menu icon
Cyber Security and Forensic Information Technology MSc

Cyber Security and Forensic Information Technology MSc

Different course options

Full time | University of Portsmouth | 1 year | JAN

Study mode

Full time

Duration

1 year

Start date

JAN

Key information
DATA SOURCE : IDP Connect

Qualification type

MSc - Master of Science

Subject areas

Computer Security Systems

Course type

Taught

Course Summary

Overview

Prevent and prosecute digital crime, by shaping your IT skills for a connected business world that craves your expertise.

You'll study twin, linked disciplines on this Master's: cyber security – protecting data and systems from cyber attack, and forensic information technology – detecting and collecting digital evidence of criminal activity. You'll explore methods used by hackers, and how to prevent or combat them. You'll also learn the procedures to follow after an attack, and how to present this information to investigators or court officials.

In our computer labs and forensic facilities, you'll infect a virtual machine with a virus of your own, overcome anti-forensic tools that try to hide evidence of crime, and make a mock arrest of a cybercriminal. You'll dig into cryptography, hacking and formal computer languages, such as Linux.

When you graduate, you'll be set to enter a sector with a massive need for trained cyber security and forensic information technology professionals. UK government figures from 2022 show

  • 50% of businesses acknowledge having a skills gap in cyber security and forensics
  • , which you'll be ideally placed to fill.

    Careers and opportunities

    Careers this Master's prepares you for

    You'll graduate from this Master's with skills that are in heavy demand. The UK Government's £2.6 billion

  • National Cyber Strategy
  • aims to "ensure the UK continues to be a leading responsible and democratic cyber power", and shows how businesses in the private and public sectors need to fill a large cyber skills gap to meet that aim.

Modules

The learning outcomes of this module are: Formulate, organise and implement investigations on digital media, whilst applying appropriate procedures for acquiring, imaging, preserving and analysing the seized artefacts. Critically evaluate the main techniques of cryptography and cryptanalysis, and overcome or exploit them in the context of securing systems and extracting evidence from hidden data. Explain the underlying architecture and the theory of operating systems used in digital media storage, and critically research other fields of digital forensics in context of new technologies and methodologies. Construct a computer crime case and manage its progress through the justice system within ethical boundaries. Prepare, manage and plan a court case in a group as leader or member, negotiating, collaborating and handling conflicts in evidence extraction with confidence by exploiting the capacities of group members.

Tuition fees

UK fees
Course fees for UK students

For this course (per year)

£10,400

International fees
Course fees for EU and international students

For this course (per year)

£19,200

Entry requirements

A second-class honours degree in a relevant subject, including Computer Sciences, Legal or Social Sciences, or equivalent professional experience and/or qualifications.

University information

Portsmouth is a small and lively island city that contains everything students need. Students can focus on their studies with as little distraction as they like. Then, when it’s time to step away from the books, the seafront offers learners the perfect place to revive and time to reset. Everything is close by in Portsmouth. In the course of a day students could go from the deck of a historic ship to a bustling shopping street, before browsing...more