BSc (Hons) Computer Forensic Investigation

UCAS code: F490

Start date: September

Course length: Full time: 4 years (sandwich) (Includes a placement year)

Campus: Kedleston Road site, Derby Campus

This course is available to international students

Computer forensics is the investigation of computers and other digital devices for the extraction of evidence which may point to particular misuse and/or criminal activity. Computer forensics and digital investigation have become necessary and crucial functions in most businesses today.

In their criminal investigations, authorities are faced with the challenge of sifting through huge volumes of electronically-stored data on computers, mobile phones, hand-held devices and many other storage media. The popularity of TV programmes such as CSI, and high-profile criminal cases such as the Harold Shipman case, have also publicised this area of forensic computing. Large public bodies such as the NHS, are increasingly interested in forensic computing procedures and their reliance on high-profile, nationally- deployed information systems, attracts strong public scrutiny.

The course is uniquely designed so that you'll cover the investigation and legal aspects of computer forensics, the skills required to investigate a variety of digital devices, and e-crime, computer misuse and computer security.

During your first year, you'll cover core computing disciplines. These will prepare you for the in-depth study of specific subject areas in your second and final years, including digital forensics investigation and intrusion detection systems.

Your third year will be spent on a work placement. This allows you to put all of the theory you have learnt into practice, and to earn a wage for a year!  Our Placements Officer will help you to find a placement position.

During your final year, you'll complete an Independent Study with a clear emphasis on forensic investigation. You'll also undertake a full digital investigation and you'll examine how computer forensics can be beneficial and applied to any business scenario.

Throughout the course you'll learn current specialist knowledge about modern techniques used to investigate computer systems, and be able to apply these skills to a range of problems. Above all, the course will help you to develop analytical skills which are absolutely vital in any investigative scenario.

Stage one

You will study these modules:

• Introduction to Computer Science
• Computational Mathematics
• Programming I
• Subjects in Computer Science
• Foundations of Computer Science
• Programming II

Stage two

You will study these modules:

• Digital Forensic Investigation
• Networks and Security
• Databases
• Network Investigation
• Mobile Phones and Alternate Digital Storage Devices
• Team Project

Stage three - Placement year

Final stage

You will study these modules:

• Independent Studies - double module
• Advanced Digital Forensic Investigation
• Systems Programming
• Cryptography and Coding
• Information Security and Assurance

Our entry requirements are usually 260 UCAS points, of which at least 220 will be from your core A2s (full A levels) or equivalent qualifications such as BTEC Diploma, International Baccalaureate, Scottish Highers etc.

We'll accept up to 40 points towards the total from level 3 qualifications such as AS levels (where those AS levels are not taken on to A2 level), the Extended Project or Music qualifications.

We don't accept points from Key Skills Level 3. If you have any questions about what is or isn't accepted, please contact our Admissions team.

We also accept the Access to HE Diploma.

Your points at level 3 will be in addition to 5 GCSEs at grade C or equivalent level 2 qualifications.

The UCAS tariff points are a guide - we'll also consider all the information that you've included in your application. We'll also want to see that you're enthusiastic and motivated to take this course and that you have the potential to benefit from coming to university.

General undergraduate entry requirements

Fees for 2013/14

This is a resource intensive course.

UK/EU students

• Full time: £8,250 (each year)

International students

• Full time: £10,225 (per year)

*These fees apply if you're starting this course between September 2013 and August 2014. We recommend you check fee details with us though, as they can change. Costs can increase each year.

How you'll learn

There are three modules per semester, each delivered through a mixture of lectures, tutorials, and laboratory work. Our labs are equipped with specialist hardware and software, which are vital for the course. A lot of lab- work-based tutorials will involve the use of this dedicated equipment.

Field trips

The course will include site visits and may involve field trips to forensic investigation labs to learn from the industry.

and guest lectures from experts in the industry.

Learning from industry

We've developed a number of links with industry. From time to time, this will mean that there are opportunities to attend lectures delivered by industry practitioners from various professional bodies and the British Computing Society (BCS).

"The school understands the computer forensics community's requirements because the specialists in the field have assisted in developing this course to ensure that it is as relevant as possible."

Simon Steggles, Managing Director of Disklabs. Find out more about Disklabs

This rapidly-growing discipline provides exciting opportunities in many areas of computing, including systems management, systems investigation and law enforcement. You'll be given comprehensive training so that you develop a wide range of skills relevant to a variety of careers in the computing and legal fields such as e-forensic solutions, security, computer systems management, accounting (audit and computerised investigations), government agencies and the Police Force.

"The work has certainly been interesting so far. I have received in-depth training in various topics ranging from computer architecture to the basics of the Criminal Justice system."

Zorek Gholian