ObjectivesSuitable for law enforcement officers, government staff, security consultants, accountancy and banking organisations, corporate security personnel and members of associated agencies in both the UK and elsewhere. Takes you on to a new career or can lead to promotion within your organisation. The majority of students will be sponsored by their employers and continue to work for them on completion of the course, perhaps at a more senior level. The course may also be used as a method of moving into these areas of work. You will be taught by Cranfield University academic staff at the Defence Academy - College of Management and Technology who understand the challenges of translating theory into practice.
Entry requirementsNormally a 1st or 2nd class Honours degree or professional equivalent in an appropriate area. Alternatively, a lesser qualification together with appropriate work experience may be accepted. Students whose first language is not English must attain an IELTS score of 7. Due to the nature of this course, all candidates will be required to submit a completed Subject Access Form, and self-sponsored candidates will need to supply an additional character reference.
Course descriptionForensic computing is a dynamic area of criminal investigation, with new tools, techniques and methods constantly available to both the investigator and the investigated.
The Forensic Computing MSc, PgDip and PgCert courses reflect this forensic computing environment with their mixture of essential fundamentals, current knowledge and experience, and practical expertise.
The courses are only offered on a part-time basis.
The PgCert usually comprises three modules in one year: Foundations Parts One and Two, followed by any other two modules. Depending on the other modules chosen, this may require students to study over a two year period due to timetabling restrictions.
The PgDip, and the taught component of the MSc, comprise seven modules (two compulsory and five from seven elective modules) taught over two years.
There are three modules in the first academic year, and four in the second, each with a supporting programme of directed private study and learning.
Modules:
Compulsory modules
* Forensic Computing Foundations (Parts One and Two)
* Legal Issues and Courtroom Skills
The Forensic Computing Foundations (Part One) module has two study schools.
The Forensic Computing Foundations (Part Two) module has no study school.
NB: Foundations Parts One and Two in the first year earn credits, which are equivalent to two modules.
A residential study school normally extends over five days of attendance, from Monday to Friday. Additionally, for the MSc, the candidate must successfully complete a project in the third year.
Elective modules:
* Corporate Security
* E-Discovery
* Forensic Networks
* Forensic Internet
* Systems Programming for Forensic Computing
* Advanced Forensic Computing
* Forensic Computing Using Linux
The Systems Programming for Forensic Computing module has two study school elements, an initial five days of attendance followed by a further two days of attendance towards the end of the module.
The PgCert usually comprises three modules in one year: Foundation Parts One and Two, followed by any two other modules. Depending on the other modules chosen, this may require students to study over a two year period due to timetabling restrictions.
Duration
MSc: normally 3 years part-time. PgDip: normally 2 years part-time. PgCert: normally 1 year part-time.
Assessment
A mixture of written examinations, oral presentations, assignments, and (MSc only) a thesis.