Cyber Security and Forensics BSc Honours - Courses | University of Westminster, London

Course Overview

UK Fees £9,250 *

International Fees £15,400 *

Duration 3 or 4 years

* Price per academic year

Course summary

Our Cyber Security and Forensics BSc is designed to meet the ever-growing requirements and challenges facing businesses, governments and individuals.

The cyber security and forensics domains are fast changing and dynamic due to ever evolving threats and the need for countermeasures. Companies now need to frequently change and improve their information systems security more than ever before.

Our course brings together a mix of several disciplines and provides the fundamental skills needed for a successful career in cyber security and forensics. You’ll learn crucial theories, principles and methodologies used in the cyber security industry today. You’ll also have the opportunity to apply these learnings to practical assignments and real-life scenarios in our dedicated labs.

The aim is to turn you into a skilled, innovative, and confident problem solver. You’ll learn to consider the global outlook and societal aspects of the current environment when producing solutions that are both sustainable and adaptable. In addition, you’ll gain skills in key aspects of cyber security and forensics and use industrial tools and techniques, both offensive and defensive, in order to produce cyber resilient digital solutions.

The Cyber Security and Forensics BSc is designed to meet the requirements and expectations of the UK government strategic vision for 2030 to become a leading responsible democratic cyber power. Therefore, this course is designed to be aligned with the key knowledge areas of the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC).

Teaching methods on this course focus on active student learning and, where appropriate, practical application. You’ll also be exposed to industry guest speakers, live industry briefs and placement opportunities.

Top reasons to study with us

State-of-the-art technologies and resources – you’ll have access to a dedicated forensics computer laboratory and over 30 computing laboratories with an extensive range of software providing access to Linux/UNIX, Windows and Mac OS, including the use of specialised software tools and packages for cyber security and forensics
Gain industry insider knowledge – you'll benefit from presentations by industry professionals who regularly appear as guest speakers
Develop in-demand skills – the need for improved computer security has never been greater, with a growing demand for cyber security specialists
Fit for industry – Some of our graduates from similar courses have gone on to work in leading governmental and security organisations such as the Police and the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD)

Course structure

You’ll learn through a mixture of lectures, practical tutorials, laboratory sessions and independent study.

In Year 1 you’ll be introduced to the fundamentals of computer systems and cyber security.

In Years 2 and 3 you’ll apply your knowledge to practical assignments and learn critical project management and professional skills.

This degree includes an optional year abroad or placement.

The following modules are indicative of what you’ll study on this course.

Subjects of study include:

Applied Mathematics
Introduction to Cyber Security and Forensics
Introduction to Networks
Programming Methodology I
Programming Methodology II
Trends in Computer Science

Credit Level 4

Subjects of study include:

Applied Cryptography
Digital Forensics
Network Security
Risk Management and IT Governance
Web Applications Security
Agile Project Management and Professional Experience
Machine Learning and Data Mining
Operating Systems

Credit Level 5

Between Years 2 and 3, you’ll have the opportunity to undertake a professional placement year in industry. Completing the placement year will lead to the final award Bachelor of Science with Honours - Cyber Security and Forensics with Industrial Experience.

Alternatively, you can undertake a period of study abroad at one of Westminster’s partner institutions. Successful completion will lead to the final award Bachelor of Science with Honours - Cyber Security and Forensics with International Experience.

Subjects of study include:

Cyber Security and Forensics Final Year Project
Incident Response and Malware Analysis
Wireless Networks Security
Applied AI
Cyber Security Threats and Counter Measures
Defensive programming techniques

Credit Level 6

Programme recognition

The Cyber Security and Forensics BSc is intended to fulfil the educational requirements of the British Computer Society (BCS) for the CITP (Chartered IT Professional) and partial CEng (Chartered Engineer). Due to the 5-year accreditation timeline the course will be considered for the accreditation in 2027. The accreditation will be backdated to include the first intake from September 2023. On successful completion of this process your course will become accredited in 2027.

Programme specification

For more details on course structure, modules, teaching and assessment Download the programme specification (PDF).

To request an accessible version please email [email protected]

Prospectus

Get your copy of the University of Westminster prospectus and browse the range of courses on offer.

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Get in touch

+44 (0)20 7911 5000 EXT 65511
(Mon–Fri, 10am–4pm BST)

[email protected]

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Open days

Join us at an open day online or on campus. Get a feel for student life at the University of Westminster and talk to course leaders and our support teams.

Next open day

Saturday 15 June On campus

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Careers

With computers being central to all aspects of our daily lives, as industries ranging from communications to banking have come to rely on them, the need for improved computer security has never been greater. This means that there is a growing demand for specialists in cyber security and digital forensics.

This course is designed with a high degree of relevance to the requirements of industry. It will equip you with the necessary skills for jobs in the field of cyber security and digital forensics.

Industry links

We have links with professionals from a range of fields in the cyber security and digital forensics industries.

Work placement opportunities

You’ll have the opportunity to undertake a work placement year to develop your skills and enhance your employability.

3,000

Employers around the world

The University’s Careers and Employability Service has built up a network of over 3,000 employers around the world, helping all our students explore and connect with exciting opportunities and careers.

Industry links

Industry engagement is an essential part of the course as you'll hear from industry speakers and receive mentorship from industry professionals as part of your group project work.

As part of the course, you'll also have the opportunity to participate in a communication exchange with leading industry experts and businesses who can provide more specialised advice to bolster your portfolio and prepare you for future interviews. You'll also have other opportunities to attend industry-led talks and presentations on campus.

Job roles

This course will prepare you for roles in a variety of areas, including:

Anti-piracy/content protection analyst
Computer forensics analyst
Computer security incident responder
Cyber security manager
Information security analyst
Information security assurance officer
Information security assurance analyst
Information security consultant
Information security risk officer
IT security engineer
IT security operations specialist
Penetration tester (also known as ethical hacker)
Researcher in applied cryptography
Researcher in network/computer security
Security officer
Source code auditor
Vulnerability assessor

Graduate employment

Graduates from similar courses at the University of Westminster, such as the Network Security BSc, have found employment at organisations including:

KPMG UK
Metropolitan Police
UK Ministry of Defence
Willis Towers Watson

Westminster Employability Award

Employers value graduates who have invested in their personal and professional development – and our Westminster Employability Award gives you the chance to formally document and demonstrate these activities and achievements.

The award is flexible and can be completed in your own time, allowing you to choose from a set of extracurricular activities.

Activities might include gaining experience through a part-time job or placement, signing up to a University-run scheme – such as mentoring or teaching in a school – or completing online exercises.

Read more about our Westminster Employability Award.

International Opportunities

Many of our courses offer international study and work experiences, and the University provides other global opportunities that all students can apply for - so whatever you're studying, you'll have the chance to go abroad.

Opportunities could include:

Taking part in semester or year-long exchanges at institutions around the world
Attending an international summer school or field trip
Developing your CV through volunteering or work placements abroad

International experience broadens horizons, boosts self-confidence, and improves global understanding, alongside being fantastic for your career.

Find out more about our international opportunities, including funding options and where you can go.

Students working and studying internationally

Course Leader

More about me

Dr Ayman El Hajjar

Senior Lecturer

Ayman El Hajjar is the Senior Lecturer in cyber security and forensics in the Department of Computer Science at the University of Westminster. He leads the MSc and the BSc Cyber Security and Forensics courses. He also leads the Cyber Security research group, researching cyber security and forensics in different contexts. His main research focuses on looking at how existing security protocols can be used on infrastructure-less decentralised networks such as blockchain networks and the Internet of Things. He has several PhD students working in this group, researching these topics.

More about me

Our course offers the best of both worlds combining the hard skills gained from learning theories and applying them in labs to develop soft skills such as working in teams in a professional environment.

Course Team

Why study this course?

Study in central London

Based in our Cavendish Campus in central London, you’ll enjoy the benefits of studying in a major tech hub.

Prepare for industry

You’ll have access to a dedicated cyber security and forensics computer laboratory, and use a range of specialised software tools and packages for cyber security and forensics.

A supportive environment

We provide our students with the right environment, support and guidance throughout their studies to keep them motivated.

A levels – CCC (96 UCAS Tariff points)
T levels – 96 UCAS Tariff points
International Baccalaureate – 96 UCAS Tariff points from all components of the Diploma Programme. International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme will be considered on a case-by-case basis
BTEC Extended Diploma – MMM
BTEC Diploma – DD
Access – 96 UCAS Tariff points from the Access course

In addition to one of the above, you should have:

GCSE English Language grade 4/C – IB grade 4 Higher Level, GCSE Maths grade 4/C – IB grade 4

If your first language is not English, you will need an IELTS of 6.0 overall, with 5.5 in each component.

We also welcome applications from students who are taking a combination of qualifications listed above. For further information, please contact Course Enquiries.

View more information about our entry requirements and the application process.

International Baccalaureate – 96 UCAS Tariff points from all components of the Diploma Programme. International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme will be considered on a case-by-case basis

If your first language is not English, you will need an IELTS of 6.0 overall, with 5.5 in each component.

More information

Learn new skills

Volunteer and gain new skills

We offer a number of different volunteering opportunities for you to learn new skills, create connections, and make a difference in the community.

Develop your entrepreneurial skills

Our award-winning Westminster Enterprise Network offers industry networking events, workshops, one-to-one business advice and support for your start-up projects.

Get extra qualifications

We provide access to free online courses in Adobe and Microsoft Office applications, as well as thousands of specialist courses on LinkedIn Learning.

Fees and Funding

UK
INTERNATIONAL

UK tuition fee: £9,250 (Price per academic year)

When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase your tuition fees each year.

Find out how we set our tuition fees.

Funding

As well as tuition fee loans, there is a range of funding available to help you fund your studies.

Find out about undergraduate student funding options.

Scholarships

The University is dedicated to supporting ambitious and outstanding students and we offer a variety of scholarships to eligible undergraduate students, which cover all or part of your tuition fees.

Find out if you qualify for one of our scholarships.

Additional costs

See what you may need to pay for and what your tuition fees cover.

International tuition fee: £15,400 (Price per academic year)

When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase your tuition fees each year.

Find out how we set our tuition fees.

EU Qualifications Welcome Award Scheme

If you are an international student accepted on an undergraduate programme starting in September 2024 or September 2025 at level 3 (Foundation) or level 4 (first year) on the basis of an eligible EU qualification only, you will be awarded a tuition fee reduction which will align your fee more closely to the one for UK students. For more information, see the EU Qualifications Welcome Award Scheme.

International student funding

Find out about funding for international students.

Additional costs

See what you may need to pay for and what your tuition fees cover.

Teaching and Assessment

How you'll be taught

Teaching methods across all our undergraduate courses focus on active student learning through lectures, seminars, workshops, problem-based and blended learning, and where appropriate practical application. Learning typically falls into three broad categories:

Scheduled hours: examples include lectures, seminars, practical classes, workshops, supervised time in a studio
Placement: placement hours normally include placement opportunities, but may also include live projects or virtual activity involving employers
Independent study: non-scheduled time in which students are expected to study independently. This may include preparation for scheduled sessions, follow-up work, wider reading or practice, completion of assessment tasks, or revision

How you'll be assessed

Our undergraduate courses include a wide variety of assessments.

Assessments typically fall into two broad categories:

Practical: examples include presentations, videos, podcasts, lab work, creating artefacts
Coursework: examples include essays, reports, in-class tests, portfolios, dissertation

Supporting you

Our Student Hub is where you’ll find out about the services and support we offer, helping you get the best out of your time with us.

Study support — workshops, 1-2-1 support and online resources to help improve your academic and research skills
Personal tutors — support you in fulfilling your academic and personal potential
Student advice team — provide specialist advice on a range of issues including funding, benefits and visas
Extra-curricular activities — volunteering opportunities, sports and fitness activities, student events and more

Visit our student hub

Course location

With state-of-the-art science and psychology labs and refurbished computer suites, our Cavendish Campus offers our science and technology students a range of learning spaces that are both dynamic and inspiring,

Located in central London, our Cavendish Campus is just a five-minute walk from Oxford Street and Tottenham Court Road.

For more details, visit our Cavendish Campus page.