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Employers at the OU > Sector Solutions > Postgraduate Certificate in Computer Security and Forensics

Postgraduate Certificate in Computer Security and Forensics

7safe - part of PA Consulting GroupThe Open University (OU) and 7Safe have joined forces to develop a postgraduate certificate designed to provide a learning and assessment framework for people working in IT Security who have completed 7Safe Security and Forensics training courses.

Successful Computer Security and Forensic professionals need to be self-directed in seeking out relevant professional development and importantly integrating the knowledge and skills gained effectively into everyday practice and this qualification will develop professionals in this key area.

This postgraduate certificate will offer Computer Security and Forensic professionals the opportunity to evaluate their previous Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and the impact that it has had on their practise; to identify how to share learning from it within their organisation and to plan for effective future CPD.

The qualification is also designed to offer professionals the wide range of skills needed to understand, document and manage strategic and operational aspects of their organisation's information security, including the legal, social, ethical, professional and organisational issues at its heart.

Prior to the OU qualification, professionals are required to complete 150 hours of 7Safe Security and Forensics training courses.  For more information on these courses, please visit the 7safe website.

The postgraduate certificate is made up of two Open University modules:

Continuing professional development in practice (UYM810): 1 Click for module details

This six-month module is aimed at people who have completed at least 150 hours of IT Security and Forensics continuing professional development (CPD) over the last three to four years, through 7Safe. Through two assignments and an end-of-module assessment participants will reflect on the key themes that have emerged for them from their Security and Forensics CPD and the impact that this has had on their work. They will then identify and plan appropriate development opportunities and the future direction of their learning through continuing professional development and evaluate ways in which they can share their learning in their organisation.

Information Security (M811): Click for module details

This new module is a detailed exploration of Information Security, which will develop and apply the academic understanding and technical skills further. More details will follow on the content of the module – it is being written at present.

Programme Structure

7safe course details

The qualification is designed to be completed within 12 months.  For students who need to take a break between modules there will be a requirement to complete the qualification within four years

For a print friendly version of the course details download the Postgraduate Certificate in Computer Security and Forensics PDF. (PDF 117kb)

Download our Frequently Asked Questions document (PDF 409kb)

Benefits to individuals and businesses

  • A unique recognition of service management professional experience
  • Pathway to higher qualifications including MBA or MSc
  • Full integration within the workplace – no time away from the frontline
  • Empowers employers to provide advice and guidance to staff looking to develop higher level skills

Key skills made affordable

The total cost of the qualification is expected to be around £3,500 for participants starting in November 2013.

Start your studies in May or November

Presentations of the Certificate will be in May and November each year.

For more information or to register:

Please contact our delivery partner education@7Safe.com


1. This module is aimed for those with a UK Honours degree, equivalent professional qualification or extensive experience in the field