Cyber Security and Forensic Information Technology, MSc

University of Portsmouth, the United Kingdom

Study options for this course

The award	How you will study	Study duration	Course start	Domestic course fees	International course fees
MSc	Full-time, Part-time	1 - 3 year	September, January	find out	find out

About Cyber Security and Forensic Information Technology, MSc - at University of Portsmouth

Overview

Prevent and prosecute digital crime, by shaping your IT skills for a connected business world that craves your expertise.

You'll study twin, linked disciplines on this Master's: cyber security – protecting data and systems from cyber attack, and forensic information technology – detecting and collecting digital evidence of criminal activity. You'll explore methods used by hackers, and how to prevent or combat them. You'll also learn the procedures to follow after an attack, and how to present this information to investigators or court officials.

In our computer labs and forensic facilities, you'll infect a virtual machine with a virus of your own, overcome anti-forensic tools that try to hide evidence of crime, and make a mock arrest of a cybercriminal. You'll dig into cryptography, hacking and formal computer languages, such as Linux.

When you graduate, you'll be set to enter a sector with a massive need for trained cyber security and forensic information technology professionals. UK government figures from 2022 show 50% of businesses acknowledge having a skills gap in cyber security and forensics, which you'll be ideally placed to fill.

Course highlights

Master parallel disciplines in digital security and forensic investigation, and expand your career options in a connected world that needs cyber skills more than ever
Use our specialist facilities, including multi-platform network suites, pervasive computing lab for high performance computing, usability lab with eye-tracking equipment, forensics lab and crime scene simulations
Investigate real-life case studies, identify digital trails, compile evidence and engage with ethical hacking, using current forensic tools and systems such as AccessData, Cellebrite and Tryhackme
Explore contemporary cybersecurity issues: blockchain and cryptocurrency, money laundering, the Internet of Things, drones, and anti-forensic techniques
Design and deliver your own forensic IT engineering or study project, shaping this Master's to your interests
Learn formal logic, Linux and symbolic notation used in digital forensics and cyber security

Careers and opportunities

You'll graduate from this Master's with skills that are in heavy demand. The UK Government's £2.6 billion National Cyber Strategy aims to "ensure the UK continues to be a leading responsible and democratic cyber power", and shows how businesses in the private and public sectors need to fill a large cyber skills gap to meet that aim.

You'll have studied twin disciplines within that skills gap, so you'll be qualified for roles in preventing digital crime, or investigating and prosecuting those who commit it. You'll be able 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.

Notes about fees for this course

https://www.port.ac.uk/study/masters-and-postgraduate-taught/fees-and-funding

Entry requirements

A second-class honours degree in a relevant subject, including Computer Sciences, Legal or Social Sciences, or equivalent professional experience and/or qualifications.

English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.0 with no component score below 5.5.

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Cyber Security and Forensic Information Technology, MSc

Study options for this course

About Cyber Security and Forensic Information Technology, MSc - at University of Portsmouth

Notes about fees for this course

Entry requirements

Courses you may be interested in at other institutions

Postgraduate pathways and pre-masters at other institutions

Other courses at University of Portsmouth

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