Cybercrime and Digital Investigation MSc

Program Overview

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Cybercrime and Digital Investigation MSc

Course Overview

The MSc Cybercrime and Digital Investigation is designed to provide students with an understanding of the criminological, legal, and research context of cybercrime. The program aims to equip students with an understanding of computing skills and capabilities that will help to respond to online threats to personal information as well as to organizational environments.

Why Study MSc Cybercrime and Digital Investigation at Middlesex University?

As our lives become increasingly digitized, the scope and potential impact of cybercrime are becoming ever broader. Cybercrime can take many forms, and the need for skilled professionals capable of tackling these problems will only grow as smart, connected devices increasingly become the norm.

Course Highlights

• You will be taught by leading experts working in the field of online safety and child protection.
• Learn how cybercriminals seek to take advantage of internet systems and ways of preventing these crimes from happening.
• Gain specialist skills and knowledge in a relevant and increasingly essential area of criminology, with many employment opportunities.

3 Great Reasons to Pick This Course

• Our graduate destinations: Our graduates improve society at organizations like Barnet Youth Offending Team, Belmarsh Prison, and the Police.
• 95% of students were positive about the resources and facilities on their course.
• Specialize your learning to follow your passion: You’ll have the option of selecting specialist modules.

About Your Course

Structure

Four core plus one optional module are completed over terms one and two, with a Dissertation period in term three.

Modules

Each module is typically worth 20-30 credits except the Dissertation and Work Integrated Learning, which are worth 60 credits. Work Integrated Learning may be chosen to replace the Dissertation with prior agreement.

Core Modules

• Digital Forensics and Incident Management (15 credits)
• Financial Crime Risks from Emerging Technologies (15 credits)
• Blockchain Anatomy and Analytics (15 credits)
• Open-source Intelligence Techniques (15 credits)
• Cybercrime and Society (15 credits)

Optional Modules

• Text Mining and Analysis (15 credits)
• Research Strategies in Social Sciences (15 credits)
• Advanced Research Strategies (15 credits)
• Drugs and Crime (15 credits)
• Political Violence and Terrorism (15 credits)
• Cybercultures and Crime (15 credits)

Compulsory Modules

• Dissertation (60 credits)
• Work Based Experience (60 credits)

Teaching and Learning

We are regularly reviewing and updating our programs to ensure you have the best learning experience. We are taking what we have learned during the pandemic and enhancing our teaching methods with new and innovative ways of learning.

Facilities and Support

Our Sheppard Library has over 1000 study areas with and 600 computer spaces, with some areas open 24 hours a day.

Careers

This master's degree aims to develop social science graduates who have the skills needed to respond to cybercrime and e-security challenges, from issues relating to transnational crime, intellectual property, sexual offenses, vulnerable victims, privacy legislation, and law.

Entry Requirements

We normally require a second-class honors degree 2:2 or above or equivalent qualification, in an appropriate subject. We also consider candidates with other relevant qualifications. Those without formal qualifications need to demonstrate three years' relevant work experience and the ability to study at postgraduate level.

Fees and Funding

The fees below are for the 2025/26 academic year:

• UK students: £10,700 (full-time), £71 per credit (part-time), £35 per dissertation credit (part-time)
• International students: £18,000 (full-time), £120 per credit (part-time), £60 per dissertation credit (part-time)

Additional Costs

The following course-related costs are included in the fees:

• All printing and copying required for your study
• Self-service laptops available for loan for a maximum of 24 hours
• Audio-visual equipment available for loan, including digital stills cameras, digital video recorders, digital audio recorders

Postgraduate Scholarships

As an undergraduate alumnus continuing postgraduate studies at Middlesex, you are eligible for an alumni award worth 20% off your fees.

Program Outline

• To prepare graduates for careers in a variety of fields, including policy development, corporate security, e-investigation, social media safety, anti-money laundering, safeguarding, and data security.

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Program Description:

This program is designed for students and professionals seeking to specialize in a role within a community or support service environment. This includes victim support services, police forces, child protection, offender services, and corporate environments. The program focuses on the prevention and response to cybercrime and online safety issues.

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Unique Features:

• Taught by leading experts in the field of online safety and child protection.
• Focus on practical skills and knowledge, providing students with the ability to remove electronic digital media from sources using industry tools and conduct forensic investigations.
• Opportunity to select specialist modules to personalize the learning experience.
• Completion of a dissertation allows students to apply their knowledge and skills to a research project of their choice.

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Outline:

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Structure:

• Four core modules and one optional module are completed in terms one and two.
• A dissertation period takes place in term three.
• Each module is typically worth 20-30 credits, except for the Dissertation and Work Integrated Learning, which are worth 60 credits.
• Work Integrated Learning may be chosen to replace the Dissertation with prior agreement.

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Core Modules:

• Cybercrime and Criminal Justice
• Cybercrime and Digital Forensics
• Cybercrime and the Law
• Cybercrime and Society

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Optional Modules:

• Digital Forensics and Incident Management
• Financial Crime Risks from Emerging Technologies
• Blockchain Anatomy and Analytics
• Open-source intelligence Techniques
• Cybercrime and Society
• Text Mining and Analysis
• Research Strategies in Social Sciences
• Advanced Research Strategies
• Drugs and Crime
• Political Violence and Terrorism
• Cybercultures and Crime

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Assessment:

Assessments vary depending on the module, but may include essays, reports, oral presentations, producing .csv datasets, reviews, a research proposal, and a research project or placement in a cybercrime-related area.

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Teaching:

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Teaching Methods:

• A variety of teaching methods are used, including seminars, lab sessions, demonstrations, small group work, presentations, and online materials.
• Students are encouraged to participate actively in class and to collaborate with their peers.

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Faculty:

• The program is taught by an experienced teaching team with a wide range of expertise and professional experience.
• Faculty members are involved in cutting-edge research and have extensive experience in the field of cybercrime.

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Unique Approaches:

• The program has a strong focus on practical skills development, providing students with the opportunity to apply their learning to real-world scenarios.
• Students are encouraged to participate in research projects and to present their work at conferences.
• The program is regularly reviewed and updated to ensure that students are receiving the most up-to-date information and skills.

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Careers:

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Potential Career Paths:

• Policy development
• Corporate security
• E-investigation
• Social media safety
• Anti-money laundering
• Safeguarding
• Business continuity

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Graduate Employability:

• The program prepares graduates for a variety of careers in the field of cybercrime and digital investigation.
• Graduates have gone on to work for a variety of organizations, including the police force, child protection services, government agencies, and private companies.

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Other:

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Support Services:

• The program offers a range of support services to help students succeed in their studies.
• These services include academic support, career guidance, and personal counseling.

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Industry Links:

• The program is accredited by the British Psychological Society.
• The program is open to students from all backgrounds and disciplines.

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Conclusion:

This MSc Cybercrime and Digital Investigation program provides students with the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary to succeed in a variety of careers related to cybercrime and digital investigation. The program is delivered by leading experts in the field and offers a strong focus on practical skills development.