MSc Information Security and Digital Forensics
Course overview
Start date
September 2018
Subject area
Computing
Attendance
Full-time
Part-time
Learning
On campus
Course summary
The threat of cyber security attacks is increasingly apparent to individuals and organisations across the globe.
From hacking to phishing, scamming to grooming, and botnets to cyber-terrorism, the variety and ingenuity of exploits appear to expand constantly.
In this context, this programme addresses system vulnerabilities and the preventative measures that may counter cyber-attacks, including steps to repair systems weaknesses, prevent repeat occurrences, and collecting and examining digital evidence using a variety of digital and mobile forensics tools such as FTK and Cellbrite.
You will also develop a detailed understanding of comprehensive cyber risk management practices for ensuring overall security.
This course is also available as a two year masters with an industrial placement year.
The embedded industrial placement offers a unique opportunity to apply the skills learnt on real-life projects. This, in turn, prepares graduates of the programme for successful careers in both the Information Security & Digital Forensics professions.
Contact us
If you have any questions, talk to a member of our Applicant Enquiries team on +44 (0) 20 8223 3333 or email study@uel.ac.uk.
Get in touchUnique
Our MSc Programme is the only cyber security course in the UK that covers interdisciplinary topics, such as Information Security & Digital Forensics, under one title.
Hot-topic teaching
The Programme is reviewed and enhanced every year to keep pace with the rapid changes and challenges in cyber space. Our syllabus is designed and delivered with the assistance of our industrial Liaison board.
Developed with industry
Our modules are delivered in collaboration with lecturers from industry and law enforcement agencies.
What we're researching
Our research focuses on key aspects of information security and digital forensics. Our Information Security research was rated world-leading during the 2014 Research Excellence Framework. We continually work towards the design of solutions to detect, prevent, and analyse cyber security attacks. Many of our staff are at the forefront of the battle against hackers and criminals who relentlessly target our digital society. The near future may favour criminals even more as the Internet of Things (IoT) continues to expand possible avenues of attack.
The research dissertation is a key element of this programme and it counts as a double module. Research topics are often developed from work based problems and many are supported by research collaborations with companies. Students will be required to demonstrate that the research undertaken has been completed to an appropriate level for a master’s award.
Making a difference
UEL is one of the UK’s leading modern research universities. In the most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF), 17 per cent of our overall research submission was classified as ‘world-leading’ for its quality and impact – almost double our previous REF score. A further 45 per cent of our work was considered ‘internationally excellent’.
How you'll learn
Our specialist laboratories have everything you will need to develop a thorough, critical understanding of which procedures and techniques to use when you investigate computer-based crime and misuse.
Our dedicated and specialist staff will be around to support you, and you will have a personal tutor, a course tutor and module tutors to oversee your progress.
Formal lectures, tutorials, workshops, practical classes and lab sessions will help you develop your knowledge. Industry experts also give external lectures and there is a virtual learning environment to enhance connections between teacher and student.
As a key element of this course you will be asked to complete a dissertation on an aspect of information security of your choice, and you will attend research methods classes to prepare you for this.
Whatever topic you choose, your dissertation needs to make a contribution to the field, and you will be supervised by a tutor with relevant research interests. Throughout, you will be encouraged to focus on real needs in the world around you.
About the industrial placement year
This course is also available as a two year masters with an industrial placement year. The industrial placement is designed to address the demands of the profession and give students a competitive edge when it comes to their career. The placement component is up to 12 months in duration, which starts after you have successfully completed the taught modules, and before the dissertation stage.
It is ultimately the student’s responsibility to secure their placement. The University will offer guidance and support and recommend students to many of our industrial partners that have expressed strong support and interest in the programme.
If you are an international student on a Tier 4 visa, your CAS will have a course duration of two years, subject to your meeting the UKVI’s standard requirements. During the industrial placement period, you undertake an internship within a partner organisation and complete a zero-credit Industrial Placement Module. The criteria for progression to industrial placement is the successful completion of the MSc taught modules with minimum 50% pass mark.
Fees and funding
£10,280 to fund your Masters Programme under the Postgraduate Loans (PGL) scheme
Postgraduate Loans (PGL)
The Postgraduate Loan (PGL) provide non means-tested loans of up to £10,280 to taught and research masters students. It will be paid to students as a contribution towards tuition fees, living costs and other course costs.
Applications are made directly through Student Finance England
Eligibility
Whether you qualify depends on:
• if you’ve studied on a postgraduate course before
• your course
• your age
• your nationality or residency status
Full eligibility can be found here
Please take a look at the Postgraduate Loans for an overview of the new funding.
The scholarship is open to full-time and part-time UK and EU students of taught postgraduate courses.
To see our full eligibility criteria and how to apply click here
Terms and conditions apply.How we can help you
Did you know that with a postgraduate qualification you can expect to earn more than someone who only holds an undergraduate degree?If you want to build new skills, change career paths, or further your career prospects, a postgraduate degree can help you. Our range of scholarships and bursaries will make financing your education that much easier. Below are some the funding available to support you in your studies:
- Alumni Discount - 15% fee waiver
- Early Payment Discount - 5% fee waiver
- Asylum Seeker scholarship - 100% fee waiver
- Civic Engagement - £1,000
- Harship bursary - up tp £2,000
- Sport Scholarships – Up to £6,000
- Team UEL - £1,000
Terms and conditions apply.
• Online payment facilities
• By telephone
• In person at our Docklands or Stratford campus
• Bank transfer Full information on making payments can be found here
- Take advantage of UEL scholarships and bursaries
- Ask your employer to sponsor your study
- Study part-time so you can work at the same time
- Look at Research Council Awards
- Check out the Professional and Career Development Loans
The Student Money Advice and Rights Team (SMART) are here to help you navigate
your finances while you're a student at the University of East London.
We can give you advice, information and guidance on government and
university funds so that you receive your full funding entitlement.
Email: study@uel.ac.uk
Phone: 020 8223 4444
£10,280 to fund your Masters Programme under the Postgraduate Loans (PGL) scheme
Postgraduate Loans (PGL)
The Postgraduate Loan (PGL) provide non means-tested loans of up to £10,280 to taught and research masters students. It will be paid to students as a contribution towards tuition fees, living costs and other course costs.
Applications are made directly through Student Finance England
Eligibility
Whether you qualify depends on:
• if you’ve studied on a postgraduate course before
• your course
• your age
• your nationality or residency status
Full eligibility can be found here
Please take a look at the Postgraduate Loans for an overview of the new funding.
The scholarship is open to full-time and part-time UK and EU students of taught postgraduate courses.
To see our full eligibility criteria and how to apply click here
Terms and conditions apply.How we can help you
Did you know that with a postgraduate qualification you can expect to earn more than someone who only holds an undergraduate degree?If you want to build new skills, change career paths, or further your career prospects, a postgraduate degree can help you. Our range of scholarships and bursaries will make financing your education that much easier. Below are some the funding available to support you in your studies:
- Alumni Discount - 15% fee waiver
- Early Payment Discount - 5% fee waiver
- Asylum Seeker scholarship - 100% fee waiver
- Civic Engagement - £1,000
- Harship bursary - up tp £2,000
- Sport Scholarships – Up to £6,000
- Team UEL - £1,000
Terms and conditions apply.
• Online payment facilities
• By telephone
• In person at our Docklands or Stratford campus
• Bank transfer Full information on making payments can be found here
- Take advantage of UEL scholarships and bursaries
- Ask your employer to sponsor your study
- Study part-time so you can work at the same time
- Look at Research Council Awards
- Check out the Professional and Career Development Loans
The Student Money Advice and Rights Team (SMART) are here to help you navigate
your finances while you're a student at the University of East London.
We can give you advice, information and guidance on government and
university funds so that you receive your full funding entitlement.
Email: study@uel.ac.uk
Phone: 020 8223 4444
Per 30 credit module
The Student Money Advice and Rights Team (SMART) also run an Emergency International Fund to assist international students in hardship.
You can contact our SMART team on 02082234444 or study@uel.ac.uk
As part of the Tier 4 student visa requirements, UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) estimate that you will need £1,265* per month to cover your living costs. It includes expenses for accommodation, food and drink, travel within London, text books, entertainment, clothing, toiletries and laundry. Most Tier 4 students are required to show they have sufficient funds to cover the first nine months of the course before they start- a total of £11,385- in addition to the tuition fees. You can find more information about the specific requirements of the Tier 4 student visa here. The amount that you will spend can vary depending on your lifestyle. The UKCISA International Student Calculator can help you plan and manage your money.
* Please note the Immigration Rules are subject to change and this figure is likely to be increased by UKVI year on year. Please therefore check our ISA pages (www.uel.ac.uk/isa) for more information at the time of preparing your visa application.
International students are required to pay a deposit prior to being issued a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).
Your remaining balance will be paid in five monthly instalments over your first term. The first of these instalments must be paid when completing your enrolment on arrival at UEL. Please follow the payment instructions here.
After the required payment has been made, you will be asked to complete the online International Student Reply Form to confirm your acceptance of our offer and of our terms of admittance and fees policy.
Our International team at UEL are available for advice and guidance on studying in London, fees, scholarships and visa requirements.
Email: international@uel.ac.uk
(This fees is for 2 years with work placement)
£12,850 is the fees for 1 year option.
Tuition fees are subject to annual change. Fees for future years will be published in due course.
Entry requirements
We would normally expect you to have Grade C in GCSE English and Maths.
INTERNATIONAL
(Including European Union)
We accept a range of qualifications from across the world. Please see our country pages for information on specific entry requirements for your country.
As an inclusive university we recognise that applicants who have been out of education for some time may not have the formal qualifications usually required for entry to a course. We welcome applications from those who can demonstrate their enthusiasm and commitment to study and have relevant life/work experience that equips them to succeed on the course. We will assess this from the information provided in your application (particularly your personal statement) and may ask you to attend an interview or submit a piece of work to help us decide on your eligibility for the course. Our pre-entry Information Advice and Guidance Team are able to provide further advice on entry requirements and suitability for study.
What you'll learn
The danger of cybercrime is growing and is affecting individuals, governments and organisations across the world. From phishing to hacking, scamming to grooming, and botnets to cyberterrorism, the range and variety of threats seems to expand constantly.
This MSC in Information and Digital Forensics addresses system vulnerabilities and explores preventative measures, repair and detection.
You will learn to collect and examine digital evidence with a variety of forensics tools. You will find out how to secure virtual crime scenes, and how to put protection in place.
You will also apply modelling techniques to simulate and evaluate mobile communication networks, computer system architecture and data centres.
This MSc enjoys a high exposure with industry, and external specialist lecturers deliver their knowledge through lectures and seminars.
What you'll study
Security Management
Computer Security
(Block Mode)
Digital Forensics
Service-Oriented Computing
Communication Networks
Dissertation
How you'll be assessed
Modules are allocated a mark out of 100%. The pass mark for each module is based on an aggregate mark of 50%. The aggregate mark comprises marks from components whose threshold is 40%. Assessment may incorporate one, two or three components.
The module specifications specify the mode of assessment for each module. Assessment methods include formal examinations, coursework, project work and group exercises.
Your future career
There is a shortage of skilled personnel in the fields of information security and digital forensics, and graduates of this programme can progress to work in multinational organisations including cybercrime-fighting agencies. In addition, the course will prepare you to sit for ACE Certification (FTK).
“It says it is "gravely concerned" that some police forces do not have enough resources to investigate online abuse. Some forces are seizing hundreds of computers each year but have only a handful of officers to examine them.” http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-29470001
