BSc (Honours) Computer Security with Forensics

UCAS code

F4G4

Attendance

Full-time

Four years full-time (including one year work placement) or three years full-time

At a glance

Learn how to protect computers from cybercrime and gather evidence of crimes such as phishing and hacking, on a course designed to prepare you for a high-demand industry. You gear up for your career with a one year optional placement at a major organisation, such as the police force or HSBC. And you gain industry perspectives with seminars from companies such as IBM and BT.

Key points
• Prepare for roles in security firms, police forces and industries such as finance.
• Take advantage of a shortage of IT security graduates.
• Attend seminars from major companies such as IBM, BT and Eli Lilly.
• Go on a one year placement at providers such as Sun Microsystems, Citrix and GCHQ.

What is computer security with forensics?
Computer security with forensics focuses on forensics as a component of security in a business environment. It involves the analysis of security and how it is applied, and the analysis of events after they have taken place.

About this course

Prepare for a career designing security systems and identifying and finding evidence of cybercrimes. As a graduate you can find roles in a range of IT security related settings such as large security companies, the police force or large-scale businesses and industries, such as finance, that regard securing information systems as important. You can also work in the general IT area, but with skills relating to the increasingly important area of cyber-security.

You develop the skills to design and secure complex information systems. You learn to respond appropriately to security incidents by gathering evidence and gaining an understanding of the legal and regulatory environment around complex information systems.

As well as computer security topics you also study more general computing subjects such as • computer architecture • programming • database systems • computer networks • project management.

This gives you a good general knowledge of related IT issues and the flexibility to work in other IT roles such as management.

You get the opportunity to apply your skills in year three, when you can choose to take a one-year paid work placement. This is an excellent chance to enhance your career prospects, and students on this course can apply for positions with major placement providers such as • BT • HSBC • Sun Microsystems • Citrix • GCHQ • the police force.

You are guided in the first steps of your career through career-focused sessions such as interview and presentation skills classes. You also develop your CV and application writing skills and learn how to set up a small business or enterprise. We include seminars and workshops run by The Institution of Engineering and Technology and by employers, such as IBM, BT and Eli Lilly.

Key areas of study
You study the theoretical and practical aspects of computing and computer information security with a focus on computer forensics.

Security and forensic tools covered include • cryptography • data security • digital forensics • investigative forensics • assessing threats and vulnerabilities • network firewalls.

Associated careers

There is currently a shortage of IT professionals with the skills you develop as a graduate from this course. This makes you highly employable in a well-paid industry.

Employment is available in a range of organisations from small to multinational companies. Local and national government roles such as IT security consultant and computer forensics analyst attract annual pay rewards of £18,000 to £30,000 plus.

Professional recognition

This course is accredited by the British Computer Society. It counts towards the academic requirements for registration as a Chartered IT Professional and Chartered Engineer.

Course content

Year one core modules

• introduction to security • introduction to networking and communication • fundamentals of programming • mathematics for networks • fundamentals of computer architecture • professional and communication skills

Year two core modules

• digital forensics • secure networking technologies • database administration and design • TCP/IP network administration • project-based learning

Year two options

• wireless lans • interactive multimedia • unix and linux • cisco routers and routing basics

Year three

• work placement

Final year core modules

• investigative forensics • information security management • advanced networking • professional development • project

Final year options

• multimedia networks • network design and monitoring • distributed computing • mobile computing

Assessment

• coursework • online and paper-based exams

Entry requirements

2014 entry requirements

GCSE English and mathematics at grade C or above, plus one of the following

• 260 points with at least 160 from two GCE/VCE A levels or equivalent BTEC National qualifications

• Access – an Access to HE Diploma with at least 45 credits at level 3 and 15 credits at level 2. At least 15 Level 3 credits must be at merit grade or above, from a QAA-recognised Access to HE course, or an equivalent Access to HE certificate.

If English is not your first language you must have an IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in all skills or equivalent. If your English language skill is currently below IELTS 6.0 we recommend you consider a Sheffield Hallam University Pre-sessional English course which will enable you to achieve an equivalent English score.

We welcome applications from people of any age. We may be flexible in our normal offer if you can show a commitment to succeed and have the relevant skills and experience. This must show that you will benefit from and finish the course successfully.

2013 entry requirements

GCSE English and mathematics at grade C or above, plus one of the following

• 260 points from at least two A levels in relevant subjects, or BTEC National qualifications including at least 160 points from two GCE/VCE A levels, or BTEC National qualifications, or one AVCE double award.

Fees

International students

2013/14 academic year

Typically £10,680 a year

2014/15 academic year

Typically £11,250 a year

How to apply

You apply for this course through UCAS.

Contact details

For more information or to check the progress of your application phone +44 (0)114 225 5555, fax +44 (0)114 225 2167, e-mail admissions@shu.ac.uk