Forensic Computing And Security, Mcomp in University of Central Lancashire (UCLAN), UK

Forensic Computing And Security, Mcomp in University of Central Lancashire (UCLAN)

Combine your interest in solving crimes with computing on this fascinating course which involves detecting, preserving and presenting evidence from computers and mobile devices. You’ll develop an understanding of hardware, operating systems and communications software, attention to detail, creative problem-solving and investigative skills and an appreciation of computer threats and counter-measures and relevant legal issues. Forensic analysts require a high level of technical expertise, an understanding of computer-related crime, an appreciation of relevant law, a methodical approach to investigation, and the ability to explain complex technical ideas simply. The skills you will develop on this course can lead to careers in digital forensic analysis or in systems management and computer security.

• Take part in our Evidence Acquisition Challenge – an industry expert challenges you to gain access to digital evidence from old and potentially obsolete devices, within short business deadlines.
• Benefit from expert witness training providing an insight into the court system. You will defend your own expert reports in a Moot Court setting.
• Learn from our ‘Laboratory of Security and Forensic Research in Computing’ (SAFeR Lab@UCLan) which performs internationally recognised security and forensic research combining insights from academia and industry.

FURTHER INFORMATION

In the first year, you develop practical skills in software design and development, computer technology and a range of modern applications, and in managing small computer systems. You practise communication skills needed by forensic analysts. The common first year enhances your general computing knowledge and gives you the experience to ensure you have chosen the specialist course most suited to you.

Our common first year allows you to transfer to other computing courses, e.g. Computer Network Technology, Information Systems Design, Internet Software Development, Software Engineering, or Multimedia Development.

IT makes commerce and industry more efficient and effective, but also encourages and hides many crimes. As organisations become more dependent on sophisticated computers and communication to manage valuable data, they become more vulnerable to IT-based attacks. Moreover, the internet crosses international boundaries, making it easier to commit crimes but more difficult to identify and prosecute offenders. Forensic analysts play an important role in investigating and recovering from incidents. They use systematic methods to preserve, collect, and analyse digital evidence to reconstruct or anticipate crimes or abuse of company policies. They use sophisticated tools to investigate and interpret the evidence and present results clearly and fairly. Analysts require a high level of technical expertise, an understanding of computer-related crime, an appreciation of relevant law, a methodical approach to investigation, and the ability to explain complex technical ideas simply.

LEARNING ENVIRONMENT AND ASSESSMENT

A 3 year degree qualification typically comprises 360 credits and each 20 credit (a standard module) equates to 200 hours of study, which comprises of a mixture of lectures, seminars, tutorials, practical sessions and independent study. Independent study is an important aspect of your degree course. The exact combination of study time will be detailed within your module descriptors, and will depend on your option choices.

We emphasise practical-based learning using purpose-built laboratories and the University's general computer rooms. Our laboratories allow you to use specialist software and to do things that would not be allowed on a public network, e.g. configuring networks, exploring computer viruses or testing system security. We use the specialist software used by the Police and other forensic investigators. This includes a range of investigative software and multi-processor password cracking software. Where possible, we make software available for your own PC.

You will use an online learning environment to facilitate flexible learning. This environment enhances traditional face-to-face lectures, tutorials and practical sessions by providing additional, resource-rich, online materials allowing you to continue learning independently. You will have directed work to do outside timetabled classes.

Visiting fellows from industry will help you develop your skills, and you’ll get the opportunity to undertake a professional expert witness training course.

The course is assessed using individual coursework assignments, group work, presentations and exams, which may be seen or unseen. There is a practical emphasis with the main contribution to your degree classification coming from coursework.

PROFESSIONAL ACCREDITATION

This course has initial CITP* (Certified Information Technology Professional) accreditation and full CEng* accreditation from the BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT. This is a mark of assurance that the degree meets the standards set by BCS and the Engineering Council. *Final accreditation should be confirmed after the first cohort has graduated.

OPPORTUNITIES

You can take a one-year industrial placement after completing your second year. Most placements are UK-based, but we regularly place students in English-speaking workplaces elsewhere in Europe. It is possible to study a year of the course at a university abroad.

This course develops the specialist skills and knowledge required by the forensic analyst. This expertise may also lead to careers managing corporate IT resources, or as an information security specialist protecting servers and computers, and tracking intruders on networks. It prepares you for many careers in computing because it develops a detailed understanding of computer systems, software development skills, logical reasoning, presentation skills and an understanding of legal issues.

Many graduates seek careers as forensic analysts, security professionals or computer system managers, while others will work as software developers. The technical and interpersonal skills developed on the course will help in many graduate-level careers, particularly with the Police and other investigative agencies.

Know more about Studying in UK

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Post Study Work Permit in UK	2 Year after graduation depending on the course.
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