Graduate Diploma in Forensic Computing and Cyber Crime Investigation

Program Overview

The GradDip in Forensic Computing and Cyber Crime Investigation equips law enforcement officers with advanced skills and knowledge to effectively investigate cybercrimes. Through a blended learning approach, students gain expertise in gathering, handling, and utilizing digital evidence to disrupt criminal activity, prevent crime, and secure convictions. The program's international network, career opportunities, and focus on applied research prepare graduates for in-demand roles in law enforcement and beyond.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

This program, the GradDip Forensic Computing and Cyber Crime Investigation, is designed for law enforcement officers. It aims to equip them with the knowledge and skills necessary to investigate cybercrimes effectively. The program focuses on gathering, handling, and utilizing digital evidence and intelligence to disrupt criminal activity, prevent crime, and secure convictions.

Objectives:

• Provide high-quality forensic computing and cybercrime investigation training and formal education.
• Deliver cutting-edge, up-to-date cybercrime investigation techniques, strategies, and tactics.
• Enable students to understand and tackle emerging trends in cybercrime.

Outline:

• Structure: The program offers both full-time and part-time options, allowing students to balance their studies with work and family commitments.
• Content: The program covers a wide range of modules at beginner and advanced levels.
There are three core (foundation) modules and twelve further modules that students can select based on their interests.
• Course Schedule: Lectures are pre-recorded and provided online via a virtual online learning environment.
Students can access these lectures from their home or office. In-person examinations are required each year at UCD exam centers located in Dublin, the Netherlands, Canada, and the USA.
• Modules:
• Core Modules:
The program includes three core modules that provide a foundation in forensic computing and cybercrime investigation.
• Elective Modules: Students can choose from twelve further modules based on their interests and career goals.
These modules cover a variety of topics, including:
• Malware-based intrusions
• Mobile device forensics
• Volatile evidence analysis
• Linux forensics
• Custom tool development
• VoIP investigations
• Money laundering investigations
• Child sexual exploitation investigations

Assessment:

• Methods: The program utilizes a variety of assessment methods, including:
• In-person examinations
• Online assignments
• Projects
• Workshops

Teaching:

• Methods: The program utilizes a blended learning approach, combining online lectures with in-person examinations and workshops.
The faculty also includes experts from law enforcement agencies and industries.
• Unique Approaches: The program incorporates specialists from around the world to review and advise on the content, ensuring that it meets the needs of digital forensic investigators and computer crime specialists.
The program also collaborates with the European Cybercrime Training and Educational Group at Europol (ECTEG) to develop forensic tools and transfer research achievements to students.

Careers:

• Potential Career Paths: Graduates of the program are well-prepared for careers in law enforcement, government agencies, and private industry.
• Opportunities: The program provides graduates with the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue a variety of career paths, including:
• Senior staff at Europol and INTERPOL
• Members of national and regional police forces
• Police training colleges
• Government ministries and agencies with law enforcement powers
• Defence forces
• Specialist cybercrime agencies
• Revenue, customs, and border protection
• Outcomes: Graduates of the program are highly sought after by employers in the field of forensic computing and cybercrime investigation.
• Flexibility: The program's modular structure and part-time options allow students to combine their studies with full-time work and family commitments.
• Research: The program incorporates applied research and the development of forensic tools, which are then transferred to students.

The cost of examination trips is not included in the tuition fee and students are expected to support themselves while attending examinations and other events.