This one-year course is presented jointly by the Departments of Computer and Information Sciences and the Centre for Forensic Science.
Admission Requirements
MSc : First or second-class Honours degree from a British university in computer science or a related topic. Candidates with equivalent qualifications from universities in other countries are welcome to apply. Consideration will be given to prior experiential learning.
PgDip : This is suitable for those who are marginally under-qualified for the MSc course.
The advent of the Internet and the widespread adoption of mobile communications have lead to a massive increase in the use of computers and electronic equipment in the commission of crime. This course provides the knowledge and skills needed to investigate the criminal use of computers and electronic communications.
Building on a firm grounding in investigative techniques, evidentiary procedures, legal frameworks and laboratory practise, the course leads on to topics such as: forensic imaging, discovery and analysis of digital artefacts, reconstruction from digital evidence, network forensics, presentation of evidence, the role of the forensic expert in court, cryptography and anti-forensics. As well as presenting the necessary theoretical framework, regular input to the course from practising digital forensic investigators, prosecutors and criminal psychiatrists provide a challenging insight into the 'real-world' of computer crime.
MSc students undertake a three-month placement typically in one of number of leading laboratories/units around the UK.
Course Structure (Revised for 2008)
Diploma and MSc students follow the same instructional course for the first two semesters; thereafter, MSc students prepare a dissertation of up to 20,000 words on an approved topic. Teaching methods include lectures, tutorials, and practical laboratories. Dissertation is by supervision.
Students undertake the following compulsory classes:
- Computer Security
- Computer Crime Fundamentals
- Fundamentals of Forensic Science (Theory)
- Fundamentals of Forensic Science (Practical)
- Digital Information Fundamentals
- Forensic Examination of Digital Artefacts
- Crime Scene and Count Exercise
- Enterprise Networking
- Information Policy and Law
Careers
Graduates of the course have gone on to careers in the financial sector, the security services and law-enforcement agencies as well as the software and IT sector.
Length & Requirements
MSc : 12 months full-time
PgDip : 8 months full-time
Support from the Student Awards Agency for Scotland may be available.