BSc(Hons) Cyber Security and Digital Forensics (with Foundation Year)

In this module, you'll explore a range of specialisms within computing and digital technologies, including computer science, cyber security, games technology, business computing and music and audio technology. Topics are likely to include, but will not be limited to, software engineering, artificial intelligence, data science, ethical hacking, digital forensics, sound design and games development. You'll investigate industry roles and research areas, analyse job advertisements, reflect on your current skills and identify development needs. This will help you connect your interests with future study, career pathways and an emerging specialism.

Through programming activities, this module will introduce you to computational thinking and structured problem-solving. Topics are likely to include, but will not be limited to, breaking problems into logical steps, identifying patterns, designing algorithms and using variables, data types, control flow and functions. You'll explore system design concepts such as modelling, flowcharts, feedback loops and behaviour prediction, then apply them by building and testing a small control solution. As you debug and refine your work, you'll reflect on your learning strategies, problem-solving approaches and iterative development practice.

This capstone module will bring together the knowledge and skills you've developed during your foundation year. You'll plan, develop and present a tangible artefact connected to your chosen specialist area, taking responsibility for your time and resources. Topics are likely to include, but will not be limited to, idea generation, project scoping, milestone planning, risk management, progress tracking and iterative development. Regular feedback and reflection will help you evaluate your process, design decisions and outcomes, while preparing a professional demonstration will strengthen your confidence and communication skills.

This module will develop the communication, critical thinking and academic research skills you'll need in professional and higher-level study contexts. Topics are likely to include, but will not be limited to, adapting messages for different stakeholders, professional writing, visual and oral communication, storytelling and persuasive argument. You'll learn how to locate and evaluate credible academic and industry sources, reference them appropriately and use artificial intelligence ethically. Through problem-solving and group work, you'll practise recognising bias, supporting claims with evidence, presenting recommendations and reflecting on your communication strengths and development needs.

This module will provide a foundation in computer architecture, operating systems, networking and cybersecurity. You'll explore how processors, memory, hardware components and data representation contribute to the operation of modern computer systems. Networking topics will include infrastructure, addressing and TCP/IP protocols, supported by practical exploration using tools such as Wireshark. You'll also gain experience of Linux within a cybersecurity context and examine security mechanisms such as authentication and basic encryption. These activities will develop your ability to analyse, configure and troubleshoot computing and network environments.

This module develops programming knowledge through a practice-led approach focused on problem-solving, secure coding and software development. You'll learn core programming concepts including variables, data types, control structures, arrays, functions and file handling while working with languages such as C and Python. Topics may include memory management, programming paradigms, pointers, secure development approaches and advanced programming concepts. Along the way, you'll strengthen algorithmic thinking, logical reasoning and coding skills, preparing you to tackle increasingly complex programming challenges within cybersecurity and computing contexts.

This module introduces the fields of cyber crime and digital forensics, exploring both the nature of cyber offences and the methods used to investigate them. You'll examine cyber-criminal activity, threat landscapes and the impact of computer-enabled and computer-dependent crime on society. Topics may include digital forensics frameworks, legislation, accreditation standards, forensic tools and approaches to preserving and recovering digital evidence. Through practical and theoretical study, you'll develop an understanding of how investigators identify, analyse and interpret digital artefacts within real-world forensic investigations.

This module will develop your understanding of relational database applications within cybersecurity and the modern workplace. You'll design and build a web-based database application, moving from business requirements and entity relationship modelling to schemas, normalisation and SQL. Topics may include query performance, client-server architecture, HTML, CSS, JavaScript and server-side programming. You'll also examine database integrity, security by design, data protection, SQL injection and vulnerabilities affecting relational and NoSQL databases, alongside the legal and social importance of securing personal data.

This module will explore how data science techniques can support cyber security. You'll examine how security data is collected, prepared and analysed to identify patterns, anomalies and potential threats. Practical work will help you apply appropriate analytical or machine learning methods and evaluate the usefulness and limitations of their outputs. You'll develop skills in interpreting evidence, selecting suitable approaches and communicating findings, while considering the quality of data and the wider security context in which data-driven decisions are made.

In this module, you'll investigate the relationship between operating systems and software security. You'll explore how software interacts with processes, memory, storage, permissions and system services, and how weaknesses in these areas can create security risks. Practical activity will develop your ability to analyse system behaviour, identify vulnerabilities and apply defensive techniques. You'll learn to consider secure design and implementation alongside access control and system configuration, strengthening your ability to evaluate software operating within a wider computing environment.

This module will introduce tools and techniques used in digital security and forensic investigation. You'll gain experience with technologies that may include FTK, Wireshark, intrusion-detection systems, penetration-testing tools and malware-analysis environments. Topics may also include electronic discovery, evidence handling and the interpretation of network or system artefacts. Through practical investigation, you'll learn to select and evaluate tools, preserve evidential integrity, analyse findings and communicate defensible conclusions while considering relevant legal, ethical and professional responsibilities.

This module will develop your ability to design, configure and protect computer networks. You'll explore network-security principles, cryptography, secure administration, virtual private networks and technologies such as intrusion-detection and prevention systems. Practical work will help you identify vulnerabilities, apply appropriate controls, monitor network behaviour and investigate security issues. You'll learn to balance connectivity, performance and protection, strengthening your ability to justify network-security decisions and respond systematically to threats within realistic computing environments.

In this module, you'll explore cyber security from a global perspective, examining the relationships between nation states, threat actors and the wider security landscape. You'll investigate geopolitical, socio-cultural and ethical dimensions of cyber security, considering how these influence adversarial behaviours and security strategies. Topics may include cyber warfare, cyber crime, hacktivism and the motivations that drive different actors. By engaging critically with contemporary issues, you'll develop a broader understanding of global cyber security challenges and the factors shaping digital conflict and resilience.

This module provides an opportunity to undertake an individual cyber security research project focused on a topic aligned with the Cyber Security Body of Knowledge. You'll investigate an area of personal or professional interest, building on knowledge gained through previous study while exploring the subject in greater depth. The project may involve software development, primary research or secondary research, supported by a critical review of relevant literature. Throughout the module, you'll strengthen skills in planning, time management, critical evaluation and independent enquiry.

This module brings together knowledge from across digital forensics and cyber security, providing opportunities to apply learning within realistic investigative scenarios. You'll develop practical skills in identifying, preserving and analysing digital evidence from live environments while considering established forensic procedures and evidential requirements. Topics may include crime scene processes, mobile device forensics, evidence acquisition and professional practice. The module also supports the development of employability skills, helping you prepare for roles in digital forensics. By the end, you'll be able to apply forensic techniques confidently within authentic investigative contexts.

This module introduces Information Security Management Systems and their role in managing information risk within organisations. Using case studies and real-world examples, you'll explore cyber security from a risk management perspective and examine how organisations can protect valuable information assets. Topics may include security policies, management standards, legislation, risk assessment, business continuity and disaster recovery planning. You'll learn how to analyse threats, justify mitigation strategies and develop informed approaches to security management. Along the way, you'll strengthen critical thinking and decision-making skills relevant to professional practice.