MSc Computer Forensics

Computer forensics is a rapidly expanding area, leading to an increasing demand from industry for qualified forensic examiners. Our MSc Computer Forensics degree will prepare you for a career in computer forensics and IT security, either at a technical or managerial level.

Our Masters in Computer Forensics is certified by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), who provide support to critical organisations in the UK when dealing with cyber security attacks.

You will be taught by an internationally recognised team from the University’s Information Security Research Group and external speakers contribute to delivering the latest expertise and developments. 

The University is also recognised as a Centre of Excellence for information security and computer forensics by the National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC).

What you will study

Forensic computer analysts may be involved in a range of investigations, such as online fraud, digital espionage, counter-terrorism, possession of illegal imagery and information theft. A typical investigation would involve identifying and securing computer equipment, followed by the application of forensic methods and specialist computer programmes in pursuit of evidence. Tasks include recovering data from digital media, analysis of records to establish the location of a device, uncovering data trails, careful documentation of the investigation, presenting findings and acting as an expert witness in court.

• Computer Forensics and Crime Investigation (20 credits)
  To synthesise knowledge of the tools, techniques and practices associated with computer forensics. To develop the student’s ability to apply computer forensics principles to a range of problems.
To evaluate, analyse and synthesise different solutions to a range of computer forensic issues.

• Forensics Techniques and Data Recovery(20 credits)
  To cover at an advanced level a number of both practical and theoretical principles regarding Computer Forensics and data Recovery for a range of different sources.

• Network Security (20 credits)
  To enable students to evaluate, synthesize and validate the identification of security issues and their associated impacts against devices and protocols that make up networks and distributed systems.

• Security Management (20 credits)
  To provide a knowledge of the tools and techniques available to secure and manage, in a meaningful manner, an information system.
To develop the students’ ability to manage the security of an information system at a strategic, tactical and operational level.

• Incident Management and Incident Response (20 credits)
  To evaluate, analyse and synthesize the capability to perform incident management and incident response.

• Project Management and Research Methodology (20 credits)
  To understand current developments in project management, its techniques and tools, and to determine and use appropriate ones in contexts where there are many interacting factors.

• MSc Project (60 credits)
  To provide the opportunity for students to employ autonomy and originality in the application of their computing, award and research skills to a complex problem. To provide an opportunity for the student to investigate a topical, award relevant issue of their choice in some depth. To produce a justified solution to a significant problem that is informed by a critical review of research. To further develop the student's investigative, research, writing and presentation skills as a self-directed, autonomous learner.

Teaching

Full-time students will typically spend 12 hours in classes each week. If you choose to study part-time, this is reduced to around six hours each week. You will study through lectures, tutorials, practical sessions, seminars and projects.

Assessment

You will need to spend a significant amount of time working independently, reading and preparing for assessments. While the style of coursework may vary, research-style papers or essays of around 4,000 words in length are typical. You will also work on a significant research project and a major project of your choice, where strong independent thinking, critical analysis and project management skills will be important.