Digital Forensics MSc

Program Overview

This one-year full-time program in Digital Forensics equips students with the knowledge and skills to resolve issues in civil and criminal proceedings using digital forensics techniques. Developed in partnership with industry experts, it covers real-life issues and provides access to dedicated laboratories for practical learning. Graduates are prepared for roles in consultancies, software houses, and cyber security specialist roles in various sectors.

Program Outline

Degree Overview

Objectives:

• Help students new to the field gain a necessary understanding of digital forensics.
• Equip students with the necessary understanding of how digital forensics can be used to resolve issues in civil and criminal proceedings.
• Prepare students to practice as digital forensics professionals through research methods.
• Enhance the knowledge and skills of existing practitioners through in-depth research.

Description:

• Developed in partnership with industry experts, including Deloitte UK, Airbus, BT, and Rolls-Royce.
• Covers real-life issues relevant to the industry.
• Provides access to dedicated Cyber Security Centre with computer security and forensics laboratories for practical learning.
• Taught by expert academics and researchers from the Cyber Security Centre and Software Technology Research Laboratory.
• Prepares graduates for roles in consultancies, software houses, or project management within law enforcement, government, commercial IT, and security consultancies.
• Block teaching allows for dedicated engagement with learning, regular feedback, and a better study-life balance.

Outline

Modules:

Block 1: Foundations of Digital Forensics

Block 2: Artefact Analysis in Digital Forensics

Block 3: Enterprise-focused Digital Forensics

Block 4: Research & Development in Digital Forensics

Block 5 & 6: PGT Project

Structure:

• One-year full-time program delivered on campus.
• Seven-week block teaching format with practical hands-on learning and assessments.
• Combination of taught and self-directed laboratory-based sessions.
• Additional independent study expected for preparation tasks, assessments, and research.

Assessment

• Combination of coursework, projects, multiple-choice questions, and laboratory-based assessments.
• Strong emphasis on real-world problem-solving.

Teaching

• Led by experienced academics and researchers from the Cyber Security Centre and Software Technology Research Laboratory.
• Regular media commentary by teaching staff on forensics and security.
• Professional input throughout the course from Deloitte UK's cyber security professionals.

Careers

• Consultancy
• Software houses
• Project management
• Cyber security specialist roles in law enforcement, government, and commercial IT departments
• Further study towards a doctoral or PhD degree

Other

• The program has been gold-standard awarded by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) as an Academic Centre of Excellence in Cyber Security Education.
• DMU offers a range of scholarships and bursaries for postgraduate programs.

2024/25 full-time fees: £9,500 2024/25 international student full-time fees: £19,280 per year