Forensic Computing and Cyber Crime Investigation

University College Dublin

Ireland, Dublin

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Home/Ireland/Dublin /University College Dublin/Forensic Computing and Cyber Crime Investigation

University College Dublin

Ireland , Dublin

Key Facts

Program Level

Graduate Diploma

Study Type

Full Time

Delivery

On Campus

Credit point

60 Points

Campuses

Main Site

Program Language

English

Start & Deadlines

Next Intake Deadlines25-Sep-2026

Apply to this program

Go to the official application for the university

Duration 1 year(s)

Tuition Fee

EUR 7,880 / year

Next Intake 25-Sep-2026

Forensic Computing and Cyber Crime Investigation

About

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.

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.

Requirements

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 you do not have the required 5 years minimum employment in law enforcement, but you have been working in the field of digital forensic investigations in law enforcement for more than 2 years and you have successfully completed advanced training, then we will consider this in compensation, at the discretion of the course directors. We prefer applicants with a primary degree in computer science but it is not compulsory.

In cases where applicants have less than the required length of employment experience we may ask you to take 3 single modules as CPD (Continual Professional Development) and if you achieve grades of B- or higher you may be allowed to transfer to the Graduate Diploma programme.

You may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), as UCD recognises formal, informal, and/or experiential learning. RPL may be awarded to gain Admission and/or credit exemptions on a programme. Please visit the UCD Registry RPL web page for further information. Any exceptions are also listed on this webpage.

English Program Requirements

International English Language Testing System (IELTS)

Taught Master's: A minimum overall score of 7.0 over all components and a minimum of 6.0 in each band on the Academic Version. The non-academic version is not accepted.

Research Programmes: A minimum overall score of 6.5 over all components and a minimum of 6.0 in each band on the Academic Version. The non-academic version is not accepted.

IELTS Indicator: A minimum overall score of 7.0 over all components and a minimum of 6.0 in each band. This test will be accepted for 2022/23 and 2023/24 intake.

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)

Taught Master's: A minimum score of 100 is required in the Internet based TOEFL (iBT) with a score of at least 20 in each section.

Research Programmes: A minimum score of 90 is required in the Internet based TOEFL (iBT) with a score of at least 20 in each section.

TOEFL iBT Home: A minimum score of 100 is required with a score of at least 20 in each section.

Duolingo Test of English (DET)

UCD has approved the use of the Duolingo Test of English (DET) for the 2024/25 intake.
An overall score of 130 will be accepted with no section below 110.

Please note that this does not apply to the CEMS MiM / MSc in International Management. In the case of the CEMS MiM the Duolingo English Test will not be accepted.