Forensic Computing & Cybercrime Investigation

University College Dublin

Ireland, Dublin

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Home/Ireland/Dublin /University College Dublin/Forensic Computing & Cybercrime Investigation

University College Dublin

Ireland , Dublin

Key Facts

Program Level

Master by Course Work

Study Type

Full Time

Delivery

Online

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 11,370 / year

Next Intake 25-Sep-2026

Forensic Computing & Cybercrime Investigation

About

This is a programme for LAW ENFORCEMENT ONLY. It aims to provide high quality forensic computing and cybercrime investigation training and formal education. It is also designed to deliver cutting-edge, up-to-date cybercrime investigation techniques, strategies and tactics that allow students to understand and tackle emerging trends in cybercrime. Over the past 17 years, we have brought in specialists from around the world to review and advise on the content considering the needs of digital forensic investigators and computer crime specialists. The UCD School of Computer Science (CS) and UCD Centre for Cybersecurity and Cybercrime Investigation (CCI) are working closely with law enforcement agencies and industry practitioners in seeking solutions to technologies-related crime. CS and CCI staff also collaborate with the scientists from European Cybercrime Training and Educational Group at Europol (ECTEG).

Course delivery

THIS COURSE IN ONLINE WITH IN-PERSON EXAMS EACH SEMESTER. Lectures are pre-recorded and provided online via a virtual online learning environment. Exercises, reading, assignments and projects are conducted online and in our virtual labs. Students are required to come to Dublin or another UCD exam centre each year to complete in-person examinations. All modules are examined in December and May in one of our five exam centres internationally. Please note that an exam centre venue will be subject to availability and demand.

A wide range of modules is available at beginner and advanced levels. On successful completion of the programme, depending on the module taken, students will be able to:

Understand methods used to conduct forensic analysis of digital devices including computer systems and mobile devices
Identify, collect, process, analyse and present digital forensics evidence
Use common network investigation techniques
Develop critical thinking in analysing and performing cybercrime investigation
Understand the cybercrime business model and how to perform the financial fraud investigations
Conduct research into novel forensic and cybercrime investigation problems
Investigate cases of child sexual exploitation on the Internet
Tackle the forensic analysis of future technologies (both hardware and software) through the development of new applications.
Understand the current threat landscape and accurately assess the severity and ramifications of a given compromise.
Consider and explain the foundational concepts of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity relevant to AI pipelines.

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Requirements

Entry Requirements

All applicants must be current employees of a law enforcement organisation (LE) working in an investigative role. You do not have to be a sworn officer. LE includes any organisation that has responsibility for the enforcement of national or local legislation such as:

Local, National, or Federal Police Forces
Government law enforcement agencies
Immigration & Border Control, Revenue & Customs
Defence forces including military police
International Police organisations (Europol, Interpol, etc)
Regulatory Enforcement agencies etc
Public prosecutors / Attorney General's office

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 MSc programme.

Please note that in some countries, a Masters degree is not recognised unless you also have an undergraduate degree and do a major piece of research as part of your Masters.

Each applicant will be assessed on a case by case basis.

Students are also required to fulfil UCD’s English Language Requirements (see http://www.ucd.ie/international/study-at-ucd-global/ucdenglishlanguagerequirements/)

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.

Career

For law enforcement officers, having this qualification has the additional advantage of adding credibility to their testimony as expert witnesses. Career development possibilities in this field 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 Law Enforcement (LE) powers, defence forces, specialist cybercrime agencies, revenue, customs and border protection.