To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video
Undergraduate course
MEng
Computer Forensics and Security
Overview
Explore the interconnected fields of computer forensics and security. This four-year course will see you progress from an undergraduate degree programme in your initial three years of study postgraduate-level study in your fourth and final year and will enable you to secure a masters-level qualification.
The areas of computer forensics and security are more closely related than ever before, with police forces creating cybercrime teams which draw on expertise from across these two specialities.
You will learn how to analyse digital devices such as hard drives and mobile phones. We will teach you where these devices hide their data and how to retrieve it so it can be used as evidence in a variety of criminal cases, from those involving intellectual property theft to murder.
You will combine this knowledge with a thorough investigation of computer security as you discover new and more robust ways to protect digital data. Using our secure networks, you will gain hands-on experience of hacking into computer systems so you can understand how to install security measures, including firewalls and intrusion detection systems, in order to protect them.
The areas of computer forensics and security are more closely related than ever before, with police forces creating cybercrime teams which draw on expertise from across these two specialities.
You will learn how to analyse digital devices such as hard drives and mobile phones. We will teach you where these devices hide their data and how to retrieve it so it can be used as evidence in a variety of criminal cases, from those involving intellectual property theft to murder.
You will combine this knowledge with a thorough investigation of computer security as you discover new and more robust ways to protect digital data. Using our secure networks, you will gain hands-on experience of hacking into computer systems so you can understand how to install security measures, including firewalls and intrusion detection systems, in order to protect them.
Find out more about the School of Computing, Creative Technologies & Engineering.
Studying for an integrated masters will allow you to build on the expertise you developed at undergraduate level. Many masters courses in computer security and forensics are designed for students from a general computing background, so teaching has to start with the basics. When you start the final year of your integrated masters, our teaching team will already know your level of expertise, so you will be able to refine your knowledge at a more in-depth level.
Throughout your course, you will be taught by a small and dedicated teaching team. Many of our staff have extensive knowledge of working in industry, giving them insights that will feed into your teaching. Senior Lecturer Emlyn Butterfield has extensive experience working as a digital forensic analyst and has provided testimony in criminal and civil cases.
As part of our new Cybercrime and Security Innovation Centre, teaching staff from your course are working in partnership with West Yorkshire Police to develop new ways of fighting the growing problem of cybercrime. This partnership will give you unparalleled access to cutting-edge research and industry contacts, in turn giving you an invaluable insight into the real-world applications of computer security. You will have the opportunity to get involved in this research, enhancing the skills employers will expect of a masters-level graduate.
Throughout your course, you will be taught by a small and dedicated teaching team. Many of our staff have extensive knowledge of working in industry, giving them insights that will feed into your teaching. Senior Lecturer Emlyn Butterfield has extensive experience working as a digital forensic analyst and has provided testimony in criminal and civil cases.
As part of our new Cybercrime and Security Innovation Centre, teaching staff from your course are working in partnership with West Yorkshire Police to develop new ways of fighting the growing problem of cybercrime. This partnership will give you unparalleled access to cutting-edge research and industry contacts, in turn giving you an invaluable insight into the real-world applications of computer security. You will have the opportunity to get involved in this research, enhancing the skills employers will expect of a masters-level graduate.
Course Features
- Specialist facilities
- Real-life projects
- Expert careers service
- 24/7 Library
- University accommodation
- TEF Silver Award
Entry Requirements
112
POINTS REQUIRED
If you're applying via UCAS, find out more about how your qualifications fit into the UCAS tariff.
UCAS Tariff Points: 112 points required. (Minimum 72 from two A Levels or equivalent, excluding General Studies).
If you're applying via UCAS, find out more about how your qualifications fit into the UCAS tariff.
If you're applying via UCAS, find out more about how your qualifications fit into the UCAS tariff.
Additional Requirements:
GCSEs:
GCSE English Language and Maths at Grade C or above (Grade 4 for those sitting their GCSE from 2017 onwards) or equivalent. Key Skills Level 2, Functional Skills Level 2 and the Certificate in Adult Literacy/Numeracy are accepted in place of GCSEs.Access to HE Diploma:
Pass overall with a minimum of 112 UCAS tariff points.Scottish Awards:
Minimum of 5 subjects at Grade B at Higher Level.Irish Leaving Certificate:
Minimum of 5 subjects at Grade C1 or above at Higher Level of which at least 3 must be at B2.Selection Criteria:
We may use selection criteria based on your personal attributes; experience and/or commitment to the area of study. This information will be derived from your personal statement and reference and will only be used if you have met the general entry requirements.International Baccalaureate: 25 Points
IELTS:
IELTS 6.0 with no skills below 5.5, or an equivalent qualification. The University provides excellent support for any applicant who may be required to undertake additional English language courses.Mature Applicants
Our University welcomes applications from mature applicants who demonstrate academic potential. We usually require some evidence of recent academic study, for example completion of an access course, however recent relevant work experience may also be considered. Please note that for some of our professional courses all applicants will need to meet the specified entry criteria and in these cases work experience cannot be considered in lieu.If you wish to apply through this route you should refer to our University Recognition of Prior Learning policy that is available on our website.
Please note that all applicants to our University are required to meet our standard English language requirement of GCSE grade C or equivalent, variations to this will be listed on the individual course entry requirements.
UCAS Tariff Points:112 points required. (Minimum 72 from two A Levels or equivalent, excluding General Studies).
If you're applying via UCAS, find out more about how your qualifications fit into the UCAS tariff.
If you're applying via UCAS, find out more about how your qualifications fit into the UCAS tariff.
Additional Requirements:
GCSEs:
GCSE English Language and Maths at Grade C or above (Grade 4 for those sitting their GCSE from 2017 onwards) or equivalent. Key Skills Level 2, Functional Skills Level 2 and the Certificate in Adult Literacy/Numeracy are accepted in place of GCSEs.Access to HE Diploma:
Pass overall with a minimum of 112 UCAS tariff points.Scottish Awards:
Minimum of 5 subjects at Grade B at Higher Level.Irish Leaving Certificate:
Minimum of 5 subjects at Grade C1 or above at Higher Level of which at least 3 must be at B2.Selection Criteria:
We may use selection criteria based on your personal attributes; experience and/or commitment to the area of study. This information will be derived from your personal statement and reference and will only be used if you have met the general entry requirements.International Baccalaureate: 25 Points
IELTS:
IELTS 6.0 with no skills below 5.5, or an equivalent qualification. The University provides excellent support for any applicant who may be required to undertake additional English language courses.Verify your qualifications
If you are an international student, we can help you to compare and verify your qualifications. Please contact our International Office on +44 (0)113 812 1111 09.00 to 17.00 Mon-Thurs / 09.00 to 16.30 Fri GMT or email internationaloffice@leedsbeckett.ac.uk.Need to improve your English Language skills?
Don't worry if you don't have the level of English required for your chosen course. We offer a wide range of courses which have been designed to help you to improve your qualifications and English language ability, most of which are accredited by the British Council. Check your English and find out more about our English courses.More questions?
No matter what your questions, we are here to answer them, visit our International website to get more information and find out about our online open days.Careers
Careers
Josh Price
BSc (Hons) Computer Forensics
“The support I received from my lecturers was amazing and they opened my eyes to a career in forensics. The opportunity to do a work placement in my second year was really exciting.
Modules & learning
- Forensics & Security
- Fundamentals of Computer Programming
- Website Development
- Object Oriented Programming
- Fundamentals of Databases
- Computer Communications
- Computer Forensic Processing
- Digital Security Landscapes
- Digital Forensic Analysis
- Web & Network Security
- Team Project
- Database Systems
- Web Application Technologies
- Software Systems Development
- Advanced Digital Security
- Networked Forensic Investigations
- Forensic Investigative Techniques
- Production Project
- Incident Response & Investigation
- Advanced Database Systems
- Advanced Web Engineering
- Advanced Software Engineering
- Intelligent Systems
- Project Management
- Security Analysis & Architecture
- Forensic Image & Video Processing
- Advanced Security Exploitation
- Dissertation
Dr Z. Cliffe Schreuders
Reader
Cliffe is Senior Lecturer in Computer Security and Director of the Cybercrime and Security Innovation (CSI) Centre. Cliffe teaches on computer security topics, and is passionate about providing our students with the opportunity to put theory into practice. He leads a number of externally-funded research projects, has a strong publication track record, enjoys programming to create novel solutions to challenging problems, and is a proponent of open source development and free culture.
Everyday life involves digital devices - we are surrounded by technology which enables cybercrime. We work closely with local partners, including West Yorkshire Police, to identify and help solve the issues they face when tackling cybercrime and gathering digital evidence.
Life in Leeds
Fees & funding
Fees for this course are not yet confirmed.
Fees for this course are not yet confirmed.
Additional information
For further information on financing your studies or information about whether you may qualify for one of our bursaries and scholarships, follow the links below:
Useful Links
Facilities
-
-
Library and online resourcesOur Library is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, every day of the year, providing you with access to specialist books and journals, learning spaces, computers, multimedia facilities and media equipment hire. Tens of thousands of our Library's digital resources, including ebooks, ejournals and databases, can be accessed online at a time and place to suit you.
-
-
Map
Headingley Campus
Home to our first-rate sporting facilities – Headingley Campus has a rich and diverse history having played to visitors such as Winston Churchill and Oscar Wilde. Set in 100 acres of parkland, with easy access to Leeds city centre, many of our buildings look out onto our grassy acre – a perfect place for hanging out, playing games and catching up with friends on long summer days. Headingley Campus has modern sport science laboratories, animation and music studios and the latest computing labs, as well as one of our libraries, open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.
