Digital Forensics and Cyber Investigation (with Advanced Practice) MSc

Program Overview

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The MSc Digital Forensics and Cyber Investigation program at Teesside University equips students with the knowledge and skills to become professional digital or cyber analysts or investigators. The program combines digital forensics with computer science principles, emphasizing hands-on learning and industry practices. Graduates are highly employable in computer security, forensic intelligence, and related fields, with potential career paths including digital forensic analyst, cyber security analyst, and cybercrime investigator.

Program Outline

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Degree Overview: The MSc Digital Forensics and Cyber Investigation (with Advanced Practice) is a two-year postgraduate program offered by Teesside University.

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Objectives:

• To equip students with the knowledge and skills to become professional digital or cyber analysts, or investigators.
• To provide students with a detailed understanding of digital forensics and the skills needed to carry out complex cyber investigations.
• To enable students to study the latest literature and methods in the field.
• To prepare students for careers in computer security and forensic intelligence.

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Program Description:

This program combines the study of digital forensics with aspects of computer science. Students learn how to apply core computer science principles within the context of a cyber investigation, including digital evidence collection, examination, and interpretation. There is a strong emphasis on interpreting raw digital data and developing reverse engineering skills.

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Strengths:

• Focus on industry practices and real-world scenarios.
• Strong emphasis on hands-on learning in the dedicated digital forensics lab.
• Collaboration with local police forces and industry professionals.
• Opportunity to gain advanced skills and knowledge through an internship.
• Access to industry-standard software and investigation techniques.

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Outline:

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Program Content:

• Digital forensics
• Cyber investigation
• Computer science principles
• Data analysis
• Reverse engineering
• Law and ethics
• Information security
• Cybercrime

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Program Structure:

• Full-time, two-year program with advanced practice
• Four semesters (two academic years)
• 180 credits in total
• Offered in September and January intakes

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Course Schedule:

• Core modules:
• Advanced Forensic Computing
• Advanced Internet Forensics
• Advanced Mobile Forensics
• Advanced Practice in Sciences
• Coding for Intelligence Analysts
• Crime Science: Theories, Principles and Intelligence Sources
• Legal Issues and Evidence Reporting
• Research Project
• Elective modules may be available depending on the academic year.

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Individual Module Descriptions:

• Advanced Forensic Computing: This module covers advanced digital forensic and cyber-investigation techniques, including complex data recovery, advanced and non-standard data acquisition, and advanced manual evidence interpretation.
• Advanced Internet Forensics: This module explores advanced internet investigation techniques, including browser data investigations, internet history recovery, cache reconstruction, and the reverse engineering of browser log data.
• Advanced Mobile Forensics: This module focuses on advanced mobile investigation techniques, including data acquisition methods, advanced techniques such as jailbreaking and rooting, and methods of developer interaction with mobile devices.
• Advanced Practice in Sciences: This module offers students the opportunity to undertake a vocational internship with an outside organization or an academic research internship within the University for a maximum of 12 weeks.
• Coding for Intelligence Analysts: This module teaches basic coding skills for data analysis, cleaning, and merging data.
• Crime Science: Theories, Principles and Intelligence Sources: This module studies crime theories and principles, exploring the potential of the environment to facilitate or inhibit criminal behavior.
• Legal Issues and Evidence Reporting: This module explores the legal and procedural contexts in which forensic science operates, providing opportunities to develop skills for gathering, examining, and presenting evidence.
• Research Project: This module provides an opportunity for an in-depth investigation of a subject relevant to the program and the development of research, analytical, and professional skills.

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Assessment:

• Formative and summative assessments are used to test students' knowledge, independent thought, and skills.
• Assessments include coursework (technical and laboratory reports), written and practical examinations, and a dissertation/thesis.
• Assessment criteria are clearly defined and communicated to students.

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Teaching:

• Teaching methods include lectures, e-learning, seminars, case-based learning, and laboratory sessions.
• Students are also expected to study independently outside of classes.
• The program features a diverse and experienced faculty with expertise in digital forensics, cyber investigation, and related fields.
• The program utilizes a student-centered approach, encouraging active participation and critical thinking.

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Careers:

• Graduates are highly employable in the computer security, forensic intelligence, and related fields.
• Potential career paths include:
• Digital forensic analyst
• Cyber security analyst
• Cybercrime investigator
• Computer forensics specialist
• Information security specialist
• Law enforcement officer
• Intelligence analyst
• Forensic scientist
• Graduates are equipped with the knowledge and skills to work in government organizations, security services, financial sector, forensic science agencies, police service, Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs, and trading standards.

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Other:

• The program is designed to be flexible, allowing students to complete their studies alongside their day jobs.
• The program includes opportunities for students to develop their professional skills and network with industry professionals.
• The program is accredited by the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences.

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Additional Notes:

• The program is offered on a full-time basis only.
• The program is taught in English.
• The program is open to students with a broad range of first degrees, including sciences, IT, computing, forensics, crime scene science, criminology, law, psychology, policing, and engineering.
• Non-UK students must meet the University's minimum English language requirements.
• The program fees for UK and international applicants are available on the Teesside University website.

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Tuition Fees and Payment Information:

• Fee for UK applicants: £4,770 a year
• Fee for international applicants: £10,000 a year