BSc (Hons) Forensic Computing

As computers are an intrinsic part of normal life, they are also important as a tool in criminal activity. Hence, they can provide a vital source of evidence. This award provides a solid grounding in the skills you need to follow a career in forensic investigation of computer systems and related areas of security. The same skills that enable you to track down evidence also equip you with the abilities necessary to help organisations and individuals recover data/information that may have been lost or corrupted as a result of accidental or malicious activity. You can not only detect criminal activity but also help to save people from the consequences of such activity. The first year provides a general grounding in fundamental computing skills and introduces you to the use of standard software tools (e.g. Encase whose use in forensic investigation is recognised by UK courts).

In the following years, you will deepen your knowledge and skills required for the investigation, evidence gathering and forensic analysis of that evidence from computer systems (including mobile devices), as well as understanding the legal context and the role of expert witness testimony. Related areas of computer security are studied to provide a fuller context to your forensic computing studies. You will also extend your underpinning knowledge of computer networks and the hardware and system software of computer systems. We encourage student entrepreneurship with, where feasible and practicable, business start-ups during the placement year and the marketing of any artefact developed from their final year project.