Cyber Security and Forensic Information Technology MSc

University of Portsmouth

Overview

If you're looking to further specialise your IT career and branch into digital forensics, this course is the perfect next step. This MSc Cyber Security and Forensic Information Technology Master's degree will develop your IT skillset and give you the lowdown on civil, corporate and criminal litigation procedures.

You'll unpack the core themes in Cyber Security and Forensic Information Technology, including data analysis, risk management, computer security and cybercrime. You'll learn to apply your skills to the generation and presentation of digital evidence for use by the courts, in legal or other formal proceedings.

Once you graduate, you'll be equipped to tackle a career in forensic information technology within law firms, enforcement agencies and IT practices.

Accredited by

This course is accredited by BCS (British Computer Society), the UK's Chartered Institute for IT and meets the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered IT Professional (CITP).

It also partially meets the academic requirement for registration either as a Chartered Scientist (CSci), or (on behalf of the Engineering Council) as a Chartered Engineer (CEng), when the Master's Engineering Project is completed.

What you'll experience

On this course, you'll:

• Investigate hacking, fraud and deception using a range of digital forensic tools
• Learn how to identify the digital trail left by intruders and detect inappropriate use of internet applications, in order to compile detailed evidence for prosecution
• Investigate case studies based on real life and experience investigation in realistic simulations, crime scenes and court.
• Study the approaches to protect information systems (cyber security) and the techniques used to penetrate systems (ethical hacking).
• Use our specialist facilities, including multi-platform network suites, pervasive computing lab for high performance computing, usability lab with eye-tracking equipment, and forensics lab
• Complete your own engineering or study project, relevant to the field of forensic IT
• Have 24/7 access to the extensive facilities in our university library, including books, ejournals and newspapers

Careers and opportunities

Police investigations and civil disputes increasingly involve the investigation of computer systems, mobile phones or other information devices, and the skills you'll get on this course are in demand in both the public and private sectors.

When you graduate, you'll be qualified to work in fields including:

• Law enforcement
• IT auditing
• Information security
• High-tech crime units
• Commercial investigation
• National security bodies
• Systems administration
• Security analysis

You could also go on to further research study at PhD level.

We'll provide you with as much support as possible in finding employment through close industrial contacts, careers events, recruitment fairs and individual advice.