Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics
Duration
4 years (four academic years, each comprising two semesters; 8 semesters in total)
Mode of study
Online
Academic school
School of Science & TechnologyJoin a world-class institutional environment designed for the digital age. This programme offers a direct pathway to global career outcomes through technology-enabled learning.
Academic overview
Expected outcomes
PLO1: Identify cyber security risks and vulnerabilities.
PLO2: Perform digital forensics using appropriate tools, techniques and standards.
PLO3: Protect an organization's ICT assets from external and internal attacks.
PLO4: Develop cybersecurity and digital forensics policies and strategies.
Entry requirements
A candidate must satisfy the general University admission criteria for undergraduate programmes.
A mean grade of C+ and above at KCSE where applicable or its equivalent using a criteria that the Senate may determine.
Diplomas or professional qualifications from recognised institutions. A holder of a diploma or professional qualification for admission to the BSc CSDF programme should be in the areas of Computer Science, Cybersecurity or their equivalents.
KCSE certificate or equivalent and a certificate of foundation or bridging courses from recognised institutions.
Kenya Advanced Certificate of Education with a minimum of 1 principal and subsidiary passes.
Evidence of KCSE certificate or equivalent and a portfolio for the purpose of recognition of prior learning determination with respect to: workplace training of 2 years, or work experience in a relevant field of 2 years, or two short courses lasting at least 3 months each in relevant fields.
Any other qualifications that may be determined by Senate recognising prior learning leading to equivalents of the identified criteria, experience and skills of learners.
A bachelor's degree from an institution recognised by the Senate.
Additional criteria for admission to the BSc CSDF: the course requires candidates to possess a good understanding of Mathematics, Physics and English.
Credit and Entry pathways
Programme structure
The programme shall normally extend for a period of four (4) academic years of two semesters each, and shall be offered in 8 semesters with at least 8 weeks of industrial attachment after semester 6 (Year 3 Semester 2). The minimum total courses for the programme are 56 and the minimum total course credit hours required for graduation is 168 hours. Year one covers introductory topics in Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics where learners are expected to take all core courses and one University Common Course. Year two covers intermediate concepts where learners are expected to take all core courses and one University Common Course. Year three covers advanced concepts where learners are expected to take all core courses. Year four covers advanced concepts in their areas of specialisation where students are expected to take all core courses and at least one elective in each semester.
Assessment methods
The course will be delivered in accordance with the relevant policies and practices outlined in The Open University of Kenya's quality management system, including learners' evaluations of the delivery of individual course units and the relevance of the material at the end of the semester, internal quality audits, and external examiners' recommendations.
Student assessment at programme level covers: a summary of the University criteria on assessment, including goals for assessment and strategies for ensuring academic integrity, security, reliability, validity, fairness and accuracy of tests; diversity of assessment modes including summative and formative; assessment of practicals, practicum and community service; authentic assessment; and authentication of students' work.
The continuous or progressive course assessment will be graded at a maximum score of 50% each semester, while the semester examination is graded at a maximum score of 50%, except for the project report and industrial attachment which have no coursework and are graded at 100%.
The total score of 100% for each course each semester is graded on the scale provided: 80-100 = A (Excellent); 70-79 = B (Good); 60-69 = C (Average); 50-59 = D (Pass); Below 50 = E (Fail).
To graduate, the learner shall be required to have passed all the taught courses by scoring a minimum mark of 40% either in the main exam or in a supplementary exam, to have successfully carried out all the course projects and successfully done industrial attachment(s) and passed with a score of 40% or above, and to have met all the other university graduation requirements.
Upon completion of the programme, candidates shall be awarded degrees with the following classifications: 80-100 First Class Honours; 70-79 Second Class Honours (Upper Division); 60-69 Second Class Honours (Lower Division); 50-59 Pass.
Global careers
Application hub
Typical duration
Delivery mode
Online
Accreditation info
Fully accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE) and recognised globally for digital-first excellence.
School of Science & Technology