Programme Specification for 2012/13
MSc Computer Forensics and Systems Security
This programme is suitable for both the newcomer to computer security and computer forensics and the practitioner who wishes to further their skills.
It covers relevant skills, software and hardware technologies as well as more theoretical studies that underpin everyday practice. It will ensure that students have a basic understanding of the legal, regulatory requirements, and international standards requirements, pertaining to computer security in different nations.
Students will gain knowledge of computer crime, police and forensic methods, and the legal requirements for collecting evidence. Students will be able to administer and configure business critical distributed applications. They will also gain an understanding of the threats to the networks and servers of businesses.
There will be hands-on training in current Forensic tools, as used by the police, e.g. EnCase, FTK, WinHex, etc. Graduates will therefore be able to contribute quickly to the well-being of corporate IT and informational assets.
What's the difference between ...
MSc Computer Forensics and Systems Security and other computer systems programmes?
Typical content
The following is an indication of current programme content.
However, the rapidly changing nature of the subject area means that both the courses offered, and individual course content, are likely to change in future years.
Finally note that certain combinations of options may not be available.
For details of timetabling and study patterns, see the timetables page. Masters students take 120 credits of taught courses and undertake a 60-credit project. All courses are 15 credits unless otherwise stated.
Core courses:
- Project (60 credits) - a substantial individual project on a topic chosen by the student
- Network Security
- Operating System & Application Server Security
- Computer Crime & Forensics
- Computer Security & Risk Analysis
- IT Application Security & Control
- Network & Internet Technologies & Design
Options (a total of 30 credits) chosen from:
- Distributed Data Management Technology
- Distributed Data Architecture & Management
- Data Mining & KDD
- E-Business Applications
- Mobile Technologies
- Network Management
- Audit & Security
- Web Engineering
- Software Engineering Management
- Enterprise Software Engineering Development
- High Performance Systems Engineering
- High Performance Distributed Memory Systems
- Network Architectures & Services
- Software Tools & Techniques
- Visual Interactive Programming
Specifics
Entry requirements
A good first degree in Computer Science, Information Systems or Computing related subject, with some knowledge of computer networks and operating systems studied at undergraduate level. Those who have substantial commercial or industrial experience but lack formal qualifications should seek an interview with the programme leader.
See the School entry requirements for more details.
Professional recognition
This degree has full CITP (further learning) and partial CEng / CSci accreditation from BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT - the body responsible for establishing and maintaining technical and ethical standards in the computing profession. This means that on successful graduation from this degree, you will have fulfilled the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered IT Professional (CITP), including the CITP Further Learning Element, and partially fulfilled the education requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng) or Chartered Scientist (CSci). However, please note that there are additional requirements, including work experience, to achieve full Chartered status - see the BCS website for further information.
Career opportunities
Upon successful completion of this master's programme students should be proficient in computer security and systems security and will be in a position to follow careers in these areas.
Location
This master's programme is based in the Department of Smart Systems Technologies, School of Computing & Mathematical Sciences, Greenwich Campus, Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich, London SE10 9LS.
Study mode
1 year full-time / 2 years part-time
September or January start
JACS code
MSc Computer Forensics and Systems Security - G500