Cyber Security with Forensics with Foundation Year

BSc (Honours)

UndergraduateComputing

Gain a degree in cyber security with forensics, with an initial foundation year to prepare for the course.

Everything you need to know…
  • What is the fee?

    International/EU: £16,655 per year (£1,200 for placement year)

  • How long will I study?

    4/5 Years

  • What are the admission requirements?

    80 UCAS Points

  • When do I start?

    2024.September

  • Placement year available?

    Placement Available

Course summary
Gain a degree in cyber security with forensics, with an initial foundation year to prepare for the course.
Develop the skills to design and secure complex information systems.
Learn to respond appropriately to security incidents by gathering evidence.
Understand the legal and regulatory environment around complex information systems.
Study the principles employed in cyber security and digital forensics.
Use the latest digital forensics software and technologies employed in industry.
Prepare for the degree with an extra foundation year at the start

You will study fundamental cyber security topics, including principles of security, computing, architecture and networking, databases, and programming. You’ll also gain industry certifications such as the Cellebrite Certified Operator (CCO) certification and the Nuix Workstation Forensics Practitioner Foundations and Core certifications.
How you learn

Work placements

You’ll have the opportunity to arrange a year-long work placement in between your third and fourth years. This gives you real-world experience to prepare you for your future career.

Live projects

You’ll undertake an individual project which will enable you to develop your investigative skills in a particular security area of your choice.

 

Networking opportunities

 

We include seminars and workshops run by the Institution of Engineering and Technology and by employers such as IBM, BT, Satisnet and Citrix.

All our courses are designed around a set of key principles based on engaging you with the world, collaborating with others, challenging you to think in new ways, and providing you with a supportive environment in which you can thrive.

You’ll gain practical experience by installing, configuring, securing and troubleshooting a range of computer systems and networking technologies. You’ll also assess systems for vulnerabilities, exploit penetration techniques, and assess and implement mitigation solutions.

You learn through

  • lectures

  • seminars

  • practical tutorial sessions

In the foundation year, you’ll build on your existing knowledge and experience – developing useful academic, computing and IT skills in preparation for undergraduate study. You’ll benefit from innovative course content that allows you to access and use cutting-edge technology. Throughout, you’ll reflect on your progress and build valuable communication and interpersonal skills.

Future career

This course prepares you for a career in

  • cyber security analysis

  • digital forensics consultancy

  • security consultancy

  • information security analysis

Previous graduates of BSc (Honours) Cyber Security with Forensics have gone on to work for

  • dedicated security and forensics companies

  • law enforcement agencies

  • large-scale businesses and industries

Equipment and facilities

On this course you’ll have access to specialist security and forensics labs and work with:

  • our state-of-the-art internetworking labs 
  • Cisco switching 
  • routing and security devices 
  • virtualised desktops and servers 
  • intrusion detection systems 
  • penetration testing applications 
  • the latest specialist software – including Encase, Magnet Axiom and IEF, FTK, X-Ways, Nuix, Cellebrite Physical Analyzer, UFED Touch 2 and UFED 4PC. 

We’ve invested over £100m in new facilities to help you study how and when you want. This means 24-hour libraries and study spaces designed by our students. 

 

Entry requirements

UCAS points

  • 80

This must include at least 32 points from one A level or equivalent BTEC qualifications. For example:

  • CDD at A Level.
  • MMP in BTEC Extended Diploma.
  • A combination of qualifications, which may include AS levels, EPQ and general studies

You can find information on making sense of UCAS tariff points here and use the UCAS tariff calculator to work out your points.

GCSE

  • English Language or English Literature at grade C or 4
  • Maths at grade C or 4

• 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.

We may also accept you, if you have limited qualifications but can show evidence of ability and a genuine commitment to studying the subject.

Some applicants may be invited to attend an informal interview with the course leader to ensure that the programme is suitable for themselves and their aspirations.

UK students may be able to claim financial support for the course.

If English is not your first language, you will need 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.

Please note the University will only admit students who are aged 18 or over at the point of enrolment.

Modules

Important notice:

The structure of this course is periodically reviewed and enhanced to provide the best possible learning experience for our students and ensure ongoing compliance with any professional, statutory and regulatory body standards. Module structure, content, delivery and assessment may change, but we expect the focus of the course and the learning outcomes to remain as described above. Following any changes, updated module information will be published on this page.

You will be able to complete a placement year as part of this course. See the modules table below for further information.

 

Year 1
Compulsory modules

Module

Credits

Assessment

Foundations In Computing 1

40

Coursework

Foundations In Computing 2

40

Coursework

Maths For Foundation Computing

20

Practical

Study Skills For Computing Students

20

Coursework

 

Year 2
Compulsory modules

Module

Credits

Assessment

Computer Systems And Networks

40

Coursework

Introduction To Cyber Security, Maths And Cryptography

40

Coursework

Exam

Professionalism And Employability

20

Coursework

Software Development

20

Coursework

 

 

Year 3
Compulsory modules

Module

Credits

Assessment

Database Administration And Security

20

Coursework

Digital Forensics Incident Response

40

Coursework

Project Based Learning

20

Coursework

Secure Network Services And Administration

40

Coursework

Practical

 

Year 4
Optional modules

Module

Credits

Assessment

Placement Year

 

 

 

Final Year
Compulsory modules

Module

Credits

Assessment

Advanced Cyber Forensics

40

Coursework

Practical

Information Security Management

20

Practical

Project (Cyber Security And Networks)

40

Coursework

 

Elective modules

Module

Credits

Assessment

Blockchain And Iot Security

20

Coursework

Data Storage

20

Coursework

Offensive Forensics

20

Coursework