MSc in Digital Investigation and Forensic Computing

MSc in Digital Investigation and Forensic Computing is an international  MSc level programme, which is aimed at information technology specialists who need to acquire skills for investigation of computer-related incidents. It introduces the concepts, principles, and professional practice in digital investigation. The programme is delivered in cooperation with the leading Irish experts in the field. The training is delivered in UCD and is simultaneously made available online with annual examination sessions taking place in Dublin and in associated training centres

• Programme Structure
• Credits
• Delivery & Attendance
• Entry Requirements
• Fee Information
• Application Procedure
• Further information

 Programme Structure

To graduate with an MSc in Digital Investigation and Forensic Computing, students must earn 90 credits over the programme. Each module has a credit value. This is a standardised way of representing the amount of student effort and educational activity associated with a module. One ECTS credit represents 20-25 hours of total student effort. Therefore, a standard 5-credit module represents 100-125 hours of student effort.

Lectures are conducted at UCD, Dublin over two evenings a week during term. A standard student doing the course over two years will attend approx 4 hours of lectures on Tuesday evenings in Year 1, switching to Wednesday evenings in year 2.

As some students may choose to follow the course mainly online, these lectures are simultaneously broadcast live via the classroom website and, following the lecture, the live recording is also made available.

While personal attendance at the weekly lectures is not mandatory, during the typical two years of study students are required to come to Dublin on two occasions for approximately 5-10 days each year to complete examinations & workshops. Students are also welcome to attend the graduation ceremony and an optional welcome session.

In addition to the lectures, students are expected to perform self-study assignments during the year using their personal computers and UCD’s online computer lab. Hands-on practical assignments, which require laboratory equipment, are performed at the end of the year in the form of intensive full-day workshops as part of the examination period. In addition, students are allowed to book time in UCD's digital forensic lab and use the equipment for self-study during the year.

• Applicants to the UCD MSc Digital Investigation and Forensic Computing will normally be expected to have a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or an equivalent. However, each applicant will be assessed on a case by case basis and it is possible to be accepted without a degree based on relevant experience.

• Students are required to fulfil UCD’s English Language Requirements. (Download)

• All students must also satisfactorily complete Garda Vetting Procedures before they can complete registration to this programme.

Information on Fees is available on the UCD fees page

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.

Application Procedure

Applications for the MSc in Digital Investigation course (starting in Sept 2012) are open from 1 February 2012.  

Due to the high demand for places, applicants are strongly encouraged to apply before May 31st 2012.

Applications for this programme can be made online at:   http://www.ucd.ie/apply/

Email: cci.info@ucd.ie

Telephone: +353 (0) 1 716 2947

Alternatively, if you wish to discuss the programme content, you may contact the Course Director Dr. Pavel Gladyshev by email at pavel.gladyshev@ucd.ie.