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Bachelor of Science in Cyber Security and Digital Forensics

Bachelor of Science in Cyber Security and Digital Forensics

Duration: 4 Years

Start Date: 

Cost: KES 105,000 per year

Mode of Delivery: Online

Application Due: Open

Fee Structure and Payment

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Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Cyber Security and Digital Forensics program is meticulously designed to equip learners with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes required to address the ever-evolving landscape of cyber threats. Its primary goal is to provide comprehensive protection to digital, computer, and online assets of organizations. The curriculum remains adaptable and responsive to emerging trends in cyber security and digital forensics, guided by a commitment to open learning and the removal of barriers that impede knowledge dissemination. 

Cyber Security Career Projections:

Graduates of this program can pursue various rewarding careers, including but not limited to:

  • Cybersecurity Analyst
  • Information Security Specialist
  • Security Administrator
  • Forensic Analyst
  • Blockchain Security Expert
  • Cloud Security Specialist

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Programme Structure

Upon successful completion of this program, learners will demonstrate the ability to:

  • Proficiently identify cybersecurity risks and vulnerabilities in diverse digital environments.
  • Conduct digital forensics investigations using industry-standard tools, methodologies, and ethical standards.
  • Implement comprehensive security measures to safeguard an organization's ICT assets against both external and internal threats.
  • Develop and enact robust cybersecurity and digital forensics policies and strategies aligned with industry best practices. 

Programme Learning Outcomes

By the end of this programme, the student will be able to:

  1. Identify cyber security risks and vulnerabilities.
  2. Perform digital forensics using appropriate tools, techniques and standards.
  3. Protect an organization's ICT assets from external and internal attacks.
  4. Develop cybersecurity and digital forensics policies and strategies.

Total credit hours and course units required for graduation

Total credit hours and course units required for graduation The programme shall be offered in 8 semesters. The minimum total courses for the programme are 48. The minimum total course credit hours required for graduation is 144 hours.

 

Admission Requirements

A candidate must satisfy the general University admission criteria for undergraduate programmes.

  1. A mean grade of C+ and above at KCSE OR
  2. Diplomas or professional qualifications OR
  3. A certificate of foundation or bridging courses from recognised institutions OR
  4. A portfolio for the purpose of recognition of prior learning OR
  5. Kenya Advanced Certificate of Education with a minimum of 1 principal OR
  6. A bachelor’s degree from an institution recognised by Senate.

Regulations on Credit Accumulation and Transfer

Credit Accumulation

Regulations on credit accumulation, including possible pathways, shall be in line with the provisions of Universities Regulations, Universities Standards and Guidelines, and general national trends.

Credit Transfer

A candidate may be allowed to transfer credits from part or all of the coursework requirements if the senate is satisfied that the candidate has completed and passed the prescribed courses(s) at the undergraduate level from accredited institutions and programs recognized by the senate. Any course considered for credit transfer must have been completed at an equivalent level and in an equivalent institution, with a minimum grade of 50%.

Guidelines For Transfer Of Credit/ Exemptions

A candidate may be exempted from degree level courses if the Senate is satisfied that the candidate has completed a similar course at the Diploma level from a recognized institution. The general rules governing credit transfers and exemptions will apply. In addition, the following rules apply:

  1. Must meet the requirements for admission to the Bachelor of Data Science program.
  2. Must obtain and submit an official transcript from the previous university/college indicating academic status, courses offered, credits units completed, and grades obtained.
  3. Will be allowed to transfer/exempt credits earned from the courses described, but only up to 49%.
  4. If permitted to transfer/exempt, he/she will not be permitted to transfer units in courses in which he/she received a pass mark of less than 50%.
  5. All applications must be accompanied by recommendations from the institution from which he or she is transferring.
  6. The school will evaluate the application and make recommendations to the Sen- ate.

Student Assessment Levels

Student Assessment at programme level

The course will be assessed through:

  1. Content embedded quizzes
  2. Online practical work
  3. Open book tests
  4. Project reports
  5. End of course online examination

The projects will be assessed through e- portfolios. Students will present their work to an evaluation panel. All students’ work will be checked for plagiarism. The students should be logged in with the university provided login details in order to carry out any task.

Countinous Assessment

Tests/Tasks: 50%

Examination 50%

Programme Courses

FIRST SEMESTER SECOND SEMESTER
Introduction to Computer Systems  Computer Networks
Database systems  Computer Architecture
Differential and Integral Calculus  Physics for Computing Systems and Digital Electronics
Introduction to Programming  Psychology
Digital Markets Architecture  Mathematics for cybersecurity and digital forensics
Introduction to Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics Discrete Mathematics
IoT and Security  Assembly Language
FIRST SEMESTER SECOND SEMESTER
Data Structures and Algorithms Software Engineering
Artificial Intelligence Computer Forensics   Investigations
Operating Systems Digital Forensics Tools and Techniques
Probability and Statistics Machine Learning
Web and Services Programming Human Factors in Cybersecurity and related case studies
Philosophy Programming Project (Equivalent to Two Courses)

Object Oriented Programming
 
FIRST SEMESTER SECOND SEMESTER
Computer Network Security Cryptography
Penetration Testing and Ethical Hacking Malware Detection and Analysis
Distributed Systems Information Security and Risk Management
Intrusion Detection and Prevention Web Security and Privacy
Systems Forensics Distributed Databases
Cloud Computing Industrial Attachment
Network Design Implementation and Management 
Database and Data Security  
FIRST SEMESTER SECOND SEMESTER
Information Systems Control and Audit Security Analytics and Visualization
Secure Software Development Advanced Information Security Management
Embedded Systems and Mobile OS Programming Emerging Cybersecurity Technologies and Digital Forensics Bootcamps
Cybersecurity Policy Final Year Project
Cybersecurity Law and Ethics Elective 2
Elective 1

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About

The Open University of Kenya (OUK) is a virtual learning institution deeply committed to advancing education and driving socio-economic growth within Kenya and beyond. Access to higher education has remained a major challenge in Kenya and this has disadvantaged citizens who seek to improve their knowledge, upscale skills and for posterity. Experts have noted that increasing the number of educational institutions so as to match the rate of population growth is an extremely difficult if not impossible solution especially when financial and other resource constraints are considered. Open and Distance Learning approaches, coupled with innovative ICT solutions, have proofed viable alternatives to providing excellent education to millions of people located wherever and whenever by different life circumstances.