BSc (Hons) in Digital Security and Forensics

With today's advancing technologies comes the increasing threat of cybercrime. The National Cyber Security Strategy makes clear the importance of good network defenses in securing the UK. GCU has developed a suite of programmes which provide the opportunity to be at the forefront of defending cyberspace from sophisticated malicious attacks and future threats.

Digital Security and Forensics develop the theory and practical skills of how illegal computer attacks are performed and how to counteract them, explores the nature of digital evidence and focuses on the law and issues surrounding computer crime. It equips graduates with technical, analytical and evaluation skills in all areas of digital forensic investigation, including ethical hacking, intrusion, detection, data recovery, and security systems.

Your career

Enter the communication networks, security engineering and digital forensics sector, an industry which employs one in three of all jobs within the IT sector.

This sector is becoming increasingly complex, with a particular need for digital forensics, digital security, ethical hacking, wireless and mobile specialist skills. We would expect digital security graduates to embark on a range of career pathways including government agencies, law enforcement or associated private sector agencies, business, supporting specialist roles such as forensic practitioners, penetration testers (ethical hackers) and security and forensic consultants.

International student start dates

For new international students, orientation events start on 14 September 2018 . This extra time is specifically designed to assist new international students in settling into the UK and GCU prior to the start of general student induction and teaching.

There will be a whole host of fun and informative activities taking place during this period, including campus and city tours, as well as welcome events where you can meet other international students.

Work placement

An optional one-year industrial placement can be taken after completion of your third year of study. The industrial placement will be in an appropriate area of digital security. A key objective in undertaking the industrial placement is for students to further develop the understanding and application of their skills in a professional setting.

In partnership with HM Forces, GCU has identified this programme is being particularly suited to military and ex-military men and women. Visit the HM Forces Careers Zone for more information on the services we provide.

Assessment methods

A number of integrated approaches are employed to achieve the necessary aims, objectives and learning outcomes required. To this end, a variety of teaching and learning methods and strategies are applied. Assessment methods used to demonstrate achievement of learning outcomes include examinations, coursework, class tests, practical assessments, presentations, computer-based exercises, and written reports. Working with strategic partners, the undergraduate curriculum is at the forefront of advances in digital forensics and security. Links with industry enables industrial led/developed material to be embedded into the programme of study. We aim to sustain existing and seek further industrial partnerships that provide access to case studies and projects, work experience and real-world problems. The school is also academic partners with The Council for Registered Ethical Security Testers (CREST). The course provides a career orientated learning experience from a school that is an approved provider of professional certification for, amongst others Cisco, Microsoft, Oracle, and 7Safe. To ensure graduates have excellent employment opportunities, the programme has been designed with reference to accreditation criteria set by the British Computer Society (BCS) - the Chartered Institute for IT - and the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET). It is envisaged that the degree will be put forward for accreditation when the first students graduate in 2014.

Teaching methods

A stimulating curriculum which combines the study of core technological concepts, theories and principles in addition to specialized knowledge and understanding in the area of digital forensics, security and ethical hacking, enabling graduates to make a significant contribution to industry and society as professional practitioners. We will also develop the soft skills expected by future employers as well as writing, research and team working skills and in keeping with the relevant nature of this course. Students will solve realistic problems drawn from an industry where they will use these skills. In the third year, students will have the opportunity to undertake an industrial placement and continue to the Honours year at the end of this period. Links with industrial partners also enables the development of a visiting speaker technical series, which enables learning to be embedded within a real-life context. Students who follow this programme of study can expect to be taught in the best suite of network and security engineering labs in Scotland, and possibly the UK, providing an unmatched hands-on learning experience of forensics and security techniques.

Glasgow Caledonian University is a distinctive, inclusive and forward-looking university that is committed to its social mission to promote the common good. We have become an international centre of excellence in higher education, promoting employability and global citizenship in our graduates. We win awards for our support and commitment to the student experience, whilst delivering innovation through our world-class research in key areas of strength. We have a tradition of widening access to higher education for talented individuals regardless of their backgrounds, and we leverage our intellectual and social capital for the benefit of the communities we serve in Scotland and internationally.

Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU) is a vibrant, innovative and multi-award winning University for the Common Good.

We aim to contribute to society in a manner that embraces yet goes beyond the traditional role of a university. GCU’s For the Common Good commitment is brought to life and delivered by students and staff across academic schools and departments.

Welcome to the School of Engineering and Built Environment

GCU's vast IT, engineering and construction experience is housed within the School of Engineering and Built Environment. Our supportive staff are experts in their field; well-connected frontrunners in areas such as IT security and web development, environmental science, telecommunications, surveying and building services. Our research into built environment and connections with industry leaders in growing markets such as games design make us an exciting choice for students, staff and researchers.

GCU's School of Engineering and Built Environment (EBE), one of three academic schools in GCU, brings together the Department of Construction and Surveying, Department of Engineering and Department of Computer, Communications and Interactive Systems. Inter-departmental collaborations allow the school to offer stimulating, unparalleled range of teaching and flexible delivery options, combining traditional knowledge with cutting-edge practice.

We are especially proud of our industry links and partnerships with professional bodies, ensuring an industry standard of learning in our curriculum, which is reflective of the changing needs of the labour market. Furthermore, we are fortunate to welcome a large number of part-time students each year who bring a great deal of practical experience at undergraduate and postgraduate level.

Departments

The School has over 200 academic staff in its three departments. Our primary output, consistent with the University’s strategy, is the education of students to the highest possible standard, producing highly qualified graduates with degrees that are accredited by the premier national and international authorities.

We work to support the Common Good through our roles in the education of students from socially challenging backgrounds, through our innovative support of the public sector and by our research which aims to benefit society.

Construction and Surveying

The Department of Construction & Surveying has for many years produce more graduates for the construction and property sectors than any other university in the UK.

Engineering

The Department of Engineering is highly respected nationally and internationally for teaching, research and consultancy.

Computer, Communications and Interactive Systems

The Department of Computer, Communications and Interactive Systems (CCIS) is led by Professor Tom Buggy and consists of Communication Networks & Security Engineering, Computer and Electronic Systems Engineering, Digital Media Design, Interaction Design & Engineering and Software Engineering.

Professional Accreditation

The School of Engineering and Built Environment has a strong track record of working partnerships with professional bodies, ensuring an industry standard of learning which is relevant to the changing needs of the labour market.

Our professional affiliations not only keep our students up-to-date with the latest advances in the industry but help our graduates to stand-out when looking for employment.

We offer programmes and modules accredited by:

• BCS (Chartered Institute for Information Technology)
• CIArb (Chartered Institute of Arbitrators - Scottish Branch)
• CIBSE (Chartered Institute of Building Services Engineers)
• CIOB (Chartered Institute of Builders)
• CIWEM (Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management)
• CIWM (Chartered Institution of Wastes Management)
• Engineering Council
• ICE (Institution of Civil Engineers)
• IESIS (Institution of Engineers and Shipbuilders in Scotland)
• IET (Institution of Engineering and Technology)
• IFE (Institution of Fire Engineers)
• IHE (Institute of Highway Engineers)
• IMeche (Institute of Mechanical Engineers)
• ISE (Institution of Structural Engineers)
• PMI (Global Accreditation Center for Project Management)
• RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors)

The School of Engineering and Built Environment has a strong track record of working partnerships with professional bodies, ensuring an industry standard of learning which is relevant to the changing needs of the labour market.

Our professional affiliations not only keep our students up-to-date with the latest industry advancements but also help our graduates to stand out when looking for employment.

We offer programmes and modules accredited by:

• APM (Association for Project Management)
• BCS (Chartered Institute for Information Technology)
• CIArb (Chartered Institute of Arbitrators - Scottish Branch)
• CIBSE (Chartered Institute of Building Services Engineers)
• CIHIT (Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation)
• CIOB (Chartered Institute of Building)
• CIWEM (Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management)
• CIWM (Chartered Institution of Wastes Management)
• Engineering Council
• ICE (Institution of Civil Engineers)
• IESIS (Institution of Engineers and Shipbuilders in Scotland)
• IET (Institution of Engineering and Technology)
• IFE (Institution of Fire Engineers)
• IHE (Institute of Highway Engineers)
• IMechE (Institute of Mechanical Engineers)
• InstMC (Institute of Measurement and Control)
• ISE (Institution of Structural Engineers)
• PMI (Global Accreditation Center for Project Management)
• RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors)