BSc (Hons) Forensic Computing
- UCAS code: I900
- Mode of study: Full time or sandwich with work placement
- Duration: 3 years full time, 4 years sandwich with work placement
- Entry requirements 2013: 260-300 points to include 160 points from a minimum of 2 A levels, or equivalent.
- Please see details of the range of other qualifications that will also be considered on the 'Entry Requirements' tab below. Please do contact us for advice on other qualifications that aren't listed here.
Find out more:
Tel: +44 (0)23 9284 2555
Email: technology.admissions@port.ac.uk
Department: The School of Computing
Course overview
Given the rise of computer crime, the assistive use of computer systems in traditional crime as well as the large dependence of businesses on computer systems, the need for computer forensic professionals has increased. Forensic computing is concerned with the investigation of computer systems and electronic devices for the detection and extraction of evidence that could be used in criminal cases as well as instances of misuse and misconduct.
This degree aims to provide a core background in computing whilst building a solid foundation to the principles, techniques and processes essential for a computer forensics investigator. The course covers core subjects such as programming, databases, networking and operating systems; fundamental knowledge for any computing professional. Building on this knowledge, students expand their studies on computer forensics investigations, computer security and cryptography as well as the legal and investigative aspects related to IT, expert witness skills and presentation of evidence. Further to academic input, learning is enhanced with guest input from experts in the forensic and security field.
This course aims to develop the skills and knowledge to equip you to take the first steps towards a career in the computer forensics field with possible employers being law enforcement agencies, government agencies, security and/or computer forensic consultants, specialised solution companies or in a business environment, particularly where the illegal use of digital equipment or the use of digital equipment to store illegal content is suspected. Given the core subjects, graduates are also open to explore more traditional computing career paths.
Career focused
The entrance criteria of this degree have been designed to comply with the requirements of the major computing graduate programmes. Competent students can have the opportunity to apply their skills to real-life practical problems as part of the department’s partnership scheme with charities, local and global organisations. Please view the 'Career Prospects' section for further details.
To find out more about placement opportunities in the Faculty of Technology, please visit our Placements Office pages.
Course content
During your first year you will establish the fundamentals of computing and information systems, exploring the practical and theoretical issues of systems development. You will also be introduced to the core concepts of computer forensic investigation and the legal and investigative aspects surrounding those.
In the following years you will delve more deeply into the principles, techniques and applications of computer forensics and familiarise yourselves with the process of conducting computer forensic investigations. Options exist to pursue other interests in computing relevant to your background as a forensic examiner.
Units
Year one
A number of general topics are covered in the first year to give you a base for development in subsequent years. These include:
- Computer Forensics Principles and Legal Aspects
- Introductory Programming
- Computer Architecture
- Foundations of the Web
- Network Fundamentals
- Database Design and Development
Year two
Your core subjects will include:
- Computer Forensics and Digital Evidence
- Computer Forensics and Investigations
- Operating Systems and Networks
- Windows and Linux Configuration and Management
- Information Systems Security
You will also have the opportunity to study particular areas of interest, such as data structures and algorithms and developing web-based scripting.
Sandwich year (optional year in industry)
The industrial placement year is optional, but is recommended especially for those who have not yet gained any appropriate work experience. Placements are varied and can be with large corporations such as IBM or smaller organisations, either in the UK or overseas.
The University has links with many organisations and employs an industrial placement officer who will assist you in finding a suitable employer. This option will help develop your workplace skills, put class-based learning into practice and help you decide on your career plans.
Year three
- Digital Forensics and Incident Response
- Security and Cryptography
- Cyber Crime
- Final-Year Project
You will also have the opportunity to further study particular areas of interest, such as network security, network management and data mining. You will need to carry out a final-year project utilising the skills learned during your course and your areas of interest within the forensics field.
Teaching and assessment
By coming to the University of Portsmouth you will experience a lively and modern learning environment. You will be encouraged to develop your practical skills during tutorials, case study activities, practical and laboratory sessions, and your understanding of the theoretical concepts through academic discussion in lectures and tutorials.
Collectively, units will develop your ability and knowledge to perform situations that require knowledge regarding the seizure, securing, analysis and presentation of computer related data as evidence in a judicial prosecution or commercial disciplinary situation.
Assessment is geared towards the topic covered and may involve examinations, critical evaluation essays, presentations and research projects. Units will develop your analytical and critical-thinking abilities.
Each student has an allocated Personal Tutor as well as a Course Leader. In addition, academic and pastoral support is provided by a full range of dedicated student services, including counselling, careers and recruitment, study skills, and housing and financial support, and the School of Computing also offers its own drop-in Tutor Centre.
Career prospects
Placement opportunities
In the Faculty of Technology we feel that students should be given as many opportunities as possible to gain meaningful work experience and build employability skills throughout their studies to make them more attractive to future employers.
Working with other University services, the Faculty’s Student Placement and Employability Centre (SPEC) ensure students have access to a range of volunteering and work experience opportunities, including year-long industrial placements, and provide support for the different types of application processes.
Examples of roles our students have taken up as placement roles include:
- Quality Assurance at Symantec
- Information Security at Mars
- IT Support Technician at Intel
Types of placement roles that could be relevant to this course include:
- Information Security Analyst
- Advanced Support Manager
- IT Support Technician
To find out more about how you can gain work experience whilst studying BSc (Hons) Forensic Computing, please visit our Placements Office pages.
Graduate roles
Information technology is pervasive and ubiquitous. It serves us well everyday and is a powerful tool. However, this powerful tool is also used by the criminals on a personal level and within organisations. Accordingly, opportunities exist within commercial organisations, the public sector and security forces to utilise the skills and knowledge developed during this degree.
Graduates from this course have been successful in gaining employment with international organisations such as PricewaterhouseCoopers, Deloitte and Kroll Ontrack.
Facilities and features
You will have access to modern computing laboratories that are continually updated with the latest hardware and software. You will also have access to the dedicated forensics IT laboratory where you will have access to specialised software and resources.
In addition, you will have access to high-specification computing facilities and our newly extended University Library. Open from 8am to midnight every day during term-time, it supplies a variety of information to help with study and research.
The University has also invested substantially in electronic resources. There are thousands of electronic journals and ebooks available, which can be accessed across the University campus, at home or wherever there is an internet connection. Knowledgeable and professionally qualified staff are always on hand and you will have access to email and the web.
Tutor Centre
The School of Computing Tutor Centre provides friendly, one-to-one academic support for all School of Computing students. If you need help understanding your assessments, or with a wide range of subjects (programming, networks, systems analysis, databases, web apps), or if you want to talk to someone about your project or about any other academic issues (revision, referral, improving your marks), please come and see us. Appointments not necessary.
Maths Café
The Maths Café is a daily drop-in facility, where ANY student of the University can receive help on any maths or statistics problem they encounter in their studies. We operate in a friendly, informal location which we hope will encourage students to visit us. Handouts on key topics are available to take away. Students can be shown how to use computer aided learning packages, which can be accessed from any computer attached to the University's computer network.