University of Portsmouth

MSc Cyber Security and Forensic Information Technology

Prevent and prosecute digital crime, by shaping your IT skills for a connected business world that craves your expertise. 

You'll study twin, linked disciplines on this Master's: cyber security – protecting data and systems from cyber attack, and forensic information technology – detecting and collecting digital evidence of criminal activity. You'll explore methods used by hackers, and how to prevent or combat them. You'll also learn the procedures to follow after an attack, and how to present this information to investigators or court officials. 

In our computer labs and forensic facilities, you'll infect a virtual machine with a virus of your own, overcome anti-forensic tools that try to hide evidence of crime, and make a mock arrest of a cybercriminal. You'll dig into cryptography, hacking and formal computer languages, such as Linux. 

When you graduate, you'll be set to enter a sector with a massive need for trained cyber security and forensic information technology professionals. UK government figures from 2022 show 50% of businesses acknowledge having a skills gap in cyber security and forensics, which you'll be ideally placed to fill.

Entry Requirements

  • An upper second-class honours degree in a relevant subject, including Computer Sciences, Legal or Social Sciences, or equivalent professional experience and/or qualifications.

  • English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.0 with no component score below 5.5.

  • CGPA-3.25 /4.00

Career Prospects

Police investigations and civil disputes increasingly involve the investigation of computer systems, mobile phones or other information devices, and the skills you'll get on this course are in demand in both the public and private sectors.

When you graduate, you'll be qualified to work in fields including:

  • Law enforcement
  • IT auditing
  • Information security
  • High-tech crime units
  • Commercial investigation
  • National security bodies
  • Systems administration
  • Security analysis

You could also go on to further research study at Ph.D. level.

We'll provide you with as much support as possible in finding employment through close industrial contacts, careers events, recruitment fairs, and individual advice.

Course Details

Each module on this course is worth a certain number of credits.

You need to study modules worth a total of 180 credits. For example, 4 modules worth 30 credits and 1 module worth 60 credits.

Core Modules

On this full-time MSc Cyber Security and Forensic Information Technology course, you'll study 4 core modules, and choose a further optional module. 

  • Computer Forensic Investigation and Cryptography – 30 credits
  • Mobile Forensics: Issues and Practice – 30 credits
  • Systems, Security and Hacking – 30 credits
  • Master's Project – 60 credits

Optional Modules

  • The Global Landscape of Cybersecurity – 30 credits
  • Business Intelligence – 30 credits
  • Big Data Applications – 30 credits
  • Computer Security – 30 credits
  • Cloud Computing – 30 credit

*The information’s are correct at the time of publishing, however it may change if university makes any changes after we have published the information. While we try our best to provide correct information, It is advisable to call us or visit university website for up to date information.

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