Cyber Security and Forensics (MSc)

Our cyber security and forensics msc is highly relevant to industry needs and is fully certified by the national cyber security centre (ncsc), marking it as a program of national excellence. 

• Digital devices like computers and mobile phones are integral to various industries, such as communications, banking, engineering, and AI. With this reliance, the need for enhanced cybersecurity and forensics is critical. 
• The course focuses on two key areas: Cyber Security, where you will learn to analyse and mitigate risks, and Digital Forensics, which involves investigating and extracting digital information for legal purposes. You will gain insights into security threats, digital data storage, and extraction processes. 
• Core modules provide a comprehensive introduction to Cyber Security and Forensics. You can choose optional modules from either theme, and you will complete a major project in Cyber Security and Forensics. 

The course offers access to state-of-the-art resources, including the licensed FTK Forensics Toolkit and other open-source tools. Key features include: 

• A dedicated forensics computer laboratory 
• Over 30 computing labs with specialist software for Linux/UNIX, Windows, and Mac OS, supported by high-bandwidth networks 
• Access to a range of free software for home use through academic initiatives 
• Specialist technicians to help you maximize the use of these technologies 
• You will explore various cyber security and forensic tools for data retrieval and learn about the professional and ethical aspects of computer security and forensics. The course also covers report writing and evidence presentation in court. 

Teaching methods include lab sessions, student-led tutorials, and lectures by internal staff and industry guest speakers. You will be taught by experienced and friendly staff, benefiting from the diverse knowledge and skills within the School of Computer Science and Engineering. Assessments are primarily practical, lab-based, groupwork and presentation, one module with In-Class Test (ICT) and individual research-based coursework.

Top reasons to study with us

• State-of-the-Art Technologies and Resources: Access cutting-edge tools like the licensed FTK Forensics Toolkit and open-source software. Our dedicated forensics lab and over 30 computing labs provide hands-on experience with Linux/UNIX, Windows, and Mac OS. 
• Industry Insider Knowledge: Benefit from presentations by industry professionals who regularly appear as guest speakers. 
• Accredited Course: Gain professional membership of the BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT, which is key for achieving Chartered IT Professional (CITP) status. 
• In-Demand Skills: Develop essential skills in computer security, with a growing demand for cyber security specialists. 
• Research Opportunities: Connect with an active cyber security research group, including PhD students and academic staff exploring the latest advancements in the field. 
• Career Success: Our graduates have secured positions in leading governmental and security organizations, such as the Police and the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD).

Course structure

• The following modules are indicative of what you will study on this course. For more details on course structure and modules, and how you will be taught and assessed, see the Programme Specification document.

Core modules

• Principles of Cyber Security
• Cyber Security and Forensics Project
• Principles of Digital Forensics
• Network Security Management
• Information Security Governance and Compliance

Option modules: Digital Forensics theme

• Digital Forensics and Incident Response
• Digital Forensics Applications

Option modules: Cyber Security theme

• Cyber Security Applications
• Cyber Security Threats and Countermeasures

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). Accreditation to the BCS is valid for intakes to this course between September 2022 - August 2028.
• This programme is also fully certified by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), which is a sign of national excellence. Students will receive a certificate upon graduation. The NCSC is part of the UK Government’s national communications intelligence agency GCHQ. Accreditation to the NCSC is valid for intakes to this course between May 2023 - August 2028.

Careers

• This course is designed with a high degree of relevance to the industry’s needs. It will equip you with all the necessary skills needed for jobs in the field of cyber security and digital forensics. 
• With computers being 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 means that there’s a growing demand for specialists in cyber security and digital forensics.
• With a growing global network of 3,000 employers, our Careers and Employability Service is here to support you to achieve your full potential.

Industry links

• We have links with professionals from a range of fields in the cyber security and digital forensics industries. They regularly appear as guest speakers and act as advisors for the course. Their input ensures that the course is continually up to date and highly relevant to the needs of the industry. 

Job roles
This course will prepare you for roles such as:

• Anti-piracy/content protection analyst
• Computer forensics analyst
• Computer security incident responder
• Cyber security manager
• Information security analyst
• Information security assurance officer
• Information security assurance analyst
• Information security consultant
• Information security risk officer
• IT security engineer
• IT security operations specialist
• Penetration tester (also known as ethical hacker)
• Researcher in applied cryptography
• Researcher in network/computer security
• Security officer
• Source code auditor
• Vulnerability assessor

Graduate employers
Graduates from this course have found employment at organisations including:

• KPMG UK
• Metropolitan Police
• UK Ministry of Defence
• Willis Towers Watson