Forensic computer analysts may be involved in a range of investigations, such as online fraud, digital espionage, counter-terrorism, possession of illegal imagery and information theft. A typical investigation would involve identifying and securing computer equipment, followed by the application of forensic methods and specialist computer programmes in pursuit of evidence. Tasks include recovering data from digital media, analysis of records to establish the location of a device, uncovering data trails, careful documentation of the investigation, presenting findings and acting as an expert witness in court.

• Computer Forensics and Crime Investigation (20 credits)
  To synthesise knowledge of the tools, techniques and practices associated with computer forensics. To develop the student’s ability to apply computer forensics principles to a range of problems.
To evaluate, analyse and synthesise different solutions to a range of computer forensic issues.
  
  
• Forensics Techniques and Data Recovery(20 credits)
  To cover at an advanced level a number of both practical and theoretical principles regarding Computer Forensics and data Recovery for a range of different sources.
  
  
• Network Security (20 credits)
  To enable students to evaluate, synthesize and validate the identification of security issues and their associated impacts against devices and protocols that make up networks and distributed systems.
  
  
• Security Management (20 credits)
  To provide a knowledge of the tools and techniques available to secure and manage, in a meaningful manner, an information system.
To develop the students’ ability to manage the security of an information system at a strategic, tactical and operational level.
  
  
• Incident Management and Incident Response (20 credits)
  To evaluate, analyse and synthesize the capability to perform incident management and incident response.
  
  
• Project Management and Research Methodology (20 credits)
  To understand current developments in project management, its techniques and tools, and to determine and use appropriate ones in contexts where there are many interacting factors.
  
  
• MSc Project (60 credits)
  To provide the opportunity for students to employ autonomy and originality in the application of their computing, award and research skills to a complex problem. To provide an opportunity for the student to investigate a topical, award relevant issue of their choice in some depth. To produce a justified solution to a significant problem that is informed by a critical review of research. To further develop the student's investigative, research, writing and presentation skills as a self-directed, autonomous learner.

You will have had the opportunity to develop skills that strongly relate to the role of a forensic computer analyst or an information security analyst. These include problem solving, a systematic approach to work and an awareness of security standards and legislation.

Graduates of the MSc Computer Forensics will be well equipped for employment, including working for the police, security services, commercial sector, or organisations that specialise in computer security. You could also progress on to a PhD or computing research degree.