Digital Forensics and Cyber Investigation MSc

Program Overview

The MSc Digital Forensics and Cyber Investigation program at Teesside University equips students with advanced skills in digital forensics and cyber investigation. Through a blend of classroom learning and hands-on experience, students gain expertise in collecting, analyzing, and interpreting digital evidence, as well as investigating complex cyber incidents. The program emphasizes practical learning in dedicated labs and offers flexible part-time options for working professionals.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Program Overview:

The MSc Digital Forensics and Cyber Investigation program at Teesside University provides students with specialized knowledge and skills in digital forensics and cyber investigation. The program focuses on developing the expertise needed to conduct complex investigations involving digital evidence, enabling graduates to pursue careers as digital or cyber security professionals.

Program Objectives:

• Equip students with advanced digital forensics and cyber investigation expertise.
• Cultivate critical thinking and problem-solving skills for handling complex cyber investigations.
• Provide students with the ability to utilize industry-standard software and technologies used in forensics.
• Enhance research and critical analysis skills through hands-on experience in the program's dedicated labs.
• Offer flexible part-time study options for working professionals to advance their careers.

Program Description:

The MSc Digital Forensics and Cyber Investigation program incorporates a blend of classroom learning and practical hands-on experience to equip students with comprehensive knowledge and proficiency in the field. The program explores diverse aspects:

• Digital evidence collection and interpretation:
Understanding the processes of collecting, analyzing, and verifying digital evidence.
• Computer Science principles: Applying core computer science principles within the scope of cyber investigations for effective evidence acquisition and processing.
• Advanced forensic software and methodologies: Using industry-standard tools and methods for digital forensics investigations, including examining mobile devices, vehicle systems, smart home devices, and internet technologies.
• Cyber investigation techniques: Mastering advanced techniques for investigating complex cyber incidents, covering both traditional and cutting-edge methods.
• Legal and court procedures: Understanding the legal implications of digital evidence, courtroom protocols, and procedures for presenting evidence in court proceedings.
• Coding for analysis and data manipulation: Gaining fundamental coding skills for data visualization, data cleansing, and analysis of large datasets encountered in investigations.
• Crime science and data analysis: Recognizing various crime theories and data analysis techniques for enhancing investigative strategies.

Outline:

Program Content:

The program encompasses a curriculum covering key areas in digital forensics and cyber investigation:

• Advanced Forensic Computing & Mobile Forensics:
Acquiring specialized knowledge of complex data recovery techniques, advanced mobile investigation methods, including rooting and jailbreaking techniques.
• Coding for Intelligence Analysts: Learning basic coding concepts for data analysis, data cleaning, and data manipulation to transform raw data into insights.
• Crime Science Theories and Intelligence Sources: Understanding crime theories, data gathering techniques, and analyzing intelligence sources for effective crime investigation
• Legal Issues and Evidence Reporting:
Gaining knowledge in legal and procedural aspects relevant to digital forensics for the proper collection, examination, and presentation of evidence in diverse situations.
• Research Project: Conducting a focused research investigation on a relevant topic within the field and presenting findings.
• Internet Forensics: Mastering advanced techniques for investigating internet-related crimes, including browser data analysis, internet history extraction, and cache manipulation.
• Vehicle Forensics: Understanding the examination of various vehicle systems, including Sat Nav and wifi-connected car systems, for digital evidence extraction.

Program Structure:

• Full-time: 1 year (September/January start) or 2 years part-time (September/January start)
• Flexible part-time options available for full-time professionals.
• 180 credits total.
• Emphasis on practical learning in the program's dedicated labs.

Module Descriptions:

• Advanced Forensic Computing: In-depth learning of advanced data recovery methodologies, exploring complex data structures and acquisition techniques.
• Coding for Intelligence Analysts: Introduction to fundamental coding principles for extracting insights from data using Python.
• Crime Science Theories and Intelligence Sources: Understanding crime theories, data sources, and analytical tools for predicting and solving crimes.
• Legal Issues and Evidence Reporting: Understanding legal frameworks, procedures, and reporting methods for digital evidence presentation in court.
• Mobile Forensics: Mastering advanced mobile device investigation techniques, including rooted and jailbroken phone analysis.
• Research Project: Conducting an independent research inquiry on a chosen topic.
• Advanced Internet Forensics: Learning specialized techniques related to internet investigation, covering browser data analysis, cache reconstruction, and advanced data recovery.
• Advanced Vehicle Forensics: Investigating advanced vehicle systems for digital evidence extraction, including navigation systems and wifi-connected features.

Assessment:

The MSc Digital Forensics and Cyber Investigation program uses various assessment methods to evaluate learning outcomes:

• Coursework
• Technical and laboratory reports
• Written and practical examinations
• Dissertation/thesis
• Portfolio - 30% of final grade
• Evidence presentation in a simulated crime scene - 70% of final grade

Teaching:

Teaching Methods:

• Lectures
• E-learning modules
• Seminars
• Case-based learning
• Practical laboratory sessions
• Independent study

Faculty:

Faculty members in the program are qualified experts in their respective fields, with extensive practical experience and research expertise:

• Dr. Gareth Davies - Course Leader
• Dr. Graeme Horsman - Reader in Criminology and Digital Crime
• Prof. Kevin Moore
• Dr. Jonathan Newman
• Dr. Richard Hough
• Guest lectures by industry and legal professionals.

Unique approach:

• Emphasis on hands-on experience: Students engage in extensive practical activities in the program labs, using industry-standard software and equipment.
• Forensic labs for practical learning: Dedicated labs provide students with the opportunity to explore various digital forensic and cyber crime investigation techniques.
• Flexible learning options: Full-time and part-time pathways cater to students' diverse needs and schedules.
• Industry partnerships with Durham Constabulary and other police forces in the region.

Careers:

Other:

In addition to the aforementioned sections, here are additional details from the given context:

Tuition Fees and Payment Information:

• Full-time
2024/25 entry Fee for UK applicants £7,365 a year
• Fee for international applicants
£17,000 a year
• Part-time
2024/25 entry Fee for UK applicants £820 for each 20 credits