Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics

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https://www.sunderland.ac.uk/undergraduate/bsc-hons-cybersecurity-digital-forensics?option=aa7aec2c-20a3-4d5e-b701-3f56a4dbd0da#international-requirements

BSc (Hons) Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics September 2027/28 Full-time | University of Sunderland

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BSc (Hons) Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics Full-time

This course is excellent preparation for jobs in cybersecurity and digital forensics. It also covers the fundamentals of computer science. You'll study computer security, development of secure systems and networks, cybersecurity, and digital forensics.

Apply nowRegister your interest

Key course information

Start date/study mode:September 2027September 2027 Integrated Foundation Year

UCAS codeFG45

Duration3 years

Fee (UK)£10,050

Fee (Int)£18,500

LocationOn campus

Course summary

This course covers computer science, cybersecurity and digital forensics, increasing your career options.

Topics include:

Computer security

Development of secure systems and networks

Cybersecurity

Practical aspects of digital forensics.

As part of your studies, you'll get the chance to achieve the status of ‘Certified Ethical Hacker’ (CEH). The learning materials for the professional certification are embedded in the course modules.

As cyber threats continue to escalate, gaining CEH status brings many advantages. It offers career opportunities to command higher salaries and ensure job stability. It also serves as a prominent marker of cybersecurity expertise. This validates your ability to detect and mitigate vulnerabilities in digital systems.

CEH training offers:

Hands-on experience

Compliance adherence

Professional networking, fostering ethical hacking practices and enhancing cybersecurity awareness.

Beyond the technical aspects, CEH certification offers an interesting and rewarding path. You'll confront new challenges while safeguarding digital assets responsibly and ethically.

This course is also available to study through our Global Partnerships.Why Sunderland for Computer Science

7thOur Computer Science and Information Systems courses are 7th in the UK for feedback satisfactionGuardian University Guide 2026

Related content

How to become a Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)

I undertook my placement with Northumbria Police within the Digital Forensics Unit. This led to me landing a role with them as Digital Forensics Investigator after I graduated. I now work in the North East Regional Organised Crime Unit where I sit within the cybercrime department.

Charlotte KnillRead Charlotte Knill's story

What you'll study

Year 1Year 2Year 3

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Programming and Software Development Core30 credits+

How is software designed, built, and tested for real-world use? In this module, you’ll explore programming and software engineering, building the skills to create reliable, secure, and scalable applications. Using languages such as Python and C#, you’ll learn key programming concepts. These include variables, control structures, functions, and data structures. You’ll apply these skills in real-world scenarios, including embedded systems and microcontrollers. You’ll also explore object-oriented programming, debugging, and secure coding practices. How do development teams plan and manage software projects? You’ll look at approaches such as Agile and Waterfall to understand how software is developed in industry. Along the way, you’ll learn about requirements analysis, UML diagrams, and software testing using both manual and automated tools. By the end, you’ll have a strong foundation in software development and the confidence to apply your skills to practical projects.

Computer Systems and Networks Core30 credits+

How do computers process information at such high speeds? What makes operating systems work efficiently, and how do networks keep the digital world connected? In this module, you'll explore how modern computing systems operate, from Central Processing Units (CPUs) and operating systems to networking protocols. You'll learn how CPUs carry out instructions and how memory systems improve performance, how operating systems manage processes, memory, and files to keep systems running smoothly, and how computers use binary, hexadecimal, and data manipulation as the foundation of computing. The module also covers how networks operate through protocols, routing, and switching, which support digital communication. Through practical work with real-world systems and industry-standard tools, you'll build the skills needed to design, manage, and improve computing environments for areas such as high-performance computing, embedded systems, and IT infrastructure.

Full Stack Web Development Core30 credits+

This module introduces you to full-stack web development and shows you how to build modern web applications from start to finish. You’ll begin by learning the foundations of good web design. This will include user experience, accessibility, and responsive layouts. How do websites stay easy to use across different devices? You’ll create web pages using semantic HTML and style them with modern CSS techniques such as Flexbox, Grid, animations, and transitions. As your skills grow, you’ll add interactivity with JavaScript and connect your applications to external data using APIs. On the server side, you’ll use scripting languages such as PHP to handle user input, manage sessions, and work with databases like MariaDB. You’ll also explore modern front-end frameworks such as React. This will help you learn about component-based design, state management, and API integration. Finally, you’ll learn how to deploy your applications in a professional environment so they can be used online in the real world.

Cybersecurity Core30 credits+

This module is all about cybersecurity and gives you the practical skills to protect information in today’s digital world. You’ll explore key concepts such as authentication, cryptography, and malware defence. You'll then see how they work together to keep systems secure. You’ll also look at the legal and ethical responsibilities of cybersecurity professionals, including data protection and regulatory compliance. What does it take to protect systems responsibly and ethically? Through hands-on activities, you’ll build practical skills in Linux, secure coding, debugging, and digital forensics. You'll do this using tools commonly used in the industry. The module also gives you insight into careers in cybersecurity. These could include ethical hacking, security analysis, and forensic investigation.

Artificial Intelligence Core30 credits+

Have you ever wondered how AI systems make decisions or how machine learning models solve complex problems? In this module, you’ll explore AI and learn how to design, build, and evaluate AI solutions for real-world challenges. You’ll study intelligent search algorithms and see how they help systems navigate complex problems efficiently. You’ll also use industry-standard approaches such as CRISP for data mining and model evaluation. You’ll explore key machine learning ideas, including supervised and unsupervised learning. This includes techniques such as classification, clustering, and regression. You’ll also get hands-on experience with algorithms such as linear regression, K-Means, support vector machines, and neural networks. This helps you build a deeper understanding of how AI works in practice. Finally, you’ll look at the ethical side of AI. This includes issues such as bias, fairness, privacy, and the wider impact of AI on society.

Industrial Project Core30 credits+

How do development teams turn client ideas into real-world technology solutions? In this hands-on module, you’ll work with external clients to design and develop an innovative product that meets real industry needs. Through teamwork, creative thinking, and problem-solving, you’ll pitch ideas, build prototypes, and create solutions that deliver real value. How do you take a client brief and turn it into a working product? You’ll learn how to analyse client requirements, design effective solutions, and apply engineering approaches to prototype development. Along the way, you’ll strengthen your teamwork and communication skills. This will help you explain technical ideas clearly to different audiences. You’ll also reflect on your progress using professional development frameworks. By the end, you’ll have practical experience tackling real industry challenges. You'll also have the confidence to work with clients and stakeholders across different sectors.

Secure Computer Networks Core30 credits+

Ever wondered how your data stays safe online or how hackers manage to break through? In this module, you’ll explore networking and cybersecurity. You'll learn how to design, secure, and troubleshoot modern network systems. You’ll build an understanding of how networks are created and managed using concepts such as IP addressing, routing and switching, and how secure communication protocols protect data while it travels across the internet. You’ll also examine real-world cyber threats, how attacks happen, and how we can prevent them. This includes tools and techniques such as firewalls, access control lists, authentication protocols, and network segmentation. Through hands-on activities, you’ll gain experience monitoring networks, detecting intrusions, and applying security methods. These include encryption, VPNs, and endpoint protection. Using industry-standard tools and practical scenarios, you’ll develop vital technical skills. These will be valuable for careers in network engineering, cybersecurity, and IT infrastructure.

Security and Forensic Analysis Core30 credits+

Placement Year* Optional120 credits+

Have you wondered how a placement year can shape your future? This opportunity gives you the chance to gain real work experience while you study. You'll work in a role, organisation, or industry that matches your interests, helping you understand graduate-level work and build professional contacts. You'll also see how the knowledge from your course links to industry and society, while thinking about your own strengths and areas for growth. The placement is not only about developing skills. It also helps you plan your future and understand how your learning supports success after graduation.

Computing Project Core30 credits+

This project is your chance to bring everything you’ve learned together in a substantial piece of independent work. You might choose to design a system, build an application, or run technical experiments. You’ll develop your own idea, work with an industry partner, or collaborate with an academic supervisor to explore a specialist area that interests you. Throughout the project, you’ll combine your technical and research skills to solve a real or simulated problem. By the end, you’ll produce a working artefact along with a professional report that explains your process, outcomes, and results.

Digital Forensic Investigations Core30 credits+

Ever wondered how digital forensic experts uncover the hidden traces left by cybercriminals? In this module, you’ll take your forensic investigation skills further. You'll work on real-world cybercrime scenarios, complex evidence, and professional-level tools. You’ll learn how to analyse malware, trace attacks across multiple systems, and piece together digital evidence that could stand up in court. You’ll also explore the legal and ethical rules that guide how digital evidence is collected, handled, and presented. By the end, you’ll have the specialist skills and critical understanding needed for a range of careers. These could include digital forensics, cybersecurity, and cybercrime investigation.

Advanced Cybersecurity Core30 credits+

How do cybersecurity professionals stay ahead in a world of evolving cyber threats? In this module, you’ll explore the key principles of cybersecurity. You'll cover common threats and the defences used to protect modern digital systems. You’ll learn how attackers operate and how security professionals respond. This includes complex challenges such as Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs) and information warfare that affect organisations, governments, and global security. You’ll gain hands-on experience using tools like firewalls, encryption, and intrusion detection systems. You’ll learn how to spot vulnerabilities in web applications, operating systems, networks, and software. You’ll also consider the limitations of current security technologies and how risks can be reduced in real-world situations. By the end, you’ll be ready to apply your skills to real cybersecurity challenges. Careers you pursue could include cybersecurity analysis, threat intelligence, and ethical hacking.

Penetration Testing and Ethical Hacking Core30 credits+

This module explores the world of ethical hacking and penetration testing. You’ll learn how to legally and responsibly identify weaknesses in real-world systems. You’ll explore how attackers think and operate, and how defenders can stop them. This includes hands-on activities such as security testing, vulnerability scanning, and controlled exploitation exercises. Alongside these practical skills, you’ll look at the legal, ethical, and compliance frameworks that guide penetration testing and ensure it's carried out safely and responsibly. You’ll work with industry-standard tools and techniques used by professional ethical hackers. This will help you build skills for careers in cybersecurity, ethical hacking, and security analysis. By the end, you’ll be able to think like an attacker, but act like a defender. This gives you the confidence to help organisations stay secure in a fast-changing digital world.

*Placements are subject to availability and placement providers may require an interview as part of the process. If successful, you'll remain an active student and will have access to a wide range of support from Graduate Prospects.

Many of our courses include a range of modules you can choose from. Some options may only be available if you’ve already studied specific modules. If you’re not sure what you need before picking a module, your course leader can help.

Undergraduate module credits should total 120 credits per academic year. If optional modules are available, choose an amount that totals 120 credits.

How you'll learn

Teaching methods include lectures, tutorials, seminars and laboratory sessions. We encourage you to develop independent study skills as well as work with other students on group projects.

Some assessments count towards your degree. There are also ongoing assessments to gather feedback and build on your learning.

Related courses

BSc (Hons) Computer Science

BSc (Hons) Game Development

MSc Cybersecurity

Entry requirements

OverviewInternational Requirements

Our typical offer is 96–112 UCAS Tariff points, from a combination of acceptable Level 3 qualifications which may include: A Levels, T Levels, BTEC Diplomas/Extended Diplomas, Scottish and Irish Highers, Access to HE Diplomas, or the International Baccalaureate. The overall grade for the T Level must be a pass with a core grade C or above in a science-related subject.

We accept a maximum of 6 points from Level 3 Key Skills qualifications.

Please note, we don't accept AS/A Level General Studies.

You also need three passes at GCSE grade C or above. This must include maths and English language, or a minimum of Level 2 Key Skills in Communication and Application of Number. If you've studied for a GCSE that has a numerical grade, you'll need to achieve a grade 4 or above.

See how many points your qualifications are worth using the UCAS Tariff calculator(opens in new tab).

Our admissions policy uses a range of flexible options to support you to study with us. This may include a reduced offer of up to 16 UCAS Tariff points, (or equivalent). Find out if you're eligible for a tariff point reduction.

If English isn't your first language, please see our English language requirements.

Select your country

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Entry requirements for Hong Kong

180 – 280 points from HKALE

220 – 320 points from A Level

International Baccalaureate (IB)

30 points

Minimum level 4 in 4 HKDSE subjects

Use the country selector above to view specific entry requirements for your country.

Fees and finance support

UK£10,050

International£18,500

Undergraduate fees are set according to rules from Government in line with forecast inflation. If you're a Home fee-paying student, the fee for your first year of study for 2027/28 will be £10,050. You'll pay tuition fees for every year of study. Fees may increase every year based on the Retail Price Index.

Check your fee status(opens in new tab).

See all course tuition fees.

Scholarships and bursaries

We want everyone to be able to access higher education, no matter your background or circumstances. Scholarships and bursaries are free financial awards that you don't need to pay back.

View all scholarships and bursaries.

UndergraduateAlumni Funded

University of Sunderland Bursary+

What is it?

Our bursary is designed to support students who are underrepresented in higher education and who may face additional financial challenges. The bursary supports eligible students with essential costs, enabling them to focus on their studies and university experience.

Who is this for?

To be eligible for the bursary, you must be a ‘home’ or ‘overseas island’ student on an eligible full-time course and meet the criteria for one of the following priority groups:

Tier one:

Students with an annual household income of £30,000 or less who live in a low participation neighbourhood (POLAR4 quantile 1 – check your eligibility by postcode(opens in new tab))

From a UK island (Northern Ireland, Isle of Wight, Isle of Man, Isles of Scilly, Channel Islands, and Islands of Scotland).

Tier two:

Students with caring responsibilities

Members of the Gypsy, Traveller, Roma, Showmen or Boater (GTRSB) community

Refugees

Students eligible for free school meals in secondary school (Years 7–11).

Tier three:

Care-experienced students

Students estranged from both parents or carers and aged under 25 at the start of the course.

How much will I get?

Tier one students – £500 each year

Tier two students – £750 each year

Tier three students – £2,000 each year.

You'll receive payment in the following instalments:

Tier 1: £250 in November 2027 and April 2028

Tier 2: £375 in November 2027 and April 2028

Tier 3: £500 in November 2027, January 2028, April 2028, and July 2028.

Students enrolled on MBChB Medicine and eligible for the University of Sunderland Bursary will also receive both:

An additional cash award of £1,000 in year one

An additional cash award of £1,000 in year five.

How do I apply?

The bursary is automatically awarded to students who meet the eligibility criteria following a checking and verification process after enrolment.

See the University of Sunderland Bursary guidance notes and the University of Sunderland Bursary Medicine guidance notes for full terms and conditions.

Impact Scholarship+

Through our Impact Scholarship, we want to recognise students who embody our core values:

Innovative

Excellent

Collaborative

Inclusive

Inspiring.

This award celebrates those who stand out and strive to make a positive impact, both in their studies and the wider University community.

Our Impact Scholarship is for anyone who demonstrates our core values within their UCAS personal statement.

To be considered for the scholarship, you must also:

Apply to the University by 13 January 2027

Make the University of Sunderland your firm choice by the reply deadline shown on your UCAS application (5 May 2027 if you receive all your university decisions by 31 March 2027 or 2 June 2027 if you receive all your university decisions by 12 May 2027)

Enrol on your course by 6 October 2027.

The scholarship awards £1,000 in the first year of study. You'll receive payment in two instalments:

£500 in November 2027

£500 in February 2028.

No application is required, eligibility is assessed automatically. The scholarship is awarded to eligible students following a checking and verification process after enrolment. Please note that meeting the eligibility criteria doesn't guarantee an award. Personal statements will be reviewed to see how well they reflect our values.

See the Impact Scholarship guidance notes for full terms and conditions.

Tees Valley Travel Award+

We understand that travel costs can be an additional expense when starting university. The Tees Valley Travel Award has been established to support eligible students with the cost of travel to and from university.

Our Tees Valley Travel Award is for students progressing directly from one of the following colleges in the Tees Valley area:

Hartlepool College of Further Education

Hartlepool Sixth Form College

Middlesbrough College

Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College.

You must have successfully completed one of the following qualifications at one of those colleges in 2026/27:

A Level 3 qualification

An eligible Foundation Degree or Higher National Diploma (HND).

To be considered for the travel award, you must also:

Apply to the University of Sunderland by 13 January 2027

Make the University of Sunderland your firm choice by the reply deadline shown your UCAS application (5 May 2027 if you receive all your university decisions by 31 March 2027 or 2 June 2027 if you receive all your university decisions by 12 May 2027)

This award provides £1,500 in each year of study to help with your travel costs while studying at the University.

You’ll receive the full £1,500 in November each year.

No application is required, eligibility is assessed automatically. Our Tees Valley Travel Award is awarded to eligible students following a checking and verification process after enrolment. Please note that meeting the eligibility criteria doesn't guarantee an award.

See the Tees Valley Travel Award guidance notes for full terms and conditions.

First Choice Scholarship+

Designed to reward dedication and support progression into higher education, our First Choice Scholarship recognises those who fully engage with the First Choice Progression scheme. The scholarship is designed to support dedicated students to take the next step in their academic journey.

Our First Choice Scholarship is for students who successfully complete our First Choice Progression Scheme and progress onto an eligible full-time course starting in autumn 2027.

There are ten scholarships available. Each scholarship awards £1,000 in the first year of study.

You'll receive payment in two instalments:

£500 in February 2028

No application is required, the scholarship will be automatically awarded. Please note that meeting the eligibility criteria doesn't guarantee an award. Due to the limited number of scholarships available, recipients will be chosen using a computerised generator. This process will select ten students at random to be provisionally awarded the scholarship.

See the First Choice Scholarship guidance notes for full terms and conditions.

First Choice Travel Award+

Our First Choice Travel Award is designed to help with travel costs and associated expenses, ensuring you can focus on making the most of your university experience in your first year of study.

Our First Choice Travel Award is for students who successfully complete our First Choice Progression Scheme and progress onto an eligible full-time course starting in autumn 2027.

This award provides £500 cash in your first year of study to assist with transport expenses, helping you access higher education with greater ease.

No application is required, eligibility is assessed automatically. Our First Choice Travel Award is awarded to eligible students following a checking and verification process after enrolment. Please note that the eligibility criteria doesn't guarantee an award.

See the First Choice Travel Award guidance notes for full terms and conditions.

Chancellor's Scholarship+

One award is available annually with a total value of £8,000, which includes a £5,000 cash bursary, paid summer internship, work shadowing expenses, a dedicated mentor, and an additional opportunity pot (up to £500).

Who can apply?

Applications are welcome from full-time, part-time, home, EU, or overseas students studying at Level 2 at our Sunderland or London Campus. Some courses are ineligible. Please ensure you read the eligibility criteria(opens in new tab) before applying.

When can I apply?

Applications close on 17 April 2026.

You can apply for this scholarship using your University e:Vision account(opens in new tab).

For further information, contact philanthropy@sunderland.ac.uk.

Futures Fund+

A selection of scholarships to support students in developing their careers and aspirations. The Futures Fund supports activities across three key areas: excellence, experience, and employability.

There is at least one type of award available for each group below:

Undergraduate home students

Sunderland Campus

London Campus

Recent alumni (up to three years from graduating)

University of Sunderland staff

Postgraduate home students

We also have specific pots of funding for students studying the following courses and levels:

Undergraduates studying courses in the arts and creative industries

Postgraduates studying courses in the arts and creative industries

Undergraduate Engineering students

Pharmacy students experiencing financial hardship

Postgraduate ceramics students

The amount rewarded will depend on the scholarship.

Current Students can apply for this scholarship using their University e:Vision account. Alumni and staff can complete the application form on the Philanthropy team website(opens in new tab).

Applications are open from 1 October to 31 May.

How will I be paid?

Funding is paid via the University’s Development Trust, and payment will be agreed at the point of award.

When will I receive my award?

Receipt of your award will depend on the award you apply for.

For further information, please contact: philanthropy@sunderland.ac.uk.

The Mary and Brian Archer Experience Scholarships+

Four annual scholarships of up to £750 each are available thanks to a generous donation in memory of Mary and Brian Archer, who both taught at the University.

Applications are welcome from full-time, part-time, home, EU or overseas students studying at our Sunderland or London Campus. This award does not support PhD study or IT equipment.

Up to £750.

You can apply for this scholarship using your University e:Vision account.

Scholarships are normally awarded within four weeks of the application deadline.

Douglas Clasper Elite Sports Scholarship+

The Douglas Clasper Elite Sports Scholarship, generously funded through a philanthropic donation, supports an eligible undergraduate student to fulfil their athletic potential while studying at university.

Who is it for?

To be considered for the Douglas Clasper Elite Sports Scholarship, you must:

Participate in a sport recognised by BUCS (British Universities and Colleges Sport)

Have been selected within the last 18 months to compete at regional, national, or international level

Be recognised as an Elite Athlete by the University of Sunderland.

There is one scholarship available.

The scholarship will award the following in each year of study (based on academic progression):

£2,000 cash payment

A tuition fee discount of 20%

A 20% discount on university-managed accommodation

Specialist support, including mentoring, sports massage and physiotherapy, gym access, strength and conditioning, nutritional advice, and lifestyle management.

You can apply via the e:Vision portal(opens in new tab). Your username is your student number, which can be found on all correspondence you have received from the University. If you're unsure of your student number, please contact admissions@sunderland.ac.uk.

Once logged in, click on the e:Vision homepage and select ‘Search the scholarships and funding catalogue’.

The deadline for applications is Sunday 25 October 2026. Once the deadline has passed, we are not permitted to accept any further applications. Meeting the eligibility criteria does not guarantee an award.

See the Douglas Clasper Elite Sports Scholarship guidance notes for full terms and conditions.

Apply now

Applications opening soon

Applications for this course will open soon. Please check back later.

Learn more about how to apply.

Disclaimer

We want to make sure you have clear and accurate information about our courses. Our website always shows the latest updates. If you’ve applied and you're offered a place, we’ll contact you in writing if anything important changes.

For more information, view our programme specifications. These include course content, learning outcomes, and the skills you'll gain.

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