BSc (Hons) Placement year available

Cyber Security and Forensic Computing

Learn the career-focussed skills to help you go far in cyber security and forensic computing - an essential area of expertise in modern businesses.

Develop the expertise to assess and manage cyber risks, investigate cyber incidents, and protect digital assets from cyber threats.

Study in Peterborough and explore network security, cryptography, ethical hacking, cyber threat intelligence, digital forensics, and incident response.

You’ll learn critical skills in networking technologies, and methodologies that ensure systems are protected from cyber-attacks. You'll also explore digital forensic techniques for finding and analysing data from crime scenes.

Why ARU?
  • Study in Peterborough, a globally recognised ‘smart city’ with a gigabit network.

  • Work in specialist facilities, with industry-standard software.

  • Gain real-world experience through industry-led live brief projects.

  • Build confidence and influencing skills through presenting your work.

  • Develop highly valued transferable skills to support career pivots.

  • Learn from sector experienced, expert lecturers.

Logo: THE Awards 2023
 

Study at an award-winning university

We were named Times Higher Education University of the Year 2023. We've also been awarded a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework – a reflection of the outstanding education we offer our students.

Course options

Course options

Key facts

Looking for different course options?

Modules are subject to change and availability, and may vary by location. If you have the choice of optional modules, these are indicated with a *.

Year 1
  • Programming Fundamentals
  • Relational Database Development Fundamentals
  • Computer Systems and Networking Fundamentals
  • Web Development Fundamentals
  • Into ARU
Year 2
  • Network and Operating Systems
  • Becoming an IT Professional
  • Ruskin Module (15 credits)
  • Network and Cyber Security Management
  • Digital Forensics and the Digital Footprint
  • Team Based Project
Year 3
  • Preparing Digital Forensic Evidence
  • Future Tech and Development
  • Cryptography and Information Security
  • Ethical Hacking
  • Computing Major Project
Module details

To prepare you for university study, you can take a foundation year at the start of this course. Find out more about foundation years.

Year 1
  • Contemporary Issues
  • Extended Project
  • Literacies in Higher Education
  • Into ARU
Module details

You can choose to take an optional placement year as part of this course. Placements typically happen in Year 3, and your course will take four years overall. Find out more about placement years.

Year 3
  • Professional Portfolio (Computing)
Module details

It’s possible to combine placement and foundation year options. Contact us to discuss what you can do, or choose your preferred option when you apply.

Read profiles of teaching and research staff on this course.

Facilities

As a Cyber Security and Forensic Computing student at ARU Peterborough, you’ll use industry-standard equipment and software.

Our specialist computing labs feature multiple networking setups to allow for penetration testing and development of cyber countermeasures.

Take a guided tour and meet our students.

Careers

A degree in Cyber Security and Forensic Computing can prepare you for a range of careers, from cybersecurity analyst to a penetration tester to a forensic analyst.

As a cybersecurity analyst, you would be responsible for protecting computer networks and systems from security threats and breaches by implementing security measures and protocols, conducting vulnerability assessments, and analysing security data.

As a penetration tester, you would be responsible for testing the security of computer networks and systems by attempting to exploit vulnerabilities and identify potential weaknesses.

As a forensic analyst, you would be responsible for analysing digital evidence in criminal investigations and providing expert testimony in court.

You could also consider pursuing a career as a security consultant, providing expert advice and recommendations to businesses and organisations on how to optimise their cybersecurity measures. Additionally, you could specialise in areas such as network security, cloud security, or application security, depending on your interests and skills.

These are just a few of the many potential career paths available to Cyber Security and Forensic Computing graduates. With the increasing importance of cyber security and digital forensics in every facet of life, your degree can open up a range of exciting career opportunities.

Graduation doesn’t have to be the end of your time with us. You might decide to stay at ARU and study for a Masters. We’re planning a range of postgraduate degrees at ARU Peterborough, and there is a selection of existing courses in Cambridge and Chelmsford.

Employability and personal career development

Informed by employers, our courses support an integrated approach to employability. You’ll have opportunities to develop the skills and abilities they are looking for and gain a deeper understanding of how your academic learning relates to the world of work through Live Briefs and Ruskin Modules.

To amplify your career ambition, you will need to actively dedicate time outside of your studies, whether you choose to explore placements, internships or volunteering. Or you could make a social impact by collaborating with our partner organisations through our volunteer scheme Students at the Heart of Knowledge Exchange (SHoKE). These all give you an edge, providing you with experience that you will be able to evidence on your CV and talk about in interviews.

Our Employability and Careers Service offers a range of expert advice and support to build your unique professional profile, including tailored career appointments, advice on writing your CV, and help to complete job applications. You’ll have 24/7 access to the Careers Centre, our comprehensive online digital resource, which empowers you to start building a Personal Career Development Plan from the very start. Design your future at ARU.

Business student Emma

Graduate Capitals

To help you stand out when competing for a job after you graduate, we've developed the ARU Graduate Capitals. This is a set of six attributes, valued by employers and industry, that we integrate into our courses and help you develop, so you’ll have life-long career-skills.

Entry requirements

Loading...

Entry requirements are not currently available, please try again later.

Fees and paying for university

Apply for Cyber Security and Forensic Computing

UK students

Visit UCAS to apply

International students

Apply direct

Loading...

Key Theatre Peterborough

Life in Peterborough

Study in the heart of Peterborough, a historic yet thriving city that's a great home for students. ARU Peterborough is easily accessible by public transport, making it ideal for you to live and study locally.

Get to know Peterborough