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.



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 two core (foundation) modules and fifteen further modules which students may select depending on their interests. Students may graduate with a Graduate Certificate award once they have successfully completed and passed exams for 30 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.



What Will I Learn?

- Conduct research into novel forensic and cybercrime investigation problems

- Develop critical thinking in analysing and performing cybercrime investigation

- Identify, collect, process, analyse and present digital forensics evidence

- Investigate cases of child sexual exploitation on the Internet

- Investigate money laundering and trace illicit funds

- 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

Stage 1 Options - A) Min 3 of:

Students select 30 credits of modules over 1 year.

COMP40100 Computer Forensics Autumn 10

COMP40110 Network Investigations Autumn 10

COMP41430 Linux for Investigators Autumn 10

COMP41650 Malware Investigations Autumn 10

COMP41660 Live Data Forensics Autumn 10

COMP47370 Data & Database Forensics Autumn 10

COMP47420 Online Fraud Investigations for Irish Law Enforcement Autumn 5

COMP47430 Mobile Devices Investigation Autumn 10

COMP47440 Legislation regarding Fraud & Economic Crime Autumn 5

COMP47450 Financial Fraud Investigation Autumn 10

COMP40120 Programming for Investigators Spring 10

COMP41580 VoIP and Wireless Investigations Spring 10

COMP41590 Advanced Computer Forensics Spring 10

COMP41750 Advanced Malware Analysis & Threat Intelligence Spring 10

COMP47510 Financial Investigation Techniques - Following the Money Spring 10

COMP47630 OSINT Collection & Analysis Spring 10

COMP47640 Online Child Abuse Invest. Spring 10

COMP40150 Case Studies Summer 10

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 Certificate 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.



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. https://tinyurl.com/2ae2ffax

30

1 year part-time. Delivery: On Campus.

GradCert Forensic Computing & Cybercrime Investigation (F007) Part Time

EU fee per year - € 3390

nonEU fee per year - € 3390


***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.

Next Intake: September 2025.