Master of Science in Computer Security and Forensics

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.

Not heard from anyone yet ( Is there anyone here who's done this degree? Really interested to get feedback from present/past Bedfordshire students. Please get in touch!

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

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

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 )

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.

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 ?

Looking at http//7safe.com/MSC-Master_of_Science.html and http//7safe.com/MSC-DMU_Professional_Practice_Digital_Forensics.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 http//www.dmu.ac.uk/study/courses/postgraduate-courses/computer-security-msc.aspx

Content looks interesting.

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.