Cyber Security and Digital Forensics [with Foundation Year]

Study an industry-standard, hands-on digital forensics, incident response and cyber security course in the heart of Cambridge.

Why study Cyber Security and Digital Forensics at ARU?

• Study in the Silicon Fen, home to Apple, Microsoft, Samsung AI and many more – the perfect opportunity to connect with top employers.

• Bring the world of work to life through Live Briefs; designed and developed with regional employers, such as PA Consulting and Kear Technology Solutions to give you exposure to ‘real world’ problem-solving.

• Gain expert witness experience by defending digital forensics scenarios against Law students, performing mobile forensics on Android OS, revealing suspect actions and analysing malware activity.

• Gain access to the Cisco CCNA, CompTIA Security+ and EC-Council Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) curriculums.

• Explore our on-site specialist labs and our online virtual lab (NETLAB), equipped with cutting-edge cyber security and forensics tools and operating systems.

The computer you’re viewing this on knows your location, browser history, passwords and habits. Imagine using this knowledge to legally track a suspect's activities, evidence this in a scientific manner, and help convict or prove innocence in civil or criminal proceedings. Our course centres on practical, hands-on skills development in areas from malware science to ethical hacking.

You’ll start by learning how operating systems work and how scripting languages can be used to address security issues. You'll develop your understanding of cybercrime and how security threats and vulnerabilities can be dealt with. In our labs you’ll develop specialist skills, learning how to isolate and analyse malware, and undertake penetration testing or ‘ethical hacking’. You’ll also explore how threats originate and how to undertake threat intelligence. You’ll learn in lectures and the lab, working both independently and as part of a team.

Digital forensics and incident response is one of the most prominent labour shortages in the UK cyber security sector, and our specialist labs are the perfect place to develop knowledge and skills for your future career. We're set up to support the next generation of industry professionals. Will you be one of them?

Year 1:
Foundation in Engineering, Computing and Technology

Year 2:
Introduction to System Architecture and Automation (30 credits)
Software Principles (30 credits)
Cyber Crime Fundamentals (15 credits)
Core Mathematics for Computing (15 credits)
Introduction to Networks (30 credits)

Year 3:
Network Routing and Switching Essentials (30 credits)
Advanced Digital Forensics (30 credits)
Principles of Digital Forensics (15 credits)
Digital Security (15 credits)
Cloud and IoT (15 credits)
Ruskin Module (15 credits)

Year 4:
Ethical Hacking and Countermeasures (15 credits)
Digital Forensics and Malware Science (15 credits)
Software Security (15 credits)
Mobile Forensics (15 credits)
Security Management, Operations and Analytics (30 credits)
Final Project (30 credits)

Throughout the course, you'll be assessed through case study projects applying your understanding through practical application of the knowledge acquired during the lectures. During practical sessions, you'll be asked to keep a logbook of activities completed and reflect on what you have learnt from the activities undertaken.

Your knowledge and understanding of essential skills and critical security issues will be assessed through multiple-choice examinations and formal written reports. These elements are where you discuss your knowledge and the application of that knowledge in a fictional context.

You'll be expected to conduct and apply research in cyber security. In some modules, you'll be assessed through a research report related to a specific area of cyber security. Also, you will have to complete your undergraduate major project to be eligible for the degree.