Welcome to your Digital Forensic Investigation course

Welcome to University of Staffordshire

We know you're already passionate about your subject, which is why we're excited you've chosen University of Staffordshire as the place to turn possibility into reality.

To give you an insight into what life as a Digital Forensic Investigation student is like, your course leaders have prepared introductions to the course and further activities.

Hello, and welcome to your course! On this page you’ll find a variety of useful information to prepare you to delve into the bits, bytes, processes and procedures which form the world of Digital Forensic Investigation.

Course delivery

The academic year is comprised of 3-blocks of learning. The 1^st and 2^nd block of learning are used to deliver the modules which provide the technical, procedural and statistical skills required to succeed in the Digital Forensics field, while the 3^rd block is dedicated to the completion of an Independent Research Project, for which the proposal, ethics and risk assessment will have been formulated alongside your other modules. You will be taught using a combination of lectures and practical sessions, which includes the use of the Cyber Lab and Forensic Simulation Suite to replicate the environment of a digital forensics lab and process realistic digital crime scenes.

Each module has summative assessments which count towards your module mark, which may include exams, practical portfolio work, logbooks, written reports and presentations. There is an expectation you will complete independent learning tasks, which are intended to consolidate the learning from the taught sessions, and to prepare for future sessions. This may include reading from appropriate texts, researching case studies including digital evidence or putting into practice your knowledge using digital forensic tools and techniques, so as to hone your ability to use these.

Semester one activities

Digital Forensics

This module focuses on providing the technical background and skills required for investigating digital devices for the purposes of cyber-enabled and cyber-dependent crime. This includes exposing you to a number of tools used in industry, such as EnCase, for examining computer-based data, and XRY for mobile-based data. These are the skills which open up employment opportunities such as Digital Forensics Investigator.

Law, Policy and Practice for Digital Evidence

This module compliments the Digital Forensics module by looking into the underlaying laws, quality standards, bodies of influence and contemporary issues which impact a digital investigation. This knowledge is crucial in the current forensic sphere, to understand and apply the latest required practice.

Statistical Approaches to Forensics

This module explores the area of statistics, exploring quantitative and qualitative approaches that may be useful for analysing data within your Independent Research Project, or for if you wish to enter a research career.

Independent Research Project

Within your 1^st semester there will be a number of informative sessions intended to assist you with the academic skills needed to plan your Independent Research Project. Throughout semester it is expected your other modules and independent study will influence and inspire you to choose a topic for your project, with the academic skills used to then create a formal Proposal along with appropriate Ethical and Safety considerations.

Depending on your choice, you may also be studying the optional module which contributes towards the MSc.

Pre-Learning

The following resources are useful to your journey into Digital Forensics, covering basic aspects that will be built upon within the course.

https://www.college.police.uk/app/investigation/forensics
https://www.college.police.uk/app/extraction-material-digital-devices
Forensic science activities: statutory code of practice - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Holt, T, J et. al. (2022), Cybercrime and Digital Forensics: An Introduction, Routledge; 3rd edition
Kävrestad, J. (2020) Fundamentals of Digital Forensics. Springer International Publishing.

Equipment and software

Software link: https://staffsuniversity.sharepoint.com/sites/software/SitePages/Home.aspx

This course heavily uses specialist digital forensics tools. Due to the nature of these, they are tightly controlled and installed where required at the university. You will have on-campus access to these to complete relevant practical sessions and for self-study within the building opening hours. You are not expected to buy these tools yourself.

There may be the use of open-source tools within the course which you will be able to install on your own personal computers if you wish. It is recommended you use a Windows based computer for this, as MacOS is often not supported by these tools. If you do not wish to install them however, any that are required for learning are provided on university systems.

Trips and activities

We hold an official partnership with Staffordshire Police. This provides the potential for guest lectures on modules from operational police staff and officers, extracurricular talks and tours of Staffordshire Police Forensics Department.

Occupational health

This course may contain content which relates to distressing material such as Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM), murder, suicide, MISPER (Missing Person) and other crimes. Please note, no content of an illegal nature is displayed however the underlaying themes may form part of discussion. All taught session will include appropriate content warnings so that you may manage your exposure to these topics. It is strongly recommended that the University Wellbeing services are utilised if you feel affected by any material encountered.

Meet the team

Adam Newberry

Senior Lecturer

Adam, is the Course Leader for MSc Digital Forensic Investigation, specialising in Digital Forensics and Forensic Quality Standards. Adam worked in UK policing, performing a variety of operational digital investigations for several years.

Dr Kirsty Squires

Associate Professor

Kirsty is an Associate Professor of Bioarchaeology and MSc Forensic Science course leader.

Kirsty's profile

What to expect on Welcome Week

We're so excited for you to join us on campus and to welcome you to where you matter. During your welcome week you'll be able to meet our friendly student services teams, connect with new friends, join societies, explore on-campus venues attend club nights and much more.

We look forward to welcoming you in September.

If you have any questions, please send them to your Course Leader: Adam Newberry, adam.newberry@staffs.ac.uk