BSc (Hons) Cyber Security and Forensics

BSc (Hons) Cyber Security and Forensics at The Westminster College

BSc (Hons) Cyber Security and Forensics at The Westminster College, Kupondole, Lalitpur is a four-year honours degree delivered under the academic regulations of the University of Westminster, London. The programme carries 480 credits, with 120 credits in each academic year, and runs on a full-time basis.

The course focuses on how to protect computer systems and networks from unauthorised access and how to collect and analyse digital evidence when incidents occur. You study both the technical side of security and the procedural and legal aspects related to cybercrime and digital investigations.

For Nepali students who want to work in security operations centres, incident response teams, or digital forensics units, this course offers a structured way to move from school-level study into specialised work in cyber security. You study in Nepal while following a UK university syllabus, with access to internships and placement support through the college’s industry partners.

Highlights

• Award: BSc (Hons) Cyber Security and Forensics

• Duration: Four years, full time

• Credits: 480 in total, 120 per year

• Academic partner: University of Westminster, London (THE World University Rankings 801–1000 band for 2024)

• Focus areas: incident response, digital forensics, wireless and web security, malware analysis, cloud environments, and mobile forensics

• Internship and placement: opportunities available through corporate, SME, and IT partners in Nepal

Curriculum Details

Course summary

The programme gives you knowledge of technologies, processes, and rules used to safeguard information systems and to handle digital evidence when cyber incidents occur. You study incident response, digital forensics, and legal issues related to cybercrime, along with core computing subjects that support these themes.

Study pattern across four years

According to the official brochure, your study follows this general pattern:

• Early years (Years 1–2):

  • Foundations in programming, modelling, and computing platforms

  • Core ideas in networking and system architectures

  • Growing skills in software development, databases, operating systems, and networks

• Intermediate stage (Year 3):

  • Security auditing and monitoring techniques

  • Evaluation of threats and vulnerabilities

  • Study of standards, legal frameworks, and organisational policies used by companies

• Final stage (Year 4):

  • Advanced computer security and network protocols

  • Specialist cyber security modules

  • A major individual project related to security or forensics, which runs over an extended period

You progress from broad computing knowledge to more specialised cyber security tasks, such as analysing logs, reconstructing attack paths, or preparing reports that match legal and organisational requirements.

Key academic themes

Key areas that you encounter throughout the course include:

• network security principles and secure network design

• incident response and digital forensics procedures

• wireless network security and web application security

• defensive programming and malware analysis

• cloud-based services and mobile device forensics

Objectives

The main objectives of BSc (Hons) Cyber Security and Forensics at The Westminster College are to:

• help you understand how attacks happen and how to prevent, detect, and respond to them

• build skills for identifying, collecting, preserving, and analysing digital evidence

• connect technical study with legal, ethical, and organisational responsibilities

• prepare you for security roles in sectors such as finance, healthcare, telecom, defence, and government

Scope

Demand for cyber security professionals is increasing as more services move online and as organisations in Nepal and abroad depend on digital infrastructure. The course addresses this need by linking core computing with security practices and forensic procedures.

Graduates may work in security operations centres, incident response teams, forensics labs, compliance units, or IT departments that handle sensitive information. Since the degree is awarded under the University of Westminster framework, you also maintain a pathway for postgraduate study and international applications, subject to entry and visa conditions.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, students are expected to be able to:

• explain core networking protocols and propose secure architectures for small and medium-scale systems

• apply security controls and monitoring tools to detect suspicious activity

• carry out basic digital forensics tasks such as data acquisition, chain-of-custody documentation, and analysis of logs or disk images

• evaluate different auditing and monitoring techniques and relate them to specific threat scenarios

• understand major laws, regulations, and standards that influence security work and evidence handling

• plan, execute, and document an individual project in a specialised security or forensics topic

Skill Development Modules

Skill development runs through formal modules and additional activities. Course content includes:

• defensive coding exercises where you learn to identify and remove vulnerabilities

• hands-on labs for wireless, network, and web application security

• guided malware analysis in controlled environments

• cloud and virtualised lab setups for incident simulation

• case-based tasks in which you prepare digital evidence reports or incident summaries

The college also offers skill-specific short courses and training through its Professional Development Centre, delivered with input from industry partners.

Teaching Methodology

Teaching for BSc (Hons) Cyber Security and Forensics follows the University of Westminster model:

• scheduled lectures to introduce key concepts and frameworks

• tutorials for discussion, problem-solving, and clarification

• lab classes for security tools, scripting, and forensic techniques

• group work that mirrors team-based work in security operations

Assessment methods include:

• essays and research reports

• lab-based exercises and programming tasks

• group projects built around realistic organisational scenarios

• formal examinations at the end of academic years

Blackboard serves as the main online platform for module information, lecture notes, assignments, and electronic submission. You can access it on campus or through mobile devices, which helps you keep track of tasks and resources.

Admission Requirements

According to the college brochure, the typical academic entry level for undergraduate study is:

• Higher Secondary Education Board (HSEB) / NEB 10+2 / CBSE or equivalent with at least 55% or GPA 2.4

• or A-Levels with a minimum of 3.5 credits and three full-credit subjects

Any other qualification must be approved by the Course Leader. Applicants also need to satisfy English language requirements set by the University of Westminster, which may involve tests such as Oxford ELLT or IELTS according to current rules.

Career Opportunities

The brochure lists clear directions for graduates of this degree:

• cyber security analyst

• network security engineer

• penetration tester

• digital forensics investigator

• incident response analyst

• information security management roles

These roles exist in banks, insurance companies, telecom providers, hospitals, defence-related agencies, government departments, and private IT firms. The mix of security theory, hands-on labs, and project work supports progression to both technical and policy-oriented positions.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

Students in this course can apply for the scholarships and fee support schemes run by The Westminster College:

• merit scholarships based on strong academic performance

• need-based scholarships and fee waivers for students facing financial difficulty

• sports scholarships for students who represent the college in competitions

• The Westminster College Scholarship for learners from remote areas, disadvantaged groups, and low-income families

The Student Services Department guides you through eligibility checks, documentation, and renewal conditions so that you can plan your costs in a realistic way.

Why Choose BSc (Hons) Cyber Security and Forensics at The Westminster College?

You may find this course suitable if you:

• want a four-year honours degree focused on cyber security and digital forensics while studying in Nepal

• prefer a programme linked to a UK public university with access to international academic standards

• plan to work in security operations, investigation, or risk-related roles in Nepal or abroad

• value a mix of lectures, labs, and project work with assessment based on real-world situations

• wish to connect your degree with internships, short courses, and professional certifications

Conclusion

BSc (Hons) Cyber Security and Forensics at The Westminster College (TWC), Kupondole, offers a structured pathway for students who want to work in information security and digital investigation. The course links core computing, security practices, and legal awareness under the University of Westminster framework, while remaining accessible to students studying in Nepal.

For Nepali students and parents looking for a clear explanation of what a cyber security degree involves, this programme presents a defined structure, recognised awarding body, and visible routes into security-related careers across different sectors.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Is programming necessary in this course?

Yes. Programming forms part of the early years and supports later work in security testing, scripting, and automation.

2. How practical is the study of digital forensics and incident response?

You work through lab exercises, case scenarios, and project tasks that involve hands-on tools and evidence handling steps.

3. Are internships guaranteed?

Internships depend on student performance and partner availability. The college keeps links with around 35 industry partners and shares information on openings through the Student Services Department and Professional Development Centre.

4. Can I move to the UK after some study in Nepal?

International placement and credit-transfer services exist at the college, and students may apply for transfer to universities abroad, subject to academic results, English language level, and the policies of receiving institutions.

5. What support is there for my wellbeing during this demanding course?

TWC has agreements with a wellbeing centre and health club near the campus, offering counselling, mental health support, gym facilities, and fitness classes, along with a Student Services Department that acts as the first contact for support.