Digital Forensic Investigation MSc

Duration

13 Months

25 Months

Location

Stoke-on-Trent campus

Stoke-on-Trent campus

This innovative award focuses upon the use of new technologies to digitally document crime scenes, analyse digital evidence as well as understand concepts of digital law. This emerging area is aligned with the rapidly changing face of forensic investigations around the world.

You’ll gain up-to-date knowledge for a career in this fast-moving area of forensic investigation. By using innovative software you’ll be equipped with the skills needed to collect, document, and interpret digital forensic evidence. In the final term, you’ll undertake an independent research project on a topic of your choice relating to this award.

Using real-world scenarios, you’ll apply theoretical understanding and knowledge to practical exercises in computer laboratories and at our crime scene house.

This award is ideal for professionals or graduates who may not come from a traditional computing science background and wish to obtain a broad range of knowledge and skills required to record crime scenes and analyse digital evidence using new technologies.

You’ll gain up-to-date knowledge for a career in this fast-moving area of forensic investigation. By using innovative software you’ll be equipped with the skills needed to collect, document, and interpret digital forensic evidence. In the final term, you’ll undertake an independent research project on a topic of your choice relating to this award.

Using real-world scenarios, you’ll apply theoretical understanding and knowledge to practical exercises in computer laboratories and at our crime scene house.

This award is ideal for professionals or graduates who may not come from a traditional computing science background and wish to obtain a broad range of knowledge and skills required to record crime scenes and analyse digital evidence using new technologies.

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: MSc Digital Forensic Investigation

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: MSc Digital Forensic Investigation

Part-time study

You can take the full-time route, over 12 months, or a part-time route over 24 months.

Part-time study

You can take the full-time route, over 12 months, or a part-time route over 24 months.

There is no placement as part of this course. However, students may wish to take some form of relevant employment or voluntary work as part of their course. The Staffordshire Forensic Partnership could facilitate work placements for students.

There is no placement as part of this course. However, students may wish to take some form of relevant employment or voluntary work as part of their course. The Staffordshire Forensic Partnership could facilitate work placements for students.

Course content

This award is split between the School of Justice, Security and Sustainability and the School of Digital, Technologies and Arts. You’ll take eight compulsory modules, including an independent research project. The postgraduate certificate and postgraduate diploma form the first two stages of the award.

At the certificate level, the focus is on the crime scene and the collection and documentation of evidence. You will also learn how digital forensics can be used as evidence in the British legal system.

At the diploma stage, you’ll further develop your subject specialist knowledge and skills and you’ll learn about advanced research methods, which are essential for the Independent Research Project module. 

For the MSc stage, you’ll carry out an independent research project in an area of interest or one chosen from a list of specialist topics aligned to industry needs.

This award is split between the School of Justice, Security and Sustainability and the School of Digital, Technologies and Arts. You’ll take eight compulsory modules, including an independent research project. The postgraduate certificate and postgraduate diploma form the first two stages of the award.

At the certificate level, the focus is on the crime scene and the collection and documentation of evidence. You will also learn how digital forensics can be used as evidence in the British legal system.

At the diploma stage, you’ll further develop your subject specialist knowledge and skills and you’ll learn about advanced research methods, which are essential for the Independent Research Project module. 

For the MSc stage, you’ll carry out an independent research project in an area of interest or one chosen from a list of specialist topics aligned to industry needs.

Professional body accreditation

The Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences provides an accreditation system for both undergraduate and postgraduate courses in forensic science and related topics. Accreditation is given provided the course content meets with the Society's component standards which provide a quality endorsement of the course.

The course is accredited by The Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences

The Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences provides an accreditation system for both undergraduate and postgraduate courses in forensic science and related topics. Accreditation is given provided the course content meets with the Society's component standards which provide a quality endorsement of the course.

Students also have the opportunity to obtain XRY certification.

Professional body accreditation

The Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences provides an accreditation system for both undergraduate and postgraduate courses in forensic science and related topics. Accreditation is given provided the course content meets with the Society's component standards which provide a quality endorsement of the course.

The course is accredited by The Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences

The Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences provides an accreditation system for both undergraduate and postgraduate courses in forensic science and related topics. Accreditation is given provided the course content meets with the Society's component standards which provide a quality endorsement of the course.

Students also have the opportunity to obtain XRY certification.

Modules

The tables provide an indicative list of the modules that make up the course for the current academic year. Each module is worth a specified number of credits. Our teaching is informed by research, and modules change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline. We aim to ensure that all modules run as scheduled. If for any reason a module cannot be run we will advise you as soon as possible and will provide guidance on selecting an appropriate alternative module.

Year 1 compulsory modules
Year 1 compulsory modules
Digital Forensics 20 credits
Independent Research Project 60 credits
Law, Policy And Practice For Digital Evidence 20 credits
Statistical Approaches To Forensics 20 credits
Show 3 optional modules

Modules

The tables provide an indicative list of the modules that make up the course for the current academic year. Each module is worth a specified number of credits. Our teaching is informed by research, and modules change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline. We aim to ensure that all modules run as scheduled. If for any reason a module cannot be run we will advise you as soon as possible and will provide guidance on selecting an appropriate alternative module.

Year 1 compulsory modules
Year 1 compulsory modules
Digital Evidence Presentation And Advanced Crime Scene Documentation 40 credits
Digital Forensics 20 credits
Independent Research Project 60 credits
Law, Policy And Practice For Digital Evidence 20 credits
Statistical Approaches To Forensics 20 credits
Show 3 optional modules

Entry requirements

The entry requirements for the award are normally: An undergraduate degree (2:2) in Forensic Science, Forensic Biology, Forensic Investigation, Policing and Criminal Investigation, Computing, STEM, or a related discipline. 

If students do not have the required qualification but have professional experience, we would encourage you to apply as we consider all applications on their individual merit.  Similarly, if you are unsure whether your degree would be appropriate, please contact our enquiries team who will be able to assist you

The entry requirements for the award are normally: An undergraduate degree (2:2) in Forensic Science, Forensic Biology, Forensic Investigation, Policing and Criminal Investigation, Computing, STEM, or a related discipline. 

If students do not have the required qualification but have professional experience, we would encourage you to apply as we consider all applications on their individual merit.  Similarly, if you are unsure whether your degree would be appropriate, please contact our enquiries team who will be able to assist you

School of Justice, Security and Sustainability Blog

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For equivalent entry requirements in your home country, please see the information on our country pages.

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Facilities

Mock Courtrooms

One room is designed as a crown courtroom and the other for cases at magistrates’ court. Read more

Students can present legal arguments, act as expert witnesses, or take part in mooting.

Our digitally enabled mock court rooms are designed to create simulated scenarios for students to put theory in to practice and gain confidence, skills and knowledge to take forward in to their career. 

One room is designed as a crown courtroom and the other for cases at magistrates’ court. Students can present legal arguments, act as expert witnesses, or take part in mooting. Each space includes a dock, lawyers’ area and a bench for the judge or magistrates.

The courtrooms are used by a wide range of students from different perspectives including law students, policing, forensics, international relations and more, to give practice with not only mooting but also in presenting evidence and various other aspects of trials.

In our video, learn about simulation in our Mock Court Room, used by students to practice their skills to prepare them for their future career.

Lifelike living space

The lifellike living space in Ashley 2 lets you practice your skills in a variety of non-clinical settings, including bedroom, bathroom, lounge and bedsit. Read more

Bedrooms:

The bedroom has an en-suite bathroom and is used for simulated crime scenes where students can practise investigative skills or social work and healthcare can use the space for urgent situations and interviews.

Lounges:

The lounges have a homely feel, with comfy furniture and framed photos. Students can use these spaces for policing or forensic investigations. Social work and healthcare can also use the space for realistic interviews and clinical emergencies.

Bathroom:

The bathroom provides a lifelike backdrop for students to practise their skills. It can be used a range of simulation scenarios, such as domestic crime scenes or clinical emergencies.

Bedsit:

With a kitchen diner, bedroom and bathroom, the bedsit provides a lifelike backdrop for students to practise their skills. Scenarios can range from gathering evidence at simulated crime scenes to dealing with clinical emergencies.

Custody suite

There is a front desk where suspects are booked in after arrest. Read more

Other features include equipment for measuring height and taking fingerprints and custody photos, along with evidence bags and lockers for personal belongings.

Prison cell

With its single bed and toilet, this space can be arranged as a holding cell for detainees. It’s where students can practise offender management techniques. The room can also be turned into a more long-term prison cell.

Shop simulation space

The is ideal for simulated commercial crime scenes, where students can collect evidence and speak to witnesses or victims. Read more

They can also learn about retail law and deal with medical emergencies that occur to customers in the retail space. The space includes shelves, a counter and a small café. It’s ideal for simulated commercial crime scenes, where students can collect evidence and speak to witnesses or victims. They can also learn about retail law and deal with medical emergencies that occur to customers in the retail space.

Office simulation space

The office space is kitted out with computers and desks, making it ideal for students’ digital forensic investigations. Read more

Students from a range of courses can also practise their interview skills using an appropriate scenario. 

Outdoor simulation space

This area is used for forensic investigations, such as examining vehicles after crashes or collecting evidence from a crime scene. It can also double up as a clinical simulation area, with space for our training ambulance.

Careers

After completing the Digital Forensic Investigation MSc, you’ll be qualified to work in the following roles:

  • Digital forensic analyst
  • Digital investigator
  • Technical manager
  • Intelligence officer

Eager for more knowledge? Upon completion, you’ll be ideally placed for further academic study at PhD level.

All students have access to Career Connect, our dedicated careers team.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching

Our teaching is delivered in the classroom and laboratory and is supported through the Virtual Learning Environment called Blackboard. This means you can access a range of materials to support your learning wherever you are. Taught sessions on this course will include lectures, tutorials, practical sessions, and seminars. You will have the opportunity to work with technical pieces of equipment and software which will equip you with the key skills, understanding, and knowledge needed for employment in Digital Forensic Investigation.

We know that everyone learns differently. So, we use problem-based learning to help you apply your skills. 

For this course, you'll: 

  • Work with others on group work 
  • Delve deeper into subject areas in workshops and practical sessions.
  • Be expected to study independently 

You will also be assigned a supervisor to support you throughout your independent research project. 

Our teaching is delivered in the classroom and laboratory and is supported through the Virtual Learning Environment called Blackboard. This means you can access a range of materials to support your learning wherever you are. Taught sessions on this course will include lectures, tutorials, practical sessions, and seminars. You will have the opportunity to work with technical pieces of equipment and software which will equip you with the key skills, understanding, and knowledge needed for employment in Digital Forensic Investigation.

We know that everyone learns differently. So, we use problem-based learning to help you apply your skills. 

For this course, you'll: 

  • Work with others on group work 
  • Delve deeper into subject areas in workshops and practical sessions.
  • Be expected to study independently 

You will also be assigned a supervisor to support you throughout your independent research project. 

Assessment

There are two types of assessments: practice (also called formative) or formal (also called summative). 

Practice assessments do not count towards your final mark. These are your chance to test your understanding – and learn how to improve for the real thing. 

Assessment is by coursework assignments. Coursework takes various forms including coursework, presentations, and the independent research project. There are no examinations on this award.

For the Independent Research Project, you will need to produce a project proposal, a manuscript for submission to a journal and a literature review, in addition to your laboratory notebook and regular meetings with your supervisor. 

There are two types of assessments: practice (also called formative) or formal (also called summative). 

Practice assessments do not count towards your final mark. These are your chance to test your understanding – and learn how to improve for the real thing. 

Assessment is by coursework assignments. Coursework takes various forms including coursework, presentations, and the independent research project. There are no examinations on this award.

For the Independent Research Project, you will need to produce a project proposal, a manuscript for submission to a journal and a literature review, in addition to your laboratory notebook and regular meetings with your supervisor. 

Learning support

Your lecturers and personal tutor will provide lots of support. However, you can also take advantage of our Academic Skills team, who can help you with: 

  • Study skills (including reading, note-taking, presentation skills) 
  • Written English (including punctuation and grammar) 
  • Academic writing (including how to reference) 
  • Research skills 
  • Critical thinking 
  • Revision, assessment and exam skills (including time management) 

If you have additional needs, like dyslexia or a sensory impairment, then our Student Enabling Centre is here to help ensure you reach your potential at Staffordshire University. 

Additional support

If you have additional needs like dyslexia or a sensory impairment, then our Student Inclusion Services are here to help make sure nothing stands in your way.

Feedback

We know that it’s important for you to be able to gauge your progress. So, your tutor will give you feedback on any practice assessments you do in the form of verbal or written feedback. We usually give you feedback on formal assessments within 20 working days, but the format will vary for each module.  

We know that it’s important for you to be able to gauge your progress. So, your tutor will give you feedback on any practice assessments you do in the form of verbal or written feedback. We usually give you feedback on formal assessments within 20 working days, but the format will vary for each module.  

Your study time will include independent learning and assessments. It will vary depending on the module you are studying. Reading course material, and using this as the basis of further research, is essential. You can also use online resources to access primary scientific literature to find more detail on a technique and its application to forensic science and your chosen specialism.

Your study time will include independent learning and assessments. It will vary depending on the module you are studying. Reading course material, and using this as the basis of further research, is essential. You can also use online resources to access primary scientific literature to find more detail on a technique and its application to forensic science and your chosen specialism.

Independent learning

Even though this is an on-campus award, you will be required to apply a disciplined approach to independent learning and self-study.

We know it’s important for you to discover things on your own terms. This could involve: 

  • Reading journals, articles and books 
  • Working on independent and group projects
  • Researching in the library 
  • Preparing coursework 

We’ve invested in state-of-the-art facilities to help you make the most of your private study time. Whether you need a library, a computer or a lab, you’ll have access to it at Staffordshire University. 

Materials to support your learning are delivered through Blackboard, and considerable emphasis is placed on your ability to evaluate the suitability of literature in relation to the tasks you have been set.

Even though this is an on-campus award, you will be required to apply a disciplined approach to independent learning and self-study.

We know it’s important for you to discover things on your own terms. This could involve: 

  • Reading journals, articles and books 
  • Working on independent and group projects
  • Researching in the library 
  • Preparing coursework 

We’ve invested in state-of-the-art facilities to help you make the most of your private study time. Whether you need a library, a computer or a lab, you’ll have access to it at Staffordshire University. 

Materials to support your learning are delivered through Blackboard, and considerable emphasis is placed on your ability to evaluate the suitability of literature in relation to the tasks you have been set.

Staff

You will be taught by professionally qualified staff.

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 primarily teaches in the areas of human osteology and statistical methods. Her research focuses on the analysis of cremated human bone from archaeological and forensic contexts

Kirsty's profile

Fees

For the course starting on 22 September 2025 the tuition fees are:

Tuition fees for MSc-Full-time
Study option UK / Channel Islands International
Full-time £9,165 per course £16,750 per course

For the course starting on 22 September 2025 the tuition fees are:

Tuition fees for MSc-Full-time
Study option UK / Channel Islands International
Part-time £9,135 per course £16,740 per course

If you would like to know more about the fees listed and what this means to you then please get in touch with our Enquiries Team.

Alumni discount

If you've previously completed a University of Staffordshire undergraduate degree (excluding HND and foundation degrees) you may be entitled to a discount of up to 25% off your course fees for any subsequent postgraduate taught course (terms apply, see the alumni discount page for details). If you have any questions about how this relates to you, please contact feesandbursaries@staffs.ac.uk.

Included in tuition fees
Included in the fees:
  • As a Staffordshire University student, you’ll be entitled to a range of free software
  • The use of all specialist technical facilities and hire of equipment relating to the course of study.
  • As a Staffordshire University student, you’ll be entitled to a range of free software
  • The use of all specialist technical facilities and hire of equipment relating to the course of study.
Not included in tuition fees
Not included in the fees:
  • Text books are available from the library, but some students choose to purchase their own copies
  • Travel costs
  • Printing
  • Any optional field trips
  • Text books are available from the library, but some students choose to purchase their own copies
  • Travel costs
  • Printing
  • Any optional field trips
Accommodation and living costs
Accommodation and living costs

Accommodation and living costs are not included in our fees. 

For more information on accommodation and living costs, please see: Accommodation

Sources of financial support

Providing you are studying towards a full Masters qualification you may be able to apply for a postgraduate loan of up to £11,570 to help with tuition fees, maintenance and other associated costs. Student loans are available for many of our postgraduate degrees and are provided by the Student Loans Company (SLC). The loan can cover a wide range of postgraduate study options; part-time, full-time and distance learning. 

For more information and how to apply visit masters loan.

Apply

Location Award Study option Start date Apply Link
Stoke-on-Trent campus MSc Full-time 22 September 2025 Apply now

Rules and regulations

If you are offered a place at University of Staffordshire, your offer will be subject to our rules, regulations and enrolment conditions, which may vary from time to time.

Students of University of Staffordshire enter into a contract with us and are bound by these rules and regulations, which are subject to change. For more information, please see: University Policies and Regulations

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of Research is “Internationally Excellent” or “World Leading”

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