Digital Forensics and Cybercrime Analysis MSc

Provided by Staffordshire University

About the course

Course outline

The award will provide the knowledge of the latest cyber security principles, practices, tools and techniques, taught by a team of specialist staff in purpose-built cyber security laboratories. Graduates will be Cyber-operators, able to use ‘information’ as a defensive or offensive weapon. 

Today, Cyber-Operators are required to have an ‘enriched’ background drawing elements of practical experience from fields as diverse as sociology, psychology, networks and network security, computer science and computer security, information management and information security, software engineering and reverse engineering, and of course, the law.

We have a diverse number of placements with companies from the security industry, high tech crime units and government organisations.

In August 2016 we moved to brand new, purpose built laboratories and teaching facilities in the Mellor Building, College Road Campus on the Stoke-on-Trent City Campus.

• Develop masters-level knowledge and skills in the theories, principles, practices and technologies of cyber security in context of employer-driven needs, emerging markets, and contemporary subject areas within the discipline.
• Develop a sound and critical understanding of the different Cyber Operations.
• Research, develop, apply and evaluate approaches and technologies in cyber security in context of real-world scenarios.
• Develop and strengthen critical analysis, independent scholarship, and intellectual empowerment through a structured research-informed programme of studies.
• Develop effective communication skills of value to academic, technical and professional environments. 
• BCS Accredited

Course content

Throughout the course you will be invited to attend guest lectures delivering workshops and conducting seminars with the students. Our visiting tutors are national and international security experts.

You will also have an opportunity in achieving industry recognised certification in Certified Ethical hacking.

Our purpose-built state of the art security laboratory offers each student a unique experience in enhancing your skills and knowledge in Cyber Security. As a result of winning a recent £5 million STEM bid, you will benefit from state of the art hardware resources, which will enhance your learning.

You will gain:

• Sound understanding of the computer science.
• Sound understanding of TCP-IP networks, the TCP-IP suite and its supporting protocols.
• Sound understanding and practical knowledge of digital forensics incidence response.
• Understanding and practical knowledge of managing information at all levels.
• Practical knowledge of the different types of computer crime.
• Ability to use with competency cyber-security toolkits.
• Ability to follow strict policies and procedures with meticulous record keeping.
• Good understanding of people and their motivational catalysts.
• Knowledge of evidence law and legal procedures.
• Ability to write reports on technical issues in a non-technical manner.
• Ability to address large audiences in a formal manner and affect their decision making process.

 Core Modules

• Computer Security – Low Level
• Cyber Operations
• Malware analysis and Reverse Engineering
• Research Methods
• Operating Systems Security
• Digital Forensics & Incidence Response

Option Modules*

• Network Security with CISCO
• Network Security
• Penetration Testing
• Computer Security – High Level

* If you have CCNA certification (or an equivalent CISCO background), there will be the option of doing Network Security with the CISCO curriculum. Those of you who are not CCNA certified (or without an equivalent CISCO background), will do a less practical module of similar learning outcomes. After Teaching Block 2 you will have an option, again based on your prior knowledge on ethical hacking (and/or background, qualifications), for doing either Computer Security – High Level, which focuses on ethical hacking, or a more technical module on Penetration Testing.