About the course
Course content
The fascination of forensics combines with the complexity of computing in this stimulating course. A relatively new specialism, electronic security and digital forensics is an area of expertise that’s challenging and rapidly evolving- technology is constantly developing, and therefore so are the problems that go along with it.
Why study Electronic Security and Digital Forensics at Middlesex?
The smooth running of societies and economies is now dependent on the security of computer networks, and cyber crime, from fraud, identity theft and cyber stalking to terrorism and espionage, can affect anyone and is at the forefront of government policy. But many court cases have collapsed because of a lack of experts trained in the meticulous art of tracking down evidence. Our innovative course was created to meet the demand for skills in an area that’s chronically short of well-qualified graduates.
The course has a strong practical focus, with an emphasis on both in-depth technical and legal theory and hands-on project work. You’ll work in our specialist computer forensics laboratory in our award-winning technology centre, using the latest forensic software, including Forensic Toolkit version 5.0, Encase version 7.0 and Micro Systemation XRY Complete. You’ll also have the opportunity to achieve XRY Logical certification during the course.
Course highlights:
We have strong links with industry - we work with companies such as Microsoft and Siemens, and we are a Cisco local academy and a Xilinx university partner.
The course is accredited by the British Computer Society for Chartered IT Professional (CITP) status. This means that on graduation, you’ll have fulfilled the academic requirements for achieving those titles, though you’ll need to complete further professional development.
The course is led by Dr Carlisle George, a former barrister who has co-edited two books on regulatory issues in healthcare information. He is a member of the editorial board of the International Journal of Electronic Security and Digital Forensics and leads the university’s ALERT (Aspects of Law and Ethics Related to Technology) research group.
You’ll also improve your communication, teamwork, time-management, organisational, analytical and critical skills.
What you will study on the MSc Electronic Security and Digital Forensics?
This course will focus on IT law, professional and ethical issues, criminal law, theories of crime as well as looking at the legal system more generally. You’ll also focus on security regulations, contingency planning and risk management as well as intellectual property law, privacy and data protection law.
What will you gain?
As well as an in-depth knowledge of the subject, you will also gain an understanding in the prevention and detection of security breaches, developing and installing security policies and how to use network analysis tools. You’ll become an expert in the tools, techniques and procedures used in investigation, and you’ll learn how to collect, investigate, and document digital evidence for legal presentation.