COURSE CURRICULUM

This Digital Forensics and Cyber Investigation programme provides students with advanced technical expertise in digital evidence collection, forensic analysis, cyber investigations, and incident response within modern computing environments. The course develops specialist skills in Computer Forensic Investigations, where students learn how digital information is stored within computer systems and how evidence can be identified, preserved, analysed, and reported using professional forensic methodologies and industry-standard software tools. Students gain practical experience in dedicated forensic laboratories while producing detailed investigative reports based on realistic scenarios. The Computing Masters Project allows students to undertake an independent research or industry-focused investigation, resulting in significant outputs such as forensic tools, research findings, software applications, or investigative studies while strengthening project management and critical evaluation skills. Through Digital Forensics and Incident Response, students explore the principles of forensic investigations, evidence handling, and professional practice requirements while developing the ability to respond effectively to cyber incidents and security breaches. Internet and Network Forensics introduces investigation techniques related to browser activity, internet history recovery, cache reconstruction, network evidence analysis, and privacy-enhancing technologies, enabling students to analyse and interpret digital evidence associated with online activities and network communications. Mobile Device Forensics focuses on specialist techniques used to investigate smartphones, tablets, and mobile devices, covering data acquisition, advanced extraction methods, rooting, jailbreaking, and hardware-level analysis techniques such as JTAG. IT Ethics and Law develops an understanding of legal frameworks including intellectual property rights, privacy legislation, computer crime, contracts, liability, and data protection regulations relevant to forensic investigations. The programme also includes Software for Digital Innovation, introducing Python programming and software development skills that support automation and digital investigation processes. By combining practical laboratory experience with legal, technical, and investigative knowledge, graduates are prepared for careers in digital forensics, cyber investigation, incident response, law enforcement, cyber security, and intelligence analysis across both public and private sectors.