Stafford University

I will be completely honest with you.

No it's not, they are extremely behind in the teaching of Digital Forensics, this I speak from first hand experience of studying there and working in the field.

I'm unsure of which University to recommend though.

I went to staffs uni the 1st year forensic computing was offered as a degree and it wasnt the best but like most uni offering the course at the time it was new and the course structure kept changing.
But the year i graduated a new tutor took over as head of course and he is much better and more proactive about giving students hands on experience.

I did my degree at staffs and between my degree and my placement i was successful in getting a job in the industry so it wasnt a complete waste of time.
I do think that now there are more uni offering forensic computing staffs could do with working on improving their modules and links with industry, but like any degree u get what u put in, and on a whole as a university i did enjoy my time there.

Nottingham Trent has a forensics course which we are to have some input on!

I would suggest you look for a course a bit wider than just computer forensics. My view is that there is a surplus of computer forensic graduates.

You might look at the Trent course suggested by James as it is wider than computer forensics and includes security. I would have thought you would have a better chance of a job with a degree like that.

H

Cant comment on the Forensics course, but in my experience Staffs Uni is very strong on the Computer Science and Networking side of things.

It all depends on what you want from a degree, If you want to graduate and have specific vocational skills to do a particular job, or if you want a wider more academic skill set that becomes transferable.

In general I see computer forensics students wanting to do their degree and be able to slot straight into an organisation. I don't see that as an unreasonable expectation but Im not sure 'industry' at large see's certain degrees as meeting the required level of training. The industry is fairly new and emerging and the course's available even more so.

My own personal feelings are, an established Computer Science course might serve someone better in the long run. Don't forget most courses have optional modules and opportunities to tailor your own studies to specific topics of interest (not least the dissertation)

I've recently completed a degree in Forensic Computing at the University of Central Lancashire in Preston. It's a great course and it has grown and developed tremendously in the time I have been there.
It has a heavy focus on forensics but it also includes a lot of core computing modules which set you up for entering other disciplines in IT and not just forensics. During the first and second year we also did some modules which help build your professional business related skills which is something employers look for.

You can find the course information at http//www.uclan.ac.uk/scitech/computing_engineering_physical/courses/bsc_hons_forensic_computing.php

As for the university – it’s a great place and has a brilliant support system for all the students. Plus the night life is good too.

I graduated from Staffs this year. The forensics is getting better there after a new course leader took over. The big plus is that you can do all of the forensic modules as well as go to a good Uni for networking (CCNA / CCNP) and Computer Science as '96hx' mentioned.

I got a job in forensics. In my opinion it's more important that you work hard at your degree, be professional and take it on your own back to read around the subject (EnCE book, Harlen Carvey's books, whitepapers etc etc). All of the people who I know that came out with good degrees at Staffs(1st/21) landed decent jobs, many in forensics. If you don't put in the graft, don't expect to walk into a decent job. Good Luck!