Course Overview
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.
Find out more about the costs involved in taking a placement year.
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.
For more details on course structure, modules, teaching and assessment Download the programme specification (PDF).
To request an accessible version please email [email protected]
Get your copy of the University of Westminster prospectus and browse the range of courses on offer.
Contact us for general course enquiries:
+44 (0)20 7911 5000 EXT 65511
(Mon–Fri, 10am–4pm GMT)
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(Mon–Fri, 10am–4pm GMT)
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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.
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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.
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.
Course Leader
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.
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
- Dr Anastasia Angelopoulou - Senior Lecturer
- Chee Yeung - Senior Lecturer
- Imtiaz Sandia - Senior Lecturer
- Jade James - Lecturer
- Professor Djuradj Budimir - Reader in Wireless Communications
- Dr Mohamed Ghanem - PTVL - DCDI
- Usama Arusi - Lecturer
- Dr Funminiyi Olajide - Senior Lecturer
- Dr Mohammed Al-Janabi - Senior Lecturer
- Sadaseevam Nagandiram - Lecturer
- Dr Tom Oliver - Lecturer
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.
Entry Requirements
- 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. You can refer to the UCAS calculator to determine your point score
- We accept a wide range of international high school level qualifications. Please see information on Country-specific entry requirements
- We work in partnership with Kaplan International College London who provide International Foundation Certificate courses for students who don’t meet our entry requirements. Upon successful completion, you can progress to your chosen degree at the University of Westminster. Find out about a range of university preparation courses that are accepted for entry.
English language requirements
- If your first language is not English, you should have an IELTS score of 6.0 overall, with a score of 5.5 in each component. Please note we accept a wide range of English language qualifications and assessments. Find out more at English language requirements.
- If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, then we offer online and on campus pre-sessional English programmes to help develop your English language skills to the required level before you start your course. Find out more about our pre-sessional English programmes.
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 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: £17,000 (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
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.
Contact us
Call our dedicated team on:
+44 (0)20 7911 5000 ext 65511
Opening hours (GMT): 10am–4pm Monday to Friday
Opening hours (GMT): 10am–4pm Monday to Friday
More information
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