Check out our Forensic Institute Merit scholarships available to students applying from around the world to study full-time on one of our Forensic masters. Also see our 40 year celebration scholarships for India or Mexico.
In partnership with the British Council and the GREAT Britain Campaign, Cranfield University is offering 5 scholarships of £10,000 to students in Bangladesh, Thailand, Vietnam, Kenya and India applying for postgraduate courses on selected Full time MSc courses
Overview
- Start dateOctober
- DurationMSc: 13 months full-time, up to 3 years part-time, PgDip/PgCert: up to 12 months full-time, 2 years part-time
- DeliveryTraditional lectures, computer-based practical exercises and independent study
- QualificationMSc, PgDip, PgCert
- Study typeFull-time / Part-time
- CampusCranfield campus
Who is it for?
Digital forensics is becoming one of the most critical fields within forensic science. As such, the Digital Forensics MSc at Cranfield University will help equip students with the necessary understanding of digital forensic science, courtroom skills and research methods to prepare them to practise as digital forensic professionals.
Exposure to up-to-date research targeted at addressing current real-world problems means that students will not just be academically prepared to enter the digital forensics field, but practically prepared for it too.
Why this course?
The key aims of the course are to:
- Provide students with an understanding of how digital forensic science can be used to help resolve issues in relation to civil and criminal law
- Help equip students new to the field with the necessary understanding of digital forensic science, courtroom skills and research methods in order to prepare them to practise as digital forensic professionals
- Enhance and develop existing practitioners’ knowledge and skills through in-depth academic research guided by acknowledged experts
Course details
Course delivery
Traditional lectures, computer-based practical exercises and independent study
Modules
Keeping our courses up-to-date and current requires constant innovation and change. The modules we offer reflect the needs of business and industry and the research interests of our staff and, as a result, may change or be withdrawn due to research developments, legislation changes or for a variety of other reasons. Changes may also be designed to improve the student learning experience or to respond to feedback from students, external examiners, accreditation bodies and industrial advisory panels.
To give you a taster, we have listed the compulsory and elective (where applicable) modules which are currently affiliated with this course. All modules are indicative only, and may be subject to change for your year of entry.
Course modules
Compulsory modules
All the modules in the following list need to be taken as part of this course.
Introductory Studies
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This module provides a general introduction to the awards associated with the MSc Digital Forensics, and the principles underpinning the course. It orients students and provides research skills to prepare students for their subsequent programme of study on the assessed modules. The discussion sessions provide students with an opportunity to network and gain confidence in expressing evidenced professional opinions. |
Syllabus |
The emphasis in Introductory Studies is on preparing students access and use teaching and University resources. Topics include: |
Intended learning outcomes |
Introductory Studies is designed to enable students to revise, consolidate and expand their skill and knowledge base so that they can derive maximum benefit from the course. On successful completion of this module you will be able to:
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Digital Forensic Techniques and Traces
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The aim of this module is to provide students a thorough grounding in the fundamentals of common digital systems, the artefacts associated with such systems and techniques to identify, collect and analyse those artefacts. A mixture of theory and practice will facilitate the development of skills and experience across multiple computing platforms, including networking related artefacts. In addition to preparing students for real-world examination of computers, these skills will serve as a foundation for further study, including the Mobile Device Forensics and Internet-Based Investigations modules. |
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Week 1: Week 2: |
Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module you will be able to:
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Introduction to Digital Crime and Investigation
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The aim of this module is to develop knowledge and understanding of the processes involved in the investigation of digital crime. These include the investigation of digital crime, the organization of digital systems, the seizure of digital evidence, the principles of device examination, the value of contemporaneous notes, the construction of reports and knowledge of relevant law. |
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On successful completion of this module you will be able to:
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Internet Based Investigations
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Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module you will be able to:
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Programming for Digital Forensics
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Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module you will be able to:
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Mobile Device Forensics
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Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module you will be able to:
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Investigation and Evidence Collection
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Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module you will be able to:
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Courtroom Skills
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The module will provide an understanding of the role and responsibilities of expert witnesses in domestic and international criminal and civil cases and how they can present their evidence to the court effectively. You will also apply knowledge gained in previous modules to strengthen arguments presented in expert witness reports. |
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Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module you will be able to:
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Thesis
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On successful completion of this module you will be able to:
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Teaching team
You will be taught by Cranfield's leading experts with capability expertise, industry knowledge and collective subject research, as well as external speakers from industry and defence. The Course Director is Graeme Horsman. The teaching team includes:
Accreditation
The Digital Forensics MSc is accredited by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT for the purposes of partially meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered IT Professional.
Your career
The programme offers a highly effective springboard into many career opportunities. These include employment routes to Government and non-Governmental bodies, police departments and independent digital forensic consultants. It is also a necessary introduction that leads into conducting research at PhD level in the subject. The Digital Forensics MSc could be an important stepping-stone to an academic career in Digital Forensics.
Popular jobs roles in the digital forensics/cyber security sector include:
- Junior OSINT Analyst,
- Forensic eDiscovery Services,
- Cyber Security Analyst,
- Expert in Digital Forensics.
Cranfield Careers and Employability Service
Cranfield’s Career Service is dedicated to helping you meet your career aspirations. You will have access to career coaching and advice, CV development, interview practice, access to hundreds of available jobs via our Symplicity platform and opportunities to meet recruiting employers at our careers fairs. Our strong reputation and links with potential employers provide you with outstanding opportunities to secure interesting jobs and develop successful careers. Support continues after graduation and as a Cranfield alumnus, you have free life-long access to a range of career resources to help you continue your education and enhance your career.
How to apply
Click on the ‘Apply now’ button below to start your online application.
See our Application guide for information on our application process and entry requirements.