About this course
- Entry year: 2012/13
- Course code: G493
- Applications: UCAS
- Level: Undergraduate
- Tariff points: 300
- Department: Computer Science and Creative Technologies
- Campus: Frenchay
- Duration: Three years full-time; Four years sandwich; a part-time option is available by negotiation.
- Delivery: Full-time, sandwich.
- Study Abroad: Yes
- Programme leader: Julian Webb (acting)
- Key fact: This course is accredited by the BCS.
Introduction
Forensic computing and computer security are two sides of the same problem - how to detect and prevent certain activities happening on computer systems. Forensic computing is concerned with the detection and investigation of information stored on computers in a way that the results are suitable for use in the legal process. The information may be evidence of a crime in itself (such as fraud) or it may be evidence in a wider criminal investigation (such as a murder). As well as the technical aspects of the investigation, clear communication via verbal or written reports is needed. Together these areas provide practitioners with ways to attempt to prevent bad occurrences and to investigate such occurrences when they do occur. Computer security is crucial to all organisations that use IT. Failures of security are extremely costly in both monetary and reputational terms. The increasingly pervasive nature of computing, coupled with Internet and mobile technologies makes the securing of IT systems vital to a successful economy.
Structure
Content
Three main areas are covered:
- Basic computer knowledge and abilities, such as programming, internet and worldwide web skills, and knowledge of computer networks and systems;
- Specialist skills in using a range of professional forensic and security tools;
- Knowledge of the rules and legal system as applicable to Forensic Computing and Security practitioners.
The first year introduces you to computer hardware and software concepts and techniques. Practical work in forensics and security introduces commonly used tools such as EnCase, appropriate legal issues, rules, responsibilities and procedures for handling and investigating evidential materials, such as computer hard disks, security methods and aims. Study of most of these topics extends into the second and third years.
In addition to more advanced study of topics introduced in the first year, the second year provides a thorough grounding in the security and investigation of networks and mobile devices. You will also study procedure in local courtrooms.
In the final year, you will complete an individual project on a suitable computing topic plus a challenging set of computer crime investigations and a real-world computer security assessment, whilst studying a variety of advanced subjects. This year also provides practical experience of giving evidence and being cross-examined in a courtroom environment. The option modules allow you to explore other areas of interest to you.
Assessment
Modules are assessed in a variety of ways. The most common way is by an examination and two pieces of coursework. However, some modules are assessed by examination only, others by coursework only, and still others use different methods such as in-class tests.
Special Features
Professional accreditation
This degree has been accredited by the British Computer Society under licence from the UK regulator, the Engineering Council. Accreditation is a mark of assurance that the degree meets the standards set by the Engineering Council in the UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence (UK-SPEC). An accredited degree will provide you with some or all of the underpinning knowledge, understanding and skills for eventual registration as an Incorporated (IEng) or Chartered Engineer (CEng). Some employers recruit preferentially from accredited degrees, and an accredited degree is likely to be recognised by other countries that are signatories to international accords.This programme received full exemption and partial CEng accreditation from the BCS. Accreditation visits are cyclical and it is important that you check the current accreditation status of programmes.
All programmes that are determined as appropriate for accreditation and exemption are regularly inspected by the relevant institutions. For more information please visit www.bcs.org.
Find out more about accredited courses.
Placements
We encourage all students on our degree courses to do a placement year in an industrial, commercial or public sector organisation, doing work of value to the company. There are many companies who provide placements to university students. Previous students have been placed with Airbus, HP, Rolls-Royce, IBM, Lloyds TSB, Intel and BT, to name but a few. We also work with a number of smaller companies in and around the region. The Department's Placements Team has close links with the business community and advertise hundreds of work placements every year. We will show you how to prepare your CV correctly, advise you on how to write letters of application and help you learn successful interview techniques. For more information on our work placements, visit our department website.
Study facilities
The Department hosts its own servers to provide Windows, Linux and Unix based operating systems. There are over 500 available workstations in our teaching laboratories, as well as a large open-access laboratory, providing PC and Unix based machines.The Department has its own IT Helpdesk, staffed by students from within the Department, and available for both students and staff to use. There are also 24 hour computer labs on campus available for student use.
Find out more about our computer science programmes and facilities.
Careers/further study
According to the 2011 e-skills Technology Insights report, computer security skills and having the technology skills to implement this security are a top priority for employers (source: Technology Insights, e-Skills UK).
Without a doubt, specialists in Computer Security are needed more and more as companies use the internet and personal devices as a tool for conducting their business. Our computer security and forensics graduates are some of the highest earners upon graduation in comparison with other computing subjects.
Graduate destinations
Find out what our graduates are doing six months after graduating- includes examples of careers, employers and further study. Download a PDF from graduate destinations.
Key employer partnerships
Our degrees can lead to a wide variety of career choices. To ensure that our degrees make you as employable as possible we work closely with seven major partner employers in our engineering and computing consortium.
Creating employable students
UWE places strong emphasis on employability and skills development at every level. Through work placements, volunteering, study abroad and UWE initiatives which nurture talent and encourage innovation, students gain valuable real world experience and graduate with diverse career opportunities and a competitive place in the job market.
See great graduate prospects for further information.
Be inspired
Read about Mike's passion for computer security.
Useful links
UWE - careers in information technology
Prospects - careers in IT and information services
The UWE careers service provides guidance and support throughout your studies in addition to useful resources, CV checks, career coaching and details of current job vacancies.
Entry
Typical offers
- Tariff points: 300
- GCSE: Maths and English required.
- A-level subjects: No specific subjects required.
- Specific subjects: No prior knowledge of programming required.
- Relevant subjects: Any Science or Technology subject
- Access: Achievement of the Access to HE Diploma; achievement of level 2 credits in Maths and English Language.
- Baccalaureate IB: Accepted (see the UCAS website for the UCAS tariff points that you can gain from the IB to put towards our points requirement above)
Entry requirements
In addition to the 'typical offer' given here, please read the general information about
entry requirements.
How to apply
Please see the general information about applications. For course enquiries contact the Programme Leader, Jane Berry, jane.berry@uwe.ac.uk.
For further information
Page last updated 14 December 2011