BSc (Hons) in Computer Forensics
Course code: WD161
What is the BSc (Hons) in Computer Forensics?
This is a four year honours degree programme equipping graduates with specialised skills and knowledge needed to examine electronic crime scenes.
Just as a murder scene needs to be secured so too do electronic crime scenes. There are particular ways of securing evidence and students learn how to do this. Electronic crime scenes often involve child pornography, blackmail, financial fraud and data theft. Criminal prosecutors have used computer forensic evidence to form the backbone in murder cases and robberies through the use of technologies such as mobile phone forensics.
Computer forensics is application of the scientific method to digital media in order to establish factual information for judicial review. This process often involves investigating computer systems to determine whether they are or have been used for illegal or unauthorised activities.
Career Opportunities
The domain of computer security and forensics is growing and has become more essential than ever before. Virtually all organisations now need and use internet technologies (email, the web, ecommerce) in their daily business.
With this growth comes the need to protect sensitive data such as customer’s personal details and credit card information, confidential files and internal documents. Many companies employ full time security personnel to fulfil these roles, whilst other organisations outsource them to external firms.
Insurance companies, corporations, civil litigations, individuals and law enforcement all can and do make use of evidence revealed by computer forensic specialists.
What area could I expect to work in?
- Security Consultancy
- Investigation Consultancy
- Law Enforcement
- Forensic Auditing
- Research
- Education
Follow on Study
Students who complete the BSc (Hons) in Computer Forensics students may avail of a taught or research masters programme (MSc) in the area. On completion of an MSc students will have the opportunity to pursue a PhD Programme.
Course Outline
| Sample Subjects | |
Programming skills | |
Course Facts
Course Title: BSc (Hons) in Computer Forensics
Course Code: WD161
Course Level: 8
Duration: 4 years
Course Entry
Leaving Certificate:
- Number of subjects at grade D or better: 6
- Number at higher level grade C or better: 2
Required Subjects:
- English/Irish: OD3/HD3
- Mathematics: OB3/HD3
For further information
Course Leader: John Sheppard
Ph: 051 302037. Email: computinginfo@wit.ie.
Recent Entry Points
| Year | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 |
| Minimum Points | n/a | 320 | 270 | 300 | 315 |
See also
Course brochure: BSc (Hons) in Computer Forensics - WD161
(PDF, 268KB)
