Sophisticated computer crimes put a globally networked society at risk. The increasing impact of technological crime highlights the need for highly competent computer forensic analysts. The Master of Science (MSc) in Computer Forensics & E-Discovery confronts this problem through a blend of computer and legal expertise.

Programme overview

• MSc: 12 months full-time; 24 months part-time
• PgDip 9 months full-time;

You will take a mix of taught courses, hands-on laboratory work and group projects.

You won’t just cover the current practices and processes, we also encourage you to investigate new approaches and processes while questioning the validity and the dependability of the solutions you find.

Semester 1 courses

• Introduction to computer forensics and e-discovery
• Legal and regulatory frameworks
• Introduction to security
• Systems and networks
• Research methods and techniques
• Research methods and professional studies seminars in computer forensics.

Semester 2 courses

• Computer forensics processes and investigative techniques
• Managing and presenting digital evidence
• Security and cryptography
• Research methods and professional studies seminars in computer forensics.

Semester 2 elective courses

• Advanced research readings in computing science
• Mobile phone forensics.

Following the successful completion of examinations, you will spend the summer months working on a research project or dissertation that will enable you to engage with a complex computer forensics problem.

Career prospects

Organisations and governments will continue to allocate more funds to countering and deterring cyber crime. As a graduate, you will have the skills and attributes to meet their needs. This is an excellent opportunity to advance or establish your career in governmental agencies, corporations, law enforcement agencies, the legal profession, computer forensics professions and information security professions.

Previous graduates are employed by the following organisations in a variety of digital analyst roles: Kent Police, Strathclyde Police, Dutch Police, Morgan Stanley, Ernst and Young, University of Glasgow.

Academic entry requirements

Entry requirements for postgraduate taught programmes are a 2.1 Honours degree or equivalent qualification (for example, GPA 3.0 or above) in a relevant subject unless otherwise specified.

International students with academic qualifications below those required should contact our partner institution, Glasgow International College, who offer a range of foundation courses.

English language requirements

For applicants whose first language is not English, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level.

International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic module (not General Training):

• overall score 6.5
• no sub-test less than 6.5
• or equivalent scores in another recognised qualification (see below)
   

Common equivalent English language qualifications:

• ibTOEFL: 92; no sub-test less than 24
• CAE (Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English): B minimum
• CPE (Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English): C minimum
• PTE Academic (Person Test of English, Academic test): 68; minimum 60 in writing

Pre-sessional courses
The University of Glasgow accepts evidence of the required language level from the Language Centre Pre-sessional courses. We also consider other BALEAP accredited pre-sessional courses:

• Language Centre, University of Glasgow
• BALEAP guide to accredited courses 

FAQs

Visa requirements and proof of English language level

It is a visa requirement to provide information on your level of English based on an internationally recognised and secure English language test. All test reports must be no more than 2 years old. A list of these can be found on the UK Border Agency website. If you have never taken one of these tests before, you can get an initial idea of your level by using the Common European Framework self-assessment grid which gives you a level for each skill (e.g. listening B1/writing B2 etc.) However, please note that this is not a secure English language test and it is not sufficient evidence of your level of English for visa requirements.

If you require a Tier 4 student visa, your qualification must be one of the secure English language tests accepted by UK Border Agency:

• UK Border Agency Tier 4 English Language requirements
• UKBA list of approved English language tests [pdf]

For further information about English language requirements, please contact the Recruitment and International Office: pgadmissions@glasgow.ac.uk

Apply now

For 2013-14

MSc