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Cyber Security and Digital Forensics BSc

Study cybercrime prevention techniques, conduct digital investigations and gain hands-on experience using industry-standard software with the opportunity for a year-long placement
Code
I118
Start
September 2024
Duration
3 years full-time
4 years full-time with placement
Usually 5 years part-time
Attendance
Full-time
Part-time
Fees
£9,250 (UK)*
£16,600 (INT)*
Course leader
Dr Ian Mitchell

Why choose Cyber Security and Digital Forensics BSc Honours at Middlesex?

In our specialised cyber security and digital forensic labs, you'll be using the latest applications and tools used for IT security and digital forensics in industry.

You’ll learn to identify breaches, vulnerabilities and threats and develop skills to mitigate these. In addition you will develop skills to seize, analyse and present for a digital investigation.

You can develop your professional skills with a year-long, paid work experience placement as part of a four-year study option.

What you will gain

You can achieve industry-recognised certifications, including Cisco's CCNA and CCNP (this is at an additional cost).

Our careers service, MDXWorks, will help you develop a stand-out CV, develop your job entry plan and make the relevant industry contacts to pursue your career goals.

You’ll graduate with career opportunities in many sectors, just like our graduates who are now making their mark in companies including FTI Consulting, Deloitte, Eurofins Forensic Service, Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), Serious Fraud Office (SFO), Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), Relativity, Epiq, and London Metropolitan Police.


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Core modules such as programming, networks, and IT security are covered in this course extensively. You will develop expert knowledge in the technological, ethical, regulatory and legal issues in this field, including security, encryption, operating systems and information systems. After Year 2, you will have the opportunity to put what you've learned to practical use with a work experience placement at an organisation.

Year 1

In the first year of your degree you will learn the foundations of cyber security and digital forensics. These include: Building computer networks and developing skills for computer communications; developing databases and controlling information in organisations; developing code in Python; and a range of skills based on Operating Systems (Linux) and Computer Architecture.

Year 2

Building on your skills from Year 1, there is more focus on cyber security and digital forensics. IoT devices, and cyber physical systems are a developing area of Computer Science. Many of these devices go unprotected or lack security. There is a dedicated module where you will develop skills in building and securing such systems.

Building on skills from Year 1, Secure Web Technologies will build your skills in applying tools and techniques to secure data online.

Digital Incident Scene and Analysis will take you on a journey to develop skills for seizure, data acquisition, analysis and presentation of results of a full digital investigation.

Finally, some time is devoted to regulations, compliancy and project management.

Work placement year (optional)

You can opt to extend the course by a year, and spend the third year doing a paid work placement, which will lead to a certificate of industrial achievement.

Final year

As with most degrees your final year has an individual project, which will provide you with a supervisor and provide you the opportunity to select a topic of your choice.

Network Security and Forensics will develop your skills in protection and intrusion techniques, which will include penetration testing.

Memory Analysis will develop your skills in detecting malware, or traces of malware in memory.

There are three options in the final year, that are: Artificial Intelligence; Blockchain Engineering and Analytics (Cryptocurrency); and, Defensive Security.

Modules

  • Year 1 - Compulsory

    • Computer Systems Architecture and Operating Systems (30 credits)

      This module provides you with fundamental knowledge and principles of computer hardware and operating systems in order to understand the structure and operation of modern computers.

      The module aims to provide you with an understanding of the fundamental behaviour and components (hardware and software) of a typical computer system, and how they collaborate to manage resources and provide services in scales from small embedded devices up to the global internet.

      The module will focus on the understanding of concepts, theory and associated terminology of two core components: ‘Computer Architecture’ and ‘Operating Systems and Networks’. Practical hands-on laboratory experiments will be used to illustrate the application of theory and concepts.

      The lab work ranges between using C code, Batch, Bash and Python. This will allow you to develop a range of programming skills that will support your knowledge and skills not only in this module but in future studies as well.

    • Computer Networks (30 credits)

      This module provides you with the basic skills needed to succeed in networking-related degree programs and also helps you develop the skills necessary to fulfil the job responsibilities of network technicians, network administrators, and network engineers. It provides a theoretically-rich, hands-on introduction to networking and the Internet.

      You will learn both the practical and conceptual skills that build the foundation for understanding basic networking. And you will gain an understanding of the “layered” approach to networks by examining the OSI and TCP/IP models in detail. Among the topics covered will be the various network devices, network addressing schemes and the types of media used to carry data across the network.

      You will also gain a better understanding of routing protocols and learn how to configure, verify, and troubleshoot routing operations.

    • Information in Organisations (30 credits)

      In any modern business environment, data is used to store, preserve, search, retrieve and display information to improve important business processes. It is essential that you have the skills and knowledge to develop information systems. This module provides a comprehensive introduction to database technology, a core IT skill required in many IT disciplines and an extremely good transferable skill.

      The module introduces you to database design, implementation and manipulation knowledge and skills. Once mastered, these skills will provide a firm foundation for higher-level academic study or a rewarding career in many IT related areas such as data analytics.

    • Programming for Data Communication and Networks (30 credits)

      This module introduces fundamental computational concepts and programming constructs relevant to understanding and use of a range of widely used programming languages.

      The main aim is to provide you with the opportunity to learn programming effectively. This takes place in the context of learning to solve a range of problems arising in the context of the processing, storing and transmitting data.

      You will understand the role of a basic but important range of data structures and types, and their use. Several data structures of interest within the networking and security fields will be considered, for example those to represent RTP packets (and associated operations on these), and how audio-visual data can be sent using transport protocols such as the UDP protocol.

      The concept of an algorithm is introduced early on together with the techniques for program implementation. You will be encouraged and supported in undertaking - both individually and within a small group setting - a variety of problem solving tasks.

  • Year 2 - Compulsory

    • Cyber Security and Digital Forensics Compliance (30 credits)

      The aim of this module is for you to better understand both the requirements for cybersecurity legislation and standards, and how they affect compliance. During this module, you will become proficient at how to identify and comply with relevant legislation and standards.

      It includes a consideration into the language and terminology of laws and standards, and how `in house’ regulation can be written to facilitate the following of best practise and legal requirements by a wide range of end users.

      During this module, you will become familiar with the complete standardisation process, from creation to replacement or withdrawal, and also consider the role of and requirements for legislation in this area.

      In addition, you will be able to evaluate and use relevant e-Disclosure/e-Discovery procedures.

    • Digital Incident Scene Investigation and Analysis (30 credits)

      This module provides you with a thorough understanding of all phases in a digital investigation, and the principles of evidence management. It teaches you how to maintain chain of custody and ensure that digital evidence is processed in a way that preserves its integrity.

      You will learn how to extract data from a variety of digital devices and perform forensic analysis through use of industry standard tools and software. Through this you will develop the ability to search through sets of data with the use of techniques that allow for the efficient processing of digital evidence. You will also learn about the different types of digital investigation and the various types of data and evidence that can be produced.

      Importance of verification and the need to keep a detailed record of your actions will be demonstrated through the use of contemporaneous notes, so that you are able to justify any actions you take. Anti-forensic techniques are explored, as are the methods that can be employed to detect and identify them.

      You will be given practical experience of all stages in an investigation and evidence management through scenario-based lab exercises. These skills are then deployed in a simulated crime scene where you will acquire digital evidence and produce a report for your own forensic investigation.

      All of the teaching is supported by a theoretical understanding of current industry standards and best practice guidelines.

    • Network and Protocol Analysis (30 credits)

      The module looks at Network and Protocol Analysis and attempts to cover all aspects of Networking and Protocols including Internet Protocols, Network Services and Cloud Environments as well as Network Monitoring and Analysis.

      The main goal of the module is to equip you with the ability to build and analyse any networking environment independent of the underlying physical networking technology.

      Internet Protocols are the backbone of global communications and will be thoroughly examined in this course: including ARP, IP, UDP and TCP.

      This is then followed by the examination of the use of Network services including DNS, DHCP and CIFS as well as Cloud Environments.

      The course then looks at the Y-Comm Framework, which combines communication, mobility, quality-of-service and security. The course finishes by looking at issues of network monitoring, network analysis and network performance.

    • Internet Technologies (30 credits)

      In past years, there has been an increase in attacks on websites that can result in the disclosure of information that is of a personal and confidential nature. With the introduction of GDPR, it is no longer acceptable to collect information overtly and then not protect that information adequately. The purpose of this module is to consider GDPR compliancy for websites and more importantly implement them for the protection of collected data.

  • Placement Year - Optional

    • Supervised Industrial Placement (120 credits)

      The overall aim of the module is to provide a minimum of nine months and a maximum of 15 months experience in a relevant work placement.

      The specific aims of this module are to enable you to:

      • Experience a technical employment role in a real work setting
      • Apply theoretical knowledge to the solution of practical problems
      • Build your skills to assess practical problems effectively and provide well-grounded solutions
      • Develop and enhance your professional qualities, to work in a management structure, to develop team skills and communication skills;
      • Develop the maturity that will enable you to perform well in your final year;
      • Develop the skills of autonomous learning
  • Year 3 - Compulsory

    • Individual Project (30 credits)

      The primary aim of this module is to give you the opportunity to demonstrate how effectively you have consolidated your knowledge and skills from all other modules via an individual project, which must involve a computer / network / communication solution or a cyber security solution or a digital forensic investigation method.

    • Defensive Security (30 credits)

        The aims of this module are to provide a comprehensive study of the different types of network and cyber threats to computer systems and networks, and provide the various measures needed to secure systems in order to counteract and mitigate against these threats.

    • Memory Analysis (30 credits)

        The aims of this module are to:

        • Complete memory extraction and distinguish and identify memory artefacts
        • Undertake memory acquisition using standard techniques and tools
        • Analyse and extract artefacts from the acquisition process and use these to reconstruct events or/and identify any threats
  • Year 3 - Optional

    • Blockchain Engineering and Analytics (30 credits)

      Blockchain Technology is changing how organisations communicate and operate, with this change there is a challenge and opportunity for Blockchain developers and analysts.

      The aims of this module are:

      i) To convey the required knowledge underpinning Blockchain technology in order to enable you to apply it to practical problems

      ii) To provide the necessary skills to develop and implement Blockchain technology

      iii) To enable you t to synthesise knowledge and skills to successfully perform Blockchain analytics

    • Artificial Intelligence (30 credits)

      The aim of the module is to introduce you to a range of AI theories and techniques, including the most commonly used. You will also have the opportunity to implement these newly learnt techniques, and to extend your own development skills.

    • Security and Network Forensics (30 credits)

      This aim of the module is to provide an understanding of both general and advanced areas related to network security, cyber security, and network forensics.

      It looks at issues, such as, threats and security attacks, vulnerabilities, cryptography, security tools, software security, network attacks and defences, countermeasures, web-based security, network forensic analysis, and security in cloud computing.

To find out more about this course please download the Cyber Security and Digital Forensics BSc Hons specification (PDF).

We review our courses regularly to improve your experience and graduate prospects so modules may be subject to change.

  1. Teaching and independent learning
  2. Coursework and assessment

We offer lots of support to help you while you're studying including financial advice, wellbeing, mental health and disability support.

Additional needs

We'll support you if you have additional needs such as sensory impairment or dyslexia. And if you want to find out whether Middlesex is the right place for you before you apply, get in touch with our Disability and Dyslexia team.

Wellness

Our specialist teams will support your mental health. We have free individual counselling sessions, workshops, support groups and useful guides.

Work while you study

Our Middlesex Unitemps branch will help you find work that fits around uni and your other commitments. We have hundreds of student jobs on campus that pay the London Living Wage and above.

Financial support

You can apply for scholarships and bursaries and our MDX Student Starter Kit to help with up to £1,000 of goods, including a new laptop or iPad.

We have also reduced the costs of studying with free laptop loans, free learning resources and discounts to save money on everyday things. Check out our guide to student life on a budget.

How can the BSc Cyber Security and Digital Forensics support your career?

This course can provide a range of job opportunities in a variety of sectors. Previous graduates have gone on to work with:

Company

Role

Accenture

Tester

Alvarez and Marsal

Analyst

Bedfordshire Police

Digital forensic examiner

Competition and Markets Authority (CMA)

Digital forensics officer/Senior digital forensic specialist

DMA UK

IT manager

Epic

Operations analyst/Cyber forensics investigator

Ernst and Young

Forensic ad integrity services assistant director/e-discovery associate

Eurofins Forensic Service

Senior computer investigator

Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)

Cyber forensics coordinator/e-discovery administrator

Grant Thornton

Digital forensic consultant

The Insolvency Service

forensic computing examiner

Inventus

e-discovery consultant

Mindshare

Business intelligence analyst

QA

Cyber security researcher

The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity

Senior database manager

SAP

Technical consultant/developer

Serious Fraud Office

Digital Forensic Investigator

Sussex Police

Digital Forensic Investigator

Transport for London

Compliance Manager

MDXworks

Our employability service, MDXworks will launch you into the world of work from the beginning of your course, with placements, projects and networking opportunities through our 1000+ links with industry and big-name employers in London and globally.

Our dedicated lifetime career support, like our business start-up support programme and funding for entrepreneurs, has been recognized with the following awards:

The top 20 UK universities for business leaders and entrepreneurs – Business Money, 2023 
A top 10 university for producing CEOs  – Novuana, 2023

Want to be your own boss? You'll have the chance to pitch your business to gain mentoring and grants of up to £15,000.

Global network

Our location in London helps us connect you with over 1,000 industry partners to develop your future employment prospects. And we have unique work and study opportunities at our campuses in Dubai and Mauritius. You’ll study with students from 122 countries who’ll hopefully become part of your global network. And after you graduate, we'll still support you through our alumni network to help you progress in your chosen career.

Work placements

You can opt to extend the course by a year, and spend the third year doing a paid work placement, which will lead to a certificate of industrial achievement.

Placements and internships greatly improve graduate employment prospects, and those who take part achieve excellent academic results through applying their learning in a professional setting.

You’ll develop your professional skills with a year-long, paid work experience placement as part of a four-year study option.

Our specialist employability service and north London location ensure that every year our students and graduates gain placement opportunities.

  1. UK entry
  2. International entry
  3. How to apply

Fees and funding

The fees below are for the 2024/25 academic year:

UK students1

Full-time: £9,250

Part-time: £77 per taught credit

International students2

Full-time students: £16,600

Part-time students: £138 per taught credit

Additional costs

The following study tools are included in your fees:

  • Free access to the resources, learning materials and software you need to succeed on your course
  • Free laptop loans for up to 24 hours
  • Free printing for academic paperwork
  • Free online training with LinkedIn Learning.

Scholarships and bursaries

To help make uni affordable, we do everything we can to support you including our:

  • MDX Excellence Scholarship offers grants of up to £2,000 per year for UK students
  • Regional or International Merit Awards which reward International students with up to £2,000 towards course fees
  • Our MDX Student Starter Kit to help with up to £1,000 of goods, including a new laptop or iPad.

Find out more about undergraduate funding and all of our scholarships and bursaries.

Fees disclaimers

1. UK fees: The university reserves the right to increase undergraduate tuition fees in line with changes to legislation, regulation and any government guidance or decisions. The tuition fees for part-time UK study are subject to annual review and we reserve the right to increase the fees each academic year by no more than the level of inflation.

2. International fees: Tuition fees are subject to annual review and we reserve the right to increase the fees each academic year by no more than the level of inflation.

Any annual increase in tuition fees as provided for above will be notified to students at the earliest opportunity in advance of the academic year to which any applicable inflationary rise may apply.

Dr Ian Mitchell
Associate professor

Dr Mitchel has been teaching for over 20 years in higher education and has over 40 articles published in domains extending to Neural Networks, Evolutionary Algorithms, Digital Forensics and Blockchain Engineering.

Dr Glenford Mapp
Associate professor

Dr Glenford's primary expertise is in the development of new technologies for mobile, distributed, and vehicular systems. Glenford did research on Y-Comm, an architecture for future mobile communications systems. He now leads research into Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) and has been involved in the design and deployment of VANET  (G5) Testbeds.

Dr Ralph Moseley
Senior lecturer

Dr Moseley is module leader for Internet Technologies, Cyber and Information Security, Cross Platform Application Development and Postgraduate Research Projects

Sukhvinder Hara
Senior lecturer

Mrs Hara has spent 7 years as a Digital Forensic Analyst in the Serious Fraud Office and brings invaluable experience to the programme. She has published many articles and is currently completing research in Cryptocurrencies.

Other courses

Computer Networks and Security BSc

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Duration: 3 years full-time, 4 years with placement, Usually 5 years part-time

Code: I124

Computer Science BSc

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Duration: 3 years full-time, 4 years with placement

Code: G404

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