Cyber Forensic Investigation MSc

Program Overview

The Cyber Forensic Investigation MSc at the University of Gloucestershire equips students with the knowledge and skills to conduct digital forensic investigations, analyze evidence, and produce documentation for legal proceedings. Delivered through intensive study blocks, the program emphasizes technical skills, analytical thinking, and communication abilities. Graduates are prepared for careers in digital forensics, cyber security, and related fields.

Program Outline

Cyber Forensic Investigation MSc - University of Gloucestershire

Degree Overview

This specialized postgraduate program equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary to conduct digital forensic investigations, analyze evidence, and produce documentation for legal proceedings. The program emphasizes the development of technical skills and knowledge required for a managerial role in the cyber forensics field. This program is "subject to validation" and is currently in the final stages of approval.

Key Objectives:

• To equip students with the knowledge and skills required for professional digital forensic investigations.
• To develop analytical and problem-solving skills to handle complex data and evidence.
• To build expertise in relevant technologies, tools, and methodologies.
• To cultivate strong communication and documentation skills for generating legal reports and presentations.

Program Description:

The program is delivered through intensive five-day blocks of study, combining traditional lectures and tutorials with industry case studies and seminars. It utilizes blended learning with online resources and interactive activities. Students will be exposed to real-world scenarios through assignments and may engage with live briefs where possible. Teamwork and communication skills are embedded throughout the program.

Outline

Program Structure:

• Full-time: 1 year (12 months)
• Part-time: 2 years (24 months)
• Start dates: September 2024, September 2025
• Study type: Full-time or Part-time
• Course length: 1 year (Full-time) or 2 years (Part-time)
• Campus location: Park, Cheltenham

Program Content:

The program covers a comprehensive range of topics in digital forensics, including:

• Cybercrime investigation: Legal framework, evidence handling, investigative techniques, data acquisition
• Digital forensics: Network forensics, mobile forensics, cloud forensics, data recovery
• Malware analysis: Reverse engineering, malware detection, incident response
• Forensic analysis tools: Operating system forensics, memory forensics, file carving
• Cybersecurity: Network security, cryptography, incident response planning
• Report writing and presentation: Legal documentation, court presentation skills
• Ethics and professionalism: Cyber ethics, professional conduct, data privacy

Modules:

• Module 1: Introduction to Cyber Forensics
• Module 2: Digital Forensics Investigation
• Module 3: Network Forensics
• Module 4: Mobile Forensics
• Module 5: Cloud Forensics
• Module 6: Malware Analysis
• Module 7: Cyber Security
• Module 8: Cyber Forensics Project

Careers:

Graduates of this program are well-prepared for careers in a variety of fields, including:

• Digital forensics investigator
• Cyber security analyst
• Incident responder
• Cybercrime investigator
• Forensic analyst
• E-discovery specialist
• IT security consultant

Other:

• The program is designed to meet the industry standards and best practices.
• Students will gain hands-on experience through industry-standard software and extraction equipment in dedicated cyber forensic labs.
• They will have the opportunity to participate in guest lectures and workshops from industry experts.
• The program provides strong industry connections and career support for graduates.

Tuition Fees and Payment Information:

• UK students: £9,350 per year
• International students: £17,100 per year
International students can benefit from a range of scholarships and bursaries across many undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.