Advanced Security and Digital Forensics

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Computer security is one of the key issues in contemporary computing and is relevant to a wide range of activities, including software development, networking and system design. You will gain foundation knowledge in all the key areas of computing, with specialisations in mobile systems and network security.

This specialisation is highlighted with hands-on practical work in group and MSc disseration projects.

This course is flexible in the mode of delivery, making extensive use of online and blended learning materials, and a key objective of the programme is the integration with professional certification, such as from Cisco Systems, Ethical Hacking, CISSP, and ISO 27001.

The School of Computing and the Centre for Distributed Computing and Security have extensive expertise in research, knowledge transfer (KT) and teaching in the areas of security and digital forensics. This includes externally funded research in key domains such as financial crime and intelligence gathering frameworks, through KT work with organisations such as Cisco Systems, DNS Ltd, the FSA, the Scottish Police (SIPR), Sapphire, Scottish Drug Enforcement Agency, and many others.

This course is also integrated with industry, with industry-led projects, and links with a wide range of local companies. You will have access to security research seminars with talks from senior industry professionals and state-of-the-art research in digital forensics, computer security, mobile systems and distributed computing.

Overall, the aim is to produce a world-leading programme with blended teaching material and support that builds on the existing foundation of research, KT activities and teaching in security and digital forensics.

The programme involves a wide range of skills, including an in-depth knowledge and practical skills in key areas such as:

* Encryption and authentication methods
* Authentication infrastructures
* Host-based digital forensics
* Network-based digital forensics
* Network security, including secure tunnels
* Wireless/Mobile security
* Virtualisation and Service-Oriented Architectures
* Cloud Computing
* Next generation Web systems

Professional Certification: Cisco CCNA Security, Cisco CCNA/CCNP, CISSP, Ethical Hacking.

* Security Consultant
* System Architect
* Forensic Investigator
* Audit/Compliance Consultant
* Cisco Security Engineer
* Cisco Security Specialist
* Security Advisor
* Security Auditor
* Systems Integrator
* Design Engineer
* Network Engineer
* Application Support
* Web Server Support
* .NET Developer
* Test/Debug Engineer
* Wireless Engineer.

The programme can be taken either full-time or part-time, and started in January or September.

Trimester 1 (Sep-Dec)

* System Administration and Forensics
* Network Security
* Option Module from pool of Computing Masters modules

Trimester 2 (Jan-May)

* e-Security
* Advanced Cloud and Network Forensics
* Group Project

Trimester 3 (May-Sep)

* MSc Dissertation

For detailed information on individual modules, visit the Module Description page

The entry requirement for this course is a UK Honours degree at 2:2 or above. We look for applicants to have a background within a computing related field in order to be eligible for the programme. We may also consider lesser qualifications if you have sufficient relevant work experience within the industry. If English is not your first language, it is usually required that you sit an English language test in order to gain entry onto our postgraduate programmes. This course requires the standard IELTS 6.0 with no individual component score of less than 5.5 or equivalent. English Language Requirements IELTS band: 6 TOEFL iBT® test: 75 IMPORTANT NOTE: Since April 2014 the ETS tests (including TOEFL and TOEIC) are no longer accepted for Tier 4 visa applications to the United Kingdom. The university might still accept these tests to admit you to the university, but if you require a Tier 4 visa to enter the UK and begin your degree programme, these tests will not be sufficient to obtain your Visa. The IELTS test is most widely accepted by universities and is also accepted for Tier 4 visas to the UK- learn more.

We have a selection of funding opportunities available such as the UK postgraduate tuition fee loan (Scottish & EU) and specific scholarships aimed at student from India and across Africa.