About Advanced Security & Digital Forensics - Msc in Edinburgh Napier University

Computer security is one of the key challenges in contemporary computing. You will gain critical knowledge within the cybersecurity and digital forensic domains, combining academic principles and industrial practice.

The course is informed by current research in security and digital forensics and is underpinned by our experience with external partners in law enforcement, the cybersecurity industry, financial institutions and other knowledge transfer activities.

Course specialisms include network security, penetration testing, incident response, malware analysis, cryptography, audit and compliance, and host and mobile digital forensics.

The specialisation you gain in the taught modules is further developed through an extensive research-based MSc dissertation project, leading towards a mastery of a subject area and enhancing your particular specialism.

Course details

Computer security is a growth industry and is vital in modern computing environments. You will gain foundation knowledge in all the key areas of cybersecurity, both defensive and offensive, as well as post-incident response and malware analysis.

The digital forensic aspects of the course include network and computer forensics, allowing you to develop the knowledge required to conduct computer-related investigations across networks, systems, and other digital devices.

The School of Computing has developed close ties with industry, law enforcement, and the public sector, through partnerships with organisations such as Cisco Systems, Guidance Software, Symantec, NCC Group, NCA, Police Scotland, and many others.

This helps inform the course, and provides guest lecturers by industry experts. Innovative research is also carried out in key domains by academics and PhD students in our dedicated cybersecurity and forensic research group.

Careers

The continued growth in the current requirement for cybersecurity and digital forensics professionals means there are a wide range of careers which can be followed after graduating from the course, such as:

• Security Consultant/Analyst
• Penetration Tester
• Network Security Analyst
• Forensic Investigator
• Audit/Compliance Consultant
• Security Certification Engineer
• Incident Response Analyst
• Sys Admin
• Network Engineer

The programme develops a range of key skills currently needed in industry, covering areas such as network security, penetration testing, security monitoring, incident response, malware analysis, operating systems, network and computer forensics, virtualisation and malware analysis. Materials from many professional courses are integrated into the curriculum, towards helping students prepare for sought after professional certification such as:

• Cisco Security Certifications
• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
• Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)
• Centre for Research and Evidence on Security Threats (CREST)

You will be eligible to apply if you have gained one of the following:

• A bachelor general / pass (3 year) degree with 60% or above
• A bachelor special / honours degree (3 year) with 55% or above
• A bachelor degree (4 year) in a professional subject with 55% or above

You should have 60% or higher in English in the Indian HSC Intermediate (10+2) (XII Standard) exam and have completed an undergraduate degree taught and examined in English within the past 2 years. If you graduated more than 2 years ago, we will consider your application on a case-by-case basis.

IELTS (Academic)

6.0 overall, with no component below 5.5

TOEFL Internet Based Test

80 overall with a minimum of 17 in listening, 18 in reading, 20 in speaking and 17 in writing

Pearson’s Test of Academic English

56 overall with a minimum of 51 in each component

Edinburgh Napier University Highlights

Edinburgh Napier University Average Tuition Fees And Other Expenses

The table below shows the estimated cost of living in UK while attending the institute. The cost is presented annually and may vary according to the needs of individuals.

Edinburgh Napier University Application process

Application fee:

• Undergraduate: 13 GBP to 24 GBP
• Graduate: Not available

Supporting documents:

• Academic transcripts and certificates
• References
• English proficiency proof
• Personal statement
• CV or resume
• Interview or portfolio (if required)
• Copy of passport/visa
• Copy of CAS (if applicable)

Academic requirements:

• Undergraduate: Overall of 60% in Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) or higher in the Intermediate (10+2) (XII Standard) or the international United Kingdom equivalent.
• Graduate: Bachelor degree or its equivalent

English Proficiency Test Scores 

For taught undergraduate and graduate programs, any one of the following test scores are required:

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, other tests that are accepted by the university include TOEFL ‘At Home’ Test (same scores as of TOEFL iBT), IELTS Indicator (same scores as of TOEFL iBT), online Edinburgh Napier English Language Courses, Duolingo, and IELTS Academic tests taken more than two years but less than four years will be considered with the use of English language in work or education during that period playing a big role.

Duolingo test and its IELTS equivalent is shown below