Cyber Security and Forensics MSc

Computers are central to all aspects of our daily lives; as industries ranging from communications to banking have come to rely on them, the need for improved computer security has never been greater. This course focuses on two aspects of Cyber Security: analysis and assessment of risk plus how to minimise it, and how to extract and use digital information from a wide range of systems and devices. The course is structured so that as well as the core modules, students can choose option modules from either the Cyber Security or the Digital Forensics themes.

Students taking the course will gain an understanding of the nature of the security threats that face computer systems and the type of information that is stored on digital devices (and how it can be extracted from them). They will benefit from a broad and varied array of state-of-the-art technologies and resources, including:

• a dedicated forensics computer laboratory
• over 30 computing laboratories with an extensive range of specialist and other software providing access to Linux/UNIX, Windows and Mac OS, all supported by high-bandwidth networks
• access to a range of free software titles through a number of academic initiatives for use on home computers for educational and personal purposes
• specialist technicians to ensure you can get the most out of these technologies

All students will take the core modules, which are designed to give a comprehensive introduction to this specialist field. They will cover basic digital forensics and network security and also cover computer system tools and the Linux/UNIX operating system. Dealing with digital evidence in a professional manner (that includes adhering to appropriate legal guidelines) is also covered. Optional modules are divided into two themes. You can follow the theme of your choice and choose option modules either from the Cyber Security or the Digital Forensics themes. In addition, all students will complete a project module.

The course offers the opportunity to examine a variety of tools available on the open market and the use of forensic tools to retrieve data from electronic sources. It will also consider the analysis of professional and ethical issues relating to computer security and forensics and the development of professional competencies, such as report writing and presenting evidence in court.

Teaching methods include lab-based sessions, student-led tutorials and lectures by internal staff and guest speakers from the industry. Our courses are offered by friendly, highly experienced staff and benefit from the diverse specialist knowledge and skills within the School of Computer Science and Engineering. Assessments will be carried out mostly through practical or research-based coursework.

Top reasons to study with us

• State-of-the-art technologies and resources – you’ll have access to a dedicated forensics computer laboratory and over 30 computing laboratories with an extensive range of software providing access to Linux/UNIX, Windows and Mac OS., including the use of specialised software tools and packages for cyber security and forensics
• Gain industry insider knowledge – you'll benefit from presentations by industry professionals who regularly appear as guest speakers
• Accredited course – you’ll be entitled to professional membership of the BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT, an essential part of the criteria for achieving Chartered IT Professional (CITP) status through the institute
• Develop in-demand skills – they need for improved computer security has never been greater, with a growing demand for cyber security specialists
• This course has links to an active cyber security research group with PhD students and academic staff investigating the latest advances in cyber security and forensics studies
• Some of our graduates have gone on to work in leading governmental and security organisations such as the Police and the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD)

Why study this course?

• Study in central London
  Based in our Cavendish Campus in central London, you’ll enjoy the benefits of studying in a major tech hub.
• Prepare for industry
  You’ll have access to a dedicated forensics computer laboratory and use a range of specialised software tools and packages for cyber security and forensics.
• Accredited course
  This course is accredited by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, for partially meeting the educational requirement for CITP and CEng.

Professional accreditation

This course has been accredited by BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT, for the purposes of partially meeting the further learning academic requirement for registration as a Chartered IT Professional. The accreditation is a mark of assurance that the course meets the standards set by BCS, and it entitles you to professional membership of BCS, which is an important part of the criteria for achieving Chartered IT Professional (CITP) status through the Institute.

This course has also been accredited by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of partially meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer. The accreditation is a mark of assurance that the course meets the standards set by the Engineering Council in the UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence (UK-SPEC).

An accredited degree will provide you with some or all of the underpinning knowledge, understanding and skills for eventual registration as an Incorporated (IEng) or Chartered Engineer (CEng).