Next start date: September 2013
Why choose this course?
As we go about our daily lives using computers, phones, sat-navs and all manner of digital devices, we leave behind a record of how we interacted with each device. Every website visited, every YouTube video watched, every SMS sent, leaves traces in cyberspace. By combining evidence from end-user devices, ISPs, mobile phone company records and network and webserver logs, it is possible to reconstruct in a rigorous manner large portions of digital lives – and that includes crimes committed in cyberspace.
The uptake of technology has been just as widespread in the criminal world as everywhere else. This means that digital forensics is not just about “digital crime” such as hacking. Traditional crime can now be investigated by looking at its digital aspects, for example recreating the movements of a criminal’s mobile phone around a town or someone’s web-based research about the location of a burglary. The discipline of digital forensics involves the knowledge and skills necessary to investigate all types of cybercrime, including fraud, data theft, identity theft and cyberterrorism. The role of the digital forensic investigator has emerged to investigate these and other crimes.
The BSc in Digital Forensics provides you with the knowledge and skills required to perform a variety of professional roles within the area of computing, and more specifically to conduct detailed digital forensic investigations. Many of the modules are assessed using projects that allow you to direct your own knowledge into an aspect of computing and digital forensics that interests you the most. You are encouraged throughout the degree to engage in relevant case studies to help you prepare for employment.
What you study
All SECAM programmes share the same common first 2 years. This ensures that SECAM graduates experience a solid foundation of broad technical knowledge. At the end of Year 2, students will be invited to choose to either continue on their initial degree programme or to change to any of the other programmes offered by SECAM. We feel it is very important that our students are empowered to be able to choose the degree programmes that are most appropriate for their ambitions and goals and we recognise that those may change during your studies with us.
All of our degree programmes have been re-designed to allow direct entry into Years 2, 3 and 4 for suitably qualified students. Students will be considered on an individual basis.
An indicative list of topics that you will study as a student of Digital Forensics is shown below:
Year 1
Design and experimentation; introductory programming; security of computer networks; computers and the computing environment; along with practical sessions that will give you a flavour of: problem solving with gadgets; programming projects; experiments in interaction; networking; mathematics; logic; internet; security; professional, social and ethical issues; design and digital media.
Year 2
Computer and communications technology; data design and organisation; objects and modelling; dynamic internet systems; individual project; plus optional modules (choose 3 from 5): applied mathematics and modelling; engineering design; design and digital media; computing; security.
Year 3
Digital forensics; ethical hacking; securing internet applications, network security; crime, deviance and society; group project
Year 4
Advanced digital forensics; biometrics and identity; cryptography, advanced seminar series; honours project.
How you learn
The course uses a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, computing-based laboratories and tutorials. In addition, you are expected to study and read independently.
Your final year project will demand the application of the research and communication skills that you will have acquired during the preceding years. Lectures are used to present the key concepts, theories and techniques throughout the course. Tutorials and laboratory-based activities increase your understanding of the subject and allow you to develop your competence and confidence in technological and theoretical work.
How you are assessed
A mix of assessment techniques are used on this course.
Minimum Entrance Requirements
Higher BBBB; A Level CCC; ILC (H) BBBBB
Essential subjects: Students studying SQA Highers or ILC (H) should have a literate subject (e.g. English or History) AND a technical subject (e.g. Computing, Maths or Physics).
Students studying A Levels should have a technical subject (e.g. Computing, Maths or Physics).
Interview required √
Criminal Record check required √
Overseas/EU
All applicants are required to provide certified proof of competence in English Language and the University's minimum requirements are listed here
Career prospects
Graduates from this programme will have the skills necessary to pursue a wide range of technology and computer security careers. Graduates can expect to gain employment in a range of industries and organisations from multinationals and the public sector to law enforcement and the intelligence and security sector. As well as a career as a Digital Forensic Investigator, graduates from this degree may consider destinations such as programmers, network managers, web strategists and consultants in areas such as computer security.
Want to know more?
Programme Tutor: Dr. Natalie Coull
Admissions Tutor: Dr. Petra Leimich
Tel: +44 (0) 1382 308600
email: secam@abertay.ac.uk
Text: +44 (0) 7800 002195
| Fee Category | September 2013 Fees |
Scholarships & Bursaries |
| Scottish and other EU students |
£1820 per year. Apply to the Student Awards Agency |
Other forms of support |
| English, Welsh and Northern Irish students |
£7000 per year (max. amount payable You can apply for financial assistance, |
Bursaries & Scholarships |
| Overseas (non EU) students |
£10250 per year. Fees may be subject to annual increase. |
Overseas Scholarships |
Fees shown are payable annually, and may be subject to increase each year.
