Starting Cyber Investigations with Digital Forensics at UCLan – What Should I Bring?

Hi everyone,
I’m planning to study Cyber Investigations with Digital Forensics at UCLan this September, and I’m trying to get organised. I was wondering if anyone currently on the course (or a similar one) could give me some advice on what I should bring with me.
I’m particularly interested in laptop recommendations—are there any specs I should aim for based on the software used in the course?
Also, are there any general must-haves that people wish they’d brought with them when starting uni? Any advice would be appreciated!
Thanks!

Hi there,
It's great to start getting organised early and it's also great to hear you are wanting to study with us. I can give you some advice on the laptop I got for university and any other must-haves. So, I studied fashion promotion and marketing so I heavily relied on Adobe softwares to edit shoots and moving image so I also needed a lot of space, both for the softwares but to also store my work. I got a MacBook Pro as I knew of other students having them and not complaining. It's also all linked with my iPhone so it makes organising easier too. I haven't had any issue during the four years I studied and continue to use my MacBook currently. However, I do know MacBook's aren't the cheapest so looking at cheaper alternatives is always a good option. I would just keep in mind the storage and other specs that would allow for softwares to run smoothly.
Another must have I would recommend is a journal/diary to be able to plan your study days and any events you may be going to at uni. This could also be digital so you can access it on various devices if that would appeal more to you. Time managing is something that you will develop at uni especially if you work part time but is so key to studying. This is something I wish I got told a bit more about before coming to university.
Once you are an offer holder, you can join our Facebook course groups and get advice there and ask what other students are bringing. You also receive more details closer to the time of any specific items you may need for your course. You can access the groups here: Social campus If you do have any further questions that are course related or to ask about laptop recommendations, I would recommend speaking to our course inquires team via email [email protected] or by ringing them on +44 (0)1772 892400.
Hope this helps! 🙂
Many thanks,
^Zac

Thank you for your help Zac! I’ll take this into consideration.

Hi everyone,
I’m planning to study Cyber Investigations with Digital Forensics at UCLan this September, and I’m trying to get organised. I was wondering if anyone currently on the course (or a similar one) could give me some advice on what I should bring with me.
I’m particularly interested in laptop recommendations—are there any specs I should aim for based on the software used in the course?
Also, are there any general must-haves that people wish they’d brought with them when starting uni? Any advice would be appreciated!
Thanks!

My GCSES results are as follows:
Combined Science: 4-4
Computer Science: 5
Mathematics: 4
English: 4
I went on to study a Level 2 in BTEC Information Technology resulting in a pass
I am currently studying the same course at Level 3 with a projected MPP - The same results that UCLan have requested in my UCAS offer

Hi how is this course going for you and would you recommend cyber security over this or is this course more interesting