Top five reasons why I love studying Computer Forensics at CCCU

Read Katie's top five reasons why she loves studying Computer Forensics and Security at CCCU.

Hiya! I’m Katie and I'm a third-year student studying Computer Forensics and Security.

Being a part of Canterbury Christ Church University has been amazing. From the friends I've made to the skills I've acquired throughout my degree and placement year, I feel like I've been a part of a solid community throughout.

Whilst I'm upset that this is my final year, I feel completely ready to enter industry, thanks to CCCU's emphasis on employability and practice-based learning.

Here are my top five reasons why I've loved every second of my degree.

Studying in excellent specialist facilities

One of my top five things about studying Computer Forensics and Security at CCCU is the amazing facilities provided with the Verena Holmes Building.

The large classrooms are kitted out with modern PCs and forensic machines, allowing us to do practical tasks like forensic analysis and SQL Injection. This is beneficial for us as we've had the opportunity to really grasp what a career in Computer Forensics is really like.

The new building also has plenty of study spaces and a café, which are helpful for getting a quick bite to eat during breaks or finding a spot for revision sessions.

Choosing modules that I want to focus on

Another of my top five things about studying Computer Forensics and Security at CCCU is the wide range of modules that are offered on the course, such as learning the computing fundamentals module to ensure you have a strong base to support you throughout your degree.

Also, modules like 'Data Recovery and Analysis' where you’re taught how to recover deleted files feels really helpful and impressive to use – both inside and outside of lessons.

There's also a module to help you for your future through ‘Ethics and Employability’, teaching you how to present yourself to future employers and creating LinkedIn profiles so you are career-ready when you graduate.

Overall, this course has a good balance of soft skills, theory, and practical sessions, which has increased my confidence for when I start my graduate career.

Taking a hands-on approach

My third favourite thing about my course is the fact it's so practical. The lectures are always mixed in with tasks throughout the session, so you get to put into practice what you’ve been learning.

As well as this, there’s never a long lecture that’s purely theory-based. Having a blend of theory and practical within a session really helps me to grasp what is being taught on a practical level.

This helps me to remember the knowledge and to practise skills covered. This has helped with my overall confidence as I feel knowledgeable and ready for industry.

Being supported by my lecturers

Another of my top five things I like about my course is how diverse our lecturers are, coming from all different backgrounds and levels of experience.

I like how they all specialise in different topics, meaning if you’re interested in a certain topic, there’s always a lecturer who has the same interest as you.

It also helps that for each module, you'll be taught by a different lecturer, which gives you the opportunity to learn from multiple peoples' experience.

Most of our academics have worked in industry, so it's great to hear about their experiences in their particular industry. It's definitely helped me figure out which career path I want to take after graduation as I've received fantastic advice and teaching from all my lecturers.

Preparing for industry through practical assignments

My final favourite aspect of studying Computer Forensics and Security at CCCU is the fact that the assignments mimic what it will be like in industry, and they are mainly coursework focused.

Having these practical assignments help you work to the best of your ability and help prepare you for when you’re working.

As it’s very unlikely that you’re going to have a sit-down closed book test in this sector, its more about applying the knowledge you have learnt to different situations, which this course and University supports.

Hiya! I’m Katie and I'm a third-year student studying Computer Forensics and Security.

Being a part of Canterbury Christ Church University has been amazing. From the friends I've made to the skills I've acquired throughout my degree and placement year, I feel like I've been a part of a solid community throughout.

Whilst I'm upset that this is my final year, I feel completely ready to enter industry, thanks to CCCU's emphasis on employability and practice-based learning.

Here are my top five reasons why I've loved every second of my degree.

Studying in excellent specialist facilities

One of my top five things about studying Computer Forensics and Security at CCCU is the amazing facilities provided with the Verena Holmes Building.

The large classrooms are kitted out with modern PCs and forensic machines, allowing us to do practical tasks like forensic analysis and SQL Injection. This is beneficial for us as we've had the opportunity to really grasp what a career in Computer Forensics is really like.

The new building also has plenty of study spaces and a café, which are helpful for getting a quick bite to eat during breaks or finding a spot for revision sessions.

Choosing modules that I want to focus on

Another of my top five things about studying Computer Forensics and Security at CCCU is the wide range of modules that are offered on the course, such as learning the computing fundamentals module to ensure you have a strong base to support you throughout your degree.

Also, modules like 'Data Recovery and Analysis' where you’re taught how to recover deleted files feels really helpful and impressive to use – both inside and outside of lessons.

There's also a module to help you for your future through ‘Ethics and Employability’, teaching you how to present yourself to future employers and creating LinkedIn profiles so you are career-ready when you graduate.

Overall, this course has a good balance of soft skills, theory, and practical sessions, which has increased my confidence for when I start my graduate career.

Taking a hands-on approach

My third favourite thing about my course is the fact it's so practical. The lectures are always mixed in with tasks throughout the session, so you get to put into practice what you’ve been learning.

As well as this, there’s never a long lecture that’s purely theory-based. Having a blend of theory and practical within a session really helps me to grasp what is being taught on a practical level.

This helps me to remember the knowledge and to practise skills covered. This has helped with my overall confidence as I feel knowledgeable and ready for industry.

Being supported by my lecturers

Another of my top five things I like about my course is how diverse our lecturers are, coming from all different backgrounds and levels of experience.

I like how they all specialise in different topics, meaning if you’re interested in a certain topic, there’s always a lecturer who has the same interest as you.

It also helps that for each module, you'll be taught by a different lecturer, which gives you the opportunity to learn from multiple peoples' experience.

Most of our academics have worked in industry, so it's great to hear about their experiences in their particular industry. It's definitely helped me figure out which career path I want to take after graduation as I've received fantastic advice and teaching from all my lecturers.

Preparing for industry through practical assignments

My final favourite aspect of studying Computer Forensics and Security at CCCU is the fact that the assignments mimic what it will be like in industry, and they are mainly coursework focused.

Having these practical assignments help you work to the best of your ability and help prepare you for when you’re working.

As it’s very unlikely that you’re going to have a sit-down closed book test in this sector, its more about applying the knowledge you have learnt to different situations, which this course and University supports.