Cyber Security with Forensics with Foundation Year

Please check the Sheffield Hallam University website for the latest information.

Course summary

- Develop the skills to design and secure complex information systems.

- Learn to respond appropriately to security incidents by gathering evidence.

- Understand the legal and regulatory environment around complex information systems.

- Study the principles employed in cyber security and digital forensics.

- Use the latest digital forensics software and technologies employed in industry.

- Prepare for the degree with an extra foundation year at the start

You will study fundamental cyber security topics, including principles of security, computing, architecture and networking, databases, and programming. You’ll also gain industry certifications such as the Cellebrite Certified Operator (CCO) certification and the Nuix Workstation Forensics Practitioner Foundations and Core certifications.

How you learn

The course is suitable if you don’t meet the entry requirements for our BSc (Hons) Cyber Security with Forensics course. You share the first year with other computing foundation year students, then move on to the degree. During the first year of study, you will enhance your skills to maximise your academic potential ready to start your learning against the content of the main degree.

All our courses are designed around a set of key principles based on engaging you with the world, collaborating with others, challenging you to think in new ways, and providing you with a supportive environment in which you can thrive.

You’ll start by developing strong practical skills in cyber security through lectures and hands-on tutorial sessions. These sessions will build your understanding of how and when to use appropriate processes, tools, technologies, and management practices in areas including network fundamentals, cryptography, and information security.

You will develop these skills further on real-world projects – collaborating in small teams to produce deliverables inspired by industry. These projects will further your knowledge in areas such as system vulnerabilities, detect network intrusions, and analysing and interpreting digital evidence collected from computers and mobile devices. Previous students have worked with the Yorkshire and Humber Regional Cyber Crime Unit to develop security demos.

During your final year, you will create a significant cyber security deliverable, guided by a dedicated project supervisor. As part of this individual project, you will undertake research and apply new skills while you create a solution to a complex cyber security and forensics problem. The course team offers guidance and support throughout this process.

The course encourages you to take an active approach to learning and self-development to develop highly sought-after cyber security skills through problem-solving activities, practical implementation and teamwork.

You learn through
- lectures

- hands-on lab sessions and tutorials

- regular feedback

- teamwork and group-based learning

- practice-based applied learning

- discussions

- self-study

You’ll be supported in your learning journey towards highly skilled, graduate level employment through a number of key areas. These include

- access to specialist support services to help with your personal, academic and career development

- access to our Skills Centre with one to ones, webinars and online resources, where you can get help with planning and structuring your assignments

- industry-specific employability activities such as live projects, learning in simulated environments and networking opportunities

Applied learning

Work placements

You’ll have the opportunity to complete a year-long work placement between your third and fourth year. A placement is widely recognised as the gold standard opportunity to gain personal and professional development through real-world experience.