Computer Forensic Investigations
- Study Mode: Part Time
- Location: High Wycombe
- Duration: 5 Weeks
- Start Date: February 2025
Learn to master the digital forensics process, from discovering evidence to preparing it for legal proceedings. This course covers essential protocols, legal standards, and the role of investigative agencies, equipping you to act as an expert witness and uphold security and resilience in the face of computer crimes.
This Short course is run in ‘block mode’ over the course of five weeks. The first week is an intensive lab-based workshop comprising ten three-hour sessions, blending theoretical and practical elements. Over the next four weeks, we hold a weekly, evening, online surgery. In these surgeries, you will be invited to participate in online discussions. This will reinforce theoretical concepts and help put theory into practice, with the tutors. It will also allow you to seek further guidance on assessments as required.
This teaching method is designed to cause a minimum amount of disruption to your full time work.
This course incorporates guidance from the Communications-Electronics Resilience Group (CESG), a group within the UK Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ), as well as the Chartered Institute for Information Security’s Information Resilience Skills framework.
This course covers all critical aspects of digital forensics, including legal standards, investigation protocols, and advanced anti-forensics technology. You'll learn to navigate relevant guidelines such as the ACPO and UK legislation, equipping you with the qualifications to act as an expert witness and assist in legal inquiries. This makes you a valuable asset in corporate and governmental investigations, ready to tackle digital crimes and contribute to maintaining security and justice.
What facilities can I use?
You will have access to the university facilities as a student of BNU, which entitles you to some benefits, such as access to our 24/7 library with free study space and free laptop loans. Our AppsAnywhere service provides you with online access to the software you need to complete the course.
As a student of BNU you will have access to our student union, with free trips, societies and events for you to get involved in. We also have support services such as counselling, cost of living support, free laptop loans and CV writing. Our new restaurant serves food with a discounted rate and is only open to students and staff.
What will I study?
On this short course, you will study the principles of digital forensics, focusing on how to systematically uncover, preserve, and analyse digital evidence from diverse sources, such as computers, mobile devices, and cloud environments. You'll delve into the legal frameworks and ethical guidelines that govern digital forensics, including the Computer Misuse Act and the Police and Criminal Evidence Act, ensuring that your practices align with statutory requirements.
Additionally, you'll gain practical skills in investigation techniques, learning the procedures and protocols used by law enforcement and investigative agencies. This includes handling evidence, maintaining the chain of custody, and preparing detailed investigative reports. The course will also cover technical tools and methods, providing hands-on experience with forensic software, data recovery techniques, and the analysis of log files and servers.
You will explore the challenges posed by advanced technologies and anti-forensics techniques, developing strategies to address these evolving issues. Finally, you'll prepare to act as an expert witness, learning how to present digital evidence effectively in legal contexts, provide clear and compelling testimony, and support legal proceedings with well-documented findings.
How will I be taught and assessed?
On this short course you will be studying this module as part of the MSc Cyber Resilience degree, which will help ensure a good learning environment. This short course is taught in ‘block mode’, over the course of five weeks. The first week is an intensive lab-based workshop comprising ten three-hour sessions, blending theoretical and practical elements. Over the next four weeks, we hold a weekly, evening, online surgery. In these surgeries, you will be invited to participate in online discussions. This will reinforce theoretical concepts and help put theory into practice, with the tutors. It will also allow you to seek further guidance on assessments as required.
Our supportive academics are experienced industry professionals and will guide you through problem-based learning via case studies and classroom-based exercises throughout the course.
You will also benefit from guest lecturers, helping you to understand current practices and prepare you for working life as a cyber security professional.
The majority of assessments come from coursework or team projects appropriate to the module. These often involve writing essays or reports, constructing artefacts, or taking practical examinations. They are designed to test your ability to apply and discuss key concepts.
What are the tuition fees
Home
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Home, Academic Year 2024 - 2025: £1,200 per year *
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Home, Academic Year 2025 - 2026: £1,250 per year *
Following the Government’s announcement of 4 November 2024, we will be increasing our full-time undergraduate tuition fees for UK students to £9,535 per year from the start of the 2025/26 academic year. Our part-time fees for UK undergraduate students will increase to £7,145 per annum. Please visit , on the Government’s website, for more information about the changes.
Tuition fees for Home undergraduate students (including with foundation year) may increase in subsequent years for both new and continuing students in line with an inflationary amount determined by the Government.  
Tuition fees for both new and continuing international students may be subject to an inflationary increase based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the 12-month period to 31 January each year.  
Tuition fees for postgraduate courses and CPD may be subject to an inflationary increase based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the 12-month period to 31 January each year. This increase will apply to both new and continuing students.  
We understand, and really appreciate, the significant financial commitment our students make when they choose to study at BNU. We take our responsibilities to our students very seriously, and are ambitious for each to reach their full potential and succeed in their chosen career. Our fees help us to continue providing our students with a high-quality education, and to invest in the services and facilities which create an excellent student experience at BNU.
The following factors will be considered by the University when we set the annual fees: measures of inflation such as the retail price indices; projected increases in University costs; and any changes in the level of funding for teaching received from the Government.
What are my career prospects?
Studying this course could help you succeed in any of the following careers:
- Digital Forensic Analyst
- Cybercrime Investigator
- Compliance and Risk Analyst
- Incident Responder
- Forensic Investigator
- IT Security Consultant
- Cybersecurity Specialist
- Expert Witness
- Data Privacy Officer
Course leader
