Computer Forensic Investigation – (M.Sc.)

Why choose this course?

* There is a huge demand in industry for graduates with both digital forensic and security skills. This course brings together these core subject areas to provide an exciting and inspirational programme of study.
* If you're from a computing, legal or law enforcement background you can extend your professional interests and profile in an area that is quickly becoming crucially important to organisations.
* You'll develop a wide range of skills and competencies that will prepare you for a variety of career opportunities. Alternatively you could pursue further research leading to a PhD.
* Study a subject that is both challenging and stimulating in a supportive, friendly and inspiring environment.
* There are excellent opportunities to develop your own research portfolio in this area.
* It's flexible to fit around you - study full time or part time, start in September or January.
About the course Identifying cyber security as one of four Tier One risks to national security signals the paramount importance of information security to the UK. And the UK is not alone - many countries across the world have recognised the importance of cyber security and also of digital forensics, which both complements security and provides the investigative tools when information security fails.

There are a number of regulatory requirements that apply to information security for all government departments. This forensic readiness state also applies to private sector companies who adhere to the Payment Card Industry Data Security (PCI-DSS) standards. Whether companies adhere to these standards or not, it is estimated that the cost of digital forensics investigations run to many hundreds of millions of pounds each year in the UK. The information security practices of an organisation, together with its forensic readiness state, have become a critical part of all businesses.

This programme brings together the core skills of both forensics and security. During the course you will learn about fundamental as well as advanced research concepts in both computer forensics and security. There is an emphasis on professional research and you will be given opportunities throughout the programme to get involved with key research areas, including industry based projects developed through our excellent links with industry.

The Derbyshire Information Security Consortium (DISC) regularly hosts talks from industry professionals which you can attend free of charge.

This course is made up of three stages - Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma and MSc.

On completion of four modules you will achieve the Postgraduate Certificate. On completion of eight modules you will achieve the Postgraduate Diploma. On completion of the final Independent Scholarship you will be awarded your MSc.

* Advanced Security Protocols
* Enterprise Security Management
* Ethical, Moral and Social Issues
* Computer Crime in the Courtroom
* Industrial Research Practice
* Independent Studies (quadruple module)
* IT Crime and Misuse
* Forensic Computer Investigation
* Studying at Masters Level and Research Methods

For full module descriptions and assessment information,