Masters Degrees (Forensic Computing)

About the course

This course is intended to provide a pathway to academic accreditation and recognition for current practitioners who do not have a relevant first degree. It addresses the need for continuing professional development and career progression within a rapidly changing environment.

The scheme is composed of a series of short course modules and associated coursework modules which can be taken on a standalone basis or may be used to build an award.

Reasons to study Forensic Computing for Practitioners at DMU

• The flexibility of the course allows you to fit your studies around your work commitments
• It is aimed at those who have the relevant industry experience and no formal qualifications
• Gain access to dedicated laboratories and be taught by nationally recognised digital forensics practitioners at DMU’s prestigious Cyber Security Centre
• You will study a range of specialist modules that you are able to choose from based on your area of interest

Course modules

Available modules include:
• Foundations of Forensic Computing
• Forensic Examination of Network Computers
• Forensic Examination of Internet Use
• Advanced Topics in Forensic Computing
• Current Issues for Practitioners
• Scripting and Searching
• Binary Analysis of Microsoft Office Documents
• Alternative Operating Systems
Forensics
If you choose to progress to the MSc, you will follow the modules with an individual project or dissertation.

Start date is set by arrangement

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To pursue an exciting and expert career in forensic computing you will be required to acquire specialist knowledge and skills that can be gained on our MSc in Forensic Computing.

The course covers a range of skills that are essential for the retrieval of computer-based information for criminal investigations.

WHY CHOOSE THIS COURSE?

Guest lecturers from industry will provide information about state-of-the-art developments and case studies.

Your masters project can be conducted either as a placement in an external organisation or working with one of the University research groups.

On successful completion of this course you could be presented as an expert witness, or help solve crimes.

WHAT WILL I LEARN?

This course will provide you with a sound understanding of essential hardware and software systems, formats, protocols and standards. There is coverage of essential legislation relating to all aspects of computer-based information.

The central focus of the programme will be an in-depth coverage of the available tools and techniques investigating different types of computer-based information sources.

This course has two parts: the Taught Modules and Master Project. Successful completion of the taught modules, which involves eight single modules of study, leads to the award of postgraduate diploma and, if the appropriate performance is achieved, allows progression onto the masters project.

Taught Modules
-Forensic Computing Methods (double)
-Network and Mobile Forensics (double)
-Internet and Information Security (double)
-Ethical Hacking
-Individual Research Project

In addition to a sound understanding of essential hardware and software systems, formats, protocols and standards, there is coverage of essential legislation relating to all aspects of computer-based information.

Where possible guest lectures will be provided from industry contacts about state-of-the-art developments and case studies.

The final stage of this course requires the completion of a masters project, which must relate directly to the subject being studied. To complete this successfully students will develop a sound capability to carry out research. The project can be conducted either as a placement in an external organisation or working with one of the University research groups.

The MSc project serves to integrate, apply and further develop the different aspects within the taught part of the programme.

HOW WILL THIS COURSE ENHANCE MY CAREER PROSPECTS?

There are a number of potential roles for those with expertise in computer forensics. One of the most high profile positions would be to provide support for civil and criminal investigations that involve the retrieval of computer-based information, typically to be provided as an expert witness or to aid in solving crimes.

There is also a demand for similar skills in the area of disaster management and recovery of computer-based information.

GLOBAL LEADERS PROGRAMME

To prepare students for the challenges of the global employment market and to strengthen and develop their broader personal and professional skills Coventry University has developed a unique Global Leaders Programme.

The objectives of the programme, in which postgraduate and eligible undergraduate students can participate, is to provide practical career workshops and enable participants to experience different business cultures.

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Delivered by the Forensic Institute this course focuses on providing the knowledge and skills required to conduct comprehensive forensic examinations of digital devices. Lectures are delivered by Digital Forensic practitioners and academics throughout the course, with guest lecturers coming from both law enforcement and private companies.

Who is it for?

This course is highly practical and technical in both delivery and assessment. It is designed to enable participants to conduct comprehensive forensic computing examinations and cutting-edge digital forensic research.

The full-time course is ideally suited to recent graduates in a related subject such as Computer Science or Forensic Science who wish to specialise in Digital Forensics. It is also suitable for those who have recently completed a BSc in Computer Forensics, Digital Forensics, Cybercrime Forensics or a related subject, who wish to deepen their knowledge, improve their skills and increase their employability in a very competitive market. 

The part-time course is more suited to those already in full-time employment, such as law enforcement officers, government staff, security consultants, accountancy and banking organisations, corporate security personnel and members of associated agencies in both the UK and overseas. This programme could lead to a new career or promotion with an existing employer.

Why this course?

Cranfield University has become the first university in the UK to receive full certification from the UK Government Communications Headquarters, GCHQ, for the MSc Digital Forensics course.

This MSc is specifically designed to provide you with the practical skills, knowledge base and research skills to work as a digital forensics practitioner.

This course is highly practical and technical in both delivery and assessment. It is designed to enable participants to conduct comprehensive forensic computing examinations and cutting-edge digital forensic research.

Accreditation

Cranfield University has become the first university for digital forensics in the UK to receive full certification from the UKGovernment Communications Headquarters, GCHQ, for the MSc Digital Forensics course.

Course details

Students will complete a number of taught modules each with theoretical and practical elements and, for the MSc, an individual research project.

Individual project

The individual project will involve academic research in a specific area of digital forensics. The student will produce a substantial dissertation detailing their investigation and findings. Students are pushed to produce high quality, novel research during this period, and research outcomes are often at the cutting edge of the subject.

Assessment

The assessments on this course are a mixture of written and practical exams, oral presentations, coursework assignments and (MSc only) a thesis.

Your career

Our MSc course and its individual modules, or equivalent, are regularly cited in job adverts for digital forensics jobs. This highlights our real-world learning, application to the work place and our relevance to practitioners.

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Why take this course?

Forensic information technology (FIT) is the scientific use or application of information technology (IT) in the generation and presentation of digital evidence to be used in courts, legal or other formal proceedings.

This course will enable you to develop your understanding and application of security issues and cybercrime for the purpose of forensic computing and investigation.

What will I experience?

On this course you can:

Learn how to investigate hacking, fraud and deception using a range of digital forensic tools
Practise identifying intruders' trails and suspected inappropriate use of internet applications in order to compile scientific evidence to prosecute
Manage a real-life computer engineering project using appropriate techniques for writing and reasoning about security policies

What opportunities might it lead to?

Many police investigations or civil disputes involve investigation of computer systems, mobile phones or other information devices, and there are an increasing number of UK companies that undertake investigations as consultants. You can expect to find career opportunities in such companies as well as in law enforcement and other services.

Accredited by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT for the purposes of fully meeting the further learning academic requirement for registration as a Chartered IT Professional (CITP). This course also partially meets the academic requirement for registration, either as a Chartered Scientist (CSci) or (on behalf of the Engineering Council) as a Chartered Engineer (CEng)*.

*On condition that the Master's Engineering Project is successfully completed.

Module Details

You will study four key topics which will collaboratively develop your knowledge and ability to carry out forensic IT investigations as well as an introduction on how to build protected specification software for data and other web applications. You will also get to build your own test system as part of your final project.

Here are the units you will study:

Computer Forensic Investigation and Cryptography: This unit covers the practical aspects of conducting a forensic investigation of digital evidence. In order for the students to develop a critical understanding of computer forensics, a holistic approach of the forensics investigation process is adopted, with a full investigation ‘life cycle’ from seizure of evidence through to giving evidence in court as an expert witness. We look at a range of tools, operating systems and devices.

Computer Security: The unit provides an introduction to computer security concepts and their practical application, in both closed and interconnected networks. Students are expected to both understand and be able to critically evaluate different approaches to securing complex computer systems.

Cybercrime Security and Risk Management: This unit provides opportunities for participants to develop skills and knowledge in the understanding of corporate cyber threats. Drawing upon a range of practical examples, students will examine how rapid technological development and expansion in access to the internet has impacted upon crime (e.g. how anonymity and unfounded trust encourage deception), mapping out the terrain of information technology, and identifying the emerging areas of cyber crime. Areas explored will include the crossing of established boundaries into spaces over which control has already been established such as cyber-intrusion and cyber-theft, but also 'new cyber crimes' in the form of virtual trespass, Denial of Service attacks, and the development of opportunities for offending in the context of social networking websites.

Master's Project: You will undertake either an engineering unit or a study project, during the summer period. The project offers students the opportunity to apply the taught material in the solution of a real-world problem directly related to their course. The engineering project usually involves building a piece of software to solve a problem. An example of the sort of thing you might do would be building a tool to address a specific forensics requirement. The study project usually involves undertaking a study of an IT domain relevant to forensics. To prepare for this the project includes a number of preparatory sessions, which contribute to part of your final mark.

Specialist optional units include:

Systems, Security and Data Analysis: The first part of the unit provides an overview of computer organisation, operating systems and network design, with a strong focus on security considerations and aspects relevant to computer and digital forensics. The early part of the unit will provide an introduction to relevant issues in system architecture and file system organisation. Threats to computer systems will be considered. The first half of the unit is concluded with studying in some depth current technologies for securing real computer networks. The second part of the unit deals with the important topic of data analytics.

Advanced Programming Skills for the Web: This unit draws together a number of system development skills, focusing on how they can be applied to the development specifically of web applications. Topics covered include web programming, connecting databases to web applications, software tools, testing and security.

Programme Assessment

You will be taught through a combination of practical exercises, simulations, lectures, guest lectures and formative assessments, and will be expected to use a wide range of on and offline learning tools.

You will encounter a range of assessment styles depending on the content and nature of the unit topic. This can include written assignments, presentations as well as group and individual lab-based assessments. However, the most significant assessment element is the final dissertation, which reports and reflects on your final project.

Student Destinations

On completing this course, you will be equipped to seek employment in the following areas: IT auditing, information security, independent investigation, Computer Emergency Response Teams (CERT) and law enforcement agencies. Some of our previous graduates have been successful in finding employment within high-tech crime units, commercial investigation and national security bodies, while others go on to further research study at PhD level.

This course will also appeal to already practising professionals in related areas such as law enforcement, system administration, corporate security, IS auditing or security analysis and management for the commercial sector.

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This course will enable you to gain a strong background in the theory of analytical and forensic techniques and how to apply them to complex problems such as those encountered at crime scenes. It emphasises the key skills required in this specialised area of science, including good measurement and scientific practice, sample collection and chain of custody, evaluation and interpretation of data, and constructing expert witness reports.

Kingston University has its own scene-of-crime house located on site, which is used to recreate crime scenes and enables you to put your investigative skills into practice. The property's garden is used by the forensic team's archaeologist for field investigations.

Lecturers on the course have wide experience in the forensics sector and many have worked either as forensic scientists or as expert witnesses. They are also actively engaged in forensic research, and are supported by visiting speakers from leading forensic consultancies.

What will you study?

You will explore recent trends in forensic science and learn about the latest analytical devices used, such as atomic and molecular spectroscopic and separation techniques and DNA profiling.

You will look at the role of the forensic scientist and learn how to, for example, investigate and analyse drugs of abuse, fibres and firearms and conduct fire investigation. There is also the opportunity to present expert evidence at a mock courtroom trial in a magistrates' court, examined by Kingston's own trainee lawyers and/or their law lecturers.

In addition, you will have the opportunity to carry out your research project in industry (depending on your results and project availability) or in Kingston University's extensive forensic and analytical laboratories.

Assessment

Exams, laboratory reports, assignments, case studies, oral presentations, poster presentations, practical research project.

Work placement scheme

Kingston University has set up a scheme that allows postgraduate students in the Faculty of Science, Engineering and Computing to include a work placement element in their course starting from September 2017. The placement scheme is available for both international and home/EU students.

-The work placement, up to 12 months; is optional.
-The work placement takes place after postgraduate students have successfully completed the taught portion of their degree.
-The responsibility for finding the placement is with the student. We cannot guarantee the placement, just the opportunity to undertake it.
-As the work placement is an assessed part of the course for international students, this is covered by a student's tier 4 visa.

Details on how to apply will be confirmed shortly.

Accreditation for this course

This course is accredited by the The Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences for the component standards in Interpretation, Evaluation and Presentation of Evidence; Laboratory Analysis; and Crime Scene Investigation.

When you graduate you are eligible to apply to be an Associate Member (AFSSoc post-nominals) of The Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences. Having completed appropriate continuing professional development in a forensic science workplace, you can also become a Professional Member (MFSSoc) or Accredited Forensic Practitioner.

Course structure

Please note that this is an indicative list of modules and is not intended as a definitive list.

Modules
-The Role of the Professional Forensic Scientist
-Separation Science
-Molecular and Atomic Spectroscopy
-Forensic Chemistry and Trace Analysis
-Project

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This form must be completed to support your application: Preceptor Declaration, and an original copy MUST be submitted to the Faculty by post or handed into the Faculty office. Postal Address: Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Blackheath Lane, Stafford, ST18 0AD.

This course has been judged to have met the United Kingdom Association of Forensic Nurses (UKAFN) as meeting their Advanced Standards in Education and Training in Forensic Practice (ASET) and as such successful students of the PgCert will receive an ASET Certificate from UKAFN.

The Postgraduate Certificate is the first stage of the MSc in Advanced Forensic Practice (Custody Health Professionals).

One of the distinctive factors of this course is in the title ‘Advanced Forensic Practice’. The term ‘Advanced’ in the title has not been used lightly. The Department of Health (DH) published a Position Statement on Advanced Level Nursing (DH, 2010), which describes the benchmark of Advanced Level Nursing as; a level of practice well beyond that of first registration, rather than a speciality or role description

Particularly unique is the Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Sciences Crime Scene House, which displays crime scenes, with cameras to record every aspect of the students forensic practice in collecting and assessing evidence, along with the state of art Science Block, which houses the most up-to-date science laboratories. Live models will be used for students to assess and map wounds, undertake forensic sampling and body-mapping exercises. The Law School has a full sized Court Room, again with cameras to allow formative feedback for students giving oral evidence. Providing students with these rare insights into real life situations, within safe learning environments, will provide the best possible preparation for the reality of practising in forensic environments.

Course content

This course will underpin the legal, forensic and clinical knowledge to ensure practitioners work in an evidenced based manner and will fulfil the requirements to be a competent witness in court. The course will embrace the principles set by the FFLM, UKAFN, NPIA, along with other regulatory and professional bodies.

This course will encompass the following modules:
-Postgraduate Certificate in Advanced Forensic Practice(Custody Health Professional) 60 Level 7 Credits
-Introduction to Forensic Practice Core Module - 15 Credits at Level 7
-Professional Legal Skills for Non- Lawyers Core Module - 15 Credits at Level 7
-Advanced Clinical Forensic Practice in Custody Core Module - 30 Credits at Level 7

Employment opportunities

To work as an Advanced Practitioner in Temporary Detention\Custody Settings.

Other admission requirements

It is expected that you will have a minimum academic qualification of a First Degree or equivalent. If you do not have a first degree you will need to demonstrate you have evidence of recent study at this level.

For those whose first language is not English you need to demonstrate a minimum of:
-A minimum score of 7.0 in IELTS (International English Language Testing System) as administered by the British Council in most countries.
-A minimum score of 550 in TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or 213 in the computer-based test. [TOEFL results must include a minimum score of 4.5 for the TWE (Test of Written English) or Cambridge Proficiency Grade C.

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The course aims to provide students with the skills to design, implement and manage computer-based systems security, using software and networking technologies. This title also includes the basic, key elements of forensic computing: forensics and the legal and ethical issues involved in any digital investigation.

Students will gain a broad understanding of the different levels of computer and network security together with the basic phases of a forensic investigation and of computing in general. They will examine wireless communication systems; networks; operating systems and interfacing socket programming; servers and their security implications; and the planning and implementation of network security management, including security, risk analysis and disaster recovery planning.

Non means-tested loans of up to a maximum of £10,000 will be available to postgraduate master’s students.

Features and benefits of the course

-The School has an extensive range of equipment in our own specialist laboratories which is supported by a dedicated team of technical staff.
-Research in the School was rated 'internationally excellent' with some rated 'world-leading' in the 2014 Research Excellence Framework (REF).
-Our online virtual learning platform Moodle, provides access to lectures, course materials and assessment information.
-Classes are concentrated on certain days of the week to facilitate part-time students’ attendance and allow full-time students to undertake part-time employment if necessary.
-The School of Computing, Mathematics and Digital Technology is a member of the Oracle Academy.
-We are an academic partner of the Institute of Information Security Professionals (IISP). This partner status recognises our expertise in the field of information and cyber security.
-We are also an Academy of the Computer Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) and deliver their partner programme which provides a pathway for students towards a rewarding, high-growth IT career.

About the Course

You will study advanced topics in computer networks and operating systems, focusing on principles, architectures and protocols used in modern large scale networked systems.

Cryptography and encryption studies cover classical cryptography, key encryption algorithms, how to code algorithms and their variants in a modern programming language and implement cryptosystems over a computer network.

You will develop skills to design and implement advanced security mechanisms in a network environment, considering in depth wired and wireless network security and the best practice in the field.

All course units combine with a flexible approach, which allows students to undertake practical project work while attending work placements. With one-third of the course project-based, it may be possible to undertake yours in collaboration with an external organisation or within the School.

The Masters project will involve practical system creation or experimentation work. Where appropriate, the implementation or experimentation may be work-based.

Assessment details

Assessment will be through coursework, examination and dissertation.

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This course, which uniquely combines forensic genetic and conservation genetic elements within one of the largest forensic science academic departments in the world, runs in conjunction with other well established and popular MSc courses. Students will learn the fundamentals of molecular genetics, population genetics and phylogenetics that underpin the disciplines of forensic and conservation genetics and develop both theoretical knowledge and practical application.

Small cohort sizes will allow the use of a diverse range of assessments and the provision of considerable student support. Teaching will be carried out using a combination of lectures, tutorials, practicals, computer workshops and self-directed study. In addition to six taught modules, students will undertake a three-module research project which will develop laboratory and research skills. Depending on availability, students may also have an opportunity to visit and gain field experience at the Maasai Centre for Field Studies in Kenya.

LEARNING ENVIRONMENT AND ASSESSMENT

The forensic genetics group has dedicated pre and post-PCR laboratories housing an ABI3500, two ABI310 machines, an ABI7500 real-time PCR machine, a number of ABI2700 PCR machines, gel imaging systems, and several PCR cabinets. MSc students will carry out laboratory-based dissertation research projects within these well equipped modern laboratories. Research topics within the group are diverse, ranging from forensic genetics and human genetics, to wildlife forensics and forensic entomology. This will ensure that a wide choice of dissertation topics is available to our students. We also have a number of full-time and part-time MRes/MPhil/PhD students and an interest in research is actively encouraged and maintained throughout the year via seminars/ discussions.

The course will be delivered through lectures, tutorials, computer workshops, and practical classes, working independently or as part of a group. At least an equal amount of time should be spent in private study reading around the subject. Guided teaching and formal assessments on this course will enhance the development of a number of transferable skills such as the production of written case reports, formal presentations, active participation in discussions, ability to work to deadlines, computing skills, scientific analysis, adherence and development of laboratory protocols, and research methods.

Assessment is predominantly through coursework except for one module which is assessed by both examination and coursework. Coursework will include written essays, laboratory reports, case reports, presentations and in Part 3, a dissertation.

OPPORTUNITIES

Students graduating from this course will be well placed to undertake further research at the doctoral level or take up jobs in forensic/genetics/veterinary/diagnostic/wildlife protection laboratories.

Two of our graduates have taken on jobs as DNA analysts while a others have gone on to undertake further degrees or research towards a MPhil/PhD.

Depending on availability, students may have an opportunity to visit and gain field experience at the Maasai Centre for Field Studies in Kenya.

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IN BRIEF:

• Study a course that is unique in the UK and has been specifically developed to meet the skills gap. Course content can be applied to very diverse fields- there are many job opportunities in this area.
• Gain SAS certification.
• Learn to tell a story from data. Become immersed in Big Data techniques and platforms, working with real-world messy data to gain experience across the data science stack.
• Part-time study option
• International students can apply

COURSE SUMMARY

Have you ever wanted to ‘Mung’ data? Apply Machine Learning techniques? Search for hidden patterns? Be part of Big Data?      

This course is your opportunity to specialize as a Data Scientist, one of the most in demand roles across all sectors including health, retail, and energy. Companies such as Google and Microsoft, and also public organisations such as the NHS are struggling to fill their vacancies in this field due to    a  lack of suitably qualified people. This course is unique in the UK in that it has been developed as a MSc conversion course – if you have a good honours degree in any discipline with a demonstrable mathematical aptitude, an enquiring mind, a practical and analytical approach to problem solving,    and  an ambition for a career in data science; then this course is for you.    

During your time with us, you will develop an awareness of the latest developments in the fields of Data Science and Big Data including advanced databases, data mining and big data tools such as Hadoop. You will also gain substantial knowledge and skills with the SAS business intelligence software suite  due  to    the  partnership of the University with the SAS Student Academy.  

"We are especially pleased to endorse the new MSc in Data Science. With the explosion of interest and investment in data science teams, our customers cannot get enough graduates with SAS-based analytical skills. Courses such as this new MSc are an important step forward by the University to addressing this skills shortage, especially amongst home students." - SAS

COURSE DETAILS

This course covers a very comprehensive range of topics split in to four large modules worth 30 credits each plus the MSc Project worth 60 credits. External speakers from blue-chip and local companies will give seminars to complement your learning, that will be real-world case studies related to the subjects you are studying in your modules. These are designed to improve the breadth of your learning and could lead to ideas that you can develop for your MSc Project.

TEACHING

The course is focused around the underpinning knowledge and practical skills needed for employment within the data sciences industry. There will be 22 hours of lectures; 11 hours of tutorials and 22 hours workshops; 2 hours of examination-based assessment; and 245 hours of independent study, assessed coursework and preparation for examination. This makes a total of 300 hours total learning experience.

• Lectures will be used to introduce ideas, and to stimulate group discussions.
• Tutorials will be used to develop problem solving strategies and to provide practice and feedback with scenarios to help with exam preparation.
• Workshops will be used to develop expertise in SAS tools, by analysing example datasets of increasing complexity.

ASSESSMENT

• 50% of the assessment will comprise a practical project where students will be given some data, will devise and carry out an analysis strategy and will present their interpretations and explain their strategy. 
• 50% will comprise an examination, which will assess more theoretical aspects of the course and will explore students’ immediate response to unseen scenarios or data.

CAREER PROSPECTS

A recent report by e-Skills and SAS (Big Data Analytics: An assessment of the demand for labour and skills, 2012-1017) indicates the demand forecast for staff with big data skills is predicted to ”rise by 92% between 2012 and 2017, and by 2017 there will be at least 28,000 job openings for big data staff in the UK each year…”

With this qualification, you’ll be equipped with the skill set and technical knowledge relevant for the data science and big data job market.

FURTHER STUDY

The Informatics Research Centre in the School of Computing, Science and Engineering at the University of Salford builds on the history, success and achievements of the research in Computer Science and Information Systems developed at the University of Salford over the last thirty years.

Evolving around Data and Information in all their types and usages, the Centre covers all phases and processes from data pre-processing to engineering and visualisation. The Centre is developing novel methods and systems for the analysis and recognition of various data sets, learning behaviours and causal models. The techniques and systems developed have a wide range of potential applications including digitisation of historical documents, medical diagnosis, semantic tagging, segmentation of types of viewers and their behaviours, text mining and retrieval and data visualisation.

Forensic computing, digital investigation and Cyber security is another area of expertise supported by the centre both at the theoretical and application levels.

Many students go on to further research in the fields of:

• Actionable Knowledge Discovery and Semantic Web
• Software Engineering and applications
• Big Data, Data Mining and Analytics
• Image and document processing and analysis
• Cyber Security and Forensics
• Information visualisation and virtual environments

FACILITIES

Facilities include a new Dell Cloud Computing platform with OpenStack and lab workstations, providing access to software platforms and languages specialized in Machine Learning, Data Mining, Statistical Analysis and Big Data including:

• R, SAS Enterprise Guide & Miner, Python, Apache Hadoop & Spark, RapidMiner
• NoSQL databases ie MongoDB

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Forensic and Investigative Psychology is a discipline that involves the application of scientific theory and principles to help in the understanding, investigation, assessment and treatment of offenders and criminality, and legal responses to criminality.

This programme provides specialised teaching from professionals and academics within the Faculty of Social and Applied Sciences at Canterbury Christ Church University (CCCU), including: Psychology; Salomons Centre for Applied Psychology and School of Law, Criminal Justice and Computing. The programme also draws upon external forensic and investigative psychologists, practitioners and researchers to enhance your learning experience.

The programme adopts an applied approach to teaching and learning and has an evidence-based emphasis with a focus on the scientist-practitioner model. The course aims to develop your confidence, professionalism, critically evaluative, communication (written, oral and non-verbal), practical, reflective and synthesising skills.

We also provide you with opportunities to study and/or attend events alongside our MSc Forensic and Investigative Psychology programme students, thereby enhancing your exposure to a diverse range of professionals and students. Furthermore, students are able to access the Salomons library, which is one of the best bespoke clinical psychology libraries in the country, with a specific forensic section.  

By studying with us, you will develop core psychological knowledge and skills in forensic and investigative research and psychological enquiry and develop your awareness of ‘best practice’ approaches in accordance with professional practice frameworks (e.g. British Psychological Society (BPS) and Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)). Thus making you highly attractive to wide range of future potential employers (e.g. probation services, prison service, police, forensic secure units, National Health Service (NHS), third sector agencies).

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Forensic and Investigative Psychology is a discipline that involves the application of scientific theory and principles to help in the understanding, investigation, assessment and treatment of offenders and criminality, and legal responses to criminality.

This programme provides specialised teaching from professionals and academics within the Faculty of Social and Applied Sciences at Canterbury Christ Church University (CCCU), including: Psychology; Salomons Centre for Applied Psychology and School of Law, Criminal Justice and Computing. The programme also draws upon external forensic and investigative psychologists, practitioners and researchers to enhance your learning experience.

The programme adopts an applied approach to teaching and learning and has an evidence-based emphasis with a focus on the scientist-practitioner model. The course aims to develop your confidence, professionalism, critically evaluative, communication (written, oral and non-verbal), practical, reflective and synthesising skills.

We also provide you with opportunities to study and/or attend events alongside other MSc programme students, thereby enhancing your exposure to a diverse range of professionals and students. Furthermore, students are able to access the Salomons library, which is one of the best bespoke clinical psychology libraries in the country, with a specific forensic section. 

By studying with us, you will develop core psychological knowledge and skills in forensic and investigative research and psychological enquiry and develop your awareness of ‘best practice’ approaches in accordance with professional practice frameworks (e.g. British Psychological Society (BPS) and Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)). Thus making you highly attractive to wide range of future potential employers (e.g. probation services, prison service, police, forensic secure units, National Health Service (NHS), third sector agencies).

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MSc Forensic Toxicology combines aspects of analytical chemistry, biochemistry and pharmacology that are crucial to the role of the drugs chemist working within a toxicological environment. While the primary focus of this course will be drugs of abuse, the underpinning science and methodologies are equally relevant to a toxicologist analytical chemist working in the pharmaceutical or other related industries.

As a Forensic Toxicologist you may be called to provide evidence in a court of law, training in this important aspect is provided through an Expert Witness module which includes a moot court presentation. In addition to acquiring a sound theoretical understanding of the subject area there is a strong emphasis on developing practical skills throughout the course.

This cumulates in a 60 credit project whereby students have the opportunity to specialise in various areas of drugs toxicology. This course will appeal to graduates from a wide range of disciplines including forensic science, chemistry, biology and other related disciplines.

PROFESSIONAL ACCREDITATION

We will be seeking accreditation from the Royal Society of Chemistry.

LEARNING ENVIRONMENT AND ASSESSMENT

Computing Facilities are available in the general computing suites found within the building and throughout campus. Extensive Resources are available to support your studies provided by Learning & Information Services (LIS) – library and IT staff. You are advised to take advantage of the free training sessions designed to enable you to gain all the skills you need for your research and study.

LIS provide access to a huge range of electronic resources – e-journals and databases, e-books, images and texts.

Course and module materials are not provided in ‘hard copy’ format, however, wherever practicable, lecture notes and/or presentations, seminar materials, assignment briefs and materials and other relevant information and resources are made available in electronic form via eLearn. This is the brand name for the on-line Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) that the University uses to support and enhance teaching and learning.

All students can access the eLearn spaces for the course and modules that they are registered for. Once logged into your eLearn area you can access material from the course and all of the modules you are studying without having to log in to each module separately.

The modules are assessed by both coursework and examination. To ensure that you do not have an excessive amount of assessment at any one time, the coursework assessment will take place uniformly throughout the course.

OPPORTUNITIES

The course is designed to equip students with the skills, knowledge and understanding to work in forensic toxicology, toxicology and other areas of chemical analysis.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Semester 1 of the course is designed to ensure that you have the basic skills needed to obtain an MSc. It is important that you enhance the skills you have that will be of benefit when you gain employment after the course. The main skills that you will enhance will be presentational skills, report writing, independent working and problem solving.

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This postgraduate course builds on your existing graduate skills by providing detailed knowledge of electronic attacks and how to defend against the methods used to gain access and exploit a system.

Postgraduate funding (tuition fee and living cost loan) may be available from the Student Awards Agency for Scotland for those who meet the eligibility criteria.

Why choose this course?

-Abertay is the only university in the UK that offers a Masters programme in Ethical Hacking.
-It provides the core skills to allow you to take positions in a variety of companies where computer security is a major issue.
-Graduates will be at the forefront of new developments in security.
-Benefit from an active teaching group with a growing reputation based on industry links and Knowledge Transfer projects.
-It is delivered in a project based, entrepreneurial and enterprise culture.

Our students are passionate about their subject area and developing their knowledge. Ethical Hacking is the process of evaluating the security of a computer system by simulating an attack by a malicious hacker. The course is designed to teach students how to think like a hacker, providing them with a deep understanding of security issues and concerns.

We aim to change the way you think. We encourage lively debates about pertinent ethical and security issues. Students develop the hacker mindset, determined to ‘do their bit’ to improve security in the world of Computing.

Join our Graduate School

Our Graduate School is a dedicated facility providing support, training and professional development opportunities to our vibrant postgraduate community. Specially designed to promote integration and inculcation of interdisciplinary working in our next generation of researchers, postgraduates study and learn together at Abertay - from Environmental Management to Law, Psychology, Bioscience, Economics and Business, Cybersecurity and Computer Games Development.

When you join us as a postgraduate student or researcher, you’ll be joining a community of creative like-minded scholars and will automatically be provided with access to our dedicated study and social spaces – a forum in which you can meet, work and learn with other researchers and postgraduates from across the University. You’ll benefit from training and professional development opportunities as well as support with funding applications, placement opportunities, teaching support, public engagement and outreach activity.

What you study

From forensic computing to network security, the course covers a wide range of subjects. Within these, you will learn about web hacking, password cracking, malware analysis, port scanning, buffer overflows and much more.

You also learn how to evaluate the impact of security problems and recommend improvements to a network’s security within a legal and ethical framework. You will also conduct a masters project within an area of cybersecurity that will allow you to build on your existing skills.

How you learn

Teaching is focused on lectures and practical sessions in dedicated classrooms. Lectures are used to present the key concepts, while practicals increase your understanding of the subject and allow you to develop your competence in technological and theoretical work. The course is taught using a problem-based learning approach. You will spend about 12 hours per week attending classes and about 30 hours a week of private study.

How you are assessed

The taught course will be assessed using a combination of written coursework, presentations and seminars, with a written dissertation at MSc level.

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One of the distinctive factors of this course is in the title ‘Advanced Forensic Practice’. The term ‘Advanced’ in the title has not been used lightly. The Department of Health (DH) published a Position Statement on Advanced Level Nursing (DH, 2010), which describes the benchmark of Advanced Level Nursing as; a level of practice well beyond that of first registration, rather than a speciality or role description.

Particularly unique is the Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Sciences Crime Scene House, which displays crime scenes, with cameras to record every aspect of the students forensic practice in collecting and assessing evidence, along with the state of art Science Block, which houses the most up-to-date science laboratories. Live models will be used for students to assess and map wounds, undertake forensic sampling and body-mapping exercises. The Law School has a full sized Court Room, again with cameras to allow formative feedback for students giving oral evidence. Providing students with these rare insights into real life situations, within safe learning environments, will provide the best possible preparation for the reality of practising in forensic environments.

Employment opportunities

To work as an Advanced Practitioner in a Sexual Assault Settings.

Other admission requirements

For those whose first language is not English you need to demonstrate a minimum of:
-A minimum score of 7.0 in IELTS (International English Language Testing System) as administered by the British Council in most countries.
-A minimum score of 550 in TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or 213 in the computer-based test. [TOEFL results must include a minimum score of 4.5 for the TWE (Test of Written English) or Cambridge Proficiency Grade C.

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Computer security is one of the key challenges in contemporary computing. You will gain critical knowledge within the cyber security and digital forensic domains, combining academic principles and industrial practice. The course is informed by current research in security and digital forensics, and is underpinned by our experience with external partners in law enforcement, financial institutions, and other knowledge transfer activities. Course specialisms include network security, penetration testing, incident response, malware analysis, cryptography, audit and compliance, and host and mobile digital forensics. The specialisation you gain in the taught modules is further developed through an extensive research-based MSc dissertation project, leading towards a mastery of a subject area and enhancing your particular specialism.

This MSc is also one of a very small number of courses certified by GCHQ, recognising UK universities which are excellent in Cyber Security.

What you’ll learn

This course focuses on the areas of securing computer, network and communications systems, incident response, and the forensic investigation of digital devices and networks. Computer security is a growth industry, and is vital in modern computing environments. You will gain foundation knowledge in all the key areas of computing cyber security, both defensive and offensive, as well as post incident response. The digital forensic aspects of the course include network and computer forensics, allowing you to develop the knowledge required to conduct computer-related investigations across networks, systems, and other digital devices. Cyber security and digital forensics are becoming significant computing disciplines, with an acknowledged skill shortage coupled with growing employment opportunities.

Our industry informed course combines thorough coverage of academic theory aligned with extensive hands-on practical activities, supported by online and blended materials with virtualised lab environments that complement our on-campus specialist facilities.

The School of Computing has developed close ties with industry, law enforcement, and the public sector, through partnerships with organisations such as Cisco Systems, Guidance Software, Dell Secure Works, NCA, NCC, Police Scotland, and many others. The course benefits from this by including many guest lecturers by industry experts. Through the dedicated cyber security and forensic research group extensive cutting edge research is also carried out in key domains by an ever growing cohort of Phd students. The programme also has an affiliation with The Cyber Academy here at Edinburgh Napier, which integrates formally with a range of international initiatives including into a European Centre of Excellence, along with the EU-funded DFET project, which is building a world class virtualised infrastructure for Cyber Security teaching and training, with strong links into law enforcement industry and academia across the World.

Modules

• Host-Based Forensics
• Network Security
• Security Audit and Compliance
• e-Security
• Incident Response and Malware Analysis
• Computer Penetration Testing
• Dissertation

Study modules mentioned above are indicative only. Some changes may occur between now and the time that you study.

Careers

The continued growth in the current requirement for cyber security and digital forensics professionals means there are a wide range of careers which can be followed after graduating from the course, such as security consultant/analyst, penetration tester, network security analyst, forensic investigator, audit/compliance consultant, security certification engineer, incident response analyst, cisco security engineer/architect, sys admin, network engineer.

The programme develops a range of key skills currently needed in industry, covering areas such as network security, penetration testing, security monitoring, incident response, malware analysis, operating systems, network and computer forensics, virtualisation and malware analysis. Materials from many professional courses are integrated into the curriculum, towards helping students prepare for sought after professional certification such as Cisco Security Certifications, CISSP, and CREST.

Study mode

This is a full-time course studied over one year. It requires an intensive period of study, involving lectures, tutorials, laboratory sessions and independent study.As a full-time student you'll take three 20 credit modules per trimester for the first two trimesters, and then complete a Project.
http://www.napier.ac.uk/courses/msc-advanced-security-and-digital-forensics-postgraduate-fulltime

This course is also available part-time, with one or two modules studied per trimester.
http://www.napier.ac.uk/courses/msc-advanced-security-and-digital-forensics-postgraduate-parttime

This course is also available distance learning , with one or two modules studied per trimester.
http://www.napier.ac.uk/courses/msc-advanced-security-and-digital-forensics-postgraduate-distance-learning-part-time

How to apply

http://www.napier.ac.uk/study-with-us/postgraduate/how-to-apply

Fees and Funding

We have lots of funding options available such as the postgraduate tuition fee loan for Scottish & EU students, specifics scholarships for students from North or South America, Asia and Africa, as well as bursaries & grants for those closer to home in England, Northern Ireland and Wales.

Please see our website for up-to-date information about fee and funding and what you could be eligible for.
http://www.napier.ac.uk/study-with-us/postgraduate/fees-and-funding

Nothing should get in the way of furthering your education. Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS) awards funding for postgraduate courses, and could provide the help you need to continue your studies. Find out more: http://www.napier.ac.uk/study-with-us/postgraduate/fees-and-funding/saas-funded-courses

Information for International Students

For applications whose first language is not English, the following is generally required: minimum IELTS 6.0, with no individual component score of less than 5.5 or equivalent. We also offer a range of pre-sessional English language courses to help you meet the English language requirement prior to starting your masters programme. Please see our website for up-to-date information.
http://www.napier.ac.uk/study-with-us/international-students/english-language/english-language-requirements

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