University Of Portsmouth
Digital security breaches can bring down banks, hospitals and governments. But you can join the fight against cybercrime.
Investigate cyberattacks, expose flaws in security systems and stop hackers in their tracks. Use ethical hacking to secure the operating systems of global companies. Become an expert in malware forensics and cryptography in a world that relies on computing to thrive.
On this BSc (Hons) Cyber Security and Forensic Computing course, you’ll build technical and investigative skills to break down security systems, expose gaps in security and identify cyber intruders. You’ll also learn how to investigate cybercrime for the police and see a case through to court.
Course highlights
Portsmouth, United Kingdom
48 Months
£ 18,300
IELTS: 6
What you'll study on this BSc (Hons) Cyber Security and Forensic Computing degree
Each module on this course is worth a certain number of credits.
In each year, you need to study modules worth a total of 120 credits. For example, four modules worth 20 credits and one module worth 40 credits.
Year 1
Core modules
Architecture and Operating Systems – 20 credits
An introduction to the underlying logical structure of computer systems and emphasises the logical and theoretical concepts that computing systems are physically constructed upon.
Core Computing Concepts – 20 credits
This module covers 4 foundational topics central to understanding computing science and developing computer systems.
Cyber Security and Forensic Computing – 20 credits
Get an in-depth look at the way that cyber security and digital forensics intertwine.
Programming – 40 credits
Study the theory and practice of computer programs, looking at algorithm development and object-oriented programming.
System Administration and Internetworking – 20 credits
An introduction to the key concepts essential for the implementation and administration of small and medium-sized business networks.
Year 2
Core modules
Ethical Hacking – 20 credits
Identify vulnerabilities in a system and develop your own operating system build.
Forensic Fundamentals – 20 credits
Develop your critical knowledge of the field of security and forensics and your analytical and problem solving skills through a combination of simulated and real-world scenarios.
Forensic Investigations – 20 credits
Examine practical aspects of conducting forensic investigations by covering different general forensic tools, methodologies, common good practices and by stressing the importance of the professional presentation of the results.
Operating Systems and Internetworking – 20 credits
Study computer systems and internetworking (connecting various types of networks to create one large network) and consider how they support digital technologies.
Optional modules
Cyber Law Governance and Human Rights – 20 credits
This module builds on the knowledge you gained on cybercrime in your first year and explores the law governing the different types of cybercrime, focusing on the UK with reference to international and EU legislative initiatives that impact on the UK.
Data Structures and Algorithms – 20 credits
Study and apply fundamental data structures such as lists, trees and graphs.
Exchange Study Abroad – 40 credits
Follow a year's study programme at a higher education institution outside of the UK to enhance your learning experience.
Industrial Placement – School of Computing – 20 credits
You’ll gain industrial and commercial experience during the placement year of a degree taken in sandwich mode, or while undertaking self-employment or starting up a business.
Learning from Experience (LiFE) – 20 credits
Gain credits from paid or unpaid work, volunteering, research placements, internships and other work-related learning including self-employment.
Network Servers and Services – 20 credits
An introduction to the core concepts essential for the management and administration of network servers and services in both Linux and Windows environments. You’ll develop the knowledge and practical abilities relevant to advanced networking in the information and communications technology (ICT) industry. Practical classes will equip you with important career skills such as critical analysis and team work.
Virtualisation and Cloud Computing - 20 credits
Examine the concepts of virtualisation and cloud computing with a specific focus on the OpenNebula based solutions.
Web Programming - 20 credits
Study the theory of building scalable web-based systems, alongside the practical aspects of client-side and server-side programming.
Year 3
Core modules
Malware Forensics – 20 credits
Examine the practical and theoretical aspects of conducting forensic malware investigations and reverse engineering of software.
Security And Cryptography – 20 credits
You'll study cryptography and the techniques of creating and breaking high security systems.
Vulnerability, Discovery and Exploitation – 20 credits
Explore the tools and techniques that can be used to identify vulnerabilities in computing systems.
Optional modules
Final Year Study Project – 40 credits
Produce a substantial individual piece of work using the skills and techniques appropriate to pathway, acquired throughout your degree.
Hacking 4 MoD - 20 credits
Work with the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and Intelligence Community (IC) to better address the nation’s emerging threats and security challenges.
Individual Project (Engineering) – 40 credits
You'll identify an engineering problem and produce an in-depth investigation into your chosen issue.
Practical Data Analytics And Mining – 20 credits
Learn how to design a data warehouse and analyse its contents using data mining techniques.
Security Management – 20 credits
Develop your understanding of the value of corporate resources (such as data) and why it's at risk.
Typical offers
English language requirements
Tuition fees (2022 start)
Careers and opportunities
The cost of cybercrime was estimated at $1 trillion in 2020 – 50% higher than in 2018. According to the UK Government, 64% of large businesses and 51% of high-income charities reported cyber security breaches or attacks in a 12 month period.
Not surprisingly, with the growing threat of cyber crime, senior cyber security analysts can expect salaries from £35,000 to £60,000 and you can earn up to £80,000 a year as a senior forensic computer analyst. And the demand is there – 100% of our students from this course who are in work 15 months after they graduate are in highly skilled work.
Graduate destinations
Our graduates have worked for companies such as:
What jobs can you do with a cyber security and forensic computing degree?