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.

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.

It’s designed for the next generation of industry professionals. Will you be one of them?

Why ARU?

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

Bring the world of work to life through Live Briefs, developed with employers to give you exposure to ‘real world’ problem-solving.

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

Access the Cisco CCNA, CompTIA Security+ and EC-Council Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) curriculums.

Use specialist labs and a virtual NetLab, equipped with cyber security and forensics tools and operating systems.

Course Modules

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)

• Principles of Digital Forensics (15 credits)

• Ruskin Module (15 credits)

• Cloud and IoT (15 credits)

• Digital Security (15 credits)

• Advanced Digital Forensics (30 credits)

Year 4

• Digital Forensics and Malware Science (15 credits)

• Ethical Hacking and Countermeasures (15 credits)

• Software Security (15 credits)

• Final Project (30 credits)

• Mobile Forensics (15 credits)

• Security Management, Operations and Analytics (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.