Advanced Security and Digital Forensics

MSc Distance Learning

Course Overview

UCAS code:
Duration: 3 years
Study type: Distance Learning
Napier code: 56736MM

This Masters degree in Advanced Networking offers you the opportunity to develop and extend your knowledge of the design and implementation of computer networks. Blending hands-on technical knowledge with theoretical understanding, this course uses our well equipped labs to provide you with direct access to advanced routers, switches, ISP emulators, VoIP telephony systems and wireless devices.

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Computer security is one of the key issues in contemporary Computing and is relevant to a wide range of activities, including software development, networking and system design. You will gain foundation knowledge in all the key areas of computing, with specialisations on mobile systems and network security. This specialisation is highlighted with hands-on practical work in group and MSc disseration projects.

This course is flexible in the mode of delivery, making extensive use of online and blended learning materials, and a key objective of the programme is the integration with professional certification, such as from Cisco Systems, Ethical Hacking, CISSP, and ISO 27001.

The School of Computing and the Centre for Distributed Computing and Security have extensive expertise in research, knowledge transfer (KT) and teaching in the areas of security and digital forensics. This includes externally funded research in key domains such as financial crime and intelligence gathering frameworks, through KT work with organisations such as Cisco Systems, DNS Ltd, the FSA, the Scottish Police (SIPR), Sapphire, Scottish Drug Enforcement Agency, and many others.

This course is also integrated with industry, with industry-led projects, and links with a wide range of local companies. You will have access to security research seminars with talks from senior industry professionals and state-of-the-art research in digital forensics, computer security, mobile systems and distributed computing.

Overall, the aim is to produce a world-leading programme with blended teaching material and support that builds on the existing foundation of research, KT activities and teaching in security and digital forensics.

The programme involves a wide range of skills, including an in-depth knowledge and practical skills in key areas such as:

  • Encryption and authentication methods.
  • Authentication infrastructures.
  • Host-based digital forensics.
  • Network-based digital forensics.
  • Network security, including secure tunnels.
  • Wireless/Mobile security.
  • Virtualisation and Service-Oriented Architectures.
  • Cloud Computing.
  • Next generation Web systems.

Professional Certification: Cisco CCNA Security, Cisco CCNA/CCNP, CISSP, Ethical Hacking.
  • Security Consultant
  • System Architect
  • Forensic Investigator
  • Audit/Compliance Consultant
  • Cisco Security Engineer
  • Cisco Security Specialist
  • Security Advisor
  • Security Auditor
  • Systems Integrator
  • Design Engineer
  • Network Engineer
  • Application Support
  • Web Server Support
  • .NET Developer
  • Test/Debug Engineer
  • Wireless Engineer.

What's it like?

"Complete knowledge...from bits to information".

Career prospects

We are one of the top universities in Scotland for graduate employability, with over 93% of our graduates in jobs or further study six months after graduating.

The growth in the requirement for security and digital forensics increases by the year, and there are a wide range of careers from consultancy to systems support.

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What's involved

Modular learning

Our courses are structured by modules which gives our students a flexible learning programme. Modules covered by this course:

On offer

Campus life

World class facilities


Why I chose Napier

Requirements at a glance

Entry to the course

International students

Full-time study (per year)

The fees listed are stated per annum.

Part-time study (per year)

The fees listed are stated per annum.

Part-time study

The number of modules studied is dependent on the exit that you wish to achieve, for example:

  • A Grad Cert is 60 Credits (3 modules)
  • A Cert HE/Grad Dip/ HND is 120 credits (6 modules)
  • A Dip HE credit is 240 credits (12 modules)
  • A Degree is 360 credits (18 modules)
  • An Honours Degree is 480 credits

Please note that some part-time courses give modular exemptions for previous study and vocational experience. Advice is available during application.

Fees Table

Fees displayed are correct at the time of publication but the University Court reserves the right to make changes in fees at any time, and without notice, before or after the student's admission to the University.

Tuition fees are reviewed annually and will rise each year during your programme of study, at least in line with inflation.

Funding your study

We have a selection of funding opportunities available such as the UK postgraduate tuition fee loan (Scottish & EU) and specific scholarships aimed at student from India and across Africa. Visit our funding pages to find out what you could be eligible for.

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