Course description
COURSE INFORMATION
Cybercrime is the most rapidly expanding form of criminality. The criminals make use of digital and computer technology to generate new criminal offences such as viruses and hacking and provide high-tech versions of "traditional" crimes such as fraud, theft and harassment.
The UK needs more digital forensics specialists to address the growing problem of cybercrime. This course allows students to apply the theory and practice the techniques of digital forensics in a work based environment. The course aims to produce highly skilled and professional graduates with abilities in resolving digital forensics problems and cases associated with digital forensics - in particular examining digital integrity and continuity of evidence.
Students completing this course will have relevant skills in resolving digital forensics cases, analysing digital evidence, maintaining evidential integrity and evidential continuity,problem solving, working in a professional and ethical manner, understanding the requirements of an expert witness, documenting digital evidence investigations and communicate effectively (in writing and orally) at the appropriate business and technical level with users, management, customers and technical specialists in such a way as to meet legal regulations, requirements and audit trails and be able to present digital evidence in court.
The Digital Forensics course is enhanced by presentations and demonstrations given by colleagues from the digital forensics industry.
The course at Northumbria is underpinned by the development of professional and ethical considerations in digital forensics and all students are expected to comply with the School's Digital Forensics Code of Conduct.
MODULE INFORMATION
Year 1 Modules
CM0716 Principles of Digital Forensics (CORE, 20 Credits)
CM0717 Digital Forensics Stratergy (CORE, 20 Credits)
WB0703 Work -based Project (Level 7 20 credits) (CORE, 20 Credits)
CM0716 Principles of Digital Forensics (OPTION, 20 Credits)
CM0717 Digital Forensics Stratergy (OPTION, 20 Credits)
WB0703 Work -based Project (Level 7 20 credits) (OPTION, 20 Credits)
COURSEWORK AND ASSESSMENT
Assessment takes place in a variety of different ways linking work based experiences with the theories, principles and practices developed on the course.
ACCREDITATION
The professional requirements of the digital forensics practitioner are incorporated throughout the syllabus of this course.
CAREERS
Typically students who participate in the course will have the opportunity to work in organisations developing solutions to digital forensics problems, particularly in relation to the technical development and use of digital forensics tools, the resolution of digital forensics cases and the examination of digital evidence. The course allows students to develop their careers in digital forensics in a work based environment and also opens opportunities for research and development in the digital forensics field.
OTHER INFO
The programme is a collaboration between the School of Computing Engineering & Information Sciences, the North East Fraud Forum (NEFF), Northumbria Police, Sapphire Technologies and 7Safe. The course builds on existing collaboration (conferences, workshops, seminars, research bids), the investment the School has made in state of the art digital forensics facilities and the success of the undergraduate computer forensics programme at Northumbria.
John Morrison, MD of Sapphire Technologies: "We are delighted to be involved with Northumbria...digital forensics is a fascinating subject, as well as a niche market with real growth potential...."
