Throughout the Research Methodology course students develop research skills. As this course is part of the Master Digital Forensics, the workshops and skills taught are focused on research within the digital forensic field.
Something for you?
You are a professional with a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree working in the digital forensic field looking to develop or improve your research skills.
About the course
The research methodology course is based on 3 pillars;
I) a critically inquisitive attitude,
II) being able to use literature (and research) of others (scholars) and
III) being able to conduct a practice-based study independently.
The course is part of the Master Digital Forensics, a two-year part-time program. The course has a study load of 5 ECTS. Our education is offered in a hybrid format, providing the option to follow lectures online except for several mandatory on-campus meetings.
What you will learn
During the workshops of Research Methodology, insight is offered into the following components: what scientific research is, what a research cycle looks like, what role literature has, and how we deal with references responsibly. It also covers formulating a research objective, the central question (the research topic), and related research questions.
Students later translate this into their own research design. Subsequently, research methodology takes center stage at the workshops. This form determines the (philosophical) starting points of the study, associated research designs, different forms of data collection, and data analysis.
Finally, attention is paid to formulating findings, translating the literature and data for professionals (recommendations), and critical reflection. Additionally, in this course there is a focus on developing students’ critical thinking skills and abilities while they are conducting research within the digital forensic field.
After completion
- You can: formulate a research objective
- You know: how to make your own research design
- You understand: what scientific research is
Admission requirements
The admission requirements for this course are:
- Bachelor's degree ICT, Computer Science or Digital Forensics
- Suitable workplace in the field of digital forensics
- 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)
Microcredential
After completing the course, you will receive a micro-credential. Micro-credentials focus on specific skills and areas of knowledge, offering a targeted, flexible, and time-efficient way to develop new competencies or enhance existing ones.
If you later decide to pursue the Master’s Degree in Digital Forensics, you will be granted exemptions for any courses in the program that correspond to the micro-credentials you have already earned.
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.
Purely practical
Duration and location
Duration
10 classes divided over 17 weeks
On-campus day
Tuesday
Extent
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
€ 2.000,- VAT exempt (excl. literature)*
*subject to indexation
Start*
September 2026
Registration
15 August 3036
*Course will only be confirmed when there is sufficient participation.
*Schedule subject to change
Learn more?
4 November
Sign up for the online information sessions. We're looking forward to seeing you!
Still in doubt?
We're happy to help!
Do you have any questions about this course? We're happy to help.
Terms and Conditions
All modules are subject to the terms and conditions of Leiden University of Applied Sciences (in Dutch).