Computer and Digital Forensics BSc Hons with placement

at Northumbria University

This Computer and Digital Forensics degree programme aims to prepare students with the technical knowledge and professional skills who understand how computer works, how networks are designed, built, deployed and configured, and how software is utilised to monitor and analyse these systems; and ultimately develop graduates that can locate and analyse evidence and conduct digital forensic investigations to the highest standard.

You will be able to develop your Computer and Digital Forensics knowledge alongside analytical and practical skills in a dynamic and stimulating learning environment.

This course encourages you to develop independent learning skills as well as the ability to work efficiently and efficiently in a group. You will be taught discipline specific knowledge and will learn transferable intellectual and professional skills which will be directly relatable to your future career.

You will be provided with a wide range of learning opportunities, including lectures and seminars, practical use of tools and equipment, laboratory work, professional practice speakers, guided study and self-directed independent learning.

You will be supported in your learning, where appropriate, via an electronic learning portal (Blackboard) that provides remote access to course materials, by electronic submission and feedback on your assessments, and online reading lists.

Modules

Module information is indicative and is reviewed annually therefore may be subject to change. Applicants will be informed if there are any changes.

Year one

• KF4001 -Introduction to Computer Security and Forensics (Core,20 Credits)
• KF4002 -Network Technology 1 (Core,20 Credits)
• KF4005 -Operating Systems Fundamentals (Core,20 Credits)
• KF4009 -Web Technologies (Core,20 Credits)
• KF4010 -Computing Fundamentals (Core,20 Credits)
• KV4000 -Programming 1 (Core,20 Credits)
• KV5001 -Academic Language Skills for Computer and Information Sciences (Core – for International and EU students only,0 Credits)

Year two

• KF5003 -Network Technology 2 (Core,20 Credits)
• KF5004 -Advanced Operating Systems 1 (Core,20 Credits)
• KF5005 -Principles of Digital Security and Forensics (Core,20 Credits)
• KF5006 -Applied Programming (Core,20 Credits)
• KF5007 -Security Case Project (Core,20 Credits)
• KV5001 -Academic Language Skills for Computer and Information Sciences (Core – for International and EU students only,0 Credits)
• KV5029 -Human Factors in Cyber Security (Core,20 Credits)

Year three

• AT5004 -Year in International Business (This is made up of modules studied in Newcastle (Semester 1) & Amsterdam (Semester 2) (Optional,120 Credits)
• KV5001 -Academic Language Skills for Computer and Information Sciences (Core – for International and EU students only,0 Credits)
• KV5007 -Work placement year (Optional,120 Credits)
• KV5008 -Study abroad year (Optional,120 Credits)

Year four

• KC6012 -Graduate Enterprise (Optional,20 Credits)
• KF6000 -Fundamentals of Digital Forensics Investigations (Core,20 Credits)
• KF6001 -Digital Forensics Investigatory Practice (Core,20 Credits)
• KF6002 -Legal and Evidentiary Aspects of Digital Forensics (Core,20 Credits)
• KF6005 -Network Technology 3 (Optional,20 Credits)
• KF6015 -Games Design (Optional,20 Credits)
• KF6018 -Computer Graphics and Animation (Optional,20 Credits)
• KV5001 -Academic Language Skills for Computer and Information Sciences (Core – for International and EU students only,0 Credits)
• KV6003 -Individual Computing Project (Core,40 Credits)
• KV6006 -Internet of Things (Optional,20 Credits)

Entry Requirements 2022/23

Standard Entry

120 UCAS Tariff points

From a combination of acceptable Level 3 qualifications which may include: A-level, T Level, BTEC Diplomas/Extended Diplomas, Scottish and Irish Highers, Access to HE Diplomas, or the International Baccalaureate.

Subject Requirements:

There are no specific subject requirements for this course.

GCSE Requirements:

Applicants will need Maths and English Language at minimum grade 4/C, or an equivalent.

Additional Requirements:

There are no additional requirements for this course.

International Qualifications:

We welcome applicants with a range of qualifications which may not match those shown above.

English Language Requirements:

International applicants should have a minimum overall IELTS (Academic) score of 6.0 with 5.5 in each component (or an approved equivalent*).

Fees and Funding 2022/23 Entry

UK Fee in Year 1: £9,250

* The maximum tuition fee that we are permitted to charge for UK students is set by government. Tuition fees may increase in each subsequent academic year of your course, these are subject to government regulations and in line with inflation.

EU Fee in Year 1: £16,500

International Fee in Year 1: £16,500

This course is the established route for those interested in taking their enthusiasm for identifying, analysing, designing and solving a variety of computing problems to degree level and beyond.

Our Computer and Digital Forensics course puts you in excellent stead for a host of exciting career paths. High performing students will be given an opportunity to transfer onto MComp Computer and Digital Forensics, our integrated masters programme.  Upon graduating, you will be highly skilled and professional in developing and managing computing solutions. 

You will graduate with the digital forensic skills and computing fundamentals you need to enter a wide range of careers including in law enforcement, government, multinational corporations, specialist digital forensic companies, IT support, software development and telecommunications.

Here at Northumbria, we know how valuable work experience can be in terms of giving you a head start in your career so we enable you to gain real-world experience on a yearlong professional placement in your third year on this course. Thanks to Northumbria’s excellent professional links, including strong relationships with leading corporate companies and the police, you could gain invaluable experience working in computing related employment in either the public or private sector.

You will also have the opportunity to study abroad in your third year at a partner institution, enabling you to gain global perspective on your subject and boost your future career prospects.