Master of Science in Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics
Duration
Minimum of two (2) academic years and a maximum of four (4) academic years, offered in four academic semesters over two years.
Mode of study
Online
Academic school
School of Science & TechnologyJoin a world-class institutional environment designed for the digital age. This programme offers a direct pathway to global career outcomes through technology-enabled learning.
Academic overview
Expected outcomes
- Describe the methods used for securing computing systems.
- Conduct research on cybersecurity and digital forensics to study, interpret and solve societal problems.
- Evaluate security systems using digital forensic tools and techniques to acquire data on breached systems.
- Develop Cybersecurity policies and strategies for organizations.
Entry requirements
- Holders of a bachelor's degree with at least an upper second-class honour in any B.E./B.Tech. in all Engineering/Technology Branches OR B.Sc. (Information Technology (IT)/Computer Science (CS)/Electronics) OR Bachelor of Computer Applications (BCA) OR B.Sc. Forensic Science in Cyber Forensic / Digital Forensics / Computer Forensics or an equivalent qualification recognized by the Open University of Kenya Senate.
- Holders of a bachelor's degree with at least a lower Second-Class honour or an equivalent qualification recognized by the Senate plus two years relevant work experience.
- Holders of a bachelor's degree with at least a pass degree of the Open University of Kenya or an equivalent qualification recognized by the Senate plus two years relevant work experience.
Credit and Entry pathways
Programme structure
The programme is offered in 4 semesters over a minimum of two (2) academic years and a maximum of four (4) academic years. In the first semester, students focus on introductory topics in Cyber Security, completing all core courses. The second semester delves into intermediate concepts in Cyber Security, requiring students to complete all core courses. The third semester is dedicated to advanced Cyber Security concepts, with students expected to take all core courses. The final semester is exclusively devoted to a comprehensive project, allowing students to apply their knowledge and skills to a significant research or practical problem in Cyber Security.
Assessment methods
The course will be assessed through content embedded quizzes, online practical work, open book tests, project reports and end of course online examination.
The projects will be assessed through e-portfolios, and students will present their work to an evaluation panel.
The complete assessment of a taught unit shall consist of coursework (assignments, laboratory practicals, and continuous assessment tests) and a compulsory written examination, with the contribution towards the unit aggregate being 50% for course work and 50% for written examination.
Each course unit is marked independently out of a maximum of 100 marks and the pass mark is 50%.
A written examination for a course unit has a minimum duration of two hours and a maximum of three hours.
Each taught course is assessed as follows: Online self-assessment (content quizzes) 10%; Test (Online Open-Book Examination) 20%; Project-Based Computer Programming Task 20%; Performance Assessment (End of Course Exam) 50%; Total 100%.
The Project is graded independently out of a maximum of 100 marks with a pass mark of 50%.
Grading system: A (75-100, Excellent), B (60-74, Very Good), C (50-59, Good), F (Below 50, Reattempt).
Global careers
Application hub
Typical duration
Delivery mode
Online
Accreditation info
Fully accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE) and recognised globally for digital-first excellence.
School of Science & Technology