Forensic Focus - Education and Training - Master of Science in Computer Security and Forensics

Posted: Tue Sep 08, 2009 9:02 pm
Author: optimints Location: Singapore
Has anyone looked at the the above offering offered by 7safe and University of Bedfordshire?

www.7safe.com/MSC-Mast...ience.html

Any views on whether it's good?

Re: Master of Science in Computer Security and Forensics

Posted: Sat Aug 20, 2011 5:16 pm
Author: aphex Location: UK
I have the same question- has anyone here done the Bedfordshire MSc Computer Security & Forensics degree?

I'm still working on my 1st degree but was looking at this & as I'm new to forensics, wondered what the consensus is on quality/relevance of the modules? I've done the 7Safe CMI but have not done any other forensics training & wondered how the Bedfordshire degree stacks up against the other major players?

Please PM me with your opinions on this degree. Thank you.

Re: Master of Science in Computer Security and Forensics

Posted: Thu Aug 25, 2011 3:44 pm
Author: aphex Location: UK
Not heard from anyone yet Sad

Is there anyone here who's done this degree? Really interested to get feedback from present/past Bedfordshire students. Please get in touch!

Re: Master of Science in Computer Security and Forensics

Posted: Fri Aug 26, 2011 2:07 am
Author: JonN Location: Bristol, UK
I don't know how it compares to other degrees, but I'm doing the 7Safe/University of Bedfordshire degree and I've only got positive things to say about it.

The courses have been top notch, I've learned loads from doing both these and the subsequent coursework.

The courses are written and taught by people with real-world practical experience of the subjects and all the trainers I have encountered have an excellent depth of knowledge.

I've heard others say that they feel there is a lack of support from the University, but I have never experienced this

Hope this helps

Re: Master of Science in Computer Security and Forensics

Posted: Fri Aug 26, 2011 3:12 am
Author: zidane Location: london
I am currently at final stage of MSc (7safe/Bedfordshire). The course is poor in relation to material. I found the material very old and not really helpful in developing my learning. The assistance from the University is poor in relation to the costs. roughly £400 per assignment and roughly £2000 for the Thesis.

I already have a degree and MSc but did this course thinking that it would proivde me greater knowledge in the security field.

I think this course is designed for the beginner and no real benefit for soemone who has experience in the field already. However, the beginner could get the same qualification for cheaper elsewhere.

I have been working in the field for 10 years and would say that it has not lived up to its claim. I am now only finishing the course due to the money I have spent on it.

In my opinion, as an employer, you better off getting your degree and then completing one of the SANS courses. This will make you more attractive to employers and provide the practical skills needed to get you started. It is a long road ahead and any skills you learn in the security field will benefit you.

However, the 7safe courses completed on their own are good but not got the same recognition as a SANS course.

OF note this is my opinion

Re: Master of Science in Computer Security and Forensics

Posted: Fri Aug 26, 2011 5:24 am
Author: JonN Location: Bristol, UK

- zidane

I think this course is designed for the beginner and no real benefit for someone who has experience in the field already.

Well that's me put in my place then Smile

Re: Master of Science in Computer Security and Forensics

Posted: Fri Aug 26, 2011 10:48 am
Author: aphex Location: UK
Thanks both for your helpful replies.

I'll have to think long & hard about my options re: the MSc.

I'm SANS GCIA & GCIH certified & have the option of doing the SANS GPEN (560) course or look at doing the 7Safe CSTA/CSTP, which I believe has a good reputation & may be roughly equivalent to the 560? Potentially also looking in the future at SANS or 7Safe forensics certs.

Obviously SANS are well respected as they've been in the game longer than 7Safe, although I believe 7Safe are also very good.

Decisions, decisions! The reason the MSc Computer Security & Forensics is attractive to me is that I don't necessarily want a course that is purely pen-testing or purely forensics-based & this looks to be my only option in that regard perhaps. Thanks again for your replies.

Re: Master of Science in Computer Security and Forensics

Posted: Mon Feb 13, 2012 11:46 am
Author: IanF Location: Dublin
I see that 7Safe have also partnered up with De Montfort University to offer a MSc.

Do any of you have any information as to which is perceived as being the better MSc ?

Re: Master of Science in Computer Security and Forensics

Posted: Mon Feb 13, 2012 1:33 pm
Author: aphex Location: UK
Looking at 7safe.com/MSC-Master_o...ience.html and 7safe.com/MSC-DMU_Prof...nsics.html the 7Safe modules appear to be exactly the same for both awards, obviously the Universities are different.

Don't know about the new course offered thru DMU/7Safe, but I like the look of the MSc Computer Security, also via DMU & available distance learning: www.dmu.ac.uk/study/co...y-msc.aspx

Content looks interesting.

Re: Master of Science in Computer Security and Forensics

Posted: Tue Feb 14, 2012 3:33 am
Author: Chris_Ed Location: Kent
If I'm reading that DMU course right, do you need to do the 7 courses with 7safe first and then apply for the MSc? If that's the case, why not just apply for the MSc straight away and save the costs of the courses?

Edit; just to clarify - you are expected to pay £10,000 for the courses and then pay for the MSc? Seems like an expensive route.

Re: Master of Science in Computer Security and Forensics

Posted: Tue Feb 14, 2012 4:21 am
Author: IanF Location: Dublin
I've already completed all of the 7 Safe courses - I'm a hands on technical type of person and found all of the 7Safe courses to be quite enjoyable. Am just planning my next move - I had planned to continue on with the MSc in Uni Beds but now that De Montfort are in the frame also I was just looking for feedback on the two universities and their positioning in industry.

Re: Master of Science in Computer Security and Forensics

Posted: Mon Feb 20, 2012 8:21 am
Author: lynoharvey Location: Nottingham UK
Hi,

I've not done the 7safe courses but I think when choosing a masters it is a good idea to look at the following:

---The experience of the lecturers taking the course--do they have real links with the industry and do they have experience of real world forensics? This can be ascertained by looking at Linkedin etc By real links I mean they have spent x amount of years developing something in the real world or worked in security etc. Not just that they have attended this and that meeting or belong to this and that organisation. I think this is important for forensics as they will be able to illustrate/illuminate what is taught and they will understand what needs to taught.

----Look carefully at the course modules offered---do they sound like suitable forensic topics to be included? If there is an open day ask what the modules consist of and how this is relevant to forensics?
SANS courses provide course information in detail about what is taught on their courses---pick topics and ask if the modules at the university cover this and why or why not? Assess if they sound interested in discussing the ins and outs of forensics--who ever you meet on the open day should be fascinated by the topic in its own right.
Try to look beyond anything that sounds like sales talk.

Good luck

Re: Master of Science in Computer Security and Forensics

Posted: Mon Feb 20, 2012 2:26 pm
Author: harryparsonage Location: Nottingham UK

- JonN

- zidane

I think this course is designed for the beginner and no real benefit for someone who has experience in the field already.

Well that's me put in my place then

Well said - what a newb Wink

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