
20 credits
This module develops comprehensive practical skills and theoretical knowledge for the forensic examination of personal computer systems using proprietary and open-source software tools. You will acquire the keys skills necessary in conducting and auditing a systematic forensic investigation of a computer system for user activity, operating system operation and configuration and connectivity.
Cyber Security Operations
20 credits
The module provides you with an opportunity to build on the learning and to develop knowledge of cyber security and how it relates to information and network security. This module builds on Hardware and Security Fundamentals module and will allow you to protect a network system from issues of cyber-crime, based on security principles and the principles of how to defend networks from attack
Networking Technologies
20 credits
In this module you will have the opportunity to learn and critically reflect on the skills required for Network Technologies. This module builds your knowledge and underpinning theory for the networking modules and you will review the requirements from a small to medium scale network deployment engineering context.
The English Legal System and IT Law
20 credits
This module provides an introduction to the main features of the English legal system and the substantive law relating to IT. The module aims to give students an overview of the workings of the English legal system as a whole, and then move to a more detailed look at the specific area of IT law which is relevant to the Computer Forensics degree.
Understanding how the English legal system is structured and administered provides essential context for the study of IT law
Year Three
In order to complete this course, you must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits).
Individual Honours Project
40 credits
The purpose of the module is to enable you to undertake a sustained, in-depth and research-informed project exploring an area that is of personal interest to you. In agreement with your supervisor, you will decide upon your topic which will take the form of a practical outcome (artefact) with accompanying contextual material. The main consideration when choosing your topic is that it must be aligned to the programme you are studying, and you should consider the relevance of this topic to your future academic or professional development.
Ethical Hacking
20 credits
The module provides you with an opportunity to learn and critically reflect on the skills of Ethical Hacking and information security within a global context. This module builds on the knowledge and underpinning theory from the networking modules and reviews the requirements for a secure network communication system.
Advanced Cyber Security Operations
20 credits
The module provides you with an opportunity to build on the learning and to develop knowledge of Cybersecurity and how it relates to information and data communication security. This module builds upon Cyber Security Operations Module.
Network and Internet Forensics
20 credits
This module provides students with knowledge and practical skills essential for the acquisition, analysis and interpretation of evidence obtained from wired and wireless networked computers and storage systems. Emphasis is also placed on the evidence harboured by network hardware devices, such as routers and switches.
You will learn how to effectively retrieve valuable information from the Microsoft Windows Server operating systems and analyse the Active Directory for evidence pertaining to user policies, privileges and violations. You will also learn how to formulate and implement a strategy to acquire drive images as evidence files over networked computers.
Cloud Computing
20 credits
One of the major objective of the computer science program is to introduce the theory, principles and technologies underlying the construction of modern computing systems. This module introduces, Cloud Computing which is the technology that enables on-demand computing resources (everything from applications to data centres) over the internet.
Year Four
In order to complete this course, you must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits).
Group Integrated Master’s Project
40 credits
The purpose of the module is to enable you to undertake a sustained, in-depth and research-informed group project exploring an area that is of personal interest to you. In agreement with your supervisor, your group will decide upon your topic which will take the form of a practical outcome (artefact) with accompanying contextual material.
The main consideration when choosing your group’s topic is that it must be aligned to the programme you are studying, and you should consider the relevance of this topic to your future academic or professional development
Information Security Management
20 credits
Security measures for adequate protection of valuable information assets are essential not only to guard business success and reputation but also because it is an obligation to comply with legal requirements, appropriate standards and relevant domain regulations. This module provides students with in-depth knowledge and understanding of the concepts, methods, processes, tools and practices underlying good information security management.
eDiscovery and Data Analytics
20 credits
This module is designed to provide you with the essential knowledge and skills required to understand the concepts, tools and techniques for the discovery of electronically stored information (ESI) and the use of big data and statistical and qualitative analysis, in conjunction with explanatory and predictive models, to guide and identify issues warranting further review in the context of forensic analysis.
Industrial control systems security
20 credits
This module provides guidance on how to secure Operational Technologies of which Industrial Control Systems (ICS) take a central position. It covers includes Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems, Distributed Control Systems (DCS), Internet-of-Things, and otherwise Embeddeddevices especially those used in Critical Systems.
Advanced Techniques in Digital Forensics
20 credits
This module covers advanced topics in digital forensics. The module will begin with an introduction to the detection and analysis of obfuscated data and anti-forensic techniques; this will progress on to advanced steganographic and steganalytic techniques for media formats. Further topics covered include Root-Kit and Malware analysis using sophisticated specialist techniques that require access to intricate operating system features.
