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Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
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Course Overview
-
L27 -
Headingley Campus Beckett Park -
Full-Time -
12 Months -
18 Sep 2023
Build your undergraduate degree-level knowledge of cyber security and digital forensics. This master's course will help to prepare you for a career across these intricate disciplines.
As part of this course, you’ll:
- Gain a critical appreciation and understanding of the more complex elements of cyber security and digital forensics, combining both academic principles and industrial needs
- Develop skills that reflect industry requirements through employer engagement
- Take part in scheduled sessions including lectures, lab exercises and discussion groups
- Participate in activities such as simulations, role-play, case studies, projects, practical work, work-based learning, workshops, peer tutoring, peer group interaction, self-managed teams and learner managed learning
- Conduct critical research and professional analysis, develop solutions, evaluate your work and create a report to present to your supervisors through a dissertation project
Develop your expertise
You’ll gain specialist knowledge in challenging areas within digital forensics, such as image and video forensic investigations. In security areas, you’ll obtain knowledge and expertise in software security exploitation development and the analysis and implementation of security mechanisms to defend and analyse systems.
Research study
This course will also develop your knowledge in research practices and advanced scholarship as well as project development and management. The specialisation you’ll gain through taught modules will be further developed through a research or practical based master’s dissertation project.
Practical learning
This is a hands-on subject area and it’s important to gain practical experience; practical exercises will allow you to implement your theoretical learning and see how it relates to industry. Theory alone would be unlikely to enable you to achieve successful employment in this field.
Cyber security online
If you don’t have prior degree-level knowledge of cyber security or digital forensics, we offer the MSc Cyber Security distance learning course. This master’s will boost your existing computing knowledge with an additional focus on cyber security.
Why study Cyber Security & Digital Forensics at Leeds Beckett University...
- Gain specialism - in the challenging field of cyber security and digital forensics
- Practical course – with hands-on learning opportunities to compliment your theoretical study
- Access to specialist software – including Hacktivity and the university’s Virtual Learning Environment (VLE)
Everything you need to know
Discover all there is to know about the course, from entry requirements and fees to exploring the school you’ll be joining - we’ve got it covered.
Entry requirements
Applicants should either have at least a second class honours degree in the cognate subjects of Computer Security and Computer Forensics, or at least a second class honours degree in a non-cognate subject supported by evidence of an aptitude for both subjects applied for, or have equivalent experience or training, normally from within the work environment. All applications should be supported by a reference, either academic or professional; you can download our reference template for completion. All applicants should satisfy our University English language requirements.
Entry requirements
Applicants should either have at least a second class honours degree in the cognate subjects of Computer Security and Computer Forensics, or at least a second class honours degree in a non-cognate subject supported by evidence of an aptitude for both subjects applied for, or have equivalent experience or training, normally from within the work environment. All applications should be supported by a reference, either academic or professional; you can download our reference template for completion. All applicants should satisfy our University English language requirements.
International baccalaureate
IELTS
IELTS 6.5 with no skills below 5.5, or an equivalent qualification. The University provides excellent support for any applicant who may be required to undertake additional English language courses.
Selection Criteria
We may use selection criteria based on your personal attributes; experience and/or commitment to the area of study. This information will be derived from your personal statement and reference and will only be used if you have met the general entry requirements.
Mature Applicants:
Our university welcomes applications from mature applicants who demonstrate academic potential. If you have recent relevant work experience and/or professional qualifications, we may be able to consider you for entry through our ‘Recognition of Prior Learning’ policy. Please ensure that you list both your qualifications and relevant work experience in your application.
All applicants should meet our standard entry requirements of GCSE grade C in English language and, where specified, Maths. Alternative qualifications such as functional skills are accepted in lieu of GCSEs for most courses.
Independent study is a crucial part of learning at university and you will be required to undertake many hours of self-directed research and reading, and preparation and writing of assessments. Your course is delivered through a number of modules, which will help you to plan your time and establish a study routine. Outside of your lectures, workshops and tutorials, a range of support is available to assist with your independent study. Our subject-specific librarians will be on hand to direct you to the specialist learning and study-skill resources. You’ll also be assigned an academic advisor to give you tailored feedback and support.
Our silver status in the latest Teaching Excellence Framework, reflects our commitment to deliver high-quality teaching, learning and outcomes for our students.
Teaching & Learning
What you'll learn
Develop your understanding of fundamental underlying software technologies, such as understanding and debugging C and assembly code, and builds on this with techniques to perform reverse engineering and analysis of malware. You’ll gain an understanding of the behaviour and design of malware and perform hands-on analysis of binary files using static and dynamic analysis techniques to determine the behaviour of malware.
This module will introduce modern image/video processing techniques and applications in digital forensic investigation. You’ll learn concepts of digital image/video processing application and how to apply techniques such as image filtering, de-nosing, enhancement and restoration methods in different scenarios.
Deepen your understanding and experience of the technical underpinnings of software security. You’ll gain experience with software vulnerabilities and will review code with software design and implementation bugs (including buffer overflows, injection attacks, and other faults). You’ll audit code for the presence of security vulnerabilities both manually and using advanced approaches such as fuzz-testing and static analysis. You’ll apply mitigation techniques to remove vulnerabilities from software.
Study current theory and practice in your chosen area of study, including technological, aesthetic, practical and commercial developments. You’ll also consider techniques that enable the application of your theoretical knowledge in this area to improve your own practice tools for the evaluation, discussion and justification of your work within a wider context.
This module will equip the 21st century masters student with the knowledge to understand the context of project management across a diversity of organisations and industry areas. You’ll develop your understanding and knowledge so you can initiate, plan, execute, manage and sign off a project. Emphasis will be placed on appropriate methodologies, standards, legislation and the nine core knowledge areas associated with project management. You’ll be challenged during your learning and assessments to relate the module to your own experiences and/or organisations.
Develop your awareness of the methods and skills which are required in order to successfully carry out masters-level research, and to reflect critically on your own development in the context of your chosen programme of study.
This module will provide you with the opportunity to engage in masters-level research or advanced scholarship in a subject area that is particular interest to you. You’ll carry out an in-depth research project, which will be discussed in a formal dissertation and viva.
Fees & Funding hellooo
£9,000
UK
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2023/24 is £9000. The amount you will pay may increase each year to take into account the effects of inflation.
Sandwich Year
There is a placement option on this course and the cost for this for students entering in 2023/24 will be £1800.
£16,000
International 2023
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2023/24 is £16000. The amount you will pay is fixed at this level for each year of your course.
Sandwich Year
There is a placement option on this course and the cost for this for students entering in 2023/24 will be £3200.Fees & Funding
£9,000
For students entering in 2023
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2023/24 is £9000. The amount you will pay may increase each year to take into account the effects of inflation.
Sandwich Year
There is a placement option on this course and the cost for this for students entering in 2023/24 will be £1800.Additional course costs
Tuition Fees
Your tuition fees cover the cost of registration, tuition, academic supervision, assessments and examinations.
The following are also included in the cost of your course:
- 24/7 Library and student IT support
- Free wifi via eduroam
- Skills workshops and resources
- Library membership, giving access to more than 500,000 printed, multimedia and digital resources
- Access to software, including five free copies of Microsoft Office 365 to install on your PC,laptop and MAC, and access to free high-end software via the Leeds Beckett remote app
- Loan of high-end media equipment to support your studies
Access to course resources, equipment and facilities, including:
- oVirt, an online virtualised computer suite that uses “Hacktivity”, a novel system developed in-house, to automatically generate unique virtual machines and provide you with individualised security and hacking challenges and environments.
Other study-related expenses to consider: materials that you will need to complete your course such as books (whilst the library provides access to readings recommended for your modules, you may wish to purchase your own copies of some books); you can also make suggestions for books to be added to Library stock; placement costs (these may include travel expenses and living costs); student visas (international students only); printing, photocopying and stationery (you may need to pay for multiple copies of your dissertation or final project to be printed and bound); events associated with your course such as field trips; study abroad opportunities (travel costs and accommodation, visas and immunisations). Other costs could include academic conferences (travel costs) and professional-body membership (where applicable). The costs you will need to cover for graduation will include gown hire and guest tickets, and optional extras such as professional photography.
As well as your mobile phone, you will also need access to a desktop computer and/or laptop to complete assignments and access university online services such as MyBeckett, your virtual learning environment. You can book and borrow AV equipment through the media equipment service accessed online via the student hub and located in the library at each campus. Equipment includes: 360 Cameras, iPads, GoPros, MacBooks, portable data projectors, portable projection screens, flipchart stands, remote presenters, digital cameras and camcorders, SLR cameras, speakers, microphones, headphones, headsets, tripods, digital audio recorders and PC/laptops (a laptop loans service is provided on campus in the library on both campuses). Student laptops are also available from the laptop lockers located in the libraries.
This list is not exhaustive, costs are approximate and will vary depending on the choices you make during your course. Any rental, travel or living costs are also in addition to your course fees. If you choose to study via distance learning, you may not be able to access all of the facilities listed if you are not able to visit us on campus.
£16,000
For students entering in 2023
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2023/24 is £16000. The amount you will pay is fixed at this level for each year of your course.
Sandwich Year
There is a placement option on this course and the cost for this for students entering in 2023/24 will be £3200.Additional course costs
Tuition Fees
Your tuition fees cover the cost of registration, tuition, academic supervision, assessments and examinations.
The following are also included in the cost of your course:
- 24/7 Library and student IT support
- Free wifi via eduroam
- Skills workshops and resources
- Library membership, giving access to more than 500,000 printed, multimedia and digital resources
- Access to software, including five free copies of Microsoft Office 365 to install on your PC,laptop and MAC, and access to free high-end software via the Leeds Beckett remote app
- Loan of high-end media equipment to support your studies
In many cases, costs associated with your course will be included in your course fee. However, in some cases there are ‘essential’ additional costs (those that you will be required to meet in addition to your course fee), and/or ‘optional’ additional costs (costs that are not required, but that you might choose to pay). We have included those essential or optional additional costs that relate to your course, below.
Access to course resources, equipment and facilities, including:
- oVirt, an online virtualised computer suite that uses “Hacktivity”, a novel system developed in-house, to automatically generate unique virtual machines and provide you with individualised security and hacking challenges and environments.
Other study-related expenses to consider: materials that you will need to complete your course such as books (whilst the library provides access to readings recommended for your modules, you may wish to purchase your own copies of some books); you can also make suggestions for books to be added to Library stock; placement costs (these may include travel expenses and living costs); student visas (international students only); printing, photocopying and stationery (you may need to pay for multiple copies of your dissertation or final project to be printed and bound); events associated with your course such as field trips; study abroad opportunities (travel costs and accommodation, visas and immunisations). Other costs could include academic conferences (travel costs) and professional-body membership (where applicable). The costs you will need to cover for graduation will include gown hire and guest tickets, and optional extras such as professional photography.
As well as your mobile phone, you will also need access to a desktop computer and/or laptop to complete assignments and access university online services such as MyBeckett, your virtual learning environment. You can book and borrow AV equipment through the media equipment service accessed online via the student hub and located in the library at each campus. Equipment includes: 360 Cameras, iPads, GoPros, MacBooks, portable data projectors, portable projection screens, flipchart stands, remote presenters, digital cameras and camcorders, SLR cameras, speakers, microphones, headphones, headsets, tripods, digital audio recorders and PC/laptops (a laptop loans service is provided on campus in the library on both campuses). Student laptops are also available from the laptop lockers located in the libraries.
This list is not exhaustive, costs are approximate and will vary depending on the choices you make during your course. Any rental, travel or living costs are also in addition to your course fees. If you choose to study via distance learning, you may not be able to access all of the facilities listed if you are not able to visit us on campus.
Your future in our hands
There’s a lot to consider when choosing a course. Take a look at the team you’ll be working with, employability statistics and career prospects to help make up your mind.
Career Prospects
This course will provide you with advanced knowledge in cyber security and digital forensics and will broaden your employability prospects within the IT industry. Possible career paths could include roles such as:
- Security architect
- Malware analyst
- Security analyst
- Forensic analyst
- System/network/web/application penetration tester
- Security auditor
- Incident responder
Security has wide reaching implications and these skills can benefit many other ICT roles including software developer/engineer, system administrator, network administrator and management positions.
Beckett Careers Team
Our careers service is not just there for undergraduates, we support our postgraduate taught and research students too.
Your postgraduate degree will boost your CV and help you stand out from the crowd. Whether you're just starting out on your chosen career path, changing careers or moving to the next level, we can provide you with expert advice and resources to help you take the next steps to achieving your goals.
Your Beckett experience
At Leeds Beckett your experience is important to us, find out more about what to expect from your time on this course and life at uni.
Experience Leeds Beckett
Our state-of-the-art facilities and learning environments give you everything you need to succeed – whether that’s completing your current studies or joining our cutting-edge research teams.
