Cybersecurity & Forensics BEng (Hons)



Learn the importance of network security and in future you could be protecting organisations from cyberattacks

Overview

BEng (Hons) Cybersecurity and Forensics has been awarded full undergraduate certification from the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) – the first undergraduate course in the UK to achieve full accreditation.

Combining three of the most sought-after streams of computing, this course capitalises on the rising awareness of the importance of network security and is a valuable foundation to a successful and well-paid career.

Two years of general computing studies will lead you to the specialty areas of security and forensics, software development and computer networks. After four years, you’ll have the expertise needed to create and analyse effective and secure computer systems.

In the computing career market, the demand for security engineers is increasing. As a graduate, you’ll have the wide range of skills plus the specialised expertise in data security needed to move into a variety of roles.

 

Two female students in the SOC lab looking at computers

Mode of Study:

Full-time

Duration:

4 years

Start date:

Sep

UCAS code:

GG57

Placement:

Yes

Study Abroad:

Yes

Student stories

Read stories from students of Edinburgh Napier's Computing study area

Course details

This course will provide you with the knowledge and skills required to pursue a career in a computing-related field, which will allow the application of security and digital forensics expertise.

You will be taught the principles of security and digital forensics, using specialist software and equipment.

During your studies you will gain the ability to apply professional standards to the analysis, design, testing, evaluation and modification of reliable and maintainable software.

In addition, you will be able to develop critical, analytical and problem solving skills in relation to computing issues

  • calendar

    How you’ll be taught

    You will be attending lectures and tutorials as a part of this programme.

    The timetable and attendance may vary based on the course you will be studying and the modules that you will have. Please get in touch with us to know more about the timetable and attendance.

    Please note: This course is only offered as a full time course which requires you to be present in person. So, this course can not be studied part time or as distance learning at the moment.
  • note and pen

    Assessments

     Mixture of essays, practical assignments and exams.
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    Work placement

    A year long Work Based Learning module is available for this programme which can be undertaken in 3rd year which consists of 60 credits.

    In 2nd year, students attend timetabled Placement Preparation sessions which provides comprehensive information about sourcing a placement, tips for enhancing CVs, cover letters and interview preparation. A Student Futures Placement Coordinator is available to support students with their placement applications and approving placements as part of the course. Whilst on placement, students undertake work-related assessments alongside gaining valuable work experience. If this option is chosen, the course duration will be extended by one trimester.

    If students are not undertaking the yearlong placement, then there is a Group Project or the Professional Internship Module in Year 3 (one trimester) which gives students the opportunity to complete a project for an external client.

    Find out more about Computing Placements here.
  • study abroad

    Study abroad

     International study is available, and is intended to develop overall graduate attributes and global citizenship. The School has several agreements with overseas partner institutions, both in the EU and further afield, providing varied and exciting opportunities tailored around your individual study and cultural interests. Currently, links are established with universities in the USA, Canada, Spain, Denmark, Singapore, and Germany, where programmes are delivered in English, whilst additional links are planned with other European countries and Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa.

Popular modules

Year 1

  • Software Development 1
  • Information Systems in Organisations
  • Computer Systems 1
  • Practical Networks 1
  • Introduction to Human-Computer Interaction
  • Programming Fundamentals

Year 2

  • Database Systems
  • Systems and Services
  • Scripting for Cybersecurity and Forensics
  • Practical Networks 2
  • Digital Forensics
  • Web Technologies

Year 3

  • Data Analytics
  • Networked Services
  • Network Security and Cryptography
  • Group Project
  • Computing in Contemporary Society
  • Core Options

Year 4

  • Honours Projects
  • OS Forensics
  • Security Systems for loT
  • Security Testing and Advanced Network Forensics
  • Secure Software Development

ACCREDITATION AND CERTIFICATION

Disclaimer

Study modules mentioned above are indicative only. Some changes may occur between now and the time that you study.

Full information is available in our disclaimer.

Entry requirements

What are the entry requirements for Cybersecurity and Forensics?

Our entry requirements indicate both Standard and Minimum qualifications with which we normally accept students. Competition for places varies from year to year and you aren't guaranteed a place if you meet the minimum qualifications.

Can you go straight into second year of university?

Advanced entry into Year 2 or Year 3 of this course is possible for students with suitable qualifications. See the individual year tabs for more information.

Can I make an appointment with an advisor to discuss further about the admission process?

If you want to get more information on the admission process, please get in touch with the undergraduate admissions team by submitting an enquiry form above.

Minimum Year 1

SQA Higher

  • Standard Entry Requirement: ABBB. National 5 grade C in Maths OR Applications of Maths
  • Minimum Offer Entry Requirement: BBCC. National 5 grade C in Maths OR Applications of Maths

You may be given an adjusted offer of entry if you meet our specified minimum entry requirements within our widening participation criteria, and outlined in our Contextual Admissions Policy. Click here for further information about our entry requirements and admissions policies.

A Level

  • BBC
  • GCSE grade C/4 in Maths

Irish Leaving Certificate

  • H2, H2, H2, H3 at Higher Level and grade O4 in Ordinary Level Maths

Scottish HNC

  • HNC with C in the graded unit in one of the following: Computing, Computer Networking, Computer Networking and Internet Technology, Cyber Security.
  • Unrelated HNC/HND's can be considered if the applicant has National 5 C in Maths.

BTEC (QCF) Extended Diploma Level 3

  • Minimum grades DDM (Distinction, Distinction, Merit) in a related subject
  • GCSE grade C/4 in Maths.

BTEC (QCF) National Diploma Level 3

  • Minimum grades D*D*
  • DD (Distinction, Distinction) and A Level grade C.

BTEC (QCF) National Diploma Level 3 plus A Level

  • Minimum grades DM (Distinction, Merit) and A Level grade C
  • GCSE grade C/4 in Maths.

International Baccalaureate Diploma

  • Award of Diploma with 29 points overall with three HL subjects at grades 6, 5, 5
  • Grade 4 in SL Maths.

European Baccalaureate

  • Pass at 70% or above with grade 7 in three subjects.
  • Grade 6 in Maths and English.

T Levels

  • Merit - T Level with additional A Level - Biology, Chemistry, Computing, Engineering Science, Information Technology, Information & Communication Technology, Software Systems Development, Digital Technology, Psychology, Maths, Physics or any qualification with Science in title grade B 
  • GCSE grade C/4 in Maths.

Minimum Year 2

HNC

  • HNC - Pass in Cyber Security, Computing, Computer Networking or Computer Networking & Internet Technology with A in the graded unit.
  • Other HNC qualifications may be considered, please contact Undergraduate Admissions for advice.

SQA Advanced Higher

  • BBC
  • Advanced Higher BB and SQA Higher BB to include a Science* at Higher.

A Level

  • BBB to include a Science*.

BTEC (QCF) Extended Diploma Level 3

  • Minimum grades DDD (Distinction, Distinction, Distinction) in a related subject.

*Science subjects include: Biology, Chemistry, Computing, Engineering Science, Information Technology, Software Systems Development, Digital Technology (NOT Digital Media), Psychology, Maths or Physics.

Minimum Year 3

HND

  • HND - Pass in Networking, Cyber Security (does not need Forensics module as is covered already), Computing: Networking, Computer Networking & Internet Technology with Grade B at SCQF Level 8 in the graded units to include the Forensics Fundamentals module.
  • Other HND qualifications may be considered, please contact please contact Undergraduate Admissions for advice advice.

 

If your first language isn't English, you'll normally need to undertake an approved English language test and our minimum English language requirements will apply.

This may not apply if you have completed all your school qualifications in English. Check our country pages to find out if this applies to you.


We welcome applications from students studying a wide range of international qualifications.
Entry requirements by country

Please note that international students are unable to enrol onto the following courses:
  • BM Midwifery/MM Midwifery
  • All Graduate Apprenticeship courses.

See who can apply for more information on Graduate Apprenticeship courses.

We’re committed to admitting students who have the potential to succeed and benefit from our programmes of study. 

Our admissions policies will help you understand our admissions procedures, and how we use the information you provide us in your application to inform the decisions we make.

Undergraduate admissions policies
Postgraduate admissions policies

Fees & funding

The course fees you'll pay and the funding available to you will depend on a number of factors including your nationality, location, personal circumstances and the course you are studying. We also have a number of bursaries and scholarships available to our students.

Tuition fees
Students from 2024/25 2025/26
Scotland £1,820 £1,820
England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland £9,250 £9,250
Overseas and EU £19,340 £20,310
Students from England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland will be invoiced the tuition fees for 3 years of their 4 years of study.
Please note tuition fees are subject to an annual review and may increase from one year to the next. For more information on this and other Tuition Fee matters please see Frequently Asked Questions about Fees Click this link for Information of Bursaries and Scholarships
If additional compulsory costs other than the tuition fees are applicable, these will be detailed in the course details.
Please note that the tuition fees liable to be paid by EU nationals commencing their studies from 1 August 2021 will be the Overseas fee rate. The University offers a range of attractive Tuition Fee bursaries to students resident in specific countries. More information on these can be found here.


Careers

Hard drives and wires

What can you do with a degree in Cybersecurity & Forensics?

From the very beginning of your first year to final year, the Cybersecurity & Forensics degree will help you to grow as an IT professional who can investigate and detect whether a system of an organization has been compromised and can analyze intrusions after they've occurred. You will be equipped with practical knowledge of several of the latest tools and softwares, operating systems, programming languages, data collection & reporting skills. Our past graduates have secured the following roles but not limited to:

  • Security Consultant
  • Design Engineer
  • Test/Debug Engineer
  • Forensic Engineer
  • Security Auditor
  • Web Server Support

What does a Cybersecurity expert do?

Your day-to-day responsibilities will vary based on the career path you choose. If you become a cybersecurity specialist, your top priority will be to secure the system of an organization from cyber-attacks, threats and vulnerabilities by constantly monitoring and analyzing the system. By collaborating with other members of the IT team, you will be dedicated to protecting the integrity of the business's data and network. From time to time, you will also upgrade network and infrastructure systems, maintain security controls, determine security violations and inform users by preparing performance reports.

What does a Digital Forensic Specialist do?

If you become a digital forensic specialist, you will be looking for and retrieving highly sensitive data that can be used as evidence in a criminal investigation after a security breach has taken place. You will be investigating data and satellite navigation systems to trace persons or places, producing reports on the findings, collaborating with other investigation team members and provide evidence in the court if needed, recovering encrypted and deleted files and more. Whichever path you choose, your primary focus will be to protect organizations against cyber threats in this modern digital world.

 
Headshot of a student smiling from the School of Computing