BSc (Hons) Computer Forensic Investigation
Why choose this course?
- Purpose built crime scene house is available for criminology and forensic science students equipped with 2 training classrooms and CCTV.
- Students are invited to enjoy visits from guest lecturers from various professional bodies and the British Computing Society (BCS).
- Students are taught using the latest industry software including Encase and FTK2.
- A common year in Computer Science is shared amongst our technical degrees to ensure students possess the foundational knowledge needed to complete their studies.
- We've developed strong links with industry through the Derbyshire Information Security Consortium (DISC), so you'll benefit from industry professional delivering guest lectures
- You will spend your third year in a placement. Spending a year in industry is great experience and really sets you apart as you graduate and enter the jobs market.
Fact file
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
About this course
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.
Authorities are faced with sifting through huge volumes of electronically stored data on computers, mobile phones, handheld devices and many other storage media in their criminal investigations. 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. And large public bodies, such as the NHS, are increasingly interested in forensic computing procedures. Their reliance on high profile, nationally deployed information systems attracts strong public scrutiny.
The course is uniquely designed so you'll cover the investigation and legal aspects of computer forensics, the skills required to investigate a variety of digital devices, and the understanding of e-crime, computer misuse and computer security.
During the first year, you'll cover core computing disciplines. These 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 is where you can put all of the theory you have learnt in to practice, and 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 investigative and analytical skills which are absolutely vital in any investigative scenario.
What you will cover
Stage one
You will study these modules:
- Introduction to Computer Science
- Computational Mathematics
- Programming 1
- Subjects in Computer Science
- Foundations of Computer Science
- Programming 2
Stage two
You will study these modules:
- Digital Forensic Investigation
- Networks and Security
- Databases
- Network Investigation
- Mobile Phones and Alternate Digital Storage
- Team Project
Stage three - Placement year
Final stage
You will study these modules:
- Independent Studies - double module
- Advanced Digital Forensics Investigation
- Systems Programming
- Cryptography and Coding
- Information Security and Assurance
Entry requirements
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.
How to apply
UK/EU students
- Full time students should apply for this course through UCAS.
International students
- If you want to start in September, you usually need to apply online through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).
Information for international applicants
Fees and finance
Fees for 2013/14
This is a resource intensive course.
UK/EU students
- Full time: £8,250 (each year)
We'll be announcing our international fees for 2013/14 later in the 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 will learn
How you'll learn
There are three modules per semester. Each is delivered through a mixture of lectures, tutorials and laboratories. Our labs accommodate 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.
Fieldtrips
The course will include site visits 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 occasional lectures delivered by industry practitioners from various professional bodies and the British Computing Society (BCS). It may also involve field trips to forensic investigation labs.
"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
Careers and employability
This rapidly growing discipline gives you exciting opportunities in many areas of computing including systems management, systems investigation and law enforcement. You'll be given comprehensive training so that you can develop a wide range of skills, which could help get you in to a variety of careers in the computing and legal fields. Areas you could go on to work in include e-forensic solutions, security, computer systems management, accounting (audit and computerised investigations), government agencies and the police force.
What our students say
"The work has certainly been interesting so far, there has been a lot of in-depth learning on various topics ranging from computer architecture to basics of the Criminal Justice system."
Zorek Gholian






