My post was first time posted in Education and Training, but after going through the General Discussion i thought i have to move it.
So please forgive me if i shoouldnt post twice
I am posting again just because i am in need for an urgent advice
First, I would like to thank you very much. You are providing valuable information and advice in this forum.
Even I am new in here but I’ve been checking this forum for the last few weeks.
I am based in UK, seeking your advice before I make my final decision. So please advise me based on your knowledge and experience in the CF field.
I have HND Computing, ComptiA+, and MCDST and been working for the last two years as Desktop Analyst (technician).
Now I have interest to do Bsc in Computer Forensics, but also I’ve found Computer Forensics and IT Security as combined BSC.
Here are the units to be covered for each one
1) Computer forensics BSC (Single)
Level 1 modules include
• Logic
• Study Skills for Computing
• Introduction to Criminology
• Problem Solving for IT
• Introduction to the Internet
• Introduction to Programming
• Computer Hardware and Software Architecture
• Introduction to Computer Forensics
Level 2 modules include
• Operating Systems
• Communications Networks
• Security in Computing
• Crime in Context
• Employment Skills for Computing
• Advanced Computer Forensics
Level 3 modules include
• Final Year Project (double module with 30 credits)
• Current Developments
• Crime and Technology
2) Computer Forensics & IT Security
Level 1 topics include
• Logic and Problem Solving
• Programming
• Computer Hardware & Software Architectures
• Information Systems
Level 2 topics include
• Networks & Operating Systems
• Security in Computing
• Computer Forensics
• Risk, Crisis and Security Management
• Professional Issues, Ethics and Computer Law
Level 3 topics include
• Project
• Network and Cloud Security
• Ethical Hacking
• Digital Crime Investigation
• A designate module which may include topics from E-commerce & E-business, Systems Analysis and Design, Network Planning and Simulation as well as a work placement.
Now, taking in consideration my age (I am 40 yrs old) do you think it is not a bit late for me to change and do CF at the Uni?
My long term plan is to start my own business after finishing a degree in another country where CF doesn’t exist yet as a business or as discipline in universities.
I speak three languages fluently, and so fare do not have any problem with the technical terms in the languages I speak. I had a previous experience within police forces few years ago.
My second question is
Which of the above is advisable to do?
Computer forensics BSC (Single)
Or
Computer Forensics & IT Security
Once again, I thank you very much for the support you are providing in this forum.
Thank you all in advance.
Neither.
If you want to pursue this field because you are interested in it, I suggest you start off with a computer science degree mixed with some programming and get a few years experience in industry.
Getting a CF degree just sets you up for disappointment imo, the competition for jobs is Fierce (note the capital letter), the wages terrible and most CF degrees are taught by people with no experience of the actuality of CF.
Similarly, a degree in computer security is no competition for someone with a CS degree and say an OSCP or even a (lol)CEH.
Thank you very much Xennith for the advice.
As you suggested Xinnit, I tried to do a degree in computer Science, but unfortunately I was late to apply and therefore being told I have to wait for next year.
The problem next year will be fees increase. And after expressing to the course leader what my aim is, he advised me to do the one of the above mentioned courses.
After a deep thinking about it, I have decided to give it a go from this coming September.
But as I asked above, based on your professional experience and knowledge which course do you think is suitable to take.
I do perfectly know it is a very fierce field as you said, but i think this doesn't stop me to take the challenge.
Any other advices will be highly appreciated.
If you're going to do one or the other, do CF + Security, it gives you more options for jobs and growth.
Best of luck.
Xennith
I genuinely thank you very much for the advice and quick reply
Hi,
I did a computer forensic degree and I can that I wouldn't have been able to get a job in the industry without it.
Yes, I still had to go on all the encase and FTK courses, but my degree was my golden ticket to being able to get a foot in the door
I have a BSc in forensic computing but I got my job based on my placement and other IT skills so I don't believe it matters which degree title you pick as in most universities regardless of degree title let you pick various modules to suit. For the uni I went to the computer science degree allowed 4 out of the 6 modules to be free choices, where as the computer forensic only had 2 free slots, so in theory it might be better to do computer science degree as you can pick all the forensic modules plus expand you skill set.
In short I think it the modules and not the title that important
I would say the same, a degree in computer science seems better than one in computer forensics as it allows for much greater job choices in general. I (surprisingly) have a CS degree and was a programmer prior to CF job and most the people in our unit are/were from different areas of IT as opposed to CF graduates.
Yes I totally agree with you all. Even my choice first time was to do CS, but three unis I wanted to go to, told me that their list is full. And in order to avoid the new fees starting 2012(UK), I want to give it a go from this coming September2011 so the current fees will apply on me till i finish my degree.
My option now is to do one of the above mentioned courses CF or CF and IT security (combined). I am sure i'll put all my effort to do good.
I am just a bit confused which one is suitable in terms of employment prospective whether in UK or abroad.
Also I am thinking, probably my age will be a struggle (40 yrs old)?
Am I a bit late to go for it?
But from the other side, because I am a trilingual speaker, i am thinking this might be a future bonus for me in this field.
Your suggestions and advice will be highly appreciated.
My opinion and it is only an opinion
if i was in your position i might consider Computer Forensics & IT Security over just forensics as it seems that since Computer Forensics & IT Security has less modules listed I am guessing the rest are for you to chose so u could pick one from the forensic degree or something else completely. My uni allowed me to pick module from completely different courses such so if you are thinking of setting up a business u could add a business related module to your degree.
Also I think the Computer Forensics & IT Security degree is more broader and if your thinking of going abroad it might help to keep options open as you could consider roles in not just forensic but pen testing etc too.
And finally you’re never too old to do anything
All the best in whichever degree you pick.