​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​MSc in Computing  (Cyber Security and Forensics)

The need for Cyber security and forensics analysts in the Arab countries is continuously increasing, and thus the career outlook for graduates looks positive, as there is a shortage of skilled personnel in both the Cyber Security and digital forensics fields. In addition, the rapidly increasing number of users connected to the internet in the Arab region leads to increasing the percentage of internet-related (or internet-dependent) businesses. The role of Cyber security analysts is thus crucial for this growing business sector.

Students on the MSc in Computing – Cyber​ Security and Forensics pathway will develop a wide range of skills and competencies related to information security, digital forensics and network security that will prepare you for a variety of career opportunities. Graduates can progress to work in cyber-fighting agencies (whether local, regional and international). But the career opportunity is not limited to those agencies with the huge demand in industry for professionals with both digital forensics and information security skills especially with the rise of cyber-security threats and attacks.

Objectives

The MSc in Computing is an intensive programme of study designed specifically for graduates of computing and related disciplines. The qualification enables you to develop your knowledge and skills in computing and to promote a professional attitude to the application of those skills
The qualification will:

• Give students the knowledge and skills necessary to become an effective professional in the computing industry
• Develop student's abilities in the critical evaluation of the theories, practices and systems used in a range of areas of computing.​
• Provide students with selected specialised areas of study so that you can experience and develop the frontiers of practice and research in focused aspects of computing and its application.​
• Encourage students, through the provision of appropriate educational activities, to develop study and transferable skills applicable to your employment and your continuing professional development.​
• Enable students to develop a deeper understanding of a specialist area of computing.
  
• Enable students to contribute to future developments in the field.​
• Provide the opportunity for students to develop and apply research skills, focused on a substantial practical project.​
  

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General Admission Requirements​ 

-  Applicants should have a BSc in Information Technology related subjects with a minimum GPA of 2.5, from AOU or any other recognized university. Applicants having a BSc degree from other subjects (mathematics, physics or business computing) should complete additional 12 credit-courses from the BSc information technology and computing (ITC) programme before starting the MSc programme. This would be essential to confirm that applicant has the necessary underpinning knowledge and understanding to undertake the MSc.

- MSc applicants are required to sit for an English placement test. The test results do not affect the admission decision but help place the candidate at the appropriate language level.

Programme Duration

The minimum number of semesters for a Master degree is four regular semesters (two academic years).

The maximum number of semesters for a Master degree is eight regular semesters (four years).  

Method of Delivery

The method of teaching for the programme is full time teaching/ blended learning. ​

Lectures' attendance is mandatory at least once a week (or twice for some courses) for each registered course. Tutorials are offered from 8:00am to 9:00pm and can be scheduled into 1 or 2 days per week to accommodate working students.

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New and continuing students have the option to pay their tutition fees in installments following an installment plan.

Refunds in case of withdrawal from ​​courses

During the “Add and Drop" period announced in the university calendar, you may withdraw or add some courses within the study plan in a way that does not conflict with the minimum or maximum required registration load.

The Financial procedure for withdrawing courses is as follows:​