MSc Computer Forensics
Computer crime is increasingly widespread and sophisticated, and there is a growing need for computing professionals qualified to deal with it. This course combines technical computer forensic skills with the requirements of an expert witness. You will gain experience of a range of current and certified forensic tools, as well as investigating relevant professional, legal and ethical issues.
You will benefit from a broad and varied array of state-of-the-art technologies, including:
• EnCase, FTK and open source forensic tools and a dedicated forensics computer laboratory
• Sunray servers connected to a 1GB fibre optic network with links to both the Super-Janet 4 network and the London Metropolitan Network, connecting the Greater London education and research community
• a Uni-Backbone network that supports IP Multicasts to deliver a constant stream of interactive, multimedia-rich content • over 20 laboratories providing access to Unix, Novell and NT servers, all supported by high-bandwidth networks
• specialist technicians to ensure you can get the most out of these technologies.
Course content
You will examine a variety of tools available on the open market, and the use of forensic tools to retrieve data from electronic sources.
You will also consider the analysis of professional and ethical issues relating to computer forensics, and the development of professional competencies, such as report writing and presenting evidence in court.
Core modules
Advanced Computer Forensics • Computer Forensics Project • Computer Forensic Technology • Computer Forensic Tools • Computer Systems Security • Data Recovery and Analysis • Evidence and Procedure (CSI and Expert Witness Requirements) • Fundamentals of Computer Systems Forensics • Research Methods • The Computer Forensics Profession
Teaching methods include lab-based sessions, student-led tutorials and lectures by internal staff and guest speakers from industry. Our courses are offered by friendly, highly experienced staff, and benefit from the diverse specialist knowledge and skills within the departments of the School. Assessments will be carried out mostly through practical or research-based course work and in-class tests.
Length of course
One-year, full-time or two-year, part-time
Location
Central London (Cavendish)
Fee band
Fee band 1, see fees spreadsheet
Associated careers
The course is intended for those involved with, or wishing to be involved with, corporate computer forensics or law enforcement computer forensics. Successful graduates will be able to safeguard the chain of digital evidence of potentially illegal or improper activity, from detection, safe collection and preservation, through to analysis and presentation in a court of law. Employment opportunities range from supporting the police and associated law enforcement agencies to computer security and computer audit roles in commercial companies.
Entry requirements
You are normally expected to have a good Honours degree (at least Upper Second Class) in a computing-related discipline from a UK university or overseas equivalent. If your first degree does not have a strong computing content, you will need to demonstrate that you have sufficient knowledge or industry experience of computing. Your work experience and other qualifications may also be taken in to account. You must submit a statement of purpose with your application in which you should present your key interests and career aspirations, how you believe the course can help you to achieve these, and what relevant personal qualities and experience you will bring to the course. You may be invited by the admissions tutor to an informal interview. If your first language is not English, you will need an IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent.
