Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
Bachelor of Science with Honours Cyber Security and Digital Forensics, Level 4, 2023/24 - Course Handbook
Welcome to the Course
This handbook provides you with information that you will need on your course. You should find it helpful when you first start, when you are preparing for assessment and at any time that you need help or advice in connection with your studies here. You will also receive a Module Handbook for each module you study on your course.
The course team is looking forward to working with you this year and we hope that your time studying with us at Leeds Beckett University is both enjoyable and successful.
On behalf of our University and the whole course team I would like to wish you well in your studies.
Dr Pip Trevorrow
Course Director - Forensics & Security
It gives me great pleasure to welcome you to the School of Built Environment, Engineering and Computing.
Whether you are joining us as a new student or returning to continue your studies, and whether your course is on-campus, distance learning, degree apprenticeships or you are on one of our UK and overseas collaborative and franchise courses, we hope you will enjoy your experience and find your studies interesting, challenging and relevant to your development and future career plans.
Our aim is to provide students with a research informed, innovative and relevant curriculum that is linked to current industry practices and standards. Our courses are highly valued by employers, professional bodies and other stakeholders. Our School has a strong tradition of delivering programmes that provide students with the opportunity for academic and practical experience. This approach, coupled with our close involvement with employers, produces graduates who are highly regarded in the workplace.
Through our approach to student support and to teaching and learning we aim to place you, our students and apprentices, at the heart of everything we do. You will experience a diverse range of teaching approaches. We also use a variety of different methods of assessment and attach considerable importance to providing you feedback on your assessments.
As a School we strive to be student-centred and value your opinions and feedback. We want to hear about the things you enjoy and that you think we do well, but also want to know when you think there are ways in which we can improve your experience. There are many ways in which you can provide feedback including through your student academic representatives, through written or on-line module evaluation feedback forms and through student open meetings, forums with staff and student representative meetings with me.
We maintain a strong commitment to our undergraduate and postgraduate programmes and our facilities are well equipped for each major area of our course provision. Our Built Environment, Planning, Geography and Civil and Building Services Engineering courses are situated in the heart of the City at Northern Terrace Building, with the Computing and Electrical and Electronic Engineering courses located in Leighton Building at our Headingley Campus.
If you are studying on campus, where possible, the majority of your teaching will take place at the School's buildings; however, some teaching sessions may be scheduled in other buildings on our City Campus and Headingley Campus. The City Campus library is located in the Leslie Silver Building, which is adjacent to Northern Terrace, while the James Graham Building houses the library at our Headingley Campus.
I wish you every success for this academic year.
Professor Akintola Akintoye, Dean of School
Leeds Beckett Students' Union (LBSU) is led by students for students! Their mission is to make your uni life better! Your Student Officer Team is elected by you to lead the Students' Union into the academic year. They represent all Leeds Beckett students and campaign for the changes you want to see in the university and beyond. They do this by representing your interests, giving you the chance to socialise and meet new people, hosting CV-boosting opportunities, and providing advice and support when you need it most. Shape your own experience by submitting your thoughts through your Course Rep, or if you'd like to influence the Students' Union's policy stance on particular issues or share ideas for improving the student experience across the University, submit your ideas on the Have Your Say platform, which is designed to make change happen! Below you'll find information on a few of their services but if you've any questions, please feel free to get in touch.
Silas Ozoya, your Academic Experience Officer, also wanted to say a few words to introduce himself: "Hey There! I'm Silas, your Academic Experience Officer. It's my job to ensure your academic experience at Leeds Beckett is the best it can be! We're a friendly and open-minded bunch at LBSU, so don't hesitate to get in touch with us! I'm looking forward to meeting you very soon!"
Contact LBSU at:
Email: lbsu-welcome@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Phone: 0113 812 8400
Website: www.leedsbeckettsu.co.uk
- Following the lifting of all pandemic restrictions and advice from the Department for Education, we currently anticipate that no social distancing measures will be in place on campus during the 2023/24 academic year, enabling a normal on-campus experience. Our aim is to ensure that our students experience Leeds Beckett University, our courses, campuses, facilities and services to the fullest extent possible, while maintaining an environment where students and staff feel safe.
- In all cases, the health and safety of students and staff is our priority and we will continue to follow guidance from the UK Health Security Agency, the Department for Education and all other recognised government agencies (such as the Office for Students) in full and keep matters under close review at all times. The advice and restrictions may change before and/or during the academic year, either nationally or in response to local conditions and rates of infection and include the need for social distancing measures and other restrictions. Our flexible delivery model allows us to revert to a blended and/or remote delivery model if this becomes necessary. In a worst case scenario it is possible our campuses may need to close.
- In the event that delivery is restricted as a consequence of pandemic restrictions, we will keep you informed of planned changes as they arise, to ensure you are provided with accurate information.
Key Contacts & Keeping in Touch
Claire Howson
Course Administrator
T: 0113 8123609
E: C.Howson@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
These will be emailed once elected.
Karen Fisher, Catherine Parkin, Maria Simoes, Jennie Winterburn
Email: beeclibrary@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
The contact details of other key services, such as Student Advice, Disability Advice, Student Wellbeing, the Library, Student Money, Careers, Students' Union Advice Service and Students' Union Student Voice Team can be found on the Students web page.
Academic and administrative staff at our University use your student email address to contact you. It is important that you check this account regularly. You can forward emails from your student email address to a preferred personal email address, however, quarantine and spam filters needed by our University mean that emails sent from external email addresses may be delayed, blocked or deleted. It is therefore important that your student email address is the only email address that you use to contact University staff. Information on how to access your student email address can be found on the Library Student IT Support page (http://libguides.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/it_support/office365/outlook)
Please make sure that you inform your Course Administration team whenever you change your address and contact details. It is important that you also update your records yourself. You can do this via the My Account/Update my Data tab on MyBeckett. This will ensure we can always contact you in an emergency, and that you receive any important University communications that we may need to send you.
We will inform you of class activities and course notifications, including any cancellations. This will be done via email to your student email address or via a VLE announcement. It is important that you check your student email account and VLE on a daily basis. For each module, the Module Handbook will include the preferred method of communicating general information about that module to you.
MS Teams is part of the Office 365 suite used by staff and students for communication and collaboration:
- Access via MyBeckett on University devices as well as on personal mobiles via a free downloadable app.
- Participate in online meetings and video conferencing in groups or one-to-one.
- Work on shared content, ideas, projects and online learning.
- Utilise breakout rooms to create more dynamic sessions
Further information is available on the Library's MS Teams FAQ web page.
Your course team will advise how Skype for Business will be used on your course and make guidance available as required.
Timetable Information
The University’s standard term dates are available on our Academic Calendars web page.
Taught sessions, both mandatory and optional, will be scheduled and included in your online timetable. Depending on your course, this may also include scheduled online teaching and learning sessions where student engagement is required at a specified time or tutor pre-recorded lectures.
Normally, timetables will be made available to continuing students on 31st July and during induction week for new students via:
- The Student Portal (MyBeckett)
- The Leeds Beckett app
You should discuss any difficulties relating to your engagement with timetabled sessions with your Course Administrator.
Course Overview
This course aims to bring together a merge of the disciplines cyber security and digital forensics. Students who undertake the course will be proficient within the two subject areas, and be in a position to perform digital forensic analysis and/or implement cyber security mechanisms into any business they obtain employment with.
With an increase in the use of digital devices within every walk of life this means that there is not a single crime that a digital device cannot be linked to. There is an ever growing demand for digital forensic techniques as the number of digital devices and the volume of data that can be stored rapidly increases. Cyber attacks are rising: the impact on companies both is terms of the financial implications and security breaches is significant and of concern. Companies and institutions are bound by the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which requires that data be kept secure and accurate. Companies and institutions are only too aware of the legal implications of security breaches and leaked data and are therefore implementing more rigid and pronounced cyber security and management policies.
With the ever increasing use of digital devices and the risks posed by them, and an increase in recent years of cybercrime, it is commonly understood that the skill sets required for cyber security and digital forensics are essentially the same, and are complementary where they differ (or any differences are complementary). Students with the dual skill set are not only ultimately in the position to undertake a more rigorous digital forensic analysis, but also to implement more robust security mechanisms. Fundamental to this is the understanding of computer systems and the broader computing field which is addressed throughout the levels of the course.
Students on the Cyber Security and Digital Forensics course will learn to not only secure and test the security of computer systems and networks, but will also be able to analyse the systems for evidence of breaches following evidential standards. Students will learn through practical applications on our bespoke Hactivity system designed and created, in house, to replicate real world business systems and potential attacks. Students will gain expertise in the use of digital forensic techniques and analysis through appropriate tools, commercially used in industry (Encase, XRY) and open source variants (Autopsy, FTK Imager), and will develop an understanding of the motivation for crimes. Students will also work with employers, lawyers and experts to gain experience of preparing work for use by courts and customers and subsequently presenting it.
The two subject areas have many facets, and therefore the numbers of optional modules within the award are limited. This allows the teaching team to cover the two subject areas to the depth expected of a graduate with such a degree.
The programme will provide a mix of academic and practical content; provide students with the theoretical knowledge to excel in their field and the practical experience to be able to physically implement their skills. The course will allow students who are unsure as to which field to focus on, to become proficient in both; creating additional career paths.
The course aims to prepare students for a career in the cyber security and/or digital forensics industry working with small consultancies or large organisations, including the police. However, the course will also prepare students for any career in the IT sector including software development, web design, IT network management and database administration within business, voluntary or public sectors.
At the end of the course, students will have:
-A systematic understanding of key aspects of cyber security and digital forensics, including acquisition of coherent and detailed knowledge, at least some of which is at, or informed by, the forefront of the discipline
-An ability to deploy accurately established techniques of analysis and design that encompass internationally recognised standards
-A wide breadth of understanding that enables students to devise and sustain arguments and solve problems using ideas and techniques, some of which are at the forefront of cyber security and digital forensics practice, and describe and comment upon particular aspects of current research, or equivalent advanced scholarship
-The skills and understanding to undertake projects to a professional industry recognised standards, within cyber security and digital forensics, by the consistent application and review of development, management and evaluation methods and techniques
-An ability to independently undertake research and critically evaluate arguments, assumptions, abstract concepts and data (that may be incomplete), to make judgements, and to frame appropriate questions to achieve a solution or identify a range of solutions to a problem.
-A detailed and critical understanding of the legal, social, ethical and professional issues pertaining to cyber security and digital forensics and which have a significant influence on professional practice in these fields.
1 | Explain fundamental concepts and principles of cyber security and digital forensics |
2 | Convey technical information which is accurate and has clarity |
3 | Identify the application of principles of legal / ethical issues within the actual practice of self and/or others |
4 | Use specified ICT applications and strategies for a restricted range of given purposes and tasks |
5 | Solve simple, defined problems by selecting an approach from those suggested |
Assessment & Feedback
Assessment at all levels (4, 5 & 6) is by a broadly even mix of coursework and practical assessments.
Please note the exam/assessment periods in the academic calendar and make sure that you are available during those periods. Further details of your schedule of examinations can be found on your timetable once the examination schedule is released. Coursework submission deadlines can normally be found on MyBeckett, on course noticeboards or in individual Module Handbooks/other module guides.
Disabled students requiring adjustments to assessments/examinations should contact Disability Advice as soon as possible. We can only guarantee that adjustments can be put in place if students have contacted us by the following deadlines:
Semester 1 - 10th November 2023
Semester 2 - 8th March 2024
Contact us:
Email: disabilityadvice@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Tel: 0113 812 5831
Website: https://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/student-information/disability-advice/
It is important for your progression and achievement that you submit all work for all assignments in a timely manner. It is also important that you keep copies of all work submitted until after you have graduated. You should also keep any receipts confirming the submission of assignments. In the event of your submitted work being lost you may be required to produce a copy of the work and submission receipt. If you are unable to do so, your work will not be marked.
It is important to note that submitting all assignments is a requirement of your course. Should you experience extenuating circumstances which prevent you from submitting on time please make yourself aware of the Mitigation and Extenuating Circumstances process. Without any form of extenuating circumstances, standard penalties apply for late submission of assessed work. Full details of the penalties for late submission of course work are available in section 3 of the Academic Regulations at https://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/our-university/public-information/academic-regulations/. Please check the penalties that apply to this course as some Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Body requirements may mean that different penalties apply.
If you have been recommended 'flexibility around deadlines' as a reasonable adjustment in a Reasonable Adjustment Plan, your Course Administrator will be able to advise you of the process.
You may be required to submit your written work via Turnitin; further information on Turnitin is available here: http://libguides.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/mybeckett/turnitin
Assessed work will normally be returned with appropriate feedback within four weeks of your submission. Each Module Handbook will provide you with specific guidelines on how and when you will receive feedback on your assessments.
The practical nature of a cyber course often allows demonstration of work to be incorporated into the assessment. This promotes student presentation and communication skills, while providing an opportunity for immediate feedback and discussion with tutors. This presentation of work is particularly useful as a mechanism for providing formative feedback but also plays as important role in summative assessment as well. In particular through group work students are encouraged to feedback to their peers the level of effectiveness of their contributions and commitment to the assessment.
Students are encouraged to obtain formative feedback of assessments from their tutors during scheduled meetings and timetabled sessions.
Written feedback is given against assessment criteria and in many cases this is provided via the VLE. Interim summative assessment is often used within individual modules to encourage engagement and build student confidence.
Results from module assessments and decisions on progression to the next level of study (e.g., from Level 4 to Level 5 of an undergraduate degree) or awards (if you are in the final level) are available on the Results Online system: www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/studenthub/results-online.htm.
Results will appear within Results Online five working days after the date of the Progression and Award Board meeting (the meeting where your end of level outcome will be decided) or the Module Board meeting (the meeting where modular outcomes are decided).
If you are unsure about when you might receive your results or have queries relating to your results, you should contact your Course Administrator.
The University recognises that, from time to time, students may encounter issues which may prevent them from being able to submit or take assessment. Where this is the case, students may be able to submit their 'extenuating circumstances' for consideration. Please see the Mitigation and Extenuating Circumstances web page for further information.
If you have not passed a module at the first attempt you will be eligible for re-assessment. See your Module Handbook for details of the relevant re-assessment process (e.g., whether it is coursework, an examination, a presentation or other form of assessment/when it will take place/what the deadline is). You will be advised via Results Online of your options for re-assessment. You are advised to contact your Course Director, Course Administrator or Academic Advisor for any necessary clarification.
Details about our Appeals process can be found on the appeals web page.
Academic integrity means intellectual honesty and is part of good academic practice. Further information can be found on our academic integrity web page.
Teaching & Learning
For each module students will normally receive a weekly lecture followed by a tutorial or practical lab based session(s). In addition, some modules will be supplemented with optional drop-in workshop sessions. These are supplemented with a programme of guest speakers and/or industry led seminars. This structure is preferred within such a vocational award where students are learning specialised material for a specific career.
This is a very hands-on subject area where theory alone would be unlikely to allow a student to achieve successful employment in this area. Practical exercises allow for students to implement their theoretical learning and see how it relates to industry. Practical solutions are achieved through the replication of exercises such as compromised computer systems and mobile devices that students must analyse - similar to that as found in industry. Many of these examples are available through open source community projects but are also built in-house when suitable external material is not available.
The use of a team project at Level 5 allows students to develop communication skills with their peers, this will include where possible, mixing with other cultures and individuals that they may not have originally chosen to work with as they are outside of their direct friendship group. Any issues that arise within group work such as difficulties with other group members are carefully managed through distanced support of the group where possible, so as to get the students to deal with the issues themselves. Where distance support is not possible tutors will directly resolve the issue working with the group to rectify and identify solutions.
Students are encouraged to debate within a variety of learning environments, including in-class and through the VLE discussion boards and additional chat applications where appropriate - this helps to develop respectful appreciation of their peers. Through encouraging students to use industry forums and scholarly research, students interact with a range of cultures and thinking that they are required to draw upon and evaluate within several modules.
The use of an induction session begins the process of welcoming students to the University and the course. Students are introduced to the support mechanisms in place, school and university wide, and begin to develop relationships with their peers. Students are placed into small teaching /tutorial groups that they will remain with for the first year of their study. Each group has an assigned Academic Adviser who will run weekly Course Tutorials (external to the formal teaching modules) with their group during each semester. The Course Tutorials cover elements such as academic integrity, study plans, referencing, employability; in order to help support the students learning and progression through their first year of study. Each student will have a one to one meeting with their Academic Adviser at least once a semester in order to discuss progress and help with settling into university life.
Level 4
Fundamentals of Digital Forensics
Ethical Hacking and Penetration Testing
Computer Communications
Fundamentals of Databases
Fundamentals of Computer Programming
Object Oriented Programming
Level 5
Digital Forensic Processing
Web and Network Security
Cyber Security Landscapes
Digital Forensics Analysis
Team Project
Level 5 Elective Modules
Software Systems Development
Web Application and Technologies
Database Systems
Level 6
Production Project
Mobile Forensics Investigation
Systems Security
Level 6 Elective Modules
Forensic Investigative Techniques
Incident Response and Investigation
Advanced Database Systems
Advanced Web Engineering
Advanced Software Engineering
Overall Workload | Level 4 | Level 5 | Level 6 |
Teaching, Learning and Assessment | 264 hours | 212 hours | 226 hours |
Independent Study | 936 hours | 988 hours | 974 hours |
Details of School academic staff can be found on the School of Built Environment, Engineering and Computing Website.
Attendance & Absence
The University expects you to attend and contribute fully to all mandatory sessions on your timetable as set out in your student contract. Engagement in your lectures, seminars and practicals is an important part of your learning - contributing both to the University community and the learning experience of your fellow students on the course. This includes engagement in scheduled virtual learning and activities and meetings in online environments related to your studies.
We monitor your engagement at the University as regular attendance and academic achievement are closely linked. Moreover, by monitoring your engagement and attendance we can identify students who may need our guidance or support at an early stage to help them progress in their studies. This is part of our commitment to ensuring an excellent education and experience and supporting your success at Leeds Beckett.
The University does understand that from time to time there is good reason why you cannot attend a class, and in this instance you must contact your School office to let them know. This may then be recorded as an 'authorised absence'.
Please note that any attendance reports can be shared with you and your Course team. You might be asked to contact your School office so that appropriate academic or pastoral support can be offered, should your attendance record give cause for concern.
Our most important aim is to support your studies, but we are also required to report attendance to various external bodies such as the Student Loan Company and the Home Office. There are measures in place for students who seek to falsely register either their own or fellow students' attendance.
Our Academic Engagement Policy is available under 'Student Contract' on the Student Regulations web page.
Please note that if your course carries professional accreditation or recognition, there may be additional course-specific attendance requirements detailed elsewhere in this handbook.
You must notify your Course Administrator if you are absent (for example for an interview, emergency unforeseen circumstances, or for compassionate leave). If you are going to apply for mitigation you will need to provide written evidence of the reason for your absence.
Please note that if your course carries professional accreditation or recognition, there may be additional course-specific absence reporting requirements detailed elsewhere in this handbook.
If you are unable to study due to Covid-19 (coronavirus) symptoms, please see the guidance available on our Covid-19 web page.
If you are unable to study because of another illness for more than 14 consecutive days (including weekends), you must provide us with a Fit Note.
You can send a digital copy of your Fit Note to your Course Administrator, and then send the original by post.
If you are absent through illness on the day of an examination or assignment deadline and you intend to apply for mitigation, you must also provide us with details as possible. Your submission for mitigation may be made online and the circumstances surrounding it may be self-certified unless your period of absence is prolonged. Generally, all absences of 2 weeks or more will require the submission of verifiable documentary evidence.
For more information on 'fit to sit' and mitigation please visit our Mitigation web page.
Please note that if your course carries professional accreditation or recognition, there may be additional course-specific absence reporting requirements detailed elsewhere in this handbook.
Any Leeds Beckett student who suspects they may have, or have been diagnosed as having a serious infectious disease such as coronavirus, Mumps, TB, measles, meningitis or chicken pox should not attend campus. For notifiable diseases, students should notify their Course Director or Course Administrator as soon as possible giving information regarding which groups of students (and/or colleagues and clients on placements) you have been in contact with and when. For some diseases, such as TB and meningitis, your doctor and our Student Wellbeing Team have a responsibility to notify the West Yorkshire Public Health Protection Team who may also wish to speak to you (or your family) to determine if others require screening or medication. You should follow advice given by the hospital or your GP about when it is safe to return to University. Further information is available on the Student Wellbeing web page.
For guidance on what to do if you have symptoms of Covid-19 (coronavirus), please visit our Covid-19 web page.
If you are thinking about changing course or withdrawing from your course, further information can be found on our Student web pages.
International Students
Please be aware that our University fully complies with United Kingdom Visas and Immigration (UKVI) policy at all times. There are legal reporting requirements for all students in the UK on a Student visa, and full attendance is mandatory for all students who have a Student visa. Failure to meet UKVI attendance and engagement requirements could lead to your academic sponsorship being withdrawn and your visa being revoked.Students who hold a Student visa need to be aware of their responsibilities whilst in the UK, please see www.ukcisa.org.uk or our Student Immigration Advice and Compliance web page for full information.
For up-to-date information about visas, immigration issues and other matters relating to international students, please visit the International Students' web pages on the Students website or email the Student Immigration Advice and Compliance Team on siac@leedsbeckett.ac.uk.
You should have been enrolled on the International Student's Academic Introduction module in MyBeckett when you began your studies - if you missed this you can self-enrol and explore the content which introduces you to making the academic transition to a UK university. Please refer to Library page supporting international students
Professional Accreditation or Recognition Associated with the Course
A graduate meets some or all of the educational requirements for registration with BCS as a Chartered IT Professional (CITP). BCS will not accredit until graduates have exited the award.
The team is currently applying for accreditation with the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC).
Sandwich Placement Information
Leeds Beckett is dedicated to improving the employability of our students and one of the ways in which we do this is to support our students to gain valuable work experience through work based placements. Our placement teams have developed strong links with companies, many of whom repeatedly recruit our students into excellent placement roles. Our teams are dedicated to supporting students through every stage of the placement process. For further information, contact our placement teams via our Placement Information web page.
The Placement is 30 weeks' duration taken between years 2 and 3 (levels 5 and 6). The institution in which the placement is taken will be different for each student.
Students are responsible for obtaining their own placement, with assistance from the University. The locations will vary, dependant on the opportunity.
'In Year' Work Placement Information
The course offers an optional Sandwich (placement) opportunity for a 30-week duration. The placement takes place between year 2 and 3 (level 5 and 6) of the course. Whilst an optional activity, students are strongly encouraged to take this chance to work within a suitable institution/organisation in order to get some real life experience and add to their employability skills. Students will be expected to find their own placement, though will be supported by our Placement Team through searching, CV writing, interview practice, and networking with potential placement institutions. Whilst on placement the students will have an in-house placement supervisor in addition to a Leeds Beckett staff supervisor who will maintain regular contact with the student and will arrange 2 visits during the 30-week placement. The placement is a pass/fail. Failing the placement, or choosing not to take a placement, does not impact upon the student's progression to level 6 but the end award will not carry the 'Sandwich' recognition.
The placement is 30 weeks' duration taken between years 2 and 3 (levels 5 and 6). The institution in which the placement is taken will be different for each student.
Location may vary dependent on the opportunity or type of placement secured.
Skills, Employability & Graduate Opportunities
The skills developed within the course are focused on those desired by employers; such as communication, team working and understanding of computers. This is in conjunction with the projects at Level 5 and Level 6, that allow students to undertake simulated work-related tasks and roles that they would be anticipated to undertake if they successfully obtained a career in this sector.
These projects include professional analysis of situations and communications with clients and peers as to the process that must be followed.
You will have opportunities to gain recognition during your time at Leeds Beckett University for the extra activities you do in addition to your studies, including volunteering, student societies, playing in our University sports teams and being a Course Representative.
By joining a society with Leeds Beckett Students' Union, you can make new friends, have fun, try something new and enhance your CV - societies provide a great opportunity to learn new skills and improve your existing ones. It can be difficult to get to know new people at university but don't worry, everyone is in the same boat! Our Leeds Beckett Students' Union believe that joining a student-led society is the best way to meet new people and make lifelong friends. There are so many societies out there - from course-based to hobby-based to religious to political and campaigning. Whether you're just starting out at Leeds Beckett or working on your last year of study, it is never too late to find the right society for you - or start one yourself!
Course-based societies are a great way to meet people on your course, expand your networks and celebrate your achievements together such as end of year Society Balls. If you have a great idea for a society, we can help you get it up and running. There are resources and support available for all societies - including funding to help make your society goals a reality. For more information on starting your own society, visit: leedsbeckettsu.co.uk/societies/create.
There are three Graduate Attributes for Leeds Beckett University and these are tailored to suit your course. The three attributes you should achieve by the end of the course are for you to be digitally literate, have a global outlook and for you to be enterprising. Learning about these attributes and being assessed on them as part of your modules will provide you with capabilities which are essential for your future career and wider life as you move on from your studies here. You will be formally assessed on all the attributes in some of your modules at each academic level in each year of your course. For more information on graduate attributes please visit https://skillsforlearning.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/local/graduate_attributes/category_homepage.shtml
Information on your assessment is included in your Module Handbooks.
The graduate attributes are developed throughout the course. The aim is to develop each of the attributes via practical exercises, discussions and assessment. Each attribute is addressed at each level with an intention of consolidating and enhancing the attribute further as the student progresses. By its nature, the course develops a very high level of digital literacy in all its students. Students are expected to demonstrate self-learning, problem solving ability, and global and digital awareness by the time they graduate.
Students are actively encouraged to engage with industry related forums to provide research in the subject area and/or learn from their potential industry peers. Students are also encouraged to engage with the University VLE for all course documentation and the course/level Facebook group that facilitates student's discussions, and allows for information to be given to students in a familiar technological situation. In particular throughout the course, at various stages, students are expected to undertake practical analysis work of unknown data using a variety of known and unknown tools and resources. Students will be required to research and identify tools they have no prior experience of to complete tasks through exploratory processes.
The course has been designed to provide students with the skills to enter a career in cyber forensics and/or security. Students will be dual skilled upon completion; broadening their potential employment market. The skills for posts which are identified as suitable for graduates are reviewed to ensure the skills that are being developed are accurate and reflect industry requirements - this is also undertaken through employer engagement as well as pro-active career searching. Advantage is also taken of students returning from, and applying for, placements; these students have a great insight into the field and potential improvements and recommendations that can be made to the course.
For those who wish to further their education through postgraduate study the course will provide a solid foundation on which graduates may continue to study a forensics or security related postgraduate qualification (MRes, MSc or PhD).
Due to the nature of the degree and the embedding of in-depth practical skills previous graduates have gained employment in a wide range of graduate schemes and in roles including forensic analysis, penetration testing, SOC analyst, software developer and many other IT related roles.
Learning Support
If you have a question or a problem relating to your course, your Course Administrator is there to help you. Course Administrators work closely with academic staff and can make referrals to teaching staff or to specialist professional services as appropriate. They can give you a confirmation of attendance letter, and a transcript. You may also like to contact your Course Rep or the Students' Union Advice team for additional support with course-related questions.
Your Academic Advisor will be an academic member of staff who teaches you on your course. Your Course Director will make sure that you are given the contact details of your Academic Advisor at the beginning of each year, usually in your course induction. Further details on the role of your Academic Advisor are available on the Academic Advisor web page.
If you need support, but you're not sure where to go, your Student Advice Team are here to help. The team are an essential part of your Student Support Network and are dedicated to ensuring you can access the advice and support you need, when you need it most.
Student Advice can also help in the practical elements of university. The team will produce your first campus card and assist you in replacing your campus card if needed throughout your time at Leeds Beckett. They can provide Confirmation of Enrolment and Bank Letters for our current students and full or partial transcripts for our graduates and fully enrolled students.
If you need help with more complex queries or concerns, our trained Student Life Advisers offer 1-1 appointments, providing a safe, confidential, and non-judgemental space to talk about your circumstances and identify support that you can access both within and outside of the university.
To contact the team, or to arrange an appointment, visit The Student Advice webpage for full details.
The Student Voice & Insight team at LBSU works alongside the elected Academic Experience Officer to effectively represent students' academic interests.
We provide support, training and ongoing development to over 1,000 Course Representatives, Postgraduate Research Reps, Student Community Leaders and Global Majority Student Ambassadors who represent you whilst you study at Leeds Beckett; and facilitate the collection of student feedback on your academic experience.
Unsure who your Course Rep is? Maybe you're interested in becoming a Course Rep or have feedback about your academic experience? Get in touch at:
- Email: studentvoice@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
- Telephone: 0113 812 8400
- Website: leedsbeckettsu.co.uk/your-voice
You can find information and resources online through the Support and Opportunities tabs in MyBeckett. In the Support tab, you can find details of a range of services that provide academic and personal support. These include Student Advice, Library Services, the Students' Union, Student Money, Disability Advice, Student Wellbeing, Student Immigration Advice and Compliance and Accommodation. There is also an A-Z of Support Services, and access to online appointments/registration.
In the Opportunities tab, you can explore the options you have for jobs, work placements, volunteering, and a wide range of other opportunities. For example, you can find out here how to get help with your CV, prepare for an interview, get a part-time job or a voluntary role, take part in an international project, or join societies closer to home.
If you have a disability, long-term physical or mental health condition, or a specific learning difference, we believe this should never be a barrier to studying at our University.
Please get in touch with us as soon as possible so we can ensure everything is in place before your course starts.
What should I do next?
- We will ask you to provide evidence of your disability, usually from a health professional or educational psychologist. Don't worry if you haven't got any, we can support you with this.
- Usually, we will arrange an appointment with your Disability Adviser to discuss any adjustments you might need and support you in applying for Disabled Students' Allowances (DSA).
- We will work with you to ensure any adjustments you need are available so you can fully participate on your course.
Please watch this short video about how the Disability Advice Team can work with you.
Disabled students can also access the Disability Resource Areas in each library and the support provided by the Library Learning Support Officer. More information is available on the Library website.
What is Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA)?
DSA is government funding to help with the cost of any additional support you might need while studying, such as: one-to-one support, specialist equipment (including useful software) and travel. For more information visit our website.
Contact Us:
Email: disabilityadvice@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Tel: 0113 812 5831
Website: https://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/student-information/disability-advice/
The Library
The Library offers 24/7 support for your studies. You can access thousands of resources via MyBeckett or the Library website which also provides full details of all our services.
Library Academic Support
The Library Academic Support Team can help you develop your academic skills such as critical thinking, academic writing and analysing data, and research skills such as how to find, use and evaluate information for your studies. The team liaises with your lecturers to provide the information resources you need for your subject and to arrange academic skills sessions to support you in your studies.
The team maintains a number of websites and modules to support your learning:
- In your Subject guide, you'll find a variety of information resources which have been selected as a good starting point for research in that area. These are available on the Skills and Subject Support web page or via My Beckett.
- On the Skills for Learning website, you'll find online resources covering topics such as essay writing, research and time management, English Language and academic English plus information to help you reference and avoid plagiarism, alongside details of workshops that are designed to help you succeed in your assessments. The Skills for Learning website can be found on the Library website or via My Beckett.
- LBU Study Smart is a module in MyBeckett which introduces you to the key skills and services you'll need to study successfully at Leeds Beckett. There are also additional modules you can take as you move through your course to help you transition between study levels. The Academic Integrity Tutorial is a module in MyBeckett which introduces you to academic integrity at LBU and will help you develop the skills you need to attain good academic practice, including avoiding plagiarism and academic referencing.
- The Academic Integrity Tutorial is a module in MyBeckett which introduces you to academic integrity at LBU and will help you develop the skills you need to attain good academic practice, including avoiding plagiarism and academic referencing.
Library and Student IT Advice Service
The Library and Student IT Advice Service team can answer your queries on borrowing, finding information, passwords, multi-factor authentication (MFA) ,Office 365, online meetings, saving your work, MyBeckett and more:
- online (including 24/7 chat) via the Contact Us web page
- by phone - 0113 812 1000 (24/7 IT support)
- face-to-face in either of our Libraries, check Library opening times for details of when staff are available
They also have a wide range of short tutorials available on the Library's YouTube channel.
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi on the University campus is provided by eduroam, a secure wireless network, which also allows you Wi-Fi access if you visit other universities. To connect:
- Select eduroam from available Wi-Fi
- Your login details are:
Username followed by @leedsbeckett: e.g. c1234567@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Password: your normal university password
*Android Users: Select under Phase 2 Authentication - MS-CHAPv2
Help is available on the Library's Wi-Fi web page.
Microsoft Office 365
You are provided with free access to Office 365 and the latest version of Office can be downloaded from the IT tab in MyBeckett or from office.com. All students who are registered for a qualification at Leeds Beckett University are eligible and you can use the subscription for the duration of your course. For instructions and more information, please see the Office 365 support page.
OneDrive
OneDrive Leeds Beckett is your individual file storage with 1TB of storage space. With OneDrive you can access and share your files across your devices. This is accessible on University PCs and off-campus through Office 365 portal. See the Saving your Work pages on the Library website for more information.
Leeds Beckett RemoteApp
The Leeds Beckett RemoteApp gives you access to a range of specialist software for your course on your personal devices. See the RemoteApp page on the Library website for more information.
Media Equipment - free loans
You can borrow high-end Media Equipment for free. Browse, reserve and collect equipment ranging from GoPros to Remote Presenters from the ground floor of the Shelia Silver and Headingley Libraries. Further information is available on the Media Equipment web page.
University life can have its ups and downs, and occasionally you may find yourself in need of advice. That's where we come in. Here at the SU we have a free advice service that is here just for you, the students at Leeds Beckett University.
The Advice Service at LBSU is a confidential, non-judgmental service run by professional advisers.
The service is independent from the University, so if you are having any problems with your course you can talk confidentially with us - although we do work with the University to find the best solutions, we would only contact them with your permission. We can advise on a range of topics including all aspects of the University Regulations and Procedures, housing issues and finance issues. We can guide you through any processes or procedures.
We're here to help you with any questions or problems you might have while you are studying at Leeds Beckett.
Get more information at www.leedsbeckettsu.co.uk/advice.
Resources
MyBeckett, the portal and virtual learning environment provides:
- access to your modules and timetables;
- your reading lists and email account;
- your personal storage area on our University IT servers;
- information on where to look for academic or personal support (Support tab);
- information on opportunities such as jobs, careers, part-time work, placements and volunteering (Opportunities tab)
- access to Library and student IT advice
Further information and support for using MyBeckett can be found on the MyBeckett Support Pages.
In order to facilitate student choice and accessibility the School adopts the policy of making available specialised software to a wide range of laboratories through the use of facilities such as the virtual learning environment/portal, university wide computing labs and other Information Technical Services (IMTS) resources.
Alongside the standard learning resources the University has invested in the development of an online virtualised computer suite - oVirt. This allows students to perform the same functions as those within the onsite specialist labs from anywhere on campus or at home. The system has gone through several iterations and now utilises a novel system, "Hacktivity", developed in house, which automatically generates unique virtual machines for each student. Our Hacktivity platform provides a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), with access to Virtual Machines (generated by our SecGen framework) that provide individualised security/hacking challenges and environments to each student. Students work through security labs, with automated chatbots (our Hackerbot system) that present hacking and defensive challenges. Hackerbots carry out real security attacks on the network against the student's VMs for defensive and investigation tasks. Completing tasks rewards students with "flags" for capture the flag (CTF) based assessments and hacking competitions. We also run regular CTF events on Hacktivity to give our students opportunities to engage beyond the course work on specific modules.
The School has access to three specialised laboratories. The three specialised labs are isolated from the normal University network and have access to an imaging system which allows students to explore, configure and maintain their own system images. Students are allowed to have full administrative access to these systems and, within University regulations, are allowed to modify the content of these computers. One of these labs also includes racks of network devices, a VOIP system and a Private Mobile Network to allow students to gain practical hands-on experience and facilitate experimentation with system installation, configuration and management.
These labs allow for the delivery and use of the leading industry Forensic tools EnCase by OpenText and .XRY by MSAB, and various other specialised open source/freeware products as deemed required by the course team. The labs also allow for the students to practise computer security testing through a sandboxed network, with restricted external and internal network access. To counter any restrictions such a facility has upon security testing students and staff utilise virtual machines and networks to make it appear as though it is a bigger, more complex networked environment.
Student Voice
We are committed to working in partnership with you and the Students' Union to provide you with an inclusive, safe and engaging learning environment which is conducive to study for all our students and our staff. An important element of your time studying with us is your engagement in developing your learning. Your engagement and attendance on your course enables you to further your learning and supports your achievement, course completion and aspirations for the future. There is an expectation that students will attend, engage in their learning and submit on time for assessment. We provide support for you to maximise your time studying with us and to develop your learning, skills and abilities to support you in your chosen career path.
We seek active participation by all our students in the continuous enhancement of our courses and through our monitoring, annual review and enhancement processes. These are formal processes used by our University for assuring the academic standards and quality of your course and its continuous improvement. These processes utilise your feedback, External Examiners' reports, feedback from staff and others, data relating to student outcomes on the course and student surveys to reflect on areas of good practice and areas for further enhancement. We invite all students to participate in a range of opportunities to provide us with feedback on your course and modules. This may include discussions with staff, focus groups, and meetings (e.g. with Course Representatives or with staff) and formalised student surveys e.g. mid module reviews, end of module evaluations and specific course or other surveys such as the Student Barometer, National Student Survey and Graduate Outcomes Survey. We utilise the outcomes of these surveys to benchmark our courses nationally and to inform annual course enhancements.
Informal feedback is also welcome at any time either via your Academic Advisor or module tutor or via your Course Representative. Our partnership with you enables us together to make the most of your learning experience with us and to enhance the quality and reputation of your course. You can find out what actions have been taken in response to your feedback through your Course Representative, the Students' Union, your tutors or through the Library.
Course Representatives (Reps) at undergraduate and postgraduate taught levels are student volunteers who represent you in formal and informal meetings with the University, and follow up on actions that have occurred because of student feedback. You can become a Course Rep, volunteering to represent the views of your peers in order to improve students' academic experience.
In the first few weeks of your time at Leeds Beckett, your Course Director will facilitate an opportunity to appoint Course Reps on your course.
LBSU provides support, training and ongoing development for Course Reps and supports their engagement in enhancement activities throughout the academic year.
Being a Course Rep provides you with an opportunity to enhance your own learning and the development of relevant professional and employability skills alongside your studies. As a Course Rep you would play an important role in:
- Acting as a point of contact and advocate for students on your course and in supporting their active engagement.
- Gathering feedback from students on your course to inform enhancements to the quality of your course and the student experience.
- Facilitating good communication between students and staff on the course.
- Working with the Course Director, members of the course team and the Students' Union to enhance your course.
- Facilitating and engaging in meetings about your course; and
- Being an ambassador for your course.
Further information about being a Course Representative is available at:
We invite all students to participate in a range of opportunities to provide us with feedback on your course and modules. This may include discussions with staff, focus groups, and meetings (e.g. with Course Representatives or with staff) and formalised student surveys e.g. mid module reviews, end of module evaluations and specific course or other surveys such as the Student Barometer, National Student Survey and the Graduate Outcomes Survey.
We are committed to providing a high quality experience for all our students. We welcome comments and compliments from students, and find them valuable for on-going improvements to our provision. Comments and compliments about your course can be raised with your Course Representative or directly with your Course Director or Academic Advisor.
If you have a specific complaint about an act or omission of our University, you may be able to make a complaint under the Student Complaints Procedure. In the first instance, you should raise the matter as soon as possible with the member of staff most directly concerned, or with the person who can best resolve it. If this does not resolve the matter, or if the complaint is too serious to be addressed in this way, then you should make a formal complaint in writing. Information about how to make a complaint, including the student complaints procedure and a complaints form, is available on the Students web pages.
General Information
Bachelor of Science Cyber Security and Digital Forensics
Diploma of Higher Education Cyber Security and Digital Forensics
Certificate of Higher Education Cyber Security and Digital Forensics
Leeds Beckett University
Level 6 of the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications, with 120 credit points at each of Levels 4, 5 and 6 of the UK Credit Framework for Higher Education (360 credits in total).
Course fees and additional course costs are confirmed in your offer letter. Course fees are presented to you annually through the online enrolment process. Please visit our Course and Tuition Fees Payment web pages for further information. Ongoing queries relating to additional course costs may be discussed with your Course Administrator.
Alternatively, you can contact any of the following teams:
For Student Finance related fee queries: studentfunding@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Other fee related queries: fees@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Payments: incomes@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Policies, Standards & Regulations
Key University regulations and policies can be accessed on the following web pages:
- Academic Regulations (including assessment regulations) are available on our Academic Regulations web page
- The Student Contract is available on our Student Regulations web page
- The Student Charter is available on our Academic Regulations web page (Section 20)
Other Student regulations and University policies, including Safety, Health and Wellbeing policies, are available on our Student Regulations web page
You should also familiarise yourself with Support Report Respect where students and colleagues who are victims of any form of bullying, harassment or sexual misconduct, can access support, advice and guidance.
For advice on University regulations and policies, students should contact the Students' Union Advice Service.
The External Examiner assures that you are assessed fairly in relation to other students on the same course and also that the standard of your own award is comparable to similar courses taken by students in other higher education institutions within the UK. The External Examiner(s) provide an annual report for your course. External Examiner reports are available on our External Examiner Reports web page, which is accessible via the Course Information link on the Students home page.
Dr Simon Parkinson
Professor in the Department of Computer Science,
Director of the Centre of Cybersecurity,
University of Huddersfield
Appendices
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