BSc (Hons) in Computer Forensics and Security - South East Technological University

What is Computer Forensics & Security

Just as a murder scene needs to be secured so too do electronic crime scenes. There are particular ways of securing evidence and students learn how to do this. Electronic crime scenes often involve child pornography, blackmail, financial fraud and data theft. Criminal prosecutors have used computer forensic evidence to form the backbone in murder cases and robberies through the use of technologies such as mobile phone forensics.

Computer forensics is the application of the scientific method to digital media in order to establish factual information for judicial review. This process often involves investigating computer systems to determine whether they are or have been used for illegal or unauthorised activities.

What is the BSc (Hons) in Applied Computing (Computer Forensics & Security)?

The BSc (Hons) in Applied Computing (Computer Forensics & Security) is a full-time, four year, honours degree course of study that can be chosen within the BSc (Hons) in Applied Computing Common Entry Route. This course is designed to equip graduates with the specialised skills and knowledge needed to secure, monitor and examine electronic crime scenes and digital environments.

Course Aims

This stream will develop a strong underlying knowledge of how data, storage and communications work down to bit level. Graduates are aware of the value of data in storage and in transit and the need for security. When reconstructing what has happened on a digital device, they are able to adapt to the use of new tools to aid in their analysis. They explore issues relating to system and network security as well as ethical hacking techniques for penetration testing.

Students will learn how to respond to a suspicious incident and the importance their actions can have. They will also learn how to collect and examine network data for types of evidence as well as to generate statistical, session and alert information. Being a strong programmer helps with skills such as secure software development and reverse engineering. Modules in law and business help prepare the graduate for working a range of roles that they may pursue as a career.

SETU Waterford is in the top 3 digital investigations courses nationally,

per Sunday Times & Silicon Republic. Read about the great job opportunities SETU Waterford graduates from this course have had - click here.

Year 1
Semester 1	Semester 2
Web Development	Programming Fundamentals 2
Discrete Mathematics	Applied Calculus
Programming Fundamentals 1	Computer Systems 2
Computer Systems 1	Introduction to Security and Forensics
Physics 1	Web App Development
The Computer Industry

Year 2
Semester 3	Semester 4
Computer Networks	Applied Cryptology
Data Structure and Algorithms 1	Data Structures and Algorithms 2
File System Forensics	Forensic Accounting and Fraud Auditing
Mathematical Methods	Secure Programming and Scripting
Professional Communications	Software Engineering Practice
Relational Databases	Statistics and Probability

Year 3
Semester 5	Semester 6
Developer Operations	Choose one of the following electives:
Legal Principles of Computer Forensics	*Industrial Placement
Network Forensics	*Professional Certification
NoSQL Databases	*Study Abroad
Professional Practice	*Voluntary Organisation Project
Web App Development 2	* = Elective

Year 4
Semester 7	Semester 8
Data Mining 1	Project 2
Distributed Systems	Data Mining 2
Mobile App Development 2	Device Forensics
Network and System Security	Functional Programming
Project 1	Free Elective
Criminal Evidence

Detailed information on all modules is available in the course handbook:

Applied Computing Programme Handbook

Leaving Cert: Entry requirements for the BSc (Hons) in Applied Computing (Computer Forensics & Security):

2 subjects: H5
4 subjects: O6/H7
English or Irish: O6/H7
Mathematics: O3/H7

How to apply for the BSc (Hons) in Applied Computing (Computer Forensics & Security) on the CAO:

The entry route for this programme is from WD001 BSc (Hons) in Applied Computing (Common Entry). Applicants who select degree option WD001 CFS (Computer Forensics & Security) are guaranteed a place in that programme, subject to meeting the entry requirements and points. Applicants who are undecided about their degree option should choose WD001 GEN.

At the end of year 1, students must confirm their degree option and may change their selection up to that date.

Advanced and Equivalent Entry for the BSc (Hons) in Applied Computing (Computer Forensics & Security):

Career Opportunities

The domain of computer security and forensics is growing and has become more essential than ever before. Virtually all organisations now need and use internet technologies (email, the web, ecommerce) in their daily business.

With this growth comes the need to protect sensitive data such as customer’s personal details and credit card information, confidential files and internal documents. Many companies employ full time security personnel to fulfil these roles, whilst other organisations outsource them to external firms. Insurance companies, corporations, civil litigations, individuals and law enforcement all can and do make use of evidence revealed by computer forensic specialists.

Graduates could expect to enter the following career paths:

Anti-Malware
Analyst Cybersecurity
Specialist Information
Security Specialist
Ethical Hacker
Network Security Specialist
Software Developer
Cybersecurity
Software Engineers
Data Analyst

What area could I expect to work in?

Security Consultancy
Investigation Consultancy
Law Enforcement
Forensic Auditing
Research
Education

Follow on Study

Students who complete the BSc (Hons) in Computer Forensics & Security may avail of a taught or research masters course (MSc) in the area. On completion of an MSc students will have the opportunity to pursue a PhD Course.