The National Cyber Security Strategy makes clear the need for Digital Security professionals who can help identify and prosecute illegal computer hacks. Study digital forensic investigation, ethical hacking, intrusion, detection and data recovery.

With today's advancing technologies comes the increasing threat of cybercrime. The National Cyber Security Strategy makes clear the importance of good network defences in securing the UK. GCU has developed a suite of programmes which provide the opportunity to be at the forefront of defending cyberspace from sophisticated malicious attacks and future threats.

Digital Security and Forensics develops the theory and practical skills of how illegal computer attacks are performed and how to counteract them, explores the nature of digital evidence and focuses on the law and issues surrounding computer crime. It equips graduates with technical, analytical and evaluation skills in all areas of digital forensic investigation, including ethical hacking, intrusion, detection, data recovery and security systems.

Enter the communication networks, security engineering and digital forensics sector, an industry which employs one in three of all jobs within the IT sector.

This sector is becoming increasingly complex, with particular need for digital forensics, digital security, ethical hacking, wireless and mobile specialist skills. We would expect digital security graduates to embark on a range of career pathways including government agencies, law enforcement or associated private sector agencies, business, supporting specialist roles such as forensic practitioners, penetration testers (ethical hackers) and security and forensic consultants.

An optional one-year industrial placement can be taken after completion of your third year of study. The industrial placement will be in an appropriate area of digital security. A key objective in undertaking the industrial placement is for students to further develop the understanding and application of their skills in a professional setting.

Course structure-

• Year 1

Programming 1, Computer Networking 1, Web Platform Development 1, Integrated Project 1, Mathematics for Computing, Fundamentals of Computing.

• Year 2

Secure Systems Administration, Computer Networking 2, Programming 2,Integrated Design Project 2, Database Development, Cyber Security Operations.

• Year 3

Quantitative Methods and Cryptography, Digital Forensic Investigation, Ethical Hacking, Regulating the Information Society, Integrated Design Project 3, Research Skills and Professional Issues.

• Year 4

Web Application Security, Internet Security, Malware Analysis, Applied Digital Forensics, Honours Project.

 

A number of integrated approaches are employed to achieve the necessary aims, objectives and learning outcomes required. To this end, a variety of teaching and learning methods and strategies are applied. Assessment methods used to demonstrate achievement of learning outcomes include examinations, coursework, class tests, practical assessments, presentations, computer-based exercises, and written reports. Working with strategic partners, the undergraduate curriculum is at the forefront of advances in digital forensics and security. Links with industry enables industrial led/developed material to be embedded into the programme of study. We aim to sustain existing, and seek further industrial partnerships that provide access to case studies and projects, work experience and real world problems. The school is also academic partners with The Council for Registered Ethical Security Testers (CREST). The course provides a career orientated learning experience from a school that is an approved provider of professional certification for, amongst others Cisco, Microsoft, Oracle and 7Safe. To ensure graduates have excellent employment opportunities, the programme has been designed with reference to accreditation criteria set by the British Computer Society (BCS) - the Chartered Institute for IT - and the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET). It is envisaged that the degree will be put forward for accreditation when the first students graduate in 2014.