MSc Forensic Computing and Cybercrime Investigation

Program Overview

The MSc in Forensic Computing and Cybercrime Investigation is a comprehensive program that provides students with the skills to conduct forensic analysis of digital devices, investigate cybercrime, and pursue research in the field. Delivered in collaboration with law enforcement agencies and industry experts, the program offers a flexible structure to accommodate both experts and beginners. Graduates are equipped to excel in various roles related to cybercrime investigation, including law enforcement, government agencies, and research institutions.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

This program is designed for law enforcement professionals seeking high-quality training and formal education in forensic computing and cybercrime investigation. It aims to equip students with cutting-edge techniques, strategies, and tactics to understand and tackle emerging trends in cybercrime. The program is developed in collaboration with law enforcement agencies, industry practitioners, and scientists from the European Cybercrime Training and Educational Group at Europol (ECTEG).

Objectives:

• Understand methods used to conduct forensic analysis of digital devices, including computer systems and mobile devices.
• Identify, collect, process, analyze, and present digital forensics evidence.
• Utilize common network investigation techniques.
• Develop critical thinking skills in analyzing and performing cybercrime investigations.
• Research and develop custom tools for evidence analysis.
• Collaborate in groups to resolve computer forensic challenges.
• Understand the cybercrime business model and how to perform financial fraud investigations.
• Conduct research into novel forensic and cybercrime investigation problems.
• Investigate cases of child sexual exploitation on the Internet.
• Tackle the forensic analysis of future technologies (both hardware and software) through the development of new applications.

Structure:

• Core Modules:
• Computer Forensics (COMP40100)
• Network Investigations (COMP40110)
• Elective Modules:
• Programming for Investigators (COMP40120)
• Case Studies (COMP40150)
• Research Project in Forensic Computing and Cyber Crime Investigation (COMP40160)
• Linux for Investigators (COMP41430)
• VoIP and Wireless Investigations (COMP41580)
• Malware Investigations (COMP41650)
• Live Data Forensics (COMP41660)
• Data & Database Forensics (COMP47370)
• Advanced Malware Analysis and Threat Intelligence
• Mobile Devices Investigation (COMP47430)
• Financial Investigation Techniques - Following the Money (COMP47510)
• OSINT Collection & Analysis (COMP47630)
• Online Child Abuse Investigations (COMP47640)

Course Schedule:

• Lectures are pre-recorded and provided online via a virtual online learning environment.
• Exercises, reading, assignments, and projects are conducted online and in virtual labs.
• Students are required to attend in-person examinations and workshops in Dublin or another UCD exam center each year.
• All modules are examined in May each year in Dublin, Netherlands, Canada, and the USA.

Assessment:

Methods:

• Continuous formative assessment components assessing core practical skills.
• Written summative assessment final exam.

Criteria:

• Students must achieve 90 credits to graduate with a UCD MSc.

Teaching:

Methods:

• Pre-recorded lectures delivered online.
• Online exercises, reading, assignments, and projects.
• In-person examinations and workshops.

Faculty:

• Experienced academic staff from the UCD School of Computer Science (CS) and UCD Centre for Cybersecurity and Cybercrime Investigation (CCI).
• Experts who are leaders, managers, and heads of forensic departments in law enforcement agencies and industries.

Unique Approaches:

• Collaboration with law enforcement agencies and industry practitioners.
• Modular structure and part-time options to accommodate busy working professionals.
• Fostering close liaison between students to build an international network of contacts.

Careers:

Potential Career Paths:

• Senior staff at Europol and INTERPOL.
• Members of national and regional police forces and police training colleges.
• Government ministries and agencies with Law Enforcement (LE) powers.
• Defence forces.
• Specialist cybercrime agencies.
• Revenue, customs, and border protection.

Opportunities:

• Excellent career development possibilities in the field of forensic computing and cybercrime investigation.
• The qualification adds credibility to testimony as expert witnesses for law enforcement officers.

Outcomes:

• Graduates are equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in various law enforcement roles related to cybercrime investigation.
• The program provides a strong foundation for further research and development in the field.

Other:

• The program is flexible enough to accommodate both experts and beginners in the field of digital forensics and cybercrime investigation.
• The program structure encourages close liaison between students, fostering an international network of contacts.
• The program is delivered by experienced academic staff and industry experts.
• The program offers a Graduate Diploma (T007) and Graduate Certificate (F007) options, as well as the possibility to take single modules as CPD (F001).
• Most students follow the part-time MSc (T025) over 2 years.
• It is not mandatory to do a dissertation; the MSc may be completed with taught modules only.

MSc Forensic Computing and Cybercrime Investigation (T025) Part Time EU/NONEU fee per year - € 5544 MSc Forensic Computing and Cybercrime Investigation (T146) Full Time EU fee per year - € 11088 nonEU fee per year - € 10994