Degree Information:

Overview

In recent years, technologically competent criminals have been increasingly exploiting the use of new technologies in the commission of crime. The investigation of such crime has led to the emergence of a new field of specialisation termed "forensic computing", which involves the detection, storage, analysis and exhibition of digital evidence in a legally admissible manner. DCU's M.Sc. in Security and Forensic Computing equips graduates to carry out this sophisticated technical work, while also exploring effective methods which may be used to assist in the prevention of such crime. With excellent graduate employment prospects and major fee support for EU students, DCU was the first University in Ireland to offer an open taught M.Sc. programme in this expanding area.

Aims and Objectives:

Delivered on a full-time basis over one calendar year or part-time over two years, the uniqueness of this Masters degree lies in its blending of the practical examination of computer crime with the principles underlying its prevention. It adopts a holistic approach to the study of forensic computing and provides students with an understanding of the legal, technical, information management and ethical issues impacting on the discipline. Hence, graduates are thoroughly prepared to undertake their work in a structured manner consistent with evidential requirements.

Programme Structure:

During the final semester, from May to late August, students draw on knowledge gained over the first two semesters to work on a major project of a practical nature. Here the students, individually or in small teams, develop prototype secure software systems to solve a real-world problem. Alternatively, they may analyse forensic approaches and propose improvements. The projects, which may be provided by external clients or involve some of the students' or staff's own ideas, typically require the preparation of a feasibility study, followed by creation of a project plan and development of a software application or rigorous theoretical analysis. Importantly, this practicum element allows students, where applicable, to work on in-house problems for their respective sponsoring organisations.

Indicative Academic Structure:
M.Sc. in Security and Forensic Computing

Semester 1 Semester 2

Practicum given to students between May - late August.

Core Practicum 30

Total Credits 90

View the subjects currently taught on this course (2012 - 2013)

Fees Reduction
This programme is supported by the Higher Education Authority (HEA) under their Graduate Skills Conversion Programme, resulting in a reduced fee for European Union citizens. To view the latest fees schedule, please click here.

Career Prospects:

Career Prospects
The programme offers strong employment prospects for graduates in the growing areas of security consultancy, secure software development, and forensic computing itself. The skills developed in graduates are particularly attractive to financial institutions, law enforcement agencies, and software security houses, to which security is of paramount strategic importance. Among the companies for which recent graduates work are Accenture, AIB, Daon, IBM and Symantec.

Entry Requirements:

Because of the rapid speed of developments in the Forensic Computing and Security fields, the programme is beneficial to both recent graduates wishing to keep abreast of developments in these areas, and also those already in employment who wish to update their skills through full-time study. Candidates must hold, at a minimum, a Second Class Honours degree in Computer Science, Computing, Computer Applications, or a related discipline. Candidates with significant experience in the software development or security sectors, in addition to an Honours primary degree in some other discipline, may also be considered for entry.

International Applications
International candidates are expected to have educational qualifications of a standard equivalent to those outlined above. In addition, where such candidates are non-native speakers of the English language they must satisfy the university of their competency in the English language. For further information on international applications click here.

Dates for Submission of Applications 2012

EU Applicants
Apply online through the Postgraduate Applications Centre (http://www.pac.ie/dcu) by 31st August 2012.

Non-EU Applicants
Apply online through the Postgraduate Applications Centre (http://www.pac.ie/dcu) by 13th July 2012. Applicants who require a study visa for the purposes of gaining entry into Ireland are advised to apply as early as possible.

Applying through the Postgraduate Applications Centre (http://www.pac.ie/dcu)
When applying for this programme please use the PAC code DC823 (full-time option) or DC822 (part-time option).

Queries on Completed Applications
Queries on completed applications can be made by e-mail to registry.pac@dcu.ie

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Fee information

Indicative Timetable
(Weeks 20-31)