About Computer Science (Digital Forensics), BSc (Hons) - at Keele University

Dive into the intriguing world of forensics, discover how crime scene science operates within the UK legal system and learn the techniques and processes that allow the recovery, trace and capturing of digital data. Our Computer Science degree blends a solid foundation in computing, mathematics and programming with the technical and analytical skills to make an impact in the fight against cybercrime. With dedicated professional development and employability modules, and the opportunity to spend time in industry, we'll support you to develop the practical, technical and communications skills sought by employers. Course overview What is digital forensics?

The field of digital forensics has experienced significant growth in the last few years due to the rapid pace of technological development and its use in crime. From mobile devices to the internet, cybercrime creates significant financial losses to companies and threatens national and international security. Given the ongoing need for industry to be concerned with identifying, reporting and responding to security breaches, our Digital Forensics programme will enable you to locate and analyse evidence, conduct digital forensic investigations, undertake research to solve problems, write reports about your findings and compile evidence that would stand in a court of law. Course overview At the beginning of your Computer Science degree, you will gain a robust grounding in computational problem-solving skills, programming and fundamental mathematics, to equip you with the skills required for further study.

You will also begin to explore the fundamentals of forensic science as a professional discipline in the context of the crime scene and common forensic evidence. You will learn the skills, protocols, and methodologies that are used when gathering evidence in a variety of forensics settings and see how crime scene science operates within the UK legal system - honing skills related to ethics, integrity, and respect, as well as digital readiness. Building on these foundational topics, you will explore current and emerging areas in the field, including data science, artificial intelligence and software engineering. You will strengthen your knowledge in digital forensics by exploring the principles of a digital forensic investigation, how evidence is collected, the tools used to analyse data, and details of operating systems, mobile devices, the internet, and the law.

To put your learning into practice, you will use a simulated crime scene to gather digital evidence and be introduced to software used within the industry. Throughout the programme, you'll engage with real-world scenarios to enhance your learning. You can spend time in industry with a year-long or modular placement, develop employability skills and even pursue a personal interest in computer science by proposing a project that showcases your knowledge and skills. You can also personalise your degree, by choosing from a variety of optional modules.

This gives you flexibility to explore new topics or deep dive into areas you are passionate about. In your final year you will unleash your creativity and undertake a substantial piece of research, applying theoretical knowledge and problem-solving skills to a digital forensic-related technical, software, research or business problem. Your final year project is an excellent opportunity for you to draw together skills in experimental study design, critical interpretation of data, presentation and project management. You will also deepen your understanding in your specialism whilst choosing optional modules in subjects that are aligned to your interests.

Accredited by the British Computer Society - The Chartered Institute for IT Apply your learning by gathering digital evidence at our simulated crime scene house and analysing it using industry software Enhance your employability by learning to programme in Python and Java Be career ready by gaining transferrable, professional and employability skills Graduate with a named specialism on your degree to highlight your skills to employers For more details, please see the course page on the Keele website.

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