MSc Digital Forensics

Institution University of Teesside, School of Forensic & Crime Scene Investigation
Method At the institution
Location Middlesbrough
Type Masters

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MSc Digital Forensics

Objectives This course provides you with an opportunity to study the techniques and methods deployed to examine a range of digital evidence sources. Particular emphasis is placed on developing an understanding of the principles of the operation of devices and the opportunities created for the recovery of potential evidence. Examination of common PC file systems and internet applications will be covered in detail.
Entry requirements Applicants should normally have an honours degree (at least 2.2) in an appropriate related discipline, professional membership of an appropriate chartered institution or an equivalent relevant qualification. Holders of an appropriate higher national diploma plus several years’ relevant experience may also be accepted.
Academic title MSc Digital Forensics
Course description Course structure
Core modules include Principles of Crime Scene Science, Computer Forensics, Image Processing and Analysis, Legal Issues and Reporting, and Internet Investigations.

Careers
Typical career destinations would include the police, trading standards and specialist digital evidence/high-tech crime units including security services. Some graduates may also move on to careers in a forensic accounting and fraud investigation support role or IT security.

Industrial experience
On each master's degree you'll complete a project related to professional practice. This, along with the involvement of practitioners and academics in the delivery of these courses, ensures that they are relevant to the requirements of the criminal justice system.

Intermediate awards
Our master's degrees can lead to the award of a postgraduate certificate at Stage 1 (60 credits - 3 modules), a postgraduate diploma at Stage 2 (120 credits - 6 modules) or, on completion of a research project, the MSc.

Block release study
The course is available on a block release basis: you'll study for one week between 9.00am and 6.00pm with follow-up days in the next four weeks and accompanying assignment work.

MSc Digital Forensics
This course is heavily biased towards the needs of the ‘front-line’ practitioner and offers a unique coverage of the topic from recovery of devices at crime scenes, through lab-based examination to presentation of reports and evidence in court.

More information

Stage 1

Introduction and Professional Studies
This module is designed to introduce you to the issues related to studying beyond undergraduate level. It applies to students on taught postgraduate courses and those who are embarking on a programme of research. The module encompasses issues such as enrolment, health and safety, using Blackboard, report writing and referencing, ethics, plagiarism, time management and numerical techniques. You will also examine discipline specific areas pertinent to your pathway, which will offer you a particular grounding, skills base or understanding required at the early stage of your study. You will be introduced to personal development planning, by keeping a formal log book.

Principles of Crime Scene Science
The module uses a case scenario to introduce to the principles of crime scene science and provides you with an understanding of the methodologies associated with recovering physical evidence.

Computer Forensics
This module introduces you to the wide range of IT devices (computers, mobile phones, personal digital assistants, electronic digital data storage devices etc) that are used in crime. You will look at how they are used, what information can be recovered from them, how that information can be recovered and how recovered information can be used in investigating crime. The module introduces the IT tools that are available in support of computer forensics and develops your theoretical knowledge and practical skills in computer forensics methods.

Stage 2

Image Processing and Analysis
This module provides you with an understanding of image processing, enhancement and analysis techniques used in investigating crime.

Legal Issues and Evidence Reporting
This module explores the legal and procedural contexts in which forensic science operates, providing you with opportunities to develop skills and knowledge relevant to the gathering, examination and presentation of evidence in a range of situations.

Internet Investigations
This module gives you an understanding of the operation of typical computer networks and the internet in particular. By examining the protocols and typical software applications, you will develop an appreciation of evidence sources, analytical methods and legal issues involved in investigating internet crime.

Stage 3

Research Project
This is the culmination of the programme of studies. You will undertake a challenging problem related substantially to your discipline. The project is linked where possible to an industrial or external partner organisation, which may even host your work and substantially direct the activity. Where this is not possible, a real or simulated real problem may be chosen as subject for the work. It is, however, expected that even where the problem is simulated or hypothetical, it will be treated as if real. The project outcomes project should be at a publishable standard.