Digital Forensics MSc

Entry requirements

You should have the equivalent of a British Honours degree (2:1 minimum) in a relevant subject.

Months of entry

September

Course content

Please note that we are not accepting applications to this course for September 2024 entry.

We’re living in a digital age, and while this technology and connectivity gives us so many benefits, it also means hackers and cyberterrorists have more opportunities than ever before to sabotage institutions, businesses, and even individuals.

This programme is developed in partnership with a range of national and international organisations, including Deloitte UK, Airbus, BT, and Rolls-Royce, ensuring you learn about the issues at the forefront of the sector.

Teaching is delivered by our expert staff at the Cyber Technology Institute, which has been named as an Airbus Centre of Excellence in Cyber Security thanks to its pioneering research in incident response and cyber threat intelligence, industrial control systems and sociotechnical security.

The main aims of the programme are to:

• Help students who are new to this field in acquiring the necessary understanding of digital forensics
• Equip students with the necessary understanding of how digital forensics can be used to provide help in resolving issues in civil and criminal proceedings
• Prepare students to practice as digital forensics professionals through research methods
• Enhance the knowledge and skills of the existing practitioners through in-depth research

The MSc digital forensics modules focus on the needs of industry, government agencies and the research interests of our staff. The four taught modules are delivered in semesters 1 and 2 and these are assessed by a variety of assessment methods, such as portfolio, coursework, presentation and viva. After taught modules, students undertake an individual digital forensics-focused research project which requires them to apply their knowledge and skills acquired from the taught modules. Students are given the opportunity of undertaking a one-year placement in industry. There is a dedicated placement unit which supports students in finding a suitable placement.

Key features

• The Cyber Security pathway of the Digital Forensics MSc programme is certified by the NCSC (National Cyber Security Centre)

• Study a programme that’s been developed in conjunction with industry experts. Our modules are created with input from Deloitte UK, Airbus, BT, and Rolls-Royce, which allows you to explore and study real-life issues relevant to industry. 

• Access to our dedicated Cyber Security Centre, which features computer security and forensics laboratories, will give you the opportunity to work in industry standard facilities and allow you to develop and enhance your skills in digital forensics.

• You’ll be taught by expert academics from our Cyber Security Centre and Software Technology Research Laboratory, many of whom are recognised leaders in the cyber security domain.

• We help our graduates to be prepared for roles such as consultancy, software houses or project management within organisations that are cyber security specialists. This includes areas such as law enforcement, government, commercial IT departments and security consultancies.

• Benefit from Education 2030, where a simplified ‘block learning’ timetable means you will study one subject at a time and have more time to engage with your learning, receive faster feedback and enjoy a better study-life balance.

Information for international students

If English is not your first language an IELTS score of 6.0 overall with 5.5 in each band (or equivalent) when you start the course is essential.

Fees and funding