Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Computing in Digital Forensics and Cyber Security

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Technological University Dublin

Program Overview

The BSc (Hons) in Computing in Digital Forensics and Cyber Security (TU863) at Technological University Dublin prepares students to tackle the growing challenges of cybercrime, data breaches, and digital investigations. It suits students who are analytical, detail-oriented, and motivated to combine computing expertise with investigative skills to protect organizations and society.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

You’ll begin with the foundations of computing and problem-solving. Modules such as Computer Architecture (CMPU H1003), Programming Fundamentals (CMPU H1004), and Operating Systems Fundamentals (CMPU H1005) introduce you to core technical skills. Courses like Mathematics for Computing (MATH H1001) and Learning & Innovation Skills (CMNG H1001) ensure you develop both analytical and professional competencies.

Year 2

The second year builds applied knowledge in networking and security. You’ll study Networking Fundamentals (CMPU H2003), Database Fundamentals (CMPU H2004), and Information Security Fundamentals (CMPU H2005). Modules such as Programming 2 (CMPU H2002) and Web Development (CMPU H2006) expand your technical toolkit, while Professional Development (CMNG H2001) prepares you for industry engagement.

Year 3

This year emphasizes digital forensics and advanced cyber security. Core modules include Digital Forensics 1 (CMPU H3004), Network Security (CMPU H3005), and Secure Programming (CMPU H3006). You’ll also complete Work Placement (WORK H3001) or a Study Abroad option, gaining practical experience with industry partners or international institutions.

Year 4

Final-year modules consolidate your expertise in forensic investigation and cyber defense. You’ll study Digital Forensics 2 (CMPU H4004), Advanced Cyber Security (CMPU H4005), and Cybercrime & Law (CMPU H4006). A major Project (PROJ H4001) allows you to research and solve a real-world problem, demonstrating your readiness for professional practice.

Focus Areas

"Digital forensics, cyber security, secure programming, network security, cybercrime law, information security, forensic investigation, computing systems."

Learning Outcomes

"Graduates will be able to investigate digital evidence, design secure systems, analyze cyber threats, apply forensic tools, and understand the legal and ethical frameworks of cyber security."

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

Award: BSc (Hons), NFQ Level 8
Delivered by TU Dublin’s School of Computer Science, ensuring alignment with industry standards and professional practice.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

TU Dublin graduates are employed in leading organizations across IT, law enforcement, and cyber security consultancy.
The program emphasizes employability through work placements and study abroad opportunities.
- TU Dublin is recognized as Ireland’s largest technological university and a member of the European University Association, with strong industry connections.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

From the very beginning, you’ll be encouraged to connect computing knowledge with professional practice. The program integrates work placement opportunities, forensic labs, and digital security projects, ensuring you graduate with the confidence to tackle real cyber threats. TU Dublin’s Blanchardstown campus provides access to specialist facilities and industry-standard tools, giving you the environment to learn by doing:

Work Placement (Year 3): Students complete a structured placement with IT and cyber security companies, applying their skills in digital forensics, secure programming, and network defense.
Study Abroad Option: Alternatively, you can spend a semester at a partner university abroad, gaining international exposure to cyber security practices.
Digital Forensics Labs: Dedicated forensic computing laboratories allow you to practice evidence recovery, malware analysis, and intrusion detection using industry-standard forensic software.
Cyber Security Tools: Modules such as Network Security (CMPU H3005) and Secure Programming (CMPU H3006) train you in penetration testing, encryption, and secure coding practices with specialized software.
Group Projects: Collaborative modules like Digital Forensics 1 (CMPU H3004) and Cybercrime & Law (CMPU H4006) involve team-based investigations and case studies, simulating real-world forensic and legal scenarios.
Capstone Project (Year 4): A major independent project (PROJ H4001) where students research and solve a real cyber security or forensic challenge, often in partnership with industry.
Library & Resources: Access to TU Dublin’s Blanchardstown Library, which houses specialized databases and journals in computing, cyber security, and forensic science.
Industry Engagement: Guest lectures and workshops from professionals in law enforcement, IT consultancy, and cyber security firms provide insight into current threats and investigative techniques.

This combination of placements, forensic labs, digital tools, and group projects ensures you graduate not only with knowledge but with the applied expertise employers demand in one of the fastest-growing sectors worldwide.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of TU Dublin’s BSc in Digital Forensics and Cyber Security are in high demand, moving into careers that protect organizations, governments, and individuals from cyber threats. Many secure roles as Cyber Security Analysts, Digital Forensics Investigators, Network Security Engineers, and IT Risk Consultants, both in Ireland and internationally. The program’s strong industry placement and applied focus ensure you graduate with the skills employers value most:

Career Services Support: TU Dublin’s Career Development Centre offers tailored workshops, employer networking events, and one-to-one guidance, helping computing students connect directly with recruiters in IT and cyber security.
Employment Stats: TU Dublin highlights strong graduate employability, with alumni working in leading organizations across IT consultancy, law enforcement, and cyber security firms.
Industry Partnerships: The program integrates placements and guest lectures with major employers in Ireland’s tech sector, including collaborations with cyber security consultancies, forensic labs, and multinational IT companies.
Accreditation Value: Awarded as a BSc (Hons), NFQ Level 8, the degree carries long-term recognition across Europe and internationally, enhancing career mobility.
Graduate Outcomes: Alumni progress into leadership roles in cyber defense, forensic investigation, and secure systems design, with competitive graduate salaries reflecting the global demand for cyber security expertise.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing this program, students can continue their studies at TU Dublin through postgraduate options such as the MSc in Computing (Cyber Security), the MSc in Data Analytics, or research-based degrees within the School of Computer Science. These advanced pathways allow graduates to specialize further, pursue academic research, or prepare for senior management roles in cyber security and digital forensics.