Computer Forensics

Course

Duration: 20 weeks
Start: Sept 2024
Costs: € 3.000,-
Microcredential

Een Forensisch ICT'er achter de computer

Our digitally transformed world creates many new opportunities for misconduct. Criminals are rapidly shifting their field of activity to the digital domain providing a growing need for trained forensic IT specialists who can act quickly and effectively in digital forensic investigations.

The Computer Forensics course focuses on digital forensic artifacts that can be found on computers. The module covers the principles of computers and their operating systems. With this knowledge students research various artifacts, the influence of the environment on these artifacts and even anti-forensics. The students research traces, which can be left behind by applications, virtual computing, and/or cloud storage.

Something for you?

You are a professional with a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree working in the digital forensic field looking to widen their knowledge and develop your technical skills.

About the course

The Computer Forensics course is part of the Master Digital Forensics, a two-year part-time program. The duration of the course is 20 weeks with a study load of approximately 140 hours (5 ECTS).

Our education is offered in a hybrid format, providing the option to follow lectures online with the exception of several mandatory on-campus meetings. The curriculum combines theory & practice. Participants are expected to carry out practical projects and assignments in their own workplace or at the Digital Forensics Lab at the Digital Forensics & E-Discovery lectorate based at the HSD-campus in the Hague.

Topics

The following topics are covered during the Computer Forensics course:

Principles of Operating Systems
Timing and timestamps
Computer memory investigation
Disk and File analysis
Virtual Computing Forensics
Cloud Forensics
Application forensics

Admission requirements

The admission requirements for this course are:

Bachelor's degree ICT, Computer Science or Digital Forensics (or completed pre-master program Digital Forensics).
- Solid understanding of binary arithmetic, data encoding and bitwise programming
- Experience with low level programming Python and or Assembler is an advantage
- Demonstrable experience with imaging and digital forensic tools
- Experience with different operating systems (Linux, MacOS, Windows)
- Understanding of Digital Forensics Principles
Relevant work experience in the Digital Forensics field
Good command of the English language (minimum B2 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages)
Resume check to review if you meet the entry-level requirements of the module (if needed to determine this, you will be invited for an introductory interview)

About the Master Digital Forensics

The Master of Digital Forensics is specifically tailored to professionals who would like to:

advance their technical skills in modern day digital forensics and investigations.
acquire the necessary management and communication skills required to perform forensic investigations.
be prepared for the technology paradigm shift towards IOT forensics.
learn how to use analytics, AI, and ML methodologies and apply forensic frameworks to control huge investigations.
learn to develop state of the art forensic tools.

Read more about the complete master’s program.

*Please note not all modules of the Master Digital Forensics will be offered as micro-credentials therefore, it is not possible to complete the entire Master’s program via micro-credentials.

After completion

Upon successful completion, you will receive a microcredential. Microcredentials certify the successful learning outcomes of short courses, trainings and other learning modules. They offer a flexible, targeted way to help you show how you are developing the knowledge, skills and competencies you need in your personal and professional development.

Purely practical

Duration and location

Duration
20 weeks (September 2024 through January 2025)

On-campus day
Monday

Extent
140 hrs (5 ECTS)

Combination of self-study, on-campus lectures & practical assignments.
Option to follow lectures online with exception of several mandatory on-campus meetings.

Location
HSD-Campus, the Hague

Cost and planning

Cost per module
€ 3.000,- VAT exempt (excl. literature)

Start
September 2024*

Registration
Register at latest by 15 August 2024.

*Course will only be confirmed when there is sufficient participation.

Why Leiden?

Leiden is known for its high-quality educational programmes, particularly in healthcare, education, and Life Sciences.
The involvement, personal approach, and expertise of our teaching staff are significant.
Enjoy the historical charm, museums, and cultural events of Leiden