Overview

Computer security is one of the key challenges in contemporary computing. You will gain critical knowledge within the cybersecurity and digital forensic domains, combining academic principles and industrial practice.

The course is informed by current research in security and digital forensics, and is underpinned by our experience with external partners in law enforcement, the cybersecurity industry financial institutions, and other knowledge transfer activities.

Course specialisms include network security, penetration testing, incident response, malware analysis, cryptography, audit and compliance, and host and mobile digital forensics. The specialisation you gain in the taught modules is further developed through an extensive research-based MSc dissertation project, leading towards a mastery of a subject area and enhancing your particular specialism.

The course is a fully online version of the MSc Advanced Security & Digital Forensics on-campus programme. All teaching and learning resources are online, with all assessments also carried out remotely. There is also the option to spread the course modules out over a number of years, making the course ideal for students who cannot attend on-campus classes or those in employment.

Course details

You will gain foundation knowledge in all the key areas of cybersecurity, both defensive and offensive, as well as post-incident response and malware analysis. The digital forensic aspects of the course include network and computer forensics, allowing you to develop the knowledge required to conduct computer-related investigations across networks, systems, and other digital devices.

The School of Computing has developed close ties with industry, law enforcement, and the public sector, through partnerships with organisations such as Cisco Systems, Guidance Software, Symantec, NCC Group, NCA, Police Scotland, and many others.

Careers

The continued growth in the current requirement for cybersecurity and digital forensics professionals means there are a wide range of careers which can be followed after graduating from the course, such as:

• Security Consultant/Analyst
• Penetration Tester
• Network Security Analyst
• Forensic Investigator
• Audit/Compliance Consultant
• Security Certification Engineer
• Incident Response Analyst
• Sys Admin
• Network Engineer

The programme develops a range of key skills currently needed in industry, covering areas such as network security, penetration testing, security monitoring, incident response, malware analysis, operating systems, network and computer forensics, virtualisation and malware analysis. Materials from many professional courses are integrated into the curriculum, towards helping students prepare for sought after professional certification such as:

• Cisco Security Certifications
• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
• Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)
• Centre for Research and Evidence on Security Threats (CREST)