Cyber Security and Digital Forensics

Study Cyber Security, including digital forensics covering malware, file system, OS artefacts in a hands-on industry-recognised course in Cambridge.

Why study Cyber Security and Digital Forensics at ARU?

• Study in Cambridge’s Silicon Fen, one of Europe’s leading technology hubs surrounded by global tech innovators and startups.

• A unique course where Law students cross-examine you, guided by practising criminal barristers, giving you unique expert witness experience.

• Work on Live Briefs and cases with police forces, criminal barristers, technology firms and global retailers.

• Study an industry-aligned curriculum taught by active practitioners, featuring bespoke hands-on exercises designed by forensic professionals.

• Learn in specialist digital forensics labs and a virtual NetLab, equipped with industry-standard cyber security and forensic tools.

• Access the Cisco CCNA, CompTIA Security+ and EC-Council CEH curricula, with opportunities to gain industry-recognised certifications at reduced or no cost.

Based in Cambridge’s Silicon Fen, one of Europe’s leading technology hubs, you’ll work with industry-standard tools and real-world investigations, building expertise in OSINT, mobile and enterprise forensics.

This course builds your expertise across cyber security and digital forensics through a balance of theory, lab-based practice and real-world investigation. You’ll develop an understanding of cybercrime, operating systems and scripting, alongside how security threats and vulnerabilities are identified and mitigated. In specialist labs, you’ll isolate and analyse malware, conduct ethical hacking and explore threat intelligence.

You'll defend findings under cross-examination by real Law students in live courtroom simulations and learn to present digital evidence to legal standards. You’ll explore malware reverse engineering, penetration testing and live mobile forensics casework with Thames Valley Police.

A Cyber Security and Digital Forensics degree from ARU opens doors to roles where you protect systems, investigate digital activity and support legal or organisational decision-making using evidence from technology. You could work as a digital forensics analyst, recovering and analysing data from computers, mobile devices and networks for use in criminal or civil investigations.

Many graduates move into cyber security roles such as security analyst, incident responder, or penetration tester, helping organisations detect, prevent and respond to threats. Others go into law enforcement and government agencies, where digital evidence drives criminal investigations and court proceedings, or into private consultancy, supporting businesses during cyber incidents and legal disputes.

The industry-recognised certifications you gain during the course, heavily discounted or free, signal to employers that your skills are verified, not just theoretical. With a persistent shortage of skilled professionals across every one of these pathways, demand for ARU graduates continues to growing.

Year 1:
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 2:
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 3:
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.