Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
Undergraduate BSc (Hons)
Cyber Security and Digital Forensics
Develop in-demand forensic and security skills and learn to analyse devices and protect businesses from illegal attacks.
Course Overview
-
I2R1 -
L27 -
Headingley Campus Beckett Park -
Full-Time -
3 Years -
16 Sep 2024
Develop the skills to perform digital forensic analysis on devices and implement cyber security mechanisms into any business.
As part of this course you’ll:
- Combine expertise in two fields of national importance
- Analyse digital devices, such as hard drives, in computer forensics modules to identify and investigate their contents
- Understand how to use your knowledge of computer systems and networks to protect businesses and users from malicious attacks in computer security modules
- Learn practical investigative and 'hacking' techniques
- Use practical applications on our bespoke Hacktivity system that replicates real-world business systems and potential attacks
You could study this course over four years and complete an integrated masters.
Access specialist software
You’ll build expertise in the use of digital forensic techniques and analysis through tools used in industry such as Encase and Cellebrite, and open-source variants such as Autopsy and FTK Imager. If you join the university’s Ethical Hacking Society, you’ll explore the very latest developments in digital security and attend talks from industry experts to enhance your learning.
Network with professionals
You’ll gain experience of preparing and presenting work for use by courts of law and industry customers. Attending conferences will give you the opportunity to network with professionals and enhance your career prospects. You may also have the option to work with local employers as clients for your final year project.
Cybercrime and Security Innovation Centre
Teaching staff on your course work with West Yorkshire Police to develop new ways of fighting cybercrime as part of our Cybercrime and Security Innovation Centre. This partnership will give you access to cutting-edge research and industry contacts, and an invaluable insight into the real-world applications of computer security.
Placements
We work with organisations to find placement opportunities for you. Our links with the security industry, forensics field and law contacts provide you with opportunities to enhance your learning.
Study choices
You could extend your learning and earn a master’s qualification if you choose to study our four-year MEng Cyber Security & Digital Forensics. Alternatively, if you’d like to focus your study solely on cyber security, we offer the BSc (Hons) Cyber Security degree.
Why study Cyber Security & Digital Forensics at Leeds Beckett University...
- Professionally accredited – by the British Computer Society
- Top 30 in the UK for Computer Science and Information Systems*
- Access to specialist software – including Hacktivity and EnCase to enable you to put your knowledge into practice
- Industry partnerships – including working with West Yorkshire Police
- Opportunity to join the Ethical Hacking Society – share ideas with your peers
- Placement opportunities – enhance your learning and add experience to your CV
*2024 Guardian Subject League Tables
Explore videos and blogs
My Defining Moments: Why you should study Cyber Security & Digital Forensics at Leeds Beckett University Alina, a final year student on our Cyber Security & Digital Forensics course, shares her most memorable moments studying at Leeds Beckett University.
Building Future Cyber Security Experts: Learn How to Defend Organisations Worldwide Join the revolution in cyber security with Leeds Beckett University’s Hacktivity platform. Discover how to prevent massive cryptocurrency heists by becoming a skilled cyber security professional.
BSc (Hons) Computer Forensics & Security (now: BSc (Hons) Cyber Security & Digital Forensics) student experience - Devarajan Ragavan Devarajan talks about his university experience and his project ,which featured at the school's student showcase event.
Everything you need to know
Discover all there is to know about the course, from entry requirements and fees to exploring the school you’ll be joining - we’ve got it covered.
Entry requirements
120
points required
If you're applying via UCAS, find out more about how your qualifications fit into the UCAS tariff.
We have welcomed students from over 140 countries to study at Leeds Beckett University. If you are interested in studying with us you can find all the information you need about entry requirements and how to apply on our country specific pages.
Entry requirements
120
points required
UCAS Tariff Points: 120 points required.
(Minimum 80 from two A Levels or equivalent, excluding General Studies).
If you're applying via UCAS, find out more about how your qualifications fit into the UCAS tariff.
GCSEs
GCSE English Language and Maths at Grade 4 or above (Grade C for GCSEs taken before 2017) or equivalent. Key Skills Level 2, Functional Skills Level 2 and the Certificate in Adult Literacy and Adult Numeracy are accepted in place of GCSEs.Access to HE Diploma
Pass overall with a minimum of 120 UCAS tariff points.T Levels
Pass overall with a minimum of 120 UCAS tariff points, including a C or above on the core.Scottish Awards
120 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 5 Highers of which at least 2 must be grade B or above.Irish Leaving Certificate
120 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 5 subjects at higher level of which at least 3 must be grade H3 or above.International baccalaureate
120 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 3 Highers of which at least 2 must be grade H5 or above.IELTS
IELTS 6.0 with no skills below 5.5, or an equivalent qualification. The University provides excellent support for any applicant who may be required to undertake additional English language courses.
Selection Criteria
We may use selection criteria based on your personal attributes; experience and/or commitment to the area of study. This information will be derived from your personal statement and reference and will only be used if you have met the general entry requirements.
Our commitment to help every student succeed
Leeds Beckett University is committed to ensuring that every student with the potential to succeed at our University is able to do so regardless of their background. For this reason we operate a contextual admissions policy, which means we take into account a range of additional factors when we assess a student’s application. Applicants who meet at least one of our contextual admissions criteria will be offered a place on this course with lower (predicted or achieved) UCAS Tariff Points than our published tariff (above).Our contextual admissions criteria are:
- Home postcode is in an area where few people go to University (POLAR4 quintile 1 or 2 area. This can be checked on the Office for Students website).
- Declared disability on the UCAS application form (or direct application for part time applicants).
- Over the age of 21 on the 1st of September before the course starts.
- Declared as a care experienced on the UCAS application form (or direct application for part time applicants).
Mature Applicants
Our university welcomes applications from mature applicants who demonstrate academic potential. All students will be considered through the contextual admissions policy described above. If you do not meet the requirements through the contextual admissions policy, we may still be able to make you an offer if you have recent relevant work experience through our 'Recognition of Prior Learning' policy. Please ensure that you list both your qualifications and any relevant work experience in your application so that we can consider you under both schemes where applicable. All applicants should meet our standard entry requirements of GCSE grade C in English language and, where specified, Maths. Alternative qualifications such as functional skills are accepted in lieu of GCSEs for most courses.We have welcomed students from over 140 countries to study at Leeds Beckett University. If you are interested in studying with us you can find all the information you need about entry requirements and how to apply on our country specific pages.
If you're applying via UCAS, find out more about how your qualifications fit into the UCAS tariff.
International baccalaureate
120 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 3 Highers of which at least 2 must be grade H5 or above.IELTS
IELTS 6.0 with no skills below 5.5, or an equivalent qualification. The University provides excellent support for any applicant who may be required to undertake additional English language courses.
Selection Criteria
We may use selection criteria based on your personal attributes; experience and/or commitment to the area of study. This information will be derived from your personal statement and reference and will only be used if you have met the general entry requirements.
Additional entry requirements:
Verify your qualifications
If you are an international student, we can help you to compare and verify your qualifications. Please contact our International Office on +44 (0)113 812 1111 09.00 to 17.00 Mon-Thurs / 09.00 to 16.30 Fri GMT or email internationaloffice@leedsbeckett.ac.uk.Need to improve your English Language skills?
Don't worry if you don't have the level of English required for your chosen course. We offer a wide range of courses which have been designed to help you to improve your qualifications and English language ability, most of which are accredited by the British Council. Check your English and find out more about our English courses.More questions?
No matter what your questions, we are here to answer them, visit our International website to get more information and find out about our online open days.Independent study is a crucial part of learning at university and you will be required to undertake many hours of self-directed research and reading, and preparation and writing of assessments. Your course is delivered through a number of modules, which will help you to plan your time and establish a study routine. Outside of your lectures, workshops and tutorials, a range of support is available to assist with your independent study. Our subject-specific librarians will be on hand to direct you to the specialist learning and study-skill resources. You’ll also be assigned an academic advisor to give you tailored feedback and support.
Teaching & Learning
What you'll learn
You will be introduced to the fundamentals of computer programming, including variables and data types, understanding sequence, selection and iteration, basic algorithms, and structured programming and reuse.
Extend the basic knowledge of programming you have gained on the fundamentals module by focusing on the concept of object oriented programming and its associated design techniques.
You will be introduced to the motives and methods of hackers, and the steps a hacker undertakes, and will learn to apply these same techniques to perform ethical hacking and penetration testing, to test the security of systems. Students will also explore ethics and privacy in the context of cyber security.
Discover the stages involved in the development of database systems and acquire database modelling and implementation skills. You will also examine the ethical and professional issues associated with the database development process.
You will cover the fundamentals of digital forensics, including tools and methodologies in digital forensics investigations. You will review device operations, the location of digital artefacts, and how to safely preserve and acquire digital evidence whilst adhering to legal, ethical and professional practices.
Examine the principles involved in making information sharing possible, efficient and secure. You will gain an understanding of the techniques that networking protocols use to achieve successful communication, including error detection and recovery, multiplexing and security protection.
What you'll learn
The next stage in your understanding of digital forensics, this module will examine the various legal aspects of forensics and explore the tools and file systems that are available for analysis.
A comprehensive and accessible overview of security mechanisms, attacks and defences in modern web applications. This covers the OWASP Top 10 Web Application Security Risks extensively from a predominantly practical perspective to enable you to conduct security assessments of websites.
You’ll learn about human and organisational aspects of cyber security, including how IT risk can be managed in an organisation. You’ll build your technical and applied knowledge around cryptography, to encrypt and hash data, and around security principles of infrastructure security, including network, hardware, and cyber-physical security.
Develop an in-depth practical understanding of the analysis techniques and tools used by forensic examiners.
Further your professional and entrepreneurial skills by working within a small group to design, develop and present a solution to a real or case-study based problem.
Option modules may include
Focus on advanced programming techniques and study concepts including exception handling, defining interfaces and use of collections. You will also look at other topics such as analysis of algorithms.
Explore the design and development of dynamic websites. You will examine the design process alongside an introduction to server side web development, enabling you to build a well-designed, interactive site.
Build on your experience of designing and implementing databases and apply your database application development and programming skills to build robust applications.
What you'll learn
You’ll configure (and audit the security of) Linux and Windows systems using advanced security controls, including access control lists (ACLs), containerisation such as Docker, mandatory access controls (MAC) such as AppArmor, and network-based authentication such as LDAP and Active Directory.
Gain a hands-on, in-depth view of the nuances of the analysis of alternative sources of digital evidence, beyond that of the standard computer. These sources include satellite navigation systems, mobile phones and networked environments.
The culmination of your course, the production project allows you to study an area chosen by you in significant depth. You will develop a product, ideally for an external client, and evaluate both the product and your own performance throughout the process.
Option modules may include
Look at the ways in which data can be investigated and interpreted, including the development of analytical skills that can be used for interpreting complex data. This includes a critical application of legal and ethical issues pertaining to complex cases.
You’ll learn security monitoring techniques to monitor networks and systems to detect signs of attack or compromise, methods for recovering and restoring from security breaches, and investigation methods to identify the specifics of what has occurred.
Take a practical perspective on the domain of data and database development and management. You will seek to justify and implement appropriate modelling, design and programming strategies that satisfy the requirements associated with a range of modern data/database applications.
Focus on current developments, standards, tools and technologies within the area of internet application systems. You will learn to build professional web-based systems using a variety of current techniques.
Extend your programming skills and knowledge to a more advanced level and develop transferable programming and design abilities which will permit you to confidently work within industry.
This course offers the opportunity to take a ‘sandwich’ year – a year of paid employment in industry which will build your skills and experience. This is usually taken between the second and third year of your degree, typically making your course four years in total.
Students who choose the sandwich route find it helps with both their studies and getting a job after graduation. It can build your confidence, contacts, and of course your CV. Leeds Beckett advertise lots of placement opportunities and provide support in helping you find the right placement for you.
Fees & Funding hellooo
£9,250
UK
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2024/25 is £9250. The amount you will pay may increase each year to take into account the effects of inflation.
Sandwich Year
You will normally spend a whole year in placement. For this year you will be charged a reduced fee of £1385.
£16,000
International 2024
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2024/25 is £16000. The amount you will pay is fixed at this level for each year of your course.
Sandwich Year
You will normally spend a whole year in placement. For this year you will be charged a reduced fee of £2400.Fees & Funding
£9,250
For students entering in 2024
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2024/25 is £9250. The amount you will pay may increase each year to take into account the effects of inflation.
Sandwich Year
You will normally spend a whole year in placement. For this year you will be charged a reduced fee of £1385.Additional course costs
Tuition Fees
Your tuition fees cover the cost of registration, tuition, academic supervision, assessments and examinations.
The following are also included in the cost of your course:
- 24/7 Library and student IT support
- Free wifi via eduroam
- Skills workshops and resources
- Library membership, giving access to more than 500,000 printed, multimedia and digital resources
- Access to software, including five free copies of Microsoft Office 365 to install on your PC,laptop and MAC, and access to free high-end software via the Leeds Beckett remote app
- Loan of high-end media equipment to support your studies
Other study-related expenses to consider: materials that you will need to complete your course such as books (whilst the library provides access to readings recommended for your modules, you may wish to purchase your own copies of some books); you can also make suggestions for books to be added to Library stock; placement costs (these may include travel expenses and living costs); student visas (international students only); printing, photocopying and stationery (you may need to pay for multiple copies of your dissertation or final project to be printed and bound); events associated with your course such as field trips; study abroad opportunities (travel costs and accommodation, visas and immunisations). Other costs could include academic conferences (travel costs) and professional-body membership (where applicable). The costs you will need to cover for graduation will include gown hire and guest tickets, and optional extras such as professional photography.
As well as your mobile phone, you will also need access to a desktop computer and/or laptop to complete assignments and access university online services such as MyBeckett, your virtual learning environment. You can book and borrow AV equipment through the media equipment service accessed online via the student hub and located in the library at each campus. Equipment includes: 360 Cameras, iPads, GoPros, MacBooks, portable data projectors, portable projection screens, flipchart stands, remote presenters, digital cameras and camcorders, SLR cameras, speakers, microphones, headphones, headsets, tripods, digital audio recorders and PC/laptops (a laptop loans service is provided on campus in the library on both campuses). Student laptops are also available from the laptop lockers located in the libraries.
This list is not exhaustive, costs are approximate and will vary depending on the choices you make during your course. Any rental, travel or living costs are also in addition to your course fees. If you choose to study via distance learning, you may not be able to access all of the facilities listed if you are not able to visit us on campus.
£16,000
For students entering in 2024
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2024/25 is £16000. The amount you will pay is fixed at this level for each year of your course.
Sandwich Year
You will normally spend a whole year in placement. For this year you will be charged a reduced fee of £2400.Additional course costs
Tuition Fees
Your tuition fees cover the cost of registration, tuition, academic supervision, assessments and examinations.
The following are also included in the cost of your course:
- 24/7 Library and student IT support
- Free wifi via eduroam
- Skills workshops and resources
- Library membership, giving access to more than 500,000 printed, multimedia and digital resources
- Access to software, including five free copies of Microsoft Office 365 to install on your PC,laptop and MAC, and access to free high-end software via the Leeds Beckett remote app
- Loan of high-end media equipment to support your studies
In many cases, costs associated with your course will be included in your course fee. However, in some cases there are ‘essential’ additional costs (those that you will be required to meet in addition to your course fee), and/or ‘optional’ additional costs (costs that are not required, but that you might choose to pay). We have included those essential or optional additional costs that relate to your course, below.
Other study-related expenses to consider: materials that you will need to complete your course such as books (whilst the library provides access to readings recommended for your modules, you may wish to purchase your own copies of some books); you can also make suggestions for books to be added to Library stock; placement costs (these may include travel expenses and living costs); student visas (international students only); printing, photocopying and stationery (you may need to pay for multiple copies of your dissertation or final project to be printed and bound); events associated with your course such as field trips; study abroad opportunities (travel costs and accommodation, visas and immunisations). Other costs could include academic conferences (travel costs) and professional-body membership (where applicable). The costs you will need to cover for graduation will include gown hire and guest tickets, and optional extras such as professional photography.
As well as your mobile phone, you will also need access to a desktop computer and/or laptop to complete assignments and access university online services such as MyBeckett, your virtual learning environment. You can book and borrow AV equipment through the media equipment service accessed online via the student hub and located in the library at each campus. Equipment includes: 360 Cameras, iPads, GoPros, MacBooks, portable data projectors, portable projection screens, flipchart stands, remote presenters, digital cameras and camcorders, SLR cameras, speakers, microphones, headphones, headsets, tripods, digital audio recorders and PC/laptops (a laptop loans service is provided on campus in the library on both campuses). Student laptops are also available from the laptop lockers located in the libraries.
This list is not exhaustive, costs are approximate and will vary depending on the choices you make during your course. Any rental, travel or living costs are also in addition to your course fees. If you choose to study via distance learning, you may not be able to access all of the facilities listed if you are not able to visit us on campus.
Top 30
in the UK for Computer Science and Information Systems
Moving on up
Leeds Beckett climbs 40 places in the Complete University Guide 2024
Your future in our hands
There’s a lot to consider when choosing a course. Take a look at the team you’ll be working with, employability statistics and career prospects to help make up your mind.
Career Prospects
This course will provide you with the expertise to enter a career in computer forensics and security. You'll be skilled in both disciplines and prepared for a wide range of jobs. Organisations of all shapes and sizes are now looking to improve in the areas of forensics and security, opening further job opportunities. The wide variety of skills you develop on your course will allow you to work in any computing role.
- Security analyst
- Cyber security consultant
- Software, web or database developer
- Forensic computer analyst
Dr Pip Trevorrow
Course Director / School Of Built Environment, Engineering And Computing
Pip is Course Director for Cyber Security and Digital Forensics. She teaches across all levels (4 through to 7 and PhD) on the courses. She is actively supervising PhD students with has six PhD completions to date.
Scholarships and bursaries
We are committed to ensuring that an education at Leeds Beckett University is open to all. If you're thinking of joining us for undergraduate study, you may be eligible for a non-repayable scholarship or bursary to help with the cost of university. To find out if you are be eligible visit our scholarships and bursaries page.
We also offer a range of non-repayable scholarships for international students. To find out if you may be eligible visit our scholarships for international students page and select your home country from the drop-down list.
Our Graduate Promise
We have a dedicated team of people who will support you with all aspects of your career planning, from day one until 18 months after you graduate.
Getting you career ready is an integral part of your university life and this is embedded throughout your lectures and seminars. Outside of your course there is a wide range of support available to help you achieve your career goals, including:
- Getting ready to apply for jobs
- Working on your CV
- Interview skills and assessment centres
- Connecting with employers and organisations
Your Beckett experience
At Leeds Beckett your experience is important to us, find out more about what to expect from your time on this course and life at uni.
Experience Leeds Beckett
Our state-of-the-art facilities and learning environments give you everything you need to succeed.
Life in Leeds
Leeds is an exciting and vibrant student city, find out what it has to offer!
Still thinking about your uni choices? Discover Uni has official information to help you decide. They provide statistics for courses taken from national surveys and data collected from universities about their students.
