Professional Practice in Digital Forensics and Security MSc/PG Dip/PG Cert

About the course

Digital forensics and security are increasingly in the public eye. Whether it is the theft of a laptop containing secret information, high profile hacking incidents, anti-terrorism operations or controversies surrounding lost data, it is impossible to ignore the importance and excitement surrounding digital forensics and security.

Developed and delivered in conjunction with 7Safe, this course provides you with knowledge of the very latest computer forensics and security principles, practices, tools and techniques, taught by a team of experienced and specialist staff in purpose-built computer forensics and security laboratories. If you are interested in a challenging career in one of the most rapidly expanding areas of computing then this is the course for you.

Most students embark on their MSc after successfully completing one or more 7Safe courses. On successful completion of the 7Safe hands-on training course, you are then eligible to apply to DMU for an academic top-up/assessment by distance learning. Taking the course in this way is normally a part-time pathway and you should expect to study for two-three years. However, you can register directly with DMU for the full degree and the university then manages your attendance and progression through the relevant 7Safe modules and academic assessments. Registering with DMU direct can therefore provide a full-time route through the course.

The full MSc course consists of eight modules (at 15 credits each) and an MSc Project/Dissertation (at 60 credits). Seven of the taught modules are delivered and assessed jointly by De Montfort University staff and 7Safe trainers with the eighth being a stand alone distance learning module that DMU is responsible for. The Project/Dissertation is delivered and assessed by DMU alone. Successful completion of the MSc gives students seven industry recognised professional certificates and the MSc.

Key facts

Duration: One year Full-time or Two to three years part-time

Institution code: D26

Start Date: September or January (please contact the Admissions Team for further information)

Entry and admission criteria

For the DMU element of the programme modules

You should have the equivalent of a British Honours degree (2:2 minimum) in a relevant subject or five years’ work experience in an appropriate field.

We are happy to consider equivalent qualifications from anywhere in the world.

If English is not your first language an IELTS score of 6.0 or equivalent when you start the course is essential. English Language tuition, delivered by our British Council accredited Centre for English Language Learning|, is available both before and throughout the course if you need it.

If you do not have the normal entry requirements but can demonstrate substantial experience in an appropriate area, you can be considered for entry to the course.

If you feel you would like to talk to us about your qualifications before submitting an application please do not hesitate to call or email using the contact details below.

Teaching and assessment

For each of the shared modules students undertake a professional and specialist hand-on training course at 7Safe (Cambridge) and following successful completion of that they are then eligible to apply to DMU for the distance learning ‘top-up’ and assessment. Successfully completing the DMU further learning and assessment for each course/module gives student’s 15 Masters credits.

Assessment is by a combination of tests, coursework, projects and other laboratory-based assessments. For postgraduate awards students must successfully accumulate the following credits:

Post Graduate Certificate
60 credits

Post graduate Diploma
120 credits

MSc
180 credits

Apart from the following two restrictions, modules can be studied in any order.

1. Advanced Forensics and Incident Response can normally only be taken after Forensic Tools and Processes (or equivalent) has been passed.
2. Advanced Topics in Forensics & Security and the MSc Project/Dissertation must normally be studied in that order and be the last two modules studied by those students wishing to progress to the full MSc.

Course modules

Network Security and Ethical Hacking 1 (CSTA - Ethical Hacking 1)

Students learn the principles and processes involved in network security, including major hacking attacks that may be used against organisations networks. A range of counter measures are also covered.

Network Security and Ethical Hacking 2 (CSTP - Ethical Hacking 2)

This module provides you with the knowledge of, and how to protect against, the ‘OWASP Top-Ten’. It is an essential component of modern information security strategies and a requirement of the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS).

Wireless Security (CWSA - Wireless Security)

This module develops expertise in wireless network security. Using case studies students learn the principles, threats and associated protection strategies related to wireless networks.

Forensic Tools and Processes (CFIP - Forensic Investigations)

Develops expertise in static digital forensic analysis. Using case studies students learn the principles and processes involved in undertaking and reporting a professional ‘static’ forensic investigation. The assessment of the module provides an opportunity for specialisation and the development of personalised training and development.

Applied Forensics – Malware Investigations (CMI – Malware Investigations)

This module develops expertise in malware behavioural analysis, an increasingly important skill. Using case studies students learn the principles and processes involved in undertaking a thorough professional malware analysis.

Advanced Forensics and Incident Response (CSIS – Computer Security Incident Investigation)

Provides and understanding of security incidents and their impact on business continuity. Prevention techniques to protect an organisations assets from security incidents are also covered. The principles and practice of a forensic incident response, including live analysis of servers. Gathering data, remote acquisition, external and internal scanning analysis and containment techniques

Security Strategy and Standards (CIIP – Implementing ISO 27001)

This module develops knowledge of and skills in management of information security
risk assessment and security policy formulation, certification processes and required procedures and state of the art risk management models and strategies.

Advanced Topics in Forensics & Security

Students learn, appreciate and engage with the main academic, professional and research concerns of computer security and forensics. This module is research led and focused; most of the work will be involve engaging with topics at the leading edge of research in this domain. The module help to prepare students for the MSc Project.

MSc Project/Dissertation

Provides the opportunity to develop and to demonstrate skills acquired from the taught course or development during the project in the solution of real practical and or theoretical problems.

Graduate careers

Graduates are likely to be employed as computer security specialists within law enforcement, government or other related agencies, in commercial IT departments or security consultancies, or in other computing positions where computer security is an issue. It is anticipated that successful completion of the MSc will support the career development of graduates. Opportunities also exist for further academic study towards a PhD and a career in research.

Fees and funding

For 2011/12 entry, the tuition fees for this course will be:

Full-time Fees

UK/EU

£14,866 (£10,341 7Safe + £4,525 De Montfort University)

International

£16,044 (£10,341 7Safe + £5,703 De Montfort University)

Part-time Fees

UK/EU

Fees payable to DMU Joint modules
£350

The one module delivered by DMU through Distance Learning
£320

The Project Dissertation delivered and supported by DMU
£1,280

7Safe Modules
£10,342
For 7Safe course pricing, please visit www.7safe.com/education|

International

Fees payable to DMU Joint modules
£485

The one module delivered by DMU through Distance Learning
£463

The Project Dissertation delivered and supported by DMU
£1,845

7Safe Modules
£10,342
For 7Safe course pricing, please visit www.7safe.com/education|