Digital Security, Forensics and Ethical Hacking

The MSc Digital Security, Forensics and Ethical Hacking programme at Glasgow Caledonian University offers students an in-depth understanding of the rapidly evolving field of cybersecurity. This comprehensive course is designed to equip future professionals with the knowledge and practical skills necessary to protect digital assets, investigate cybercrimes, and ethically evaluate security vulnerabilities in various digital environments. Throughout the programme, students explore critical topics such as network security, digital forensics, malicious software analysis, penetration testing, and incident response. The curriculum combines theoretical foundations with hands-on practical training, enabling students to develop the expertise needed to assess cybersecurity risks, respond effectively to security breaches, and contribute to the development of secure digital infrastructures. The programme also emphasizes the importance of ethical considerations in hacking and security practices, ensuring graduates can operate responsibly within legal and moral frameworks. Taught by experienced academics and industry specialists, the course includes opportunities for real-world case studies, practical labs, and project work, fostering a robust understanding of contemporary security challenges. Graduates of this programme will be well-prepared for careers in cybersecurity analysis, digital forensics, penetration testing, security consultancy, and other related roles within the digital security sector. The programme supports students who wish to pursue professional certifications such as CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker) and CISSP, enhancing employment prospects and professional development. Overall, this MSc programme is ideal for individuals passionate about technology, security, and ethical hacking, seeking to make a significant impact in safeguarding digital information and infrastructure in an increasingly connected world.

Detailed Course Facts

Contact us

• English

Course Content

• Year 1: Introduction to Computer Systems Development; Introduction to Network Technology; Introduction to Switched and Wireless Networks; Introduction to Database Development; Introduction to Programming; Introduction to Web Development; Security Landscape; Discrete Mathematics; Integrated Design Project.
• Year 2: Digital Forensics Essentials; Operating Systems and Security; Software Development for Engineers; Routing Fundamentals; Designing Secure Networks; and Integrated Project.
• Year 3: Network Penetration Testing and Ethical Hacking; Digital Forensic Analysis and Incident Response;Computing and Legal Environment; Quantitative Modelling and Cryptography; Web Programming; and Integrated Project.
• Year 4: Honours Research and Project Methods; Honours Project; Advanced Ethical Hacking and Web Application Penetration Testing; Advanced Digital Forensics Analysis and Data Mining Methods; Computer Risk Management; Security and People; and Professionalism in Practice Security Landscape; Computer Systems Development; Computer Architecture; Network Technology; Switched and Wireless Networks; Principles of Programmable Systems; Web Development; Database Development; Discrete Maths; and Integrated Project.

Work Placement

The programme features an optional one-year sandwich placement which can be undertaken after completion of Year 3.

Assessment

Assessment methods used to demonstrate achievement of learning outcomes include examinations, coursework, class tests, presentations, computer-based exercises and written reports.

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6 CAE score : 60(Grade C)

To study at this university, you have to speak English. We advice you to

Requirements

Higher: BBBB

ILC: CCCCC

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

Related Scholarships*

• Academic Excellence Scholarship

  "The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."

• Access Bursary

  Bursary for UK students all subjects where the variable tuition fee rate is payable.

• Alumni Bursary

  Alumni Bursary for UK Undergraduate students

* The scholarships shown on this page are suggestions first and foremost. They could be offered by other organisations than Glasgow Caledonian University.

Accreditation

To ensure graduates have excellent employment opportunities, the programme has been designed in line with accreditation guidelines set by the BCS - the Chartered Institute for IT - and the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET).