University of Portsmouth - MSc Cyber Security and Forensic Information Technology

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-3.20 /4.00

Career Prospects

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.

Course Details

Master's degrees are a more specialized and specialized field than undergraduate degrees, requiring more time for independent study and research. The course structure includes three years for part-time students, 12 months for full-time students starting in September, and 16 months for full-time students starting in January. Teaching time is typically 10 hours per week, including lectures and tutorials, with the rest for work experience or self-guided study. Independent study is 15-20 hours per week, depending on the modules being studied.
Master's study is deeper and more specialized than undergraduate degrees, allowing students to focus on a topic that matters to them and their career. Assessments include written assignments, presentations, group and individual lab-based assessments, and dissertation/project. Students can test their skills and knowledge informally before submitting assessments that count towards their final mark.
Term dates for Master's courses vary, with September starting from September and ending in September, with breaks at Christmas and Easter. January-start courses typically run between 14-18 months, beginning in January and ending in spring/summer of the following year. In the last few months, students will be writing their project/dissertation.
In summary, Master's degrees offer a deeper and more specialized experience, with more time for independent study and research.

Course Modules

Core Modules
Computer Forensic Investigation and Cryptography - 30 credits
Mobile Forensics Issues and Practice - 30 credits
Systems Security and Hacking - 30 credits
Masters Project computer science - 60 credits
Optional Modules
Big Data and Machine Learning Applications - 30 credits
Business Intelligence - 15 credits
Cloud Computing - 30 credits
Data Visualisation and Exploring Analytics - 15 credits
Network Services and Cyber Security - 30 credits
The Global Landscape of Cybersecurity - 30 credits

*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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