BSc HONOURS FORENSIC COMPUTING DEGREE

Fingerprint on computer keyboard

At a glance UCAS code: GF54

Course length
3 years full time; 4 years with placement; usually 5 years part time
Course start
Induction from October 2012; EU and International student orientation from September 2012
Course Location
Hendon

Overview & facilities

Our pioneering and specialist BSc Honours Forensic Computing degree develops the strong logical skills needed to detect, investigate, and to prevent computer crime such as abusive emails, identity theft or credit card fraud. You will develop the knowledge needed to collect and present evidence in an appropriate manner that is admissible in a court of law.

BSc Honours Forensic Computing degree is a very multidisciplinary course allowing you to study programming and operating systems as well as the law, computer communications, databases and ethics.

This is the first BSc Forensic Computing offered in the London region. We provide a high-tech forensic lab on campus giving you access to specialist equipment to investigate computer crime. The course will allow you to focus on technological issues including security, encryption, operating systems and information systems, as well as legal and criminal issues. We also provide you with opportunities for work experience in law enforcement agencies. 

Download the School of Engineering and Information Sciences brochure. 

 

Location & map

This course is based at our Hendon campus in north-west London.

Address: Middlesex University, Hendon campus, The Burroughs, London NW4 4BT UK

To find out how to get to the campus see Travel Directions to Hendon campus. The nearest tube station is Hendon Central on the Northern line.

Nearest halls of residence

There are four halls of residence either on or near to Hendon campus. Usher Hall is on campus, opposite the College Building.

Platt and Writtle Halls are at the same location in Colindale, a 20 minute walk from campus.

Ivy Hall is also a short distance away by public transport in Cricklewood.

Subject focus

  • Business - accounting and finance, economics, human resource management, law and marketing.
  • Computing - business information systems, computer networking and computer communications.
  • Engineering
  • Health and social sciences - criminology, politics, psychology, social work, sociology, world development studies, and complementary health. Also biomedical and biological sciences, nursing, sport sciences, public health and risk management.

Content & modules

Modules

  • Year 1
    Database Management Systems (30 Credits) - Compulsory
    This module emphasises the fact that the success of information systems in any organisation is largely dependent on the quality of the underlying database. It is designed to introduce students to the principles of data management and to allow them to gain experience in designing and manipulating databases.
    Introduction to Operating Systems, Architectures and Networks (30 Credits) - Compulsory
    The aim of this module is to provide the students with basic knowledge and understanding of computer hardware, networking and current operating systems concepts and related terminology in order to explain the structure of stand-alone, distributed and networked computers and their operation. By taking this module the students will gain an understanding of how currently available computer and network hardware enables modern computers to function as networked, multi-media machines and will develop a range of important transferable skills. The module will consist of theoretical concept building, terminology exercises and laboratory experiments.
    Law for Computing (30 Credits) - Compulsory
    To provide a basic understanding of the relevant legal framework, especially of the operation of the English legal system. To provide an introduction to areas of law relevant to computing. To enable students to undertake research in legal issues relevant to forensic computing.
    Programming with Data Structures and Algorithms (30 Credits) - Compulsory
    This module introduces computer programming techniques, with an emphasis on important programming concepts that are relevant to a wide range of programming languages. Students will learn how to solve problems by the design and implementation of computer programs. They will develop the ability to document, test and debug their programs. They will also learn about data structures and their implementation in a given programming language, and how these can be used to solve computational problems.
  • Year 2
    Database Systems: Design and Online (30 Credits) - Optional
    Building on from an introductory module, this module focuses on deepening the understanding of database design, implementation and efficient use of facilities provided by a modern Database Management System. Emphasis is on the design of Business Systems using the relational model but other conceptual models including object-oriented and object-relational are introduced. Both theoretical and practical topics relating to database modelling and use are covered, including Internet technologies and tools for rendering databases for display to the client, enabling students to construct dynamic Web-based applications which access back-end databases.
    Digital Investigation (30 Credits) - Compulsory
    Provide students with experiential knowledge of the four phases of a Digital Investigation: Seizure Covers areas from the beginning of the crime scene and will discuss the ACPO guidelines on A Good Practice Guide for Computer Based Electronic Evidence , Locard s exchange principle, the physical process of bagging and tagging and making and referring to contemporaneous notes; Imaging Covers areas of why it is necessary to image, verification of image, evidentiary integrity and how to image using Write-Blocker hardware; Analysis using various software build up profiles of users from their digital fingerprints using appropriate software; Reporting using appropriate software be able to explain, justify and defend any decision made in the analysis stage.
    File System Analysis (30 Credits) - Compulsory
    The primary concern of Forensic Computer Analysts, FCA, is the collection of reliable evidence. Occasionally, FCA s will find themselves in situations that may require the retrieval of data that have been lost due to non-malicious deletions. The aims of this module are to equip learners with the knowledge and skills to become a FCA and elicit information from a device, suspect or otherwise, using a set of guidelines and in cases involving suspected criminal activities provide impartial evidence based on facts, not opinions.
    Host Operating Systems and Security (30 Credits) - Compulsory
    This module will introduce students to the technology underlying both the Internet and local area networks, enabling you to design and implement systems with appropriate security solutions that will reduce the risk of data loss and vulnerability. It provides an understanding of the operation of the underlying hardware and software and gives practical systems-level experience of client-server based applications. It lays the groundwork needed for more advanced engineering applications in the area.
    Object Oriented Software Development (30 Credits) - Optional
    This module aims to provide the student with an understanding of object-oriented programming and basic software development. To this end, the student will cover the fundamentals of objects, classes, inheritance, composition, encapsulation and polymorphism. In addition, the module will introduce some of the basic software engineering design patterns and a more abstract view of system design in terms of tiered software architectures. It is expected that on completion of this module students will be able to design, implement and test non-trivial programs.
  • Year 3
    Data Warehousing and Business Intelligence (30 Credits) - Compulsory
    Developing a Data warehouse for decision support and strategic planning has now become a most desirable objective for business organisations. A data warehouse, incorporating business intelligence, enables business organisations to discover new patterns and new phenomena in data in order to obtain analytical insight of business challenges. The aim of this module is to develop an appreciation and understanding of the techniques and approaches used to develop and deploy a data warehouse for purposes of business intelligence. The module will examine data quality and data transformation methods and practices, in addition to data warehousing modelling techniques, in order to build a quality data warehouse. Intelligent database and data mining theories and methods that aid knowledge discovery are introduced, as well as information retrieval, data presentation and pattern recognition techniques that facilitate and support business intelligence applications.
    Digital Evidence (30 Credits) - Compulsory
    This module provides students with the skills for detecting, preserving and presenting digital evidence of computer crimes. The module relates to forensic data computing by developing skills required for the appreciation of computer security issues, the investigation of criminal manipulation of systems and the prevention of data corruption, loss or theft. The module is structured around four primary areas: 1. ethical issues in forensic activity 2. legislation issues in computer related crime 3. investigative techniques for digital evidence 4. legal implications in the presentation of forensic computing evidence. Students undertaking this module will have the opportunity to be involved with data gathering, software forensic investigation, data recovery techniques, investigation of criminal activity, analysis and preparation of digital evidence, information preservation, understanding legal regulations and presenting highly technical evidence in court. The module also includes key guest lectures, insights in social and psychological impact of forensic activity, as well as a case study for presenting evidence to a standard required in a criminal court.
    Forensic Computing Project (30 Credits) - Compulsory
    The primary aim of this module is to give individual students the opportunity to demonstrate how effectively they have consolidated their knowledge and skills from all other computer science modules via an individual project which must involve a useful forensic investigation.
    Social, Professional and Ethical Issues in Information Systems (30 Credits) - Compulsory
    With the increasing use of information systems in all areas of life it is increasingly important for today s graduates - who are tomorrow s professionals - to understand and appreciate the ethical implications and social impact of current technologies, to have a working knowledge of the legislation that applies in this area, and to apply their expertise in a professional way. This module encourages students to develop an awareness of their role in the implementation of new technologies, and the knowledge and skills necessary for a professional approach. The module will take an ethical perspective to computer technology, focusing on UK legislation and standards as they relate to IS practice for example Intellectual Property Rights in web design, database systems etc. , and will include considerations for design and the responsibilities and requirements of the IT profession - for example, as identified in The British Computer Society Code of Conduct: Promote equal access to the benefits of IS by all groups in society. Have regard for the legitimate rights of third parties. Promote public understanding of IS - its benefits and pitfalls. Have knowledge and understanding of relevant legislation, regulations and standards.

Download the course specifications.

 

Entry & applying

We normally make offers on a minimum of 220 UCAS tariff points, plus GCSE Maths and English Language at grade C. BTEC National Diploma/International Baccalaureate/Advanced Progression Diplomas at equivalent tariff. Access to HE - Pass. Applications from candidates without formal qualifications are welcomed. Additionally overseas students whose first language is not English will need a qualification that demonstrates competence in English, eg IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL 550 or 213 computer based. We also offer a Foundation Year in Computing.

We also offer a Foundation Year in Computing.

International entry requirements

We accept the equivalent of the above from a recognised overseas qualification, to find out more about the requirements from your country, see further information under support in your country. For details of other equivalent requirements that Middlesex accepts see entry requirements.

English language requirements

You must have competence in English language and we normally require Grade C GCSE or an equivalent qualification. The most common English Language requirements for international students are IELTS 6.0 (with minimum 5.5 in all four components) or TOEFL internet based 72 (with at least 17 in listening & writing, 20 in speaking and 18 in reading).

Middlesex also offers an Intensive Academic English course (Pre-Sessional) that ranges from 5-17 weeks depending on your level of English. Successful completion of this course would meet English language entry requirements. For more information on applying for the pre-sessional please email english@mdx.ac.uk.

Entry into year two or three (transfer students)

If you have achieved a qualification such as a foundation degree or HND, or have gained credit at another university, you may be able to enter a Middlesex course in year two or three. For full details of how this works see transfer students.

UK/EU applicants with existing higher education qualifications

If you have already been awarded a qualification at the same level as the course you are applying for, you may not be eligible for a tuition fee loan, see fees and funding for more information.

How to Apply

UK/EU students

Apply now

Applications for UK and EU students should be made to UCAS – the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service. The institution code for Middlesex is M80, and the code name is MIDDX. You also need the code for the course you wish to apply for – this is found in the 'at a glance' box above.

International students

International students from outside the EU can make a direct application.  We have a network of regional offices across the world to assist you with your application.  They have experience with helping students from your country and supporting them with their applications to study at Middlesex. Read more on international applications. 

Fees & funding

The tuition fee for the 2012/2013 academic year for UK/EU students is £9,000.
The tuition fee for the 2012/2013 academic year for International students is £10,400.

Click here to find out more about fees, funding and our scholarships in 2012.

Open days

Open Days

Open days and Applicant days for this course are held at our Hendon campus in London. See the location and maps tab for information on how to get here.

University Open Days

Open days offer you the opportunity to learn more about Middlesex, and get a feeling for what life is like on our campuses. Open Days include Welcome and Subject talks, campus and accommodation tours and opportunities to find out more about other aspects of studying at university, these include a guide to applying to University, and a fees and funding talk.

Book Your Place Now

Click to find out more about our undergraduate Open Days and book your place now.

If you can't make our open day, there are more opportunities available for you to come and visit us. Campus tours are available throughout the year if you would like to have a look around. Led by Student Ambassadors, they take place most Wednesday afternoons at 1pm. You will get a feel of the campus atmosphere, plus the opportunity to ask any questions about being a student at Middlesex University. Click here to book your campus tour.

Applicant Days

Applicant Days are specifically for students who have applied to Middlesex and have been made an offer.  The Applicant day is a chance for you to take a closer look at the course that you have chosen to study.  You will attend a taster session, meet your course leader and fellow applicants, meet current students and tour the campus with them.  Invitations will be sent to applicants prior to the events.

Careers

What can you do with a Forensic Computing degree?
The careers field of Computer Forensics is relatively new and rapidly growing. The expansion in the use of digital technology within business and at home has led to a huge rise in computer-based crime. Graduates from our BSc Forensic Computing degree course are fully equipped with the technical and analytical skills needed to secure jobs in this emerging field. You will be prepared for a wide range of careers including law enforcement, security consultancy, database development/security/management. You can also work as a forensic computer analyst/scientist or a computer crime investigator. 

Our careers service offers you a range of support both while you’re studying with us – and after you’ve graduated.

Graduate Employment prospects

Based on data from the respondents of the 2009-10 Destination of Leavers in Higher Education survey, six months after graduating:

  • 100% of Forensic Computing graduates were in employment or further study

Middlesex graduates from this group have been successful at gaining employment in the following roles: Network Security Engineer, Data Officer and Systems Engineer.

In the following companies: ING Direct, Barnet Council and ISOS.

Salary
The average full time salary for graduates from this group was £23,000.

Graduate Jobs in Forensic Computing

Forensic Computing is still a growing field but you can expect to find jobs within other established areas, such as the police or the Serious and Organised Crime Agency (SOCA) and MI5. You can also expect to find roles within security consultancy, banking, government departments and IT firms specialising in computer security.

Forensic Computer Analyst/Scientist - A Forensic Computer Analyst investigates computer-based crime, such as hacking, online scams and fraud, terrorist communications or theft of sensitive company information. They gather evidence and use it to build a case against suspected individuals or criminal networks. Forensic Computer analysts often work with the police or are police officers with specialist training.

Digital Evidence Investigator  - A Digital Evidence Investigator gathers data from equipment such as hard drives, memory cards and mp3 players, using their tools and experience to extract specific files. All evidence recovered is compiled into a report which may be used by the prosecution in a court case. A digital evidence investigator may occasionally be required to attend court in order to give evidence.

Salary
Trainee Analysts can expect to earn around £20,000 a year. After 12 months' experience salaries can range between £25,000 and £35,000. After four to five years experience, this figure can rise to between £40,000 and £60,000 a year.

Placements

Work placements are proven to increase your success in the job market – as well as being a fantastic experience.  Research shows that 70 per cent of placements result in a graduate job offer.  By making a good impression during your placement year, you greatly increase your chances of securing a job with the company after graduation.

Students find it beneficial to be in a paid full-time job for a year.  They also develop their interpersonal skills, confidence, teamwork and general transferable skills.

We have a dedicated Placement Service, which supports you in your placement job search and recent placement include:

Leon Beckett – BSc Computer Science, Software Engineer at IBM.eis_placement_leon_std

"After spending the last 12 months on placement at IBM, I can highly recommend that students undertake a placement year. It is an invaluable experience, helping you build and improve on the knowledge from your first two years at university. I now feel confident about entering my third year, becoming a graduate and applying for jobs after university.

"I would advise any student thinking of doing a placement year to apply early, use the support provided by the placement office as much as possible, to thoroughly research both the available placements and the providing companies and try your hardest in the assessments.

"I believe employees are looking for any student who is willing to listen, work and learn. Employers will understand that you won't have the experience at first. However by listening to what you are told and learning the lessons, you will be able to do the work and become a successful placement student."

Elenia Davis – BSc Internet Applications Development, Mobile Quality Assurance Intern at Yahoo Europe.

"The placement year gives you something that you can’t learn in the lecture theatre – real life working experience and knowledge.
"The placement office is a big help. They don’t just advise you on your CV and cover letter, they also advise you on tasks (eg presentations or extra questions) an employer has set and organise workshops designed to help you in your placement search."

Louise Stanhope –BSc Forensic Computing – Summer Internship at Appleeis_placement_louise_std

Based on our ongoing relationship with Apple, our careers department was asked to recruit a number of highly motivated students to take part in Apple’s first project based internship scheme in the UK. 

Students from Imperial College London, Oxford and Cambridge were also invited to apply.  As part of the application process our placement team offered the candidates CV writing and interview workshops.  This assistance and help from careers department helped four of our students to be invited by Apple to visit their Stockley Park base for an interview.

Louise Stanhope was one of the first students in the UK to be offered 11 week internship with Apple.  Louise has thoroughly enjoyed her experience helping enhance Apple sales systems.

Talking about her time at Apple she commented: "It is nice to see how a company as large as Apple works.  It is obviously a great thing to have on my CV and utilize the experience I am getting.  I would love to get a full-time job with Apple when I graduate and this will give me something to help to stand out from the crowd.  It has been really interesting to put my degree into practice and learn how businesses work."

 If you would like to find out more about Placements, please contact eisplacements@mdx.ac.uk

Student Profiles

Lola Aworanti
BSc Honours Business Information Systems Degree, 2007
A major feature of the BSc Business Information Systems degree is that it brings together the two fields of Business and IT, providing a rounded approach to information systems and business principles. These are two areas that graduate Lola Aworanti is extremely passionate about. "I have a passion for IT and Business and I was convinced that this was the exact path for me."

Lola obtained the Scholarship for “Outstanding Academic Achievement” throughout her entire stay at the University, and was able to graduate with a First class Honours degree in Business Information Systems. During her second year she participated in the Student Exchange programme, at Towson University, Baltimore, Maryland. USA. Lola describes it as being "an amazing experience." In her third year, she opted for a Placement at Investec Investment Bank, "I was in the Asset management application development and support team. This experience really helped me to kick start my career in the right direction."
 
Lola currently works at Dresdner Kleinwort investment bank and intends to purse a masters degree in Computing Science in the near future. "In five years time, I see myself owning my own IT Consulting Company". Currently, in her spare time, she designs websites and is in the process of publishing her own magazine.

Reg Goodwin
BSc Honours Business Information Systems Degree, 2006
Since graduating with a first class honours degree in 2006 Reg has been working as a Human Computer Interaction (HCI) researcher at Middlesex University. 

“The skills I developed during my degree were an excellent preparation for my current job. This includes interpersonal and communication skills needed for organising interviews and usability trials, Java programming for prototype development, report writing and web design skills to present and share our findings.”

A highlight of Reg’s course was working in a group project investigating corporate information systems at Egg Financial Services. The project included organising an interview with the Chief Information Officer (CIO) at Egg’s head office to learn more about how the bank uses IT and business processes to improve customers’ online banking experience. “The group project work helped improve my team communication, work sharing and time management skills.”

Reg enrolled in 2003 as a mature student aged 30 and studied full-time on the BIS course. He graduated in 2006 winning the School of Computing Science academic achievement award.
 
Reg is currently working on the university’s Advanced Vehicle Technology and Older Drivers project. “My current job is varied and challenging. Working with experienced and generous colleagues I have learned a great deal about how to carry out ethical research and to work successfully with our project’s participants. Middlesex University has helped me broaden my horizons considerably in the last four years, and I am now able to consider a wider range of projects in the IT industry or even a PhD.”

Vikram Mohan
BSc Honours Computing Science Degree, 2005
Vikram Mohan currently works with Asia's largest information technology firm - the Global Consulting Practice of Tata Consultancy services. Vikram was an industry speaker representing his organization at the IEEE industry conference for the Advanced Networks and Telecommunications Systems (ANTS) held at IIT Mumbai. The ANTS conference is a high profile forum for industry participants, researchers and academicians to exchange ideologies, best practices and research concepts. Other participants included Directors, Ctos and VPs of leading organisations across the globe.

Bookmark and Share