Forensic Computing BSc(Hons)

http://www.uclan.ac.uk/information/courses/bsc_hons_forensic_computing.php

Course length

Full time three years, four years sandwich

Course description

In the first year, you develop practical skills in software design and development, computer technology and a range of modern applications, and in managing small computer systems. You practise communication skills needed by forensic analysts. The common first year enhances your general computing knowledge and gives you the experience to ensure you have chosen the specialist course most suited to you.

During the second year, you explore the investigation of hardware and operating systems, computer security, data communications, software development and legal issues. This develops the general hardware and software skills expected of a forensic analyst as well as introducing specialist investigative skills. A team project develops technical and inter-personal skills and prepares you for the final year individual project. We recommend that you take a sandwich placement at either a specialist forensic company or in general IT system management.

In the final year, you study forensic investigation, legal issues, penetration testing and an option. You will integrate your learning with an individual project. A module that will help you plan your career is available as an additional module, closely coordinated with a second year professional skills module.

We encourage and support students to take a one year industrial placement after their second year of full-time study. Most placements are UK-based, but we regularly place students in English-speaking workplaces elsewhere in Europe. It is possible to study a year of the course at a university abroad.

Entry requirements

The University's minimum standard entry requirement for degree-level study is a 12-unit profile, made up from one of the following:

- At least two A2-level subjects
- One A2-level subject plus one single award Advanced VCE
- One double or two single award(s) Advanced VCE

Other acceptable qualifications include:

- Scottish Certificate of Education Higher Grade
- Irish Leaving Certificate Higher Grade
- International Baccalaureate
- BTEC National Certificate/Diploma
- Kite marked Access Course

Applications from individuals with non-standard qualifications or relevant work / life experience who can demonstrate the ability to cope with and benefit from degree-level studies are welcome. If you have not studied recently you may need to undertake a Foundation Entry programme first. For details of those offered by the University please contact Enquiry Management on 01772 892400.

240 UCAS tariff points at A2 or BTEC National Diploma Merit Merit Pass AND 5 GCSEs at grade C or above including Maths and English. Key skills in Mathematics level 2 will be accepted as an alternative for GCSE Mathematics

Fees

For guidance, in 2010 the University's tuition fees for full-time undergraduate courses are £3290, but are subject to increase in line with inflation. You can choose to take out a loan and pay after graduation when you are earning over a certain amount, currently £15,000 per year.

In addition, for 2010 entry UCLan is offering bursaries worth £500 to all UK full time first year undergraduate students, where the principal earner's gross salary is less than £60,000 a year. Where students qualify for the maximum maintenance grant, this will be £319. There will also be Excellence scholarships available in some specialist areas, Achievement Grants and funding available via UCLan Plus to support a wide range of curriculum activities.

Special fees apply for non-EU overseas students.

Contact Person

John Dempsey
Lecturer
jpdempsey@uclan.ac.uk
Tel: +44 (0)1772 201 201