Information Security and Digital Forensics

Study mode:On campus Study type:Customized Languages: English
Foreign:$ 15 k / Year(s)  
StudyQA ranking:5164 Duration:

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Security of computer systems and networks is a major concern for organisations and individuals.

With the rapid expansion of the Internet, cybercrime and malicious software deployments are on the increase. There is a need for security professionals who can protect assets and information by securing networks and computer systems. The MISDF also develops skills in discovering and recording digital forensic evidence of crimes and malicious behaviour by extracting data from networks, hard drive, cell phones and other digital devices.

The Master of Information Security and Digital Forensics covers the critical aspects of information security and digital forensics:

  • Protecting computer and network systems
  • Critically analysing current security threats and planning mitigation strategies
  • Seizing and securing IT and other digital equipment used for criminal activity
  • Interpreting and analysing the content of hard disks and other electronic media to build an understanding of the processes underpinning possible criminal activity
  • Gathering evidence from electronic media and other sources of potential criminal activity in a systematic and rigorous way
  • Presenting such evidence in a court of law in a way that is intelligible to non-experts

The programme is a mix of academic study and practical labs supported by workshop sessions. Dedicated specialist hardware and software is provided for students’ use in these sessions and is available to them for the research component of the qualification. 

  • Duration: 1 1/2 years full-time / 3 years part-time
  • Start date:  18 July 

Career opportunities

This degree is designed for graduates wanting to follow a career in the growing forensic computing and digital forensics sectors, and to develop their understanding and application of security issues. It will also appeal to recent graduates as well as professionals wishing to enhance their skills as:

  • Computer forensic and security specialist
  • Computer forensic technician
  • Corporate and business IT forensic and security personnel
  • Forensic analyst
  • Forensic technology investigator
  • Forensic computer examiner
  • Forensic computing specialist
  • Electronic forensic investigator
  • Independent IT forensic consultants
  • Information security specialist
  • Information system auditors
  • Members of computer emergency response teams
  • Members of high technology police units
  • Network and IT system administrators
  • Software developers and architects

 

Structure

The programme offers a choice of two pathways to complete the required 180 points. It is primarily a mix of security and digital forensics papers with some elective papers available. You may choose to complete six papers and undertake a 90-point thesis or eight papers and a 60-point project.

CORE PAPERS
COMP811 Research Methods I (15 points)
COMP821 Information Security (15 points)
COMP830 Cryptography and Cryptanalysis (15 points)
COMP832 Digital Forensics Tools and Techniques (15 points)

SELECT at least 30 points from:
COMP812 Next Generation Networking (15 points)
COMP816 Autoidentification (15 points)
COMP818 Intelligent Surveillance (15 points)
COMP831 Cybercrime and IT-Governance (15 points)
COMP833 Network Security and Forensics (15 points)
COMP834 Research Readings (15 points)
COMP836 Special Topic (30 points)

AND ONE OF THE FOLLOWING OPTIONS:
OPTION ONE
COMP997 Applied Research Project (60 points)

OPTION TWO
COMP998 Thesis (90 points)

Or any other postgraduate paper with the approval of the programme leader

 

Entry requirements

Completed one of the following with a B grade average or higher at level 7 or equivalent:

  • Bachelor of Computer and Information Sciences or
  • Graduate Diploma in Computer and Information Sciences.

An applicant who does not meet the admission requirements above must submit evidence to the dean (or representative) of their ability to study at postgraduate level.

An applicant will be required to supply references.

An applicant may be required to attend a selection interview.

Guidelines to entry

 

Study abroad fees at AUT University: what you'll pay

2016 fees per semester in NZ dollars

  • Tuition fee for Study Abroad: NZ$12,500 per semester
  • Enrolment fee: NZ$150
  • Learner services levy: NZ$320.08 per 60 points
  • Placement fee (internship option only): NZ$800
  • AUT Insurance Premium: NZ$294.50 per semester

Other compulsory fees (in addition to tuition fees)

  • 2016 Compulsory Student Services Fee - $573.30 for 120 points or $4.77 per academic point (GST incl)
  • 2016 Building Levy- $66.85 for 120 points or $0.56 per academic point (GST incl)
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