Postgraduate taught degree programmes

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Computer Forensics & E-Discovery MSc

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.

  • You will develop the technical skills to investigate a variety of computer forensic problems and issues. You will also gain the experience to conduct forensic investigations as part of an investigatory team and to present the results of your analyses in corporate cyber investigation reports and in legal settings.
  • In order to support your individual needs, flexible delivery modes are offered for full-time, two-year part-time and Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
  • Seminars from practitioners and experts in the field of computer forensics and e-discovery will introduce you to the practical aspects of the profession and the philosophical considerations of research in this field.
  • You will acquire hands on experience working with industry standard forensic applications and hardware in a lab environment via four lab-based courses.

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.

Further information: Dr Brad Glisson
email: cfed@hatii.arts.gla.ac.uk

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.

Further information regarding academic entry requirements: student.recruitment@glasgow.ac.uk

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:

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:

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

We ask that you apply online for a postgraduate taught degree. Our system allows you to fill out the standard application form online and submit this to the University within 42 days of starting your application.

You need to read the guide to applying online before starting your application. It will ensure you are ready to proceed, as well as answer many common questions about the process.

Guide to applying online

Do I have to apply online for a postgraduate taught degree?

Yes. To apply for a postgraduate taught degree you must apply online. We are unable to accept your application by any other means than online.

Do I need to complete and submit the application in a single session?

No. You have 42 days to submit your application once you begin the process. You may save and return to your application as many times as you wish to update information, complete sections or upload additional documents such as your final transcript or your language test.

What essential documentation should I have available before I start my application?

As well as completing your online application fully, it is essential that you submit the following documents:

  • A copy (or copies) of your official degree certificate(s)
  • A copy (or copies) of your official academic transcript(s), showing full details of subjects studied and grades/marks obtained
  • Official English translations of the certificate(s) and transcript(s)
  • Two supporting reference letters on headed paper
  • Evidence of your English Language ability (if your first language is not English)
  • Any additional documents required for this programme (see Entry requirements for this programme)
  • A copy of the photo page of your passport (Non-EU students only)

Do my supporting documents need to be submitted online?

Yes, where possible, please upload the supporting documents with your application.

What if I am unable to submit all of my supporting documents online?

If you cannot upload an electronic copy of a document and need to send it in by post, please attach a cover sheet to it that includes your name, the programme you are applying for, and your application reference number.

You may send them to:

Recruitment & International Office
71 Southpark Avenue
Glasgow
G12 8QQ
Fax: +44 141 330 4045

Can I email my supporting documents?

No. We cannot accept email submissions of your supporting documents.

What should I do if am having problems using the online application system?

If you are having issues, please email doashelp@mis.gla.ac.uk

What entry requirements should I have met before applying? Where can I find them?

You should check that you have met (or are likely to have met prior to the start of the programme) the individual entry requirements for the degree programme you are applying for. This information can be found on the ‘entry requirements’ tab on each individual programme page, such as the one you are viewing now.

What English Language requirements should I have met before applying? Where can I find them?

If you are an international student, you should also check that you have met the English Language requirements specific to the programme you are applying for. These can also be found on the ‘entry requirements’ tab for each specific programme.

Guidance notes for using the online application

These notes are intended to help you complete the online application form accurately, they are also available within the help section of the online application form. You can also download a PDF with detailed guidance information for the online application system:
Applicants' Guide to Online Application

  • Name and Date of birth: must appear exactly as they do on your passport. Please take time to check the spelling and lay-out.
  • Contact Details: Correspondence address. All contact relevant to your application will be sent to this address including the offer letter(s). If your address changes, please contact us as soon as possible.
  • Choice of course: Please select carefully the course you want to study. As your application will be sent to the admissions committee for each course you select it is important to consider at this stage why you are interested in the course and that it is reflected in your application.
  • Proposed date of entry: Please state your preferred start date including the month and the year. Taught masters degrees tend to begin in September. Research degrees may start in any month.
  • Education and Qualifications: Please complete this section as fully as possible indicating any relevant Higher Education qualifications starting with the most recent. Complete the name of the Institution (s) as it appears on the degree certificate or transcript.
  • English Language Proficiency: Please state the date of any English language test taken (or to be taken) and the award date (or expected award date if known).
  • Employment and Experience: Please complete this section as fully as possible with all employments relevant to your course. Additional details may be attached in your personal statement/proposal where appropriate.
  • References: Please provide the names and contact details of two academic references. Where applicable one of these references may be from your current employer. References should be completed on letter headed paper and uploaded on to your application.

Standard application deadlines

  • International applications (non-EU) 23 July 2013
  • UK and EU applications 27 August 2013

Classes start on 16 September 2013 (provisional date) for most courses and you may be expected to attend induction sessions the week before

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