Program Overview

• Engage in and evaluate current critical debates surrounding the causes of cyber crime, forensic investigations and the methods and motivations of cyber criminals
• Gain a specialist degree in a rapidly growing field with a current skills shortage in the marketplace
• Benefit from a team of research-active academics and experts who work at the forefront of the field and who use interactive and practical teaching approaches to bring theory and practice to life
• Learn how to successfully present your evidence in written format and orally within a mock trial
• Develop an appreciation of the wider role information security plays in an organisational context
• Have the opportunity to complete a work placement year with a relevant organisation
• Access a wide range of specialist software and tools including a dedicated Cyber Security and Forensics laboratory in a cutting-edge new development which houses the Department of Digital Futures and Applied Social Sciences

The cyber threat to all countries, companies and organisations is significant and growing. Since the creation of the National Cyber Security Centre in February 2017, the UK has been hit by more than 200 high-level attacks. Cyber criminals seek to exploit organisations and infrastructure for profit. Their technical sophistication varies from small-scale cyber-enabled fraud to persistent, advanced and professional organisations.

In Year 1, you are introduced to the domain of information security including, viruses, botnets, hacking and cracking, phishing and social engineering. You develop fundamental core knowledge in forensic investigation, criminal justice systems and contemporary issues as well as legal and regulatory frameworks.

In Year 2, you explore topics in the latest developments in cyber crime and forensic investigation. You are given the opportunity to apply your investigative knowledge to a range of forensic-based scenarios and to learn complementary forensic techniques.

An optional placement year allows you to enhance your employability, business understanding and professional skills through 12 months of relevant employment experience.

In Year 3, you  develop an appreciation of the legal, ethical and regulatory frameworks together with the human aspects of information security assurance and forensic investigation. The Dissertation module helps you to develop specialist skills and expertise through the undertaking of a substantial body of work. You also learn how to successfully present your evidence in written format and orally within a mock trial.