BSc (Hons) in Cyber Security and Forensic Computing

Peterborough is a globally recognised ‘smart city’ with a gigabit network, located in Cambridgeshire, the home of ‘Silicon Fen’ a centre for high-tech companies; what better place to kick-start your career in the IT sector than at ARU Peterborough on our Cyber Security and Forensic Computing degree course?

As more of our lives move online, cyber security and forensic computing have become increasingly important areas of expertise. Our full-time, 5-year BSc (Honours) Cyber Security and Forensic Computing degree with a foundation year and a placement year, is designed to equip you with a solid, employability-focused overview of this fascinating and constantly developing discipline. Upon graduation you will be prepared for your first professional role or to continue your studies, should you so choose.

In this course, you will learn critical skills in networking technologies, as well as the tools and methodologies required to ensure that systems are protected from cyber-attacks. You’ll also develop knowledge in the field of digital forensics, taking a hands-on approach to how computer systems can be forensically analysed for evidence and how this evidence can be presented. Modules in ethical hacking and cryptography will deepen your expertise to prepare you for a career in the exciting field of computer science.

Courses at ARU Peterborough are designed to help you become a life-long learner, ready to pivot in your career and respond to changes in this fast-moving industry. When you graduate from this course, you will have developed your powers of autonomous and analytical thinking, learned the essential skills valued by employers in the IT sector and experienced multi-disciplinary team-working which mirrors real-world industry standards.

On this course, you’ll spend lots of time in our dedicated computing labs in our brand new, purpose-built university building, in the heart of Peterborough. You’ll learn industry-standard equipment and software on a course that we co-created with regional employers, so you can be confident that you’ll graduate with the skills in demand in the sector.

You won’t only learn from your tutors, but enjoy guest lectures, live briefs and team projects. Delivering your work in a range of formats, including presentations, will help you develop the confidence and communication skills that can give you an edge in your future career.

Year 1

• Programming Fundamentals
• Relational Database Development Fundamentals
• Computer Systems and Networking Fundamentals
• Web Development Fundamentals

Year 2

• Network and Operating Systems
• Becoming an IT Professional
• Ruskin Module (15 credits)
• Network and Cyber Security Management
• Digital Forensics and the Digital Footprint
• Team-Based Project

Year 3

• Preparing Digital Forensic Evidence
• Future Tech and Development
• Cryptography and Information Security
• Ethical Hacking
• Major Cyber Security/Digital Forensics Project

As a Security and Forensic Computing graduate, you’ll have essential technical skills, and experience in addressing realistic challenges through live briefs, coursework, and projects.

You’ll also have key transferable skills, such as team working, research and investigation, preparing documentation, giving presentations, and reporting on progress.

Our free Employability Service will help you take practical steps to follow your chosen career path, secure jobs, and work experience, or even start your own business.

Graduation doesn’t have to be the end of your time with us. You might decide to stay at ARU and study for a Masters. We’re planning a range of postgraduate degrees at ARU Peterborough, and there is a selection of existing courses in Cambridge and Chelmsford.