
Opleiding: MSc Electronic Security and Digital Forensics
Learning purpose
By developing expert technical and legal knowledge our students 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.
Programme
The 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. There are four taught modules, which are followed by an independent project.
You will be assessed through a combination of coursework, presentations, a project and unseen examinations.
- 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.
Entry Requirements
We welcome applications from graduates with a good honours degree, or equivalent qualification, in an appropriate subject. We also consider candidates with other relevant qualifications and individuals with a minimum of three years' work experience. Those without formal qualifications need to demonstrate relevant work experience and the ability to study at postgraduate level.
Professional perspective and employment market
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.
Where do our graduates go?
Based on data from the respondents of the 2007 Destination of Leavers in Higher Education survey, six months after graduating
- 69% of graduates from the BIS department were in employment
- 25% went on to do further study
- 3% were assumed unemployed
- 3% were doing something else, such as travelling.

