Computer Science with Security and Forensics

Computer science with security and forensics is a programme that combines the rigorous foundations of computing with a specialist focus on two of the most practically significant areas in the contemporary technology landscape. Cybersecurity addresses the protection of computer systems, networks, and data against attack, misuse, and unauthorised access, a challenge that has grown enormously as economies and critical infrastructure have become dependent on digital systems. Digital forensics applies computing methods to the investigation of crime, recovering, preserving, and analysing digital evidence from devices, networks, and cloud environments.

At Cardiff University, this three-year full-time programme gives you a thorough grounding in computer science, including programming, algorithms, data structures, networks, and systems, before developing specialist content in security architecture, cryptography, ethical hacking, incident response, and digital forensics methodology. Cardiff's computer science department has strong research activity in security and related areas, and you will be taught in a context where practical skills and theoretical understanding are developed together. You will engage with the legal, ethical, and technical dimensions of security and forensics work, which is important for professionals operating in contexts where evidence and accountability matter.

Graduates are in strong demand in cybersecurity operations, penetration testing, security consultancy, law enforcement digital investigation units, intelligence agencies, financial services, the defence sector, and the growing commercial field of incident response and digital forensics. Professional qualifications in cybersecurity and digital forensics are accessible to graduates and many pursue them alongside their careers. Further study in cybersecurity, digital forensics, or computer science at master's level is a well-established route for those wishing to develop specialist expertise.