Skip to main content
National Careers Service

beta How could we improve this service? Your feedback will help.

  1. Home
  2. Explore careers
  3. Forensic computer analyst

Forensic computer analyst

Alternative titles for this job include Cyber security professional

Forensic computer analysts investigate computer-based crime, often called cyber crime.

Average salary (a year)

£30,000 Starter

to

£62,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

37 to 39 a week

You could work

evenings occasionally

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role
  • training with a professional body

University

You can do a degree or postgraduate qualification in:

  • forensic computing and security
  • computer science
  • cyber security
  • digital forensics
  • financial technology

Courses with industry placements will help you develop your skills.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
  • a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

More Information

Apprenticeship

You could apply to do an apprenticeship, for example:

  • Cyber Security Technologist Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship
  • Digital Forensic Technician Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship
  • Cyber Security Technical Professional Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship
  • Advanced Digital Forensic Professional Level 7 Degree Apprenticeship

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

  • a degree in a relevant subject

More Information

Work

You could start work as an IT support technician, network engineer or developer after doing A levels. You would then work your way up by taking further training on the job.

Other Routes

You could do certified industry training with a professional body like the Chartered Institute of Information Security or The Chartered Institute for IT.

You'll need to be working in IT security or have a lot of experience to do this.

More Information

Further information

You can find out more about careers in digital security from the:

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • analytical thinking skills
  • the ability to use your initiative
  • the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
  • broadcasting and telecommunications knowledge
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • persistence and determination
  • complex problem-solving skills
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • to have a thorough understanding of computer systems and applications

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

Your tasks will depend on where you work. You could:

  • investigate hacking, fraud and theft
  • research political, industrial and commercial espionage
  • track terrorist communications and other illegal activities
  • secure IT systems and hardware to protect them from security threats
  • recover and secure data
  • analyse mobile phone records to track location
  • follow electronic data trails
  • document each stage of the investigation
  • present technical findings and evidence

Working environment

You could work in a court, in an office or at a client's business.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could progress to senior analyst, head of security or security consultant.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Cyber Security Technologist Apprentice

  • Wage: £22,000 a year Annually
  • Location: Birmingham
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Are you interested in becoming a forensic computer analyst?

Search for training courses near you.

Jobs In the United Kingdom

The Find a job service can help you with your search for jobs and send alerts when new jobs become available.

Search further careers

Related careers

Skills assessment

Take an assessment to learn more about your skills and the careers that might suit you.

Speak to an adviser

You can call 0800 100 900 or use webchat to speak to an adviser.

We're open:

  • 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday
  • 10am to 5pm Saturdays and bank holidays

We're closed on Sundays, Christmas Day and New Year's Day.

Is this page useful?

Yes No

Thank you for your feedback.

Thank you for your feedback. Click here if you'd like to let us know how we can improve the service.