Skip to site navigation.
Skip to section navigation.
Skip to main page content.
Search
Follow us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter Follow us on YouTube Share this page

Forensic Computing


Degrees Available



MSc Full-time

Suitable for International Students?

Yes

Award Tuition Fees Attendance Mode Length of Course
MSc

2012/13:

  • Home/EU - £4,900
  • International - £13,250

(A small increase can be expected for the subsequent year)

 Full-time 1 year
September - August

Course Introduction

Forensic computing is the application of computer investigation and analysis techniques in the interests of determining potential legal evidence. Evidence might be sought in a wide range of computer crime or misuse, including but not limited to theft of trade secrets, theft or destruction of intellectual property, and fraud. This course will provide you with the skills, knowledge and training required in order to apply forensic science on a computer or network of computers.

Designed for students with a computing background, our course will enable you to expand your knowledge of how computers operate and communicate and issues related to networking and web technologies, in order to develop the skills required to be able to use computers as criminal investigation tools.

Our MSc in Forensic Computing comprises both advanced computer science and particular developments in forensic sciences. The course draws upon the successful research expertise of the Department of Computing and the Bradford School of Applied Sciences within the School of Life Sciences.

The course is also backed by external collaboration with the UK government's forensic laboratory, and staff and students often work closely with the West Yorkshire Police and other constabularies.

Course Syllabus

Modules 2011/12: (C) = Core (O) = Option

Semester 1 (60 Credits - 5 x (C) Modules):

  • Computer Architecture and Operating Systems (10 Credits) (C)
  • Computer Crime Investigation (20 Credits split over both Semesters) (C)
  • Crime Scene Management, Courtroom and Expert Witness Skills (10 Credits) (C)
  • Network and Protocols (10 Credits) (C)
  • Security, Privacy, and Data Protection (20 Credits) (C)

Semester 2 (60 Credits - 4 x (C) Modules and 20 Credits from the (O) Modules listed):

  • Computer Crime Investigation (20 Credits split over both Semesters) (C)
  • Crime Analysis (10 Credits) (C)
  • Digital Image Processing (10 Credits) (C)
  • Introduction to Cryptography (10 Credits) (C)
  • Artificial Intelligence with Applications (20 Credits) (O)
  • Internet Security and Protocols (20 Credits) (O)
  • Research Skills and Methodologies (10 Credits) (O)

End of Semester 2 onwards (60 Credits - 1 x (C) Module):

  • Dissertation (60 Credits) (C)

MSc Part-time

Suitable for International Students?

Not suitable for International Students

Award Tuition Fees Attendance Mode Length of Course
MSc

2012/13:

  • Home/EU - £2,450 p.a.

(A small increase can be expected for the subsequent year)

 Part-time 2 years
September - August

Course Introduction

Forensic computing is the application of computer investigation and analysis techniques in the interests of determining potential legal evidence. Evidence might be sought in a wide range of computer crime or misuse, including but not limited to theft of trade secrets, theft or destruction of intellectual property, and fraud. This course will provide you with the skills, knowledge and training required in order to apply forensic science on a computer or network of computers.

Designed for students with a computing background, our course will enable you to expand your knowledge of how computers operate and communicate and issues related to networking and web technologies, in order to develop the skills required to be able to use computers as criminal investigation tools.

Our MSc in Forensic Computing comprises both advanced computer science and particular developments in forensic sciences. The course draws upon the successful research expertise of the Department of Computing and the Bradford School of Applied Sciences within the School of Life Sciences.

The course is also backed by external collaboration with the UK government's forensic laboratory, and staff and students often work closely with the West Yorkshire Police and other constabularies.

Course Syllabus

Modules 2011/12: (C) = Core (O) = Option

Stage 1 (60 Credits - 5 x (C) Modules):

  • Computer Architecture and Operating Systems (10 Credits) (C)
  • Computer Crime Investigation (20 Credits split over both Semesters) (C)
  • Crime Scene Management, Courtroom and Expert Witness Skills (10 Credits) (C)
  • Network and Protocols (10 Credits) (C)
  • Security, Privacy, and Data Protection (20 Credits) (C)

Stage 2 (60 Credits - 4 x (C) Modules and 20 Credits from the (O) Modules listed):

  • Computer Crime Investigation (20 Credits split over both Semesters) (C)
  • Crime Analysis (10 Credits) (C)
  • Digital Image Processing (10 Credits) (C)
  • Introduction to Cryptography (10 Credits) (C)
  • Artificial Intelligence with Applications (20 Credits) (O)
  • Internet Security and Protocols (20 Credits) (O)
  • Research Skills and Methodologies (10 Credits) (O)

Stage 3 (60 Credits - 1 x (C) Module):

  • Dissertation (60 Credits) (C)
British Computer Society Educational Affiliate

Special Features

This course is accredited by the British Computer Society.

Entry Requirements

2:2 or above in:

  • Computer Science, or Mathematics or Engineering, following a course which contained a significant proportion of computing; OR
  • A subject other than those above with demonstrable sufficient relevant professional computing experience

If you have lesser academic qualifications but have substantial (approx. 5 years) relevant work experience, your application may also be considered two-year course options.

  • Students who do not quite meet our normal entry criteria, such as those on the three-year Chinese diploma, or those who in the opinion of the admissions team would benefit from an additional year of study, may be offered a place on an alternative two-year full-time MSc programme

Level of English Required

IELTS at 6.0 or the equivalent

[Full information on our General English Language Requirements]

Collaborative Partners

Forensic Science Services and the West Yorkshire Police.

Contact Details

School of Computing, Informatics and Media Admissions Office

Download Prospectus

Scim Brochure Cover

Computing, Informatics and Media School Prospectus 2012 (PDF 5.5MB)

Please note that these PDFs are correct as at time of print (September 2011). For the most up to date course information please use the web page.