This part-time course meets the requirements of the Level 7 Apprenticeship Programme. Eligible organisations will be able to use their Apprenticeship Levy to cover the cost of the course tuition fees. Find out more about Master's Apprenticeships.
The Advanced Digital Forensic Professional (Apprenticeship) course covers a range of key areas pertinent to planning and conducting digital forensic investigation in a complex and tech-divers landscape, and the communication of any results effectively. Students will understand the overarching legal, ethical, privacy, professional and quality issues that govern and influence the digital forensic investigative landscape and the requirements for providing a digital forensic service. Through the use of industry-utilised tools and techniques, students will also understand and deploy current state of the art investigative techniques and procedures appropriate for the capture, analysis and interpretation of data derived from a range of digital devices, contextualised with real world problems. You will also develop your own communication, problem solving, research and academic skills through a range of activities and assessments.
This course is taught mainly face-to-face in block teaching weeks, supplemented with online components through MS Teams.
Overview
- Start dateMarch
- Duration24 months plus End Point Assessment (estimated to take place within 6 months)
- DeliveryA mix of in person residential and online modules with an end point assessment.
- QualificationMSc
- ¹û½´ÊÓƵ¹ÙÍø typePart-time
- CampusCranfield campus, Cranfield campus/Online, Online and Cranfield campus
Why this course?
¹û½´ÊÓƵ¹ÙÍø has a wealth of experience in the forensics domain and has been involved with the delivery of digital forensic training and education for over 20 years. Our state of the art facilities and expertise is unrivalled. You will have the chance to engage with and be taught by academics who are involved with cutting edge research in this field, as well as a range of experts from industry, bringing specialist knowledge and skills to support your learning.
Course details
Course delivery
A mix of in person residential and online modules with an end point assessment.
Modules
Keeping our courses up-to-date and current requires constant innovation and change. The modules we offer reflect the needs of business and industry and the research interests of our staff and, as a result, may change or be withdrawn due to research developments, legislation changes or for a variety of other reasons. Changes may also be designed to improve the student learning experience or to respond to feedback from students, external examiners, accreditation bodies and industrial advisory panels.
To give you a taster, we have listed the compulsory and elective (where applicable) modules which are currently affiliated with this course. All modules are indicative only, and may be subject to change for your year of entry.
Course modules
Compulsory modules
All the modules in the following list need to be taken as part of this course.
Introductory Studies
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This module provides a general introduction to the awards associated with the MSc Digital Forensics, and the principles underpinning the course. It orients students and provides research skills to prepare students for their subsequent programme of study on the assessed modules. The discussion sessions provide students with an opportunity to network and gain confidence in expressing evidenced professional opinions. |
Syllabus |
The emphasis in Introductory Studies is on preparing students access and use teaching and University resources. Topics include: |
Intended learning outcomes |
Introductory Studies is designed to enable students to revise, consolidate and expand their skill and knowledge base so that they can derive maximum benefit from the course. On successful completion of this module you will be able to:
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Digital Forensic Techniques and Traces
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The aim of this module is to provide students a thorough grounding in the fundamentals of common digital systems, the artefacts associated with such systems and techniques to identify, collect and analyse those artefacts. A mixture of theory and practice will facilitate the development of skills and experience across multiple computing platforms, including networking related artefacts. In addition to preparing students for real-world examination of computers, these skills will serve as a foundation for further study, including the Mobile Device Forensics and Internet-Based Investigations modules. |
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Week 1: Week 2: |
Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module you will be able to:
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Introduction to Digital Crime and Investigation
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The aim of this module is to develop knowledge and understanding of the processes involved in the investigation of digital crime. These include the investigation of digital crime, the organization of digital systems, the seizure of digital evidence, the principles of device examination, the value of contemporaneous notes, the construction of reports and knowledge of relevant law. |
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On successful completion of this module you will be able to:
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Internet Based Investigations
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Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module you will be able to:
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Programming for Digital Forensics
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Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module you will be able to:
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Mobile Device Forensics
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Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module you will be able to:
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Investigation and Evidence Collection
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Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module you will be able to:
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Courtroom Skills
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The module will provide an understanding of the role and responsibilities of expert witnesses in domestic and international criminal and civil cases and how they can present their evidence to the court effectively. You will also apply knowledge gained in previous modules to strengthen arguments presented in expert witness reports. |
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Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module you will be able to:
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Teaching team
Digital Forensics Blog Entries
Your career
The programme offers a highly effective springboard into many career opportunities. These include employment routes to Government and non-Governmental bodies, police departments and independent digital forensic consultants. It is also a necessary introduction that leads into conducting research at PhD level in the subject. The Digital Forensics MSc could be an important stepping-stone to an academic career in Digital Forensics.
Popular jobs roles in the digital forensics/cyber security sector include:
- Junior OSINT Analyst,
- Forensic eDiscovery Services,
- Cyber Security Analyst,
- Expert in Digital Forensics.
Cranfield Careers and Employability Service
Cranfield’s Career Service is dedicated to helping you meet your career aspirations. You will have access to career coaching and advice, CV development, interview practice, access to hundreds of available jobs via our Symplicity platform and opportunities to meet recruiting employers at our careers fairs. Our strong reputation and links with potential employers provide you with outstanding opportunities to secure interesting jobs and develop successful careers. Support continues after graduation and as a Cranfield alumnus, you have free life-long access to a range of career resources to help you continue your education and enhance your career.
How to apply
Next steps
If you would like to find out more general information about the course and your eligibility to attend the programme, if you'd like specific information on the course please contact the course director Dr Graeme Horsman.
For employer related enquiries, fees and funding, and the expression of interest/application process, please contact our Apprenticeships Team
Employers: Please complete our
Prospective students: Please ask your employer to submit an form to indicate their willingness to sponsor you.
Applications for apprenticeship routes have to come via the Expression of Interest form. Apprenticeship applications received via the application button on the non-apprenticeship pages will not be processed.
Under the scheme employers can fund apprenticeships for any new and current staff with the right to work in the UK and whose main place of work is England. This programme meets the requirements of the Level 7 Advanced Digital Forensic Professional Degree. Eligible organisations will be able to use their Apprenticeship Levy to cover the cost of the programme. If you think you could qualify for sponsorship under this scheme please consult the information pages on .