Master Digital Forensics (full-time)

Digital Forensic Principles

This course provides a solid basis for developing the fundamentals of Digital Forensics. The course is a mix of investigation methodologies, basic forensic skills and technology. In addition to theory and assignments, this module also encompasses practical components.

Computer Forensics

This course focuses on digital forensic artifacts that can be found on computers. In this course the principles of computers and their operating systems will be covered. With this knowledge you will research various artifacts, the influence of the environment on these artifacts and even anti-forensics. You will research traces which can be left behind by applications, virtual computing, and/or cloud storage. You learn to apply various digital forensic processes and techniques, for identifying, acquiring, analysing, and reporting various traces.

Research Methodology

Every day, forensic research plays a pivotal role in gathering crucial evidence to be presented in the courtroom. Because this evidence serves as the key to unraveling the truth and ensuring justice prevails, scientific research skills are essential for every forensic investigator.

In the module Research methodology you will learn the essential research skills. This means that you will develop the expertise to design a research project and to transform your ideas into a well-structured research proposal. You'll receive guidance throughout your research project and engage in thoughtful discussions about the steps and decisions made along the way. Also, you will learn to critically assess the sources you rely on. By the end of the module, you can systematically design and execute scientifically sound research projects and effectively communicate your findings to various audiences.

Law, Ethics & Governance

When the expertise of a digital forensics expert is called upon digital skills are a necessary requirement. They are however not sufficient. All digital forensic work exists in a context that needs to be understood in order to work effectively. In this module you will gain a basic understanding of the legal and ethical context of digital forensic work and how it is influenced by that context.

This module will require you not only to consider the most efficient way to go about your work from a technical perspective, but also look at legal and ethical consequences of the choices you make.

Data Analytics

In this comprehensive module, you'll embark on a journey into the world of data analysis, where you will acquire essential skills for handling data in forensic scenarios. Our course takes you through the fundamental elements of data analysis, from data collection to visualization, and demonstrates how these skills can be applied effectively in forensic contexts.

By the end of this module, you will have not only acquired the essential knowledge and skills to work in a data analysis team, but also you have completed a small data project to showcase your practical experience. Join us today and unlock the potential of data analysis in the world of forensic applications.

Mobile Forensics

Mobile forensics is a subgroup within digital forensic investigation that deals with collecting, analyzing and reporting evidence from mobile devices such as smartphones, tablets and smartwatches. As people rely on mobile devices for most of their data usage, these devices contain a large amount of evidence that can be useful in investigations.

Mobile devices can provide a wide range of useful data, from call logs and web search history to location data and physical user activity showing where the owner of the device was at a given time and doing. This module looks at the file systems and operating systems used by mobile devices, and how to extract digital evidence from them. It also looks at techniques to analyse, interpret, and validate such data when the meaning of data is not clear.

Network and IOT Forensics

This course examines digital forensic techniques in the context of networks and the internet (b.e. Internet of Things). You will learn about the identification of artifacts and collecting and analysing evidence using appropriate technologies. At the end of the course you will be able to advise about the acquisition and use of this information.

AI Forensics

The advances in AI are unstoppable. Not only in the area of machine learning and computer vision, but maybe even more so, in the field of language models and embedding AI in more or less every digital application and device. This generates new possibilities and challenges for digital forensics. In this module, you will focus on the impact of AI on the forensic field and explore tools and methodologies that help you deal with it effectively.

The programme is offered in two formats:

• Full-time (1 year)
• Part-time (2 years) 

The full-time programme is designed for students who can dedicate most of their time to study, with classes held at least three days per week and completion possible within one academic year. It is ideal for students who can fully commit to their studies, including recent graduates seeking to deepen their expertise in digital forensics.

The part-time programme, on the other hand, is tailored for professionals already working in the field of digital forensics or cybersecurity who wish to advance their careers while continuing to work. Students attend classes one day per week, combining work with study, and can complete the programme over two years. A suitable forensic-related job is a requirement for admission.

The deadline to enrol for the full-time masters programme Digital Forensics is 15 August 2026. Please note that the enrolment deadline for international students is 1 May 2026. Early enrolment is strongly recommended to allow sufficient time to complete the intake process and resolve any admission requirements (e.g. deficiencies). 

The Master Digital Forensics programme is currently offered by Leiden University of Applied Sciences (Hogeschool Leiden), with classes held at the HSD Campus (The Hague Security Delta) in The Hague, giving access to a state-of-the-art Digital Forensics Lab.

HSD-campus: Wilhelmina van Pruisenweg 104, 2595 AN Den Haag.

Statutory tuition fee

(EU/EEA students/ first enrollment in a Dutch master’s degree program)

• Full-time & part-time: € 2.695 per year (academic year 2026–2027)

Institutional tuition fee

(non-EU/EEA students/ second master's degree)

• Full-time: € 9.556 per year (academic year 2026–2027)
• part-time: € 6.689,- per year (academic year 2026–2027)

In addition, you may need to budget for study materials, books, and possibly a suitable laptop. If you are required to take pre-master’s modules, those have additional costs per module.

The programme is fully English-taught (both full-time and part-time), because the digital forensics field is international and relies heavily on English-language literature, tools, and collaboration.

Download the EER of the Master Digital Forensics.

The programme starts every year in September. Mid-year entry is not possible.