MSc ELECTRONIC SECURITY AND DIGITAL FORENSICS DEGREE

Overview & facilities

This innovative course is designed to create graduates specialising in digital forensics. By developing expert technical and legal knowledge you will be able to make a major contribution to information security and computer forensics investigation. IT professionals involved in this work need an understanding of information security and network security measures, intrusion prevention and detection, and forensic analysis for comprised systems. They also need to be able to accurately report both orally and in writing to colleagues and to others within criminal investigation teams and to the courts of law.

In the past many cases have collapsed simply because of the lack of this expertise. The Electronic Security and Digital Forensics Masters has been created to meet the need for these new professional skills.

This course develops both a broadening of subject knowledge combined with an in-depth study of digital forensic tools and techniques, detection and crisis response, crime scene-search, evidence collection and seizure processes and IT law.

The course is available both full-time and part-time.

Download the School of Engineering and Information Sciences brochure.

Content & modules

Modules

• Year 1

  Digital Evidence Management and Forensic Processes (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  The module will provide students with in-depth knowledge of evidence management and the consequences of mismanagement. Students will learn about the planning of investigations, technology management strategies and how their actions could affect evidential continuity. It will equip students with awareness that digital forensics is as much about documentation, processes and validity as it is about the technical investigations. Students will be able to analyse and evaluate the various types of hardware and software that are available to digital investigators and to appreciate the limitations and drawbacks of these technologies.

  Digital Investigation Digital Technology (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  The module aims to give student a sound understanding of the relationship between digital investigations and digital technologies. This practical module will equip students with the skills to remove electronic digital media from their sources using industry tools and conduct forensic investigations using commercial software on provided case studies. The module will apply a practical approach to investigations with access preventing technologies. The module will offer exposure to specialised digital forensic areas. The module provides demonstrable skills to investigate and analyse a variety of digital media, enabling students to competently conduct investigation on different operating systems using forensic tools and software.

  Information Security Management (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  The module focuses on both technical and managerial aspects of information security management and equips students with knowledge and skills required by the IT security professionals worldwide. The module will take an integrated approach to security management through the use of the security frameworks, policies and models guided by the international regulatory standards.

  Legal and Professional Aspects of Digital Forensics (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  This module focuses on legal and professional aspects of digital forensics. The module gives student a sound grounding in theories of crime and deviancy, the criminal justice system and law enforcement. It also gives students knowledge and understanding of legal and regulatory issues relevant to carrying out investigations of computer-related crime, as well as handling and presenting digital evidence. In addition to the above the module covers professional issues relevant to the digital/computer forensics professional.

  Postgraduate Computing Project (60 Credits) - Compulsory

  To give students an opportunity to demonstrate their ability to undertake work that is independent - shaped largely by one s own decisions and preferences; complete - accomplished from conception to delivery, via all stages in between; technically competent - employing techniques and exploiting knowledge gained during earlier parts of the programme; professionally and ethically compliant; supervised - working under the guidance but not instruction of a member of academic staff; academically sound - taking critical account of current knowledge and methods in the chosen specialist area.

Attendance

As a full-time student you take four modules in the academic year and as a part-time student you take two modules per year.  The academic year comprises 24 weeks of teaching spread over two terms, (Autumn and Winter OR Winter and Spring).   Students progress onto the project /dissertation module on successful completion of all taught modules.

Assessment

Each module is assessed through a combination of group and/or individual coursework, presentations and an unseen examination. In general, the coursework component of each module accounts for 30% – 50% of the module grade while the unseen examination accounts for 50% - 70% depending on the nature of the module.  The Postgraduate Computing Project, undertaken at the end of the programme, gives the student the opportunity to demonstrate in a practical way the knowledge and skills acquired from the programme as a whole, including the student’s own self-directed learning and research. 

Download the course specifications.

Entry & applying

Standard Entry requirements

A good honours degree in a related subject, such as those providing a significant exposure to information technology. Applicants with degrees in other fields who can demonstrate relevant industrial experience may also be considered. 

International entry requirements

We accept the equivalent of the above from a recognised overseas university, to find out more about the requirements from your country, see further information under support in your country.

English language requirements

You must have competence in English language and we normally require Grade C GCSE or an equivalent qualification. The most common English Language requirements for international students are IELTS 6.5 (with minimum 6.0 in all four components) or TOEFL paper based 575 (no less than 4.5 in test of written English) or TOEFL internet based 90 (with no less than 19 in each component) Middlesex also offers an Intensive Academic English course (Pre-Sessional) that ranges from 5-17 weeks, depending on your level of English. Successful completion of this course would meet English language entry requirements. For more information on applying for the pre-sessional please email english@mdx.ac.uk. For details of other equivalent English language requirements that Middlesex accepts see international entry requirements.

How to Apply

Apply now

Applications for postgraduate study should be made directly to the university. The quickest way to apply is by making an online application, once you have created your account and completed your application, you will be able to track the progress of your application online. Alternatively, you can fill in an application form and return it to the appropriate admissions office. UK and EU students should apply directly to the London office. Non-EU international students can apply to our international admissions office in London, or use our network of regional offices across the world to assist you with your application.

Fees & funding

The course fee for MSc Electronic Security and Digital Forensics for the academic year 2012/13 is as follows:

UK/EU Students

Full-time students: £7,500

Part-time students: £63 per taught credit

Find out about our flexible payment plans for UK/EU students, and how they can help you spread the cost of your course.

International Students

Full-time students: £10,600

Part-time students: £93 per taught credit

Careers & placements

What can you do with a Computing and IT degree?

Requirements of industry are varied, challenging and continually changing, with computer security at the forefront of the knowledge explosion. With the capabilities and skills developed on the MSc Electronic Security and Digital Forensics degree, and the intellectual capability for creative and independent thinking, you will become a valuable component of the future investment in the field. Opportunities in digital forensics lie across the 'hard' end issues such as security and examination of computer systems to the 'softer' security management.

Graduate Roles

Digital forensic computing is still a growing field but you can expect to find jobs within other established areas, such as the police or the Serious and Organised Crime Agency (SOCA) and MI5. You can also expect to find roles within security consultancy, banking, government departments and IT firms specialising in computer security.

Forensic Computer Analyst/Scientist - A Forensic Computer Analyst investigates computer-based crime, such as hacking, online scams and fraud, terrorist communications or theft of sensitive company information. They gather evidence and use it to build a case against suspected individuals or criminal networks. Forensic Computer analysts often work with the police or are police officers with specialist training.

Digital Evidence Investigator - A Digital Evidence Investigator gathers data from equipment such as hard drives, memory cards and mp3 players, using their tools and experience to extract specific files. All evidence recovered is compiled into a report which may be used by the prosecution in a court case. A digital evidence investigator may occasionally be required to attend court in order to give evidence.

Salary
Trainee Analysts can expect to earn around £20,000 a year. After 12 months' experience salaries can range between £25,000 and £35,000. After four to five years experience, this figure can rise to between £40,000 and £60,000 a year.

(These figures are intended as a guide only)