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.

• 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-3.20 /4.00

This Master's program prepares graduates with skills in high demand, as the UK Government's £2.6 billion National Cyber Strategy aims to ensure the country remains a leading responsible and democratic cyber power. Students will study twin disciplines within this skills gap, preparing them for roles in law enforcement, IT auditing, information security, high-tech crime units, commercial investigation, national security bodies, systems administration, and security analysis. They can also pursue further research at a PhD level. The program offers expert careers advice, networking events, applied projects with companies like IBM, Boeing, and Hampshire County Council, 1-to-1 appointments, CV and cover letter advice, interview preparation and practice, workshops, recruitment events, and support for starting a business.