
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 except for several mandatory on-campus meetings. The curriculum combines theory and 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
Students will learn how to identify, collect, analyse and report on the following subjects:
- Computer Hardware & OS
- Memory Forensics
- Timestamp & Timelines
- Storage File-systems and Disks
- Storage 2 / Files + Obfuscation
- Planning and eDiscovery
- Cloud
- Applications and Databases
- Virtualisation
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.
Purely practical
Duration and location
Duration
8 weeks (November 2025 through February 2026)*
On-campus day
Monday
Extent
140 hrs (5 ECTS)
- Combination of self-study, on-campus lectures & practical assignments.
- Option to follow lectures online with the exception of several mandatory on-campus meetings.
Location
HSD-Campus, the Hague
*Schedule subject to change
Cost and planning
Cost per module
€ 3.150,- VAT exempt (excl. literature)
subject to indexation
Start
November 2025*
Registration
Register at latest by 31 August 2025
*Course will only be confirmed when there is sufficient participation.
*Schedule subject to change
Made your choice?
We're looking forward to seeing you! The course starts in November 2025. If you want to participate, register before 31 August 2025.
Still in doubt?
Do you have any questions about this course? We're happy to help.
Maybe this is what you seek!
Master Digital Forensics (part-time)



Terms and Conditions
All modules are subject to the terms and conditions of Leiden University of Applied Sciences (in Dutch).