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 Lectures and tutorials.
  • note and pen Assessments Mixture of essays, practical assignments and exams.
  • briefcase Work placement The Overseas Studies module SOC09104 provides an exciting opportunity for students to spend a semester studying abroad at a sister University. It is aimed at students who are not undertaking the year of Work Based Learning and usually replaces the second semester of Stage 3 – however, arrangements can be made for the module to be undertaken at other times. Students who have completed this module have been exceptionally enthusiastic about the learning opportunities it offers. A study plan is drawn up in advance and approved by a small panel of academic staff of the School of Computing. We currently have established links with universities in Germany, Finland and Sweden where relevant programmes are delivered in English.
  • 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

Entry requirements

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.

Minimum year 1

SQA Higher

Standard Entry Requirement

ABBB to include a Science*.

National 5 grade C in Maths, Lifeskills Maths OR Applications of Maths and English.

Minimum Offer Entry Requirement

BBCC to include a Science* at grade B.

National 5 grade C in Maths, Lifeskills Maths OR Applications of Maths and English.

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 to include a Science*.

GCSE grade C/4 in Maths and English.

Irish Leaving Certificate

H2, H2, H2, H3 at Higher Level to include a Science* and grade O4 in Ordinary Level Maths and English.

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 English and Maths.

BTEC (QCF) Extended Diploma Level 3

Minimum grades DMM (Distinction, Merit, Merit) in a related subject.

GCSE grade C/4 in Maths and English.

BTEC (QCF) National Diploma Level 3 plus A Level

Minimum grades DM (Distinction, Merit) and A Level grade C

GCSE grade C/4 in English and Maths.

International Baccalaureate Diploma

Award of Diploma with 29 points overall with three HL subjects at grades 6, 5, 5 to include a Science* at grade 5.

Grade 4 in SL Maths and English.

European Baccalaureate

Pass at 70% or above with grade 7 in three subjects to include a Science*.

Grade 6 in Maths and English.

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

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 Maths and English grade C/4

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 ugadmissions@napier.ac.uk for advice.

SQA Advanced Higher

BBC 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, 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 ugadmissions@napier.ac.uk for advice.

English language requirements

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.


International students

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:
  • BN Nursing/MSc Nursing (Pre-registration) (Adult, Mental Health, Child, Learning Disabilities)
  • BM Midwifery/MM Midwifery
  • All Graduate Apprenticeship courses.

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

Admissions policies

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 2023/24 2024/25
Scotland £1,820 £tba
England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland £9,250 £tba
Overseas and EU £15,160 tba
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. The University offers a range of attractive Tuition Fee bursaries to students resident in specific countries. More information on these can be found here.

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

Career opportunities include:

  • Security Consultant
  • Design Engineer
  • Test/Debug Engineer
  • Forensic Engineer
  • Security Auditor
  • Web Server Support
Headshot of a student smiling from the School of Computing