Cyber Security and Forensics BSc University of Westminster

Our Cyber Security and Forensics BSc is designed to meet the ever-growing requirements and challenges facing businesses, governments and individuals.

The cyber security and forensics domains are fast changing and dynamic due to ever evolving threats and the need for countermeasures. Companies now need to frequently change and improve their information systems security more than ever before.

Our course brings together a mix of several disciplines and provides the fundamental skills needed for a successful career in cyber security and forensics. You’ll learn crucial theories, principles and methodologies used in the cyber security industry today. You’ll also have the opportunity to apply these learnings to practical assignments and real-life scenarios in our dedicated labs.

The aim is to turn you into a skilled, innovative, and confident problem solver. You’ll learn to consider the global outlook and societal aspects of the current environment when producing solutions that are both sustainable and adaptable. In addition, you’ll gain skills in key aspects of cyber security and forensics and use industrial tools and techniques, both offensive and defensive, in order to produce cyber resilient digital solutions.

The Cyber Security and Forensics BSc is designed to meet the requirements and expectations of the UK government strategic vision for 2030 to become a leading responsible democratic cyber power. Therefore, this course is designed to be aligned with the key knowledge areas of the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC).

Teaching methods on this course focus on active student learning and, where appropriate, practical application. You’ll also be exposed to industry guest speakers, live industry briefs and placement opportunities.

Top reasons to study with us

• State-of-the-art technologies and resources – you’ll have access to a dedicated forensics computer laboratory and over 30 computing laboratories with an extensive range of software providing access to Linux/UNIX, Windows and Mac OS, including the use of specialised software tools and packages for cyber security and forensics
• Gain industry insider knowledge – you'll benefit from presentations by industry professionals who regularly appear as guest speakers
• Develop in-demand skills – the need for improved computer security has never been greater, with a growing demand for cyber security specialists
• Fit for industry – Some of our graduates from similar courses have gone on to work in leading governmental and security organisations such as the Police and the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD)

Programme recognition

The Cyber Security and Forensics BSc is intended to fulfil the educational requirements of the British Computer Society (BCS) for the CITP (Chartered IT Professional) and partial CEng (Chartered Engineer). Due to the 5-year accreditation timeline the course will be considered for the accreditation in 2027. The accreditation will be backdated to include the first intake from September 2023. On successful completion of this process your course will become accredited in 2027.

Why study this course?

Study in central London

Based in our Cavendish Campus in central London, you’ll enjoy the benefits of studying in a major tech hub.

Prepare for industry

You’ll have access to a dedicated cyber security and forensics computer laboratory, and use a range of specialised software tools and packages for cyber security and forensics.

A supportive environment

We provide our students with the right environment, support and guidance throughout their studies to keep them motivated.

You’ll learn through a mixture of lectures, practical tutorials, laboratory sessions and independent study.

In Year 1 you’ll be introduced to the fundamentals of computer systems and cyber security.

In Years 2 and 3 you’ll apply your knowledge to practical assignments and learn critical project management and professional skills.

This degree includes an optional year abroad or placement.

How you'll be taught

Teaching methods across all our undergraduate courses focus on active student learning through lectures, seminars, workshops, problem-based and blended learning, and where appropriate practical application. Learning typically falls into three broad categories:

• Scheduled hours: examples include lectures, seminars, practical classes, workshops, supervised time in a studio
• Placement: placement hours normally include placement opportunities, but may also include live projects or virtual activity involving employers
• Independent study: non-scheduled time in which students are expected to study independently. This may include preparation for scheduled sessions, follow-up work, wider reading or practice, completion of assessment tasks, or revision

How you'll be assessed

Our undergraduate courses include a wide variety of assessments.

Assessments typically fall into two broad categories:

• Practical: examples include presentations, videos, podcasts, lab work, creating artefacts
• Coursework: examples include essays, reports, in-class tests, portfolios, dissertation

With computers being central to all aspects of our daily lives, as industries ranging from communications to banking have come to rely on them, the need for improved computer security has never been greater. This means that there is a growing demand for specialists in cyber security and digital forensics.

This course is designed with a high degree of relevance to the requirements of industry. It will equip you with the necessary skills for jobs in the field of cyber security and digital forensics.

Industry links

We have links with professionals from a range of fields in the cyber security and digital forensics industries.

Work placement opportunities

You’ll have the opportunity to undertake a work placement year to develop your skills and enhance your employability.

3,000

Employers around the world

The University’s Careers and Employability Service has built up a network of over 3,000 employers around the world, helping all our students explore and connect with exciting opportunities and careers.

Industry links

Industry engagement is an essential part of the course as you'll hear from industry speakers and receive mentorship from industry professionals as part of your group project work.

As part of the course, you'll also have the opportunity to participate in a communication exchange with leading industry experts and businesses who can provide more specialised advice to bolster your portfolio and prepare you for future interviews. You'll also have other opportunities to attend industry-led talks and presentations on campus.

Job roles

This course will prepare you for roles in a variety of areas, including:

• Anti-piracy/content protection analyst
• Computer forensics analyst
• Computer security incident responder
• Cyber security manager
• Information security analyst
• Information security assurance officer
• Information security assurance analyst
• Information security consultant
• Information security risk officer
• IT security engineer
• IT security operations specialist
• Penetration tester (also known as ethical hacker)
• Researcher in applied cryptography
• Researcher in network/computer security
• Security officer
• Source code auditor
• Vulnerability assessor

Graduate employment

Graduates from similar courses at the University of Westminster, such as the Network Security BSc, have found employment at organisations including:

• KPMG UK
• Metropolitan Police
• UK Ministry of Defence
• Willis Towers Watson