Digital Forensic Investigation

Program Overview

The MSc Digital Forensic Investigation program at Staffordshire University equips students with the knowledge and skills to digitally document crime scenes, analyze digital evidence, and understand digital law. The program emphasizes hands-on experience and prepares graduates for careers as digital forensic analysts, investigators, and technical managers. It is accredited by the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences and offers opportunities for independent research and industry collaboration.

Program Outline

This emerging area is aligned with the rapidly changing face of forensic investigations around the world.

Objectives:

• Equip students with up-to-date knowledge for a career in the fast-moving area of forensic investigation.
• Provide students with the skills needed to collect, document, and interpret digital forensic evidence using innovative software.
• Enable students to conduct independent research on a topic of their choice in the field of digital forensic investigation.

Program Description:

The MSc Digital Forensic Investigation program is ideal for professionals or graduates who may not come from a traditional computing science background and wish to obtain a broad range of knowledge and skills required to record crime scenes and analyze digital evidence using new technologies. Graduates of this program will be well-equipped for a career in digital forensic investigation due to their in-depth understanding of the field and their hands-on experience with the latest technologies.

Outline:

Program Content:

The program is divided between the School of Justice, Security and Sustainability and the School of Digital, Technologies and Arts. Students will take eight compulsory modules, including an independent research project. The postgraduate certificate and postgraduate diploma form the first two stages of the award.

Structure:

At the certificate level, the focus is on the crime scene and the collection and documentation of evidence. You will also learn how digital forensics can be used as evidence in the British legal system. At the diploma stage, you will further develop your subject specialist knowledge and skills and you will learn about advanced research methods, which are essential for the Independent Research Project module. For the MSc stage, you will carry out an independent research project in an area of interest or one chosen from a list of specialist topics aligned to industry needs.

Course Schedule:

The program is offered on a full-time basis, lasting 12 months, or a part-time basis, lasting 24 months.

Modules:

Year 1 Compulsory Modules

| Module Code | Module Title | Credits | |---|---|---| | FORE70585 | Digital Evidence Presentation And Advanced Crime Scene Documentation | 40 | | COMP70007 | Digital Forensics | 20 | | FORE70323 | Independent Research Project | 60 | | FORE70585 | Law, Policy And Practice For Digital Evidence | 20 | | FORE70583 | Statistical Approaches To Forensics | 20 |

Year 1 Optional Modules

| Module Code | Module Title | Credits | |---|---|---| | CRIM60002 | Child Safeguarding | 20 | | FORE60367 | Expert Witness And The Legal System | 20 | | COMP70008 | Virtualisation And Infastructure | 20 |

Assessment:

Assessment Methods:

Assessment is by coursework assignments, including project works, presentations, and the independent research project. However, general assessment criteria may include:

• Clear and concise writing
• Critical analysis and evaluation of evidence
• Originality of thought
• Effective communication of ideas

Teaching:

Teaching Methods:

Teaching is delivered in the classroom and laboratory and is supported through the Virtual Learning Environment called Blackboard. This means you can access a range of materials to support your learning wherever you are. Teaching methods include lectures, tutorials, practical sessions, and seminars. Students will have the opportunity to work with technical pieces of equipment and software which will equip them with the key skills, understanding, and knowledge needed for employment in Digital Forensic Investigation.

Faculty:

The program is taught by professionally qualified staff from both criminal justice, forensics, and computing backgrounds.

Unique Approaches:

The program uses a problem-based learning approach to help students apply their skills. This involves students working in groups to solve real-world problems. The program also gives students the opportunity to carry out an independent research project on a topic of their choice.

Careers:

Potential Career Paths:

Graduates of the MSc Digital Forensic Investigation program can pursue a variety of careers in the field of digital forensics. Some potential career paths include:

• Digital forensic analyst
• Digital investigator
• Technical manager

Placement:

There is no placement as part of this course. However, students may wish to take some form of relevant employment or voluntary work as part of their course. The Staffordshire Forensic Partnership could facilitate work placements for students.

Industry Links:

Stafford University holds strong links with various industries and research agencies like XRY, which allow students to stay updated on the new advancement in the field.

Research Impact:

The University has a strong research culture, and 87% of its research impact has been rated as outstanding or very considerable in the Research Excellence Framework 2021. The program emphasizes the importance of hands-on experience and equips students with the skills and knowledge for a successful career in the field of digital forensics. The program is accredited by the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences, a professional body for forensic science.