BSc (Hons) Cyber Security and Forensics Bachelor's degree at Westminster

Provides fundamental concepts and mathematical methods required in computer-related degrees. Strengthens mathematical skills in algebraic manipulation, equation solving, matrix algebra, vectors, geometry, trigonometry, transformations, calculus and statistics.

Focuses on trends in Computer Science attracting industry and academic interest. Develops critical thinking skills and employability skills. Introduces key aspects of working as a professional in computing, including ethics, privacy, data protection and confidentiality.

Examines cybersecurity concepts and security issues with countermeasures. Covers information security fundamentals like confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Introduces cyber security design principles and five key areas: Access Controls and AAA, Application Security, Network and Cloud Security, Physical Security, and human factors.

Provides in-depth understanding of computer network infrastructure in terms of design, logical organisation, protocol structures and physical connections. Gives theoretical and practical insight into computer communication networks and important network technologies.

Introduces web technologies and covers theoretical and practical concepts of web development. Covers a variety of commonly used Internet programming languages. Provides practical experience of web page development.

Introduces fundamentals of programming using Python. Develops competence in problem-solving and algorithmic thinking, alongside core programming concepts. Taught within the context of cybersecurity and digital forensics, using practical examples including log parsing, task automation, basic networking, and cryptographic operations.

Through lectures and practical activities, introduces theory of classical and modern cryptography and its use in computing. Emphasizes practical applications of cryptography to secure computer networks and systems. Systematic study of fundamental cryptographic principles with practical work using popular cryptographic tools and APIs.

Introduces fundamental concepts of digital forensics. Focuses on physical aspects of digital forensics, how data are stored on physical drives and memory cards, how data are organised by studying file systems and logical management of data. Covers data recovery, file carving and digital forensics for encrypted drives.

Covers fundamental concepts relating to network security, such as the CIA paradigm. Analyses a broad range of vulnerabilities and threats in network systems, including networking infrastructure and protocols. Scrutinises mitigating techniques and covers UK legislation relating to malicious computer-based activity.

Covers principles of risk management in the context of cyber security and how to carry out a risk management assessment to provide information assurance following frameworks and standards such as ISO27001 and NIST. Covers legislations and standards both in the UK and internationally such as GDPR and the data protection act.

Covers fundamentals of database systems, basics of back-end development of database-powered web applications and key security challenges and countermeasures for web applications. Focuses on development of scalable web applications built on robust back-end databases and ways to protect them from online security threats.

Enables creation of engaging data visualisations to effectively communicate results of data analysis. Teaches how to encode information in visual form and create infographics and dashboards. Uses mixture of open source tools such as R and ggplot2 and commercial tools like Microsoft Power BI.

Introduces theoretical aspects of Human Computer Interaction (HCI) and User Experience (UX) and provides practical understanding of current principles of effective interface design. Equips with practical skills for design and evaluation of interactive systems using a user-centred approach.

Introduces objectives and functions of generic operating systems structure and provides framework for detailed knowledge of structural components for multi-tasking operating systems, including systems programming for Unix based architectures.

Allows demonstration of ability to work independently to investigate a problem by researching and producing an extended piece of work in the domain of cyber security and digital forensics. Can be either a significant piece of research or design of a solution that solves a problem or facilitates investigation of a cyber and digital forensics incident.

Focuses on incident response and ways of identifying sources of attacks on networked computer-based systems. Delves into science of malware, their different types, infection cycles and implementation. Introduces tools, approaches and activities carried out in a Security Operations Centre (SOC) to deal with cyber-attacks.

Covers fundamentals of communication systems. Covers centralised and ad-hoc networks (wireless LANs, Bluetooth, GSM networks, Zigbee, NFCs and others), including infrastructures and limitations and challenges. Covers security of these networks in all aspects of CIA, key management and distribution.

Explores planning and execution of advanced penetration testing within complex enterprise environments. Applies structured red team methodologies and threat modelling to scope engagements, prioritise attack paths, and assess adversarial impact. Covers multi-stage attack chains, identity and trust exploitation, operating system compromise.

Introduces fundamental concepts of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and examines their applications within cyber security. Explores key AI techniques and considers AI as both a defensive asset and a potential threat, addressing issues such as adversarial attacks and AI-driven malware.

Covers cyber security threats and countermeasures at physical and digital level focusing on behaviour of employees and home users. Allows identification of threats and modelling them based on behaviour and type of businesses. Covers emerging trends, their security principles and methods.