Computer Science (Digital Forensics)

Keele University

United Kingdom, Keele

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Keele University

United Kingdom , Keele

Key Facts

Program Level

Bachelor

Study Type

Full Time

Delivery

On Campus

Course Code

G414

Campuses

Keele University campus

Program Language

English

Start & Deadlines

Next Intake DeadlinesSeptember-2026

Apply to this program

Go to the official application for the university

Duration 4 year(s)

Tuition Fee

GBP 18,200 / year

Next Intake September-2026

Computer Science (Digital Forensics)

About

The field of digital forensics has experienced significant growth in the last few years due to the rapid pace of technological development and its use in crime. From mobile devices to the internet, cybercrime creates significant financial losses to companies and threatens national and international security.

Given the ongoing need for industry to be concerned with identifying, reporting and responding to security breaches, our Digital Forensics programme will enable you to locate and analyse evidence, conduct digital forensic investigations, undertake research to solve problems, write reports about your findings and compile evidence that would stand in a court of law.

Our Computer Science (Digital Forensics) programme places emphasis on practical computer programming and software development. Initial modules provide a solid grounding in the theoretical underpinnings of the discipline, such as the handling and processing of evidence and the fundamentals of programming, computing and forensic science principles. You will learn how to develop computing applications for varied discipline specific problem domains, manage the development and use of computing systems and understand the techniques and processes that allow the recovery, trace and the capturing of digital data.

By following the Digital Forensics pathway, you will learn to locate and analyse evidence, conduct digital forensic investigations, undertake research to solve problems, write reports about your findings and compile evidence that would stand in a court of law. You will study in a digital forensic laboratory setting, which will be equipped with forensic workstations and forensic software typically found in digital forensic units. To complement and broaden your learning, you will also have the opportunity to explore optional modules in areas such as Interaction Design, and Criminalistic Methods. Your final year will culminate with the opportunity to deep dive into research focused modules (including a final year research project) relating to the specialist area of digital forensics.

At Keele, you'll have a variety of opportunities to enhance your academic and professional development. Imagine broadening your horizons by studying abroad or completing a work placement. See below for the specific opportunities available on this course.

Why study Computer Science (Digital Forensics) at Keele University?

Accredited by the British Computer Society - The Chartered Institute for IT

Gain recognition of your specialism in Digital Forensics named in your degree title

Access a wide range of equipment including supercomputer facilities and a VR lab

Our teaching is at the leading edge of the discipline and informed by subject research, industry trends and market requirements

Requirements

Entry Requirements

Typical offer

Please ensure that you read the full entry requirements by selecting your qualifications from the dropdown menu below. This will include any subject specific, GCSE/Level 2 Maths, and English language requirements you may need.

A Level: BBB Subject specifics apply

BTEC: DDM Subject specifics apply

T Level: Merit Subject specifics apply

Please select your qualification from the drop-down list below for the full entry requirement information

A Level

BBB in three A levels

OR

BBC in three A levels including B in Maths or Computer Science

Contextual Offer: BCC in three A levels

OR

BCD in three A levels including B in Maths or Computer Science

You will also need: 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)

BTEC Extended Diploma / National Extended Diploma

DDM

OR

DMM in any of the following BTEC Extended Diplomas / National Extended Diplomas: Engineering

Contextual Offer: DMM

OR

MMM in any of the following BTEC Extended Diplomas / National Extended Diplomas: Engineering

You will also need: 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)

BTEC National Diploma / Diploma

Distinction and Distincton in any BTEC National Diploma / Diploma and C in one A Level

OR

Distinction and Merit in BTEC Diploma and B in Maths or Computer Science

You will also need: 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)

BTEC National Extended Certificate / Subsidiary Diploma

Distinction in any BTEC National Extended Certificate / Subsidiary Diploma and BC in two A Level

OR

Merit in any BTEC National Extended Certificate / Subsidiary Diploma and BB in two A Levels including B in Maths or Computer Science

You will also need: 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)

T Level

Merit in any T level

You will also need: 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)

International Baccalaureate Diploma

555 in three Higher Levels or 30 points

OR

554 including 5 in Maths (any) or Computer Science or 29 points including 5 in Higher Level Maths (any) or Computer Science

Contextual Offer: 554 in three Higher Levels or 29 points

OR

543 including 5 in Maths (any), or Computer Science or 28 points including 5 in Higher Level Maths (any) or Computer Science

You will also need: 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, or 5 in IB Middle Years Maths, or 4 in IB Diploma Standard Level Maths (any), plus an English language qualification (see below)

International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme

We encourage applications with the IBCP but recognise that your combination of qualifications may differ depending on where you are studying.

If you are taking a BTEC National Diploma / Diploma with one or more Higher Levels, your offer will be similar to our BTEC + A level offer (see 'BTEC National Diploma / Diploma') but with an HL requirement of 6 for A, 5 for B, or 4 for C.

For any other combination, please contact the University Admissions Team for advice.

You will also need: 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)

Access to HE Diploma

122 UCAS points in any Access to HE Diploma, including Distinction in at least 30 Level 3 credits.

OR

112 UCAS points in an Access to HE Diploma with Maths or Computer Science related content, including Distinction in at least 15 Level 3 credits. Please contact the University Admissions Team for advice on whether your chosen course would qualify.

You will also need: 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)

Welsh Baccalaureate / Bagloriaeth Cymru

The Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate is equivalent to one full A level at the same grade and can be included alongside 2 other A levels in a standard A level offer for this course (see A level). All subject specific requirements will still need to be met.

Scotland - Highers and Advanced Highers

BBBCC in five Highers, or CC in two Advanced Highers and CC in two Highers, or CCC in three Advanced Highers

OR

BCCCC in five Highers including Maths or Computer Science Higher, or CD in two Advanced Highers and CC in two Highers including Maths or Computer Science Higher or Advanced Higher, or CCD in three Advanced Highers including Maths or Computer Science Advanced Higher

You will also need: C in National 5 Maths, or C in Higher Maths (including as one of the Highers taken as part of your offer), or 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)

Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)

If you have B or higher in the EPQ and are studying A levels, BTEC, the International Baccalaureate Diploma, or an Access to HE Diploma, you will typically receive an alternative offer which will be lower than the standard offer. Please see 'Alternative and contextual offers' below.

Core Maths

If you have B or higher in Core Maths and are studying A levels, BTEC, the International Baccalaureate, or an Access to HE Diploma, you will typically receive an alternative offer which will be lower than the standard offer. Please see 'Alternative and contextual offers' below.

Ireland - Leaving Certificate

H3, H3, H4, H4, H4, H4 in the Irish Leaving Certificate

OR

H3, H4, H4, H4, H4, H4 in the Irish Leaving Certificate, including H4 in Maths or Computer Science

You will also need: O4 / H6 in Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)

China - Gaokao

73% in the Gaokao

OR

70% in the Gaokao including 70% in Maths or Computer Science

You will also need: 60% in Senior Secondary School or Gaokao Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)

India - Standard XII

Average of 70% from four subjects in the ICSE, CBSE or Western Bengal Standard XII, or average of 75% from four subjects in any other Standard XII

OR

Average of 65% from four subjects, including 70% in Maths or Computer Science in the ICSE, CBSE or Western Bengal Standard XII, or average of 70% from four subjects including 75% in Maths or Computer Science in any other Standard XII

You will also need: 6 or C2 in Secondary School Examination Maths, or Pass in Standard XII Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)

Germany - Abitur

2.2 overall average in the Abitur

OR

2.4 overall average in the Abitur, including 12 in Maths or Computer Science

You will also need: 10 in Maths in the Abitur, plus an English language qualification (see below)

France - Baccalaureate

13 in the French Baccalaureate / International Option Baccalaureate / Baccalauréat Français International.

OR

12 in the French Baccalaureate/International Option Baccalaureate including 13 in Maths or Computer Science, or 12.5 in the Baccalauréat Français International including 12.5 in Maths or Computer Science

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)

Hong Kong - Diploma

444 from two electives and one core subject in the HKDSE

OR

443 from two electives and one core subject in the HKDSE including 4 in Maths or Computer Science

You will also need: 2 in HKDSE Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)

Spain - Bachillerato

Overall average of 7.4 in the Título de Bachillerato

OR

Overall average of 7.0 in the Título de Bachillerato including 8 in Maths or Computer Science

You will also need: 5 in Graduado en Educación Secundaria (GES) Maths or 6 in Título de Bachiller Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)

Italy - Diploma di Esame di Stato

80% in the Esame di Stato

OR

75% in the Esame di Stato including 8 in Maths or Computer Science

You will also need: 5 in Maths in the Diploma, plus an English language qualification (see below)

Cyprus - Apolytirion

18 / 86% in the Apolytirion

OR

17.5 / 83% in the Apolytirion including 18 in Maths or Computer Science

You will also need: 14 in Maths in the Apolytirion, plus an English language qualification (see below)

Portugal

Overall average of 15.5 in a secondary certificate

OR

Overall average of 15 including 16 in Maths or Computer Science

You will also need: 10 in secondary certificate Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)

Canada - Diploma

65% / BBBCC in five courses in the Grade 12 Diploma

OR

60% / BCCCC in five courses in the Grade 12 Diploma including 70% in Advanced Functions and 70% in Calculus and Vectors or Computer Science

You will also need: 50% in Grade 11 Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)

Kenya - KCSE / Diploma

We do not accept the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education for direct entry. However, you can apply to study an International Foundation Year at Keele University International College. On successful completion, you can progress to an undergraduate degree at Keele

We may accept a two year Diploma. Please contact the University Admissions Team for advice.

Nigeria - Senior School Certificate / OND

We do not accept the Senior School Certificate (WAEC or NECO) for direct entry. However, you can apply to study an International Foundation Year at Keele University International College. On successful completion, you can progress to an undergraduate degree at Keele.

We may accept an Ordinary National Diploma with GPA of 2.5 or a Merit / Lower Credit. Please contact the University Admissions Team for advice.

USA - Advanced Placement

444 from three Advanced Placement subjects

OR

443 from three Advanced Placement subjects including Calculus (either) or Computer Science

You will also need: Grade C in Grade 12 High School Diploma Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)

Ghana

We do not accept the West African Senior School Certificate Examination for direct entry. However, you can apply to study an International Foundation Year at Keele University International College. On successful completion, you can progress to an undergraduate degree at Keele.

Sri Lanka - Advanced Level

BBB in three Advanced levels

OR

BBC including B in Combined Maths or Computer Science

You will also need: C in O-Level Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)

Malaysia - STPM

BBB in three Principal level subjects in the STPM

OR

BBC in three Principal level subjects in the STPM including B in Maths or Computer Science

You will also need: C in SPM Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)

Pakistan - Secondary School Certificate

We do not accept the Secondary School Certificate for direct entry. However, you can apply to study an International Foundation Year at Keele University International College. On successful completion, you can progress to an undergraduate degree at Keele.

Singapore - A Levels (H2)

BBB in three H2 levels

OR

BBC in three H2 levels including B in Combined Maths or Computer Science

You will also need: C in O-Level Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)

European Baccalaureate

72% overall

OR

70% overall with with 7 in Maths (5 period) or Computer Science (5 period)

You will also need: 6 in European Baccalaureate Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)

NCUK

Pass NCUK Foundation Year with BBB and Grade C in EAP English Language module

OR

Pass NCUK Foundation Year with BBC including B in Mathematics or Computer Science and Grade C in EAP English Language module

You will also need: 4 / C in GCSE Maths or international equivalent

Uganda - Advanced Certificate of Education

BBB in three Principal level subjects in the Advanced Certificate of Education

OR

BBC in three Principal level subjects in the Advanced Certificate of Education including B in Maths or Computer Science

You will also need: 6 in UACE or UCE Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)

Zimbabwe - Advanced Level GCE

BBB in three Advanced Level subjects

OR

BBC in three Advanced Level subjects including B in Pure Maths or Computer Science

You will also need: 4 / C in GCSE Maths or B in Maths O Level or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)

English Program Requirements

All of our courses require an English language qualification or test. For most students, this requirement can be met with a 4 or C in GCSE English. Please see our English Language guidance pages for further details, including English language test information for international students. For those students who require an English language test, this course requires a test from Group A.

Career

Your future career

95% of Keele students are in employment or further study within 15 months of finishing their studies (HESA Graduate Outcomes, 2019/20)

Computer science careers have seen a huge rise over the last ten years and are expected to grow substantially for the foreseeable future. You will acquire extremely transferable skills, relevant to a wide range of industries. Many of our graduates move into employment that is directly computing-related, for example as systems analysts, software engineers and consultants. A number of graduates also go on to study for higher degrees in a wide range of subject areas.

On completion of your degree you will learn to:

Locate and analyse evidence
Conduct digital forensic investigations
Undertake research to solve problems and write reports about their findings and compile evidence that would stand in a court of law
Develop computing applications for varied discipline specific problem domains
Plan and manage the development and use of computing systems
Study in digital forensic laboratory setting, which will be equipped with forensic workstations and forensic software typically found in digital forensic units

Jobs related to your degree include:

Computer Forensic Technician
Cyber Forensic Investigator
Digital Forensics Analyst
Forensics Engineer
Security Analyst
Senior Consultant, Digital Forensics
Senior Digital Forensics and Incident Response

Please note you may need to take further study to enter some of the professions listed above.

Keele Careers and Employability team

Keele’s Careers and Employability team (Shortlisted for Best University Careers Employment Service - National Undergraduate Employability Awards, 2021), offers a variety of personal and career development opportunities to enhance your employability.
From mock interviews, careers guidance and CV advice, to careers fairs, alumni mentoring and networking events, along with helping you find part-time and graduate employment - the team will support you throughout your studies and beyond.

Find out more about our careers and employability services, including career planning, alumni mentoring, jobs, internships, starting your own business and much more.