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Digital Security and Forensics (Direct Entry)

BSc (Hons) · 4 Years · Full-time · 07/09/2026 · UndergraduateMain Site

Course summary

PLEASE NOTE THERE IS NO YEAR 1 INTAKE FOR THIS PROGRAMME

The National Cyber Security Strategy makes clear the need for Digital Security professionals who can help identify and prosecute illegal computer hacks. Study digital forensic investigation, ethical hacking, intrusion, detection and data recovery.
With today's advancing technologies comes the increasing threat of cybercrime. The National Cyber Security Strategy makes clear the importance of good network defences 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 develops 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 particular need for digital forensics, digital security, ethical hacking, wireless and mobile specialist skills. Digital security graduates are expected 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.
As part of our continual improvement, additional specialisation options may be added to this programme, slightly changing the degree title for 2025 entry.

How to apply

Apply by
14 January

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application codes

Course code:
I111
Institution code:
G42
Campus name:
Main Site
Campus Code:
-

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 2
  • Year 3

Open days

Entry requirements

Standard Qualification requirements

A level - Not accepted

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - Not accepted

Access to HE Diploma - Not accepted

Scottish Higher - Not accepted

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - Not accepted

Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017) - Not accepted

Scottish HNC - Pass

Year 2: 15 credit HNC Cyber Security with grade A in Graded Unit

Scottish HND - Pass

HND Cyber Security with AA in Graded Units

Foundation Apprenticeship (SCQF Level 6) - Not accepted

T Level - Not accepted

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Scottish Higher - Not accepted

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Historical entry grades data BETA

This section shows the range of grades students (with UK A-Levels or Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diplomas) who received offers were previously accepted with (learn more). It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place. Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.

Not enough data available

We are unable to show previous accepted grades for this course. This could be because the course is new, it's a postgraduate course, there isn't enough historical data, or the provider has opted out of sharing their entry grades data for this course - learn more.

Student Outcomes

Operated by the Office for Students

85 Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)

100 Go onto work and study

The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

LocationFeeYear
England£9790Year 1
Northern Ireland£9790Year 1
Wales£9790Year 1
Channel Islands£9790Year 1
Republic of Ireland£9790Year 1
Scotland£1820Year 1
EU£15700Year 1
International£15700Year 1

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.

Additional fee information

For further information please visit our website www.gcu.ac.uk/study/tuitionfees

Additional costs may apply to students on this programme. Please check the fees and funding section of the programme page on the GCU website for specific details.

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