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BSc Computer Science with Security and Forensics with a Year of Study Abroad
Cardiff
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The BSc Computer Science with Security and Forensics with a Year of Study Abroad program at Cardiff University offers students a comprehensive education in computer science while providing specialized training in the growing fields of cybersecurity and digital forensics. Students are provided with a strong foundation in computer science principles alongside a focus on security and forensics, essential for investigating cybercrimes and protecting digital infrastructures. The program includes an exciting opportunity for students to spend a year studying abroad, enhancing their global perspective while gaining international exposure to cybersecurity challenges and solutions, preparing them for a competitive global job market.
Curriculum: The curriculum for the BSc Computer Science with Security and Forensics with a Year of Study Abroad program combines essential computer science topics with specialized modules on security, ethical hacking, cryptography, digital forensics, and network security. In the initial years, students learn the fundamentals of computer science, such as programming, algorithms, data structures, and operating systems. Later years introduce advanced topics in cybersecurity and forensics, including penetration testing, incident response, digital evidence handling, and secure communications. The program's flexible structure also allows students to tailor their studies to specific areas of interest within security and forensics. The year abroad provides students with the chance to apply their learning in an international context, further enhancing their knowledge and experience.
Research Focus: The BSc Computer Science with Security and Forensics with a Year of Study Abroad program at Cardiff University is closely tied to ongoing research in cybersecurity, digital forensics, and network security. Students benefit from being part of a vibrant research environment, where they have the opportunity to engage in cutting-edge research on topics like intrusion detection, cryptography, cyber threat analysis, and digital evidence recovery. Cardiff University is known for its research excellence in the field of cybersecurity, providing students with access to state-of-the-art laboratories and expert faculty. This exposure to advanced research enhances students' academic experiences and ensures they are well-prepared for emerging challenges in the field.
Industry Engagement: Industry engagement is a key feature of the BSc Computer Science with Security and Forensics with a Year of Study Abroad program. While the focus on security and forensics equips students with specialized skills, Cardiff University’s strong links with the tech and cybersecurity industries ensure that students have ample opportunities to engage with professionals in the field. The program includes industry-focused projects, guest lectures from experts, and networking opportunities, helping students to build valuable connections. Furthermore, the year abroad provides students with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in international organizations, enhancing their practical knowledge and employability upon graduation.
Global Perspective: The BSc Computer Science with Security and Forensics with a Year of Study Abroad program emphasizes the importance of a global perspective in cybersecurity. With the growing complexity of global digital threats, students are encouraged to explore cybersecurity issues from a worldwide viewpoint, considering international data privacy laws, cross-border cybercrime, and global cybersecurity policies. The year abroad allows students to study at one of Cardiff University’s partner institutions across the globe, exposing them to diverse approaches to cybersecurity challenges, and providing them with international expertise that will be invaluable in their future careers. This global outlook ensures that graduates are prepared to work in an increasingly interconnected and digital world.
Location
Cardiff
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
£ 28200
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed their secondary education with a minimum overall score of 80% or equivalent in their respective country's grading system.
English language proficiency:
- IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.0 or 6.5 with no individual component below 5.5.
- TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 90.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 69.
- Some programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
Cardiff University offers a range of scholarships to support international students pursuing undergraduate studies. These scholarships are designed to attract high-achieving students from around the world, easing the financial burden and recognizing academic excellence.
Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship: Cardiff University’s Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship is a merit-based award that provides partial funding for exceptional international undergraduate and postgraduate students. This scholarship rewards high academic achievement and study, making it ideal for students with strong academic backgrounds.
Chevening Scholarship: Offered in collaboration with the UK government, the prestigious Chevening Scholarship is available to international students who demonstrate leadership potential and academic excellence. The award covers tuition fees, living expenses, travel costs, and other allowances, supporting future leaders and influencers in various fields.
British Council GREAT Scholarships: Cardiff University partners with the British Council to offer the GREAT Scholarships for students from specific countries, including China, India, Malaysia, and Thailand. These scholarships provide financial assistance for tuition fees and are intended to encourage bright students to pursue postgraduate studies in the UK.
Subject-Specific Scholarships: Certain academic departments at Cardiff University offer additional scholarships tailored to specific fields of study, such as engineering, business, and life sciences. These scholarships provide partial funding and are aimed at attracting talented students to specific programs.
International Foundation Programme Scholarships: For international students who need to complete a foundation year before beginning an undergraduate degree, Cardiff University offers scholarships to cover part of the foundation year tuition fees. This scholarship supports students in their transition to full-time degree programs at the university.
Financial Aid and External Scholarships: In addition to Cardiff University scholarships, students can explore external funding options such as loans, grants, and scholarships provided by their home countries or private organizations. The university’s financial aid office offers guidance to help students find external financial support.
The BSc Computer Science with Security and Forensics with a Year of Study Abroad program at Cardiff University provides graduates with a broad range of career opportunities in cybersecurity, digital forensics, and related fields. With the increasing importance of protecting digital infrastructures and investigating cybercrimes, graduates of this program are highly sought after by organizations worldwide.
Cybersecurity Analyst: As a cybersecurity analyst, graduates are responsible for protecting organizations from cyber threats by monitoring networks, detecting vulnerabilities, and implementing security protocols. This role requires a thorough understanding of security systems and the ability to respond quickly to potential threats. Cybersecurity analysts can work in industries such as finance, healthcare, government, and tech.
Digital Forensics Investigator: Digital forensics investigators specialize in recovering and analyzing data from digital devices to solve cybercrimes. Graduates can work in law enforcement, consulting firms, or legal teams, using their expertise to recover critical evidence from compromised systems and mobile devices. This role plays an essential part in criminal investigations and legal proceedings.
Penetration Tester (Ethical Hacker): Penetration testers, also known as ethical hackers, identify security weaknesses by attempting to exploit systems, networks, and applications in a controlled manner. Graduates with expertise in ethical hacking and penetration testing can work for cybersecurity firms, government agencies, or large corporations, helping to improve system defenses by identifying vulnerabilities before malicious hackers can exploit them.
Security Consultant: Security consultants assess the security needs of organizations and advise on how to protect their networks, systems, and data from potential threats. They help businesses to implement secure policies, improve their cybersecurity frameworks, and ensure compliance with data protection regulations. Graduates in this role may work as independent consultants or as part of a consulting firm.
Incident Responder: Incident responders are responsible for managing and mitigating the aftermath of a cybersecurity breach. This role involves investigating incidents, containing damage, and developing strategies to prevent future attacks. Graduates with expertise in incident response are crucial for organizations that need to handle security breaches efficiently and minimize impact.
Malware Analyst: Graduates can pursue a career as malware analysts, who specialize in analyzing malicious software to understand its behavior and how it spreads. By investigating viruses, ransomware, and other forms of malware, they help organizations develop defense mechanisms to protect against such threats. This role is critical in both private and public sector organizations working to prevent cyberattacks.
Forensic Data Analyst: Forensic data analysts work with law enforcement agencies, legal teams, and security organizations to investigate digital evidence related to cybercrimes. Using specialized tools and techniques, forensic data analysts recover deleted data, examine file systems, and uncover crucial information to support investigations.
Network Security Engineer: As a network security engineer, graduates are responsible for protecting an organization’s networks from external and internal threats. They design, implement, and maintain security measures to safeguard network infrastructures, including firewalls, VPNs, and intrusion detection systems. This role is essential in preventing data breaches and ensuring the secure operation of networks.
Security Software Developer: Graduates can pursue careers in developing software solutions focused on enhancing security. This includes creating encryption tools, secure communication systems, and threat detection programs. Security software developers work in technology companies, government agencies, and security firms, building products that defend against digital threats.
Compliance Officer: Compliance officers ensure that organizations follow legal and regulatory requirements related to data security. Graduates with expertise in security and forensics can help businesses comply with data protection laws such as GDPR and other relevant cybersecurity regulations. This role often involves working with legal teams and advising businesses on best practices for data protection and risk management.
Government and Law Enforcement Roles: Graduates of the program can pursue careers with government agencies, law enforcement, or intelligence organizations, where they may work on national security, counterterrorism, and cybercrime investigations. These roles involve tackling complex cybersecurity challenges on a larger scale and contributing to national or global security.
Risk Management Specialist: Risk management specialists assess potential risks to an organization’s cybersecurity posture and help design strategies to mitigate these risks. By analyzing threats and vulnerabilities, they develop security policies and guidelines that help businesses maintain robust defenses against cyberattacks.
