Degree type: BSc (Hons)
UCAS Code: GF54 BSc/DF4
Duration: 4 years (full-time)
How to Apply
Why choose this course?
Our increasing dependence on technology, both in the workplace and in our personal lives, means that we are leaving a constant trace, or digital fingerprint of our behaviour and lifestyle. Data on our mobile phones and computers can reveal private information, from deleted text messages to online shopping activities.
Digital forensics is the application of advanced technical skills with knowledge of forensic investigation techniques to collect this data. On this course, you will benefit from multidisciplinary teaching across the areas of computing, forensic science, psychology and law.
This approach will provide you with an in-depth understanding of criminal behaviour, general forensic investigation techniques, and knowledge of the correct procedures for presenting evidence in a court of law.
The first two years will give you a broad introduction to computing, computer security, criminology and law. In your third and fourth years, you will specialise in the area of digital forensics and research skills. In year 4, you will have the opportunity to carry out a substantial digital forensics research project under the supervision of a member of staff.
The core areas covered in this degree course include:
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 which you 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. The first two years will be assessed through portfolio work where the students are required to create a body of work and present this at the end of the year of study. At third and fourth year, a large part of the assessments are project-based, with the remaining modules using a mix of coursework and formal examinations.
Higher BBBB; A Level CCC; ILC (H) BBBBB; UCAS Tariff 240 points*
*See below for UCAS Tariff guidance
Essential subjects: two or more technology-related subjects
Interview required
Criminal Record check required
UCAS Tariff Guidance
Although there is no limit to the number of points that you can accumulate, for entry to Abertay you must have qualifications at an appropriate level (SCQF 6/NQF 3); you cannot count the same or similar qualifications twice; Standard Grades, Intermediate 2s, GCSEs and key/core skills cannot be counted; and D grades at SQA Higher and Advanced Higher are not counted.
Applicants who have taken either SQA Highers or A Levels must offer at least three Highers or two A Levels for degree entry (or two Highers or one A Level for DipHE entry). If you have studied a subject at two different levels, the most advanced will be taken into consideration; e.g. if you studied both Higher Biology and Advanced Higher Biology, then only the Advanced Higher will be counted.
Overseas/EU
All applicants are required to provide certified proof of competence in English Language and the University's minimum requirements are listed here
Your future
Law enforcement and government agencies, as well as private sector consultants are employing graduates with skills in digital forensics.
Graduates working in this area may be required to analyse a defendant’s computer or mobile phone system to prove or disprove criminal activity. Some organisations may also employ individuals to recover data from damaged hardware or software.
Related courses
BSc (Hons) Ethical Hacking & Countermeasures
BSc (Hons) Forensic Sciences
BA (Hons) Criminological Studies
| Fee Category | September 2012 Fees |
Scholarships & Bursaries |
| Scottish and other EU students |
The 2012 fee will be announced 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 |
£9975 per year. Fees may be subject to annual increase. |
Overseas Scholarships |
Fees shown are payable annually, and may be subject to increase each year.
