Computer Science - Forensic Computing & Cybercrime Investigation
This programme gives law enforcement officers knowledge and skills to investigate cybercrimes and to gather, handle and use digital evidence and intelligence in order to disrupt criminal activity and prevent crime and to secure convictions.
| Award Name | Postgraduate Diploma (Level 9 NFQ) |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | Major |
| Awarding Body | National University of Ireland |
| NFQ Level | Level 9 NFQ |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Postgraduate Diploma (Level 9 NFQ) | Major | National University of Ireland | Level 9 NFQ |
Duration
1 Year Full-time, 2 Years Part-time
MODE OF DELIVERY: Face-to-Face
Entry Requirements
All Forensic Computing & Cybercrime Investigation programmes/modules are restricted to members of LAW ENFORCEMENT (LE) ONLY. Applicants must be working in an investigative role. This includes agents of any organisation that has responsibility for the enforcement of national or local legislation including but not limited to Local, National, or Federal Police Forces, International Police organisations (Europol, Interpol, etc), Fisheries, Revenue & Customs, Immigration, Border Security, Regulatory Enforcement, Defence Forces / Military.
Applicants to the Graduate Diploma programme should have 5 years experience in LE. If they have less than 5 years experience in LE, applicants should have a degree in computing / policing studies / related discipline or 2 years LE experience in Digital Forensics / Cybercrime Investigation role. Each applicant will be assessed on a case by case basis.
Careers / Further progression
Careers & Employability
For law enforcement officers, having this qualification has the advantage of adding credibility to their testimony as expert witnesses. Career development possibilities are excellent. Graduates include senior staff at Europol and INTERPOL, members of national and regional police forces and police training colleges, government ministries and agencies with LE powers, defence forces, specialist cybercrime agencies, revenue, customs and border protection. Our graduate community is one of the benefits of the course. Contact us if you'd like to speak to a graduate about their experience.
Further information
Next Intake: 2024/2025 September.
GradDip Forensic Computing and Cyber Crime Investigation (T007) Part Time
EU fee per year - € 3864
nonEU fee per year - € 3864
GradDip Forensic Computing and Cyber Crime Investigation (T235) Full Time
EU fee per year - € 7686
nonEU fee per year - € 7686
***Fees are subject to change
Tuition fee information is available on the UCD Fees website. The cost of examination trips is not included in the tuition fee and students are expected to support themselves while attending examinations and other events.
The following entry routes are available:
Grad Dip Forensic Computing and Cyber Crime Investigation FT (T235)
Duration 1 Years
Attend Full Time
Deadline Rolling*
Grad Dip Forensic Computing and Cyber Crime Investigation PT (T007)
Duration 2 Years
Attend Part Time
Deadline Rolling*
* Courses will remain open until such time as all places have been filled, therefore early application is advised
In the past 16 years, over 1500 students from over 70 countries and have started this programme. A wide range of modules is available at beginner and advanced levels. There are three core (foundation) modules and twelve further modules which students may select depending on their interests. See module descriptions for learning outcomes. Most students on the programme are studying for a MSc, but students may leave the programme with a Graduate Diploma award once they have successfully completed and passed exams for 60 credits taken from modules from the wide range available in the programme. Depending on the modules taken, on completion of the course you will be able to conduct forensic analysis of a computer and use common network investigation techniques, investigate malware-based intrusions, perform mobile device forensics, preserve and analyse volatile evidence contained in the main memory (RAM), use Linux forensics analysis tools and techniques, write custom tools for data analysis and build forensic applications, overcome investigative challenges of VoIP and locating mobile users, investigate money laundering and trace illicit funds and investigate cases of child sexual exploitation on the Internet.
Computer Forensics COMP40100
Network Investigations COMP40110
Programming for Investigators COMP40120
Case Studies COMP40150
Linux for Investigators COMP41430
VoIP and Wireless Investigations COMP41580
Advanced Computer Forensics COMP41590
Malware Investigations COMP41650
Live Data Forensics COMP41660
Data & Database Forensics COMP47370
Advanced Malware Analysis COMP47380
Online Fraud Investigations for Irish Law Enforcement COMP47420
Mobile Devices Investigation COMP47430
Legislation regarding Fraud & Economic Crime COMP47440
Financial Fraud Investigation COMP47450
Financial Investigation Techniques - Following the Money COMP47510
OSINT Collection & Analysis COMP47630
Online Child Abuse Invest. COMP47640
Programme Outcomes
-Conduct research into novel forensic and cybercrime investigation problems
-Develop critical thinking in anaylsing and performing cybercrime investigation
-Identify, collect, process, analyse and present digital forensics evidence
-Investigate cases of child sexual exploitation on the Internet
-Research and develop custom tools for evidence analysis
-Tackle the forensic analysis of future technologies (both hardware and software) through the development of new applications
-Understand cybercrime business model and how to perform the financial fraud investigation
-Understand methods used to conduct forensic analysis of digital devices including computer systems and mobile devices
-Use common network investigation techniques
-Work in group to resolve computer forensic challenges
Contact Name: Emily Delaney
Tel: +353 (0)1 716 2947