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Undergraduate

Digital Forensics BSc (Hons)

University of Gloucestershire

What is Digital Forensics BSc (Hons)?

Immerse yourself in all aspects of cyber forensics, gaining essential skills in revealing how cybercrime has happened and who is responsible. Developing enquiry and analysis skills, you’ll learn how to gather and present evidence as an expert witness in criminal and civil investigations.

Our Digital Forensics BSc (Hons) course scored 92% for academic support in the National Student Survey 2023.

Computer and Cyber Forensics focuses on investigating a cybercrime after it has been committed. All students on this course adhere to the Association of Chief Police Officers’ (ACPO) guidelines. These standards lead the development of official forensic investigation practices and are adhered to by law enforcement and commercial computer forensic organisations worldwide.

You’ll use industry software including AccessData FTK – a sector standard in digital investigation technology – and a range of tools that analyse and recover information from mobile devices. You’ll be taught by lecturers with significant industry experience as well as guest lectures from industry practitioners. Previous visitors have included professionals from BT, Raytheon, CGI and Hewlett Packard.

The majority of your learning is practical, using industry-standard tools, techniques and practices. Alongside lectures, you’ll undertake group work and individual projects. There are no exams on this course – all assessments are done through individual coursework.

You’ll learn in our new purpose-built School of Computing and Technology. We have a dedicated cyber lab where you can practice your skills in a digitally protected environment – with purpose-built break-out areas for workshop sessions, games consoles and screens in social areas, and the latest computing technology and software. There’s a strong sense of community, with staff and students sharing work, relaxation space, ideas and creativity.

You can apply to study this course on campus at the University of Gloucestershire, or at the Swindon Institute of Technology (ioT).

This course is available to study with an integrated foundation year – an extra, introductory year at the beginning of the full degree. If you don’t meet the stated entry requirements or you’re returning to education, it could be a great option that enables you to study this course.

As well as an introduction to your subject, it will help you to develop valuable study skills, and communication, teamwork and problem-solving techniques, giving you the confidence and skills set you need to progress.

If you’re applying to study as an international student, an integrated foundation year can also support you to improve your English language skills alongside your studies.

To apply for this course with an integrated foundation year, select the ‘With foundation year’ study type from the options at the top of this page before clicking ‘Apply’.

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Entry requirements

    • 104 UCAS tariff points, BCC at A levels, DMM at BTEC or a Merit in your T-Level.

      If you are unsure whether we could make you an offer or you have any questions, just get in touch with our admissions team who will be able to advise you.

    • English Language or Literature and Maths Grade 4/C in GCSE (or equivalent) are normally required.

    • This course is available with an additional integrated foundation year. This four year option has lower entry requirements – see below – than the other study type/s available.

      Typical offers
      48 UCAS tariff points, DD at A levels, PPP at BTEC or a Pass in your T Level.

      GCSEs
      Grade C/4 in English Language/Literature and Mathematics, or equivalent (e.g. Level 2 Functional Skills).

      To apply for the integrated foundation year degree, select the ‘With foundation year’ option from the study types listed at the top of this page before clicking ‘Apply’.

      See course overview for more information about the interated foundation year option.

    • We welcome applications from mature students (aged 21 and over) and do not necessarily require the same academic qualifications as school leaving applicants, although some entry requirements may still apply for Professionally Accredited Courses. We accept Access to Higher Education Diplomas and make offers on an individual basis.

Course modules

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Fees and costs

See the further details of fees and potential extra costs when studying a course at the University of Gloucestershire.
Start date Location UCAS code Fee (UK)
per year
Fee (international)
per year
Sep 2024 Park, Cheltenham I120 £9,250 £16,600
Sep 2025 Park, Cheltenham I120 TBC TBC

Ready to apply?

UoG Career promise

At UoG we create a climate for bravery and growth. We instil confidence in all our students, so you can graduate career-ready and meet your ambitions.

96% of our graduates are in work or further study*, but if you’re not in a job 6 months after graduating we’ll guarantee you 6 months of free support, followed by the offer of a paid internship to kickstart your career – plus we’ll commit to lifetime career coaching. Eligibility conditions apply**

Discover our promises

Develop skills in cyber forensics, from crime scene to courtroom

Learn how to gather, recover and present digital evidence to court or civil hearing. You’ll follow the Association of Chief Police Officers’ guidelines which lead the development of cyber forensic investigation practices across the UK.

Use the cyber forensic tools used by law enforcement

Gain the edge by using industry-standard software including AccessData FTK, the global standard in digital investigation technology, and CelleBrite which analyses and recovers information from mobile devices.

Be inspired by experts from industry

As well as being taught by staff with impressive industry experience, you’ll hear from inspirational guest speakers. Previous visitors have included Andrea Simmons from Hewlett Packard and David Hopkins from the Intellectual Property Office.

Trips and experiences

Experience delivering expert evidence in our Moot Court and obtain the Bond Solon certification in Courtroom Skills Training – Witness Familiarisation. You’ll also experience the Crime Scene House where you will examine a crime scene for sources of digital evidence.

Students on the four-year sandwich degree have undertaken work placements with forensics organisations including Gloucester Constabulary and CGI. Many students proceed into graduate roles with these organisations.

Placements

  • Duration – 12 months, full-time (minimum 35 hours a week)
  • Location – popular destinations include the UK, USA, China and Europe
  • Visa – you may need a visa if you’re on placement abroad
  • Finance – your tuition fee is reduced for your placement year – and you can still apply for a maintenance loan and get money advice
  • Placement support – we’ll help you find a great placement and get the most out of the experience

"I'm a technical programmer for CGI"

“They built the UK Ppolice database and were involved in Rosetta’s space probe that recently landed on a comet. It’s a dream job out of uni. It was because of the uni that I got the job. They brought in a guest speaker from CGI and it went from there. Uni lecturers were fantastic. In my second year, we built a reporting app for the council. We showcased it at our final year show, ComX. My final year project was penetration testing, researching phishing attacks on corporate IT systems.”

Matt Stillman, graduate

"The forensic skills developed during your studies will equip you for a rewarding career"

“I have many years experience in digital forensics and my passion lies in recovering data from mobile devices. I established and developed the mobile phone recovery for Gwent Police. In former employment I provided electronic security and surveillance support for politically sensitive, military and high value private targets.”

Stuart Richards, Course Leader in Cyber Forensics

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