Curious about studying Advanced Digital Forensic Professional Apprenticeshipat Cranfield University? We've gathered all the key details—entry requirements, modules, fees, and more. Hear from real students by checking out reviews, or take the next step by booking an open day to explore it for yourself.
MSc - Master of Science
Cranfield Campus
Part Time
Oct 2026
2 Year
This part-time course meets the requirements of the Level 7 Advanced Digital Forensic Professional Apprenticeship Programme. Eligible organisations will be able to use their Apprenticeship Levy to cover the cost of the course tuition fees. Find out more about Master's Apprenticeships. As recognised by the National Police Chiefs' Council, ‘today, virtually every crime has a digital element, often involving vast amounts of complex data’ and His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) states that ‘demand for digital forensic examinations was increasing year on year’. The result of which is a need for capability in the area of digital forensic analysis within law enforcement, government and private sector where the investigation of incidents where digital devices and their data are involved.
The Advanced Digital Forensic Professional (Apprenticeship) course covers a range of key areas pertinent to planning and conducting digital forensic investigation in a complex and tech-divers landscape, and the communication of any results effectively. Students will understand the overarching legal, ethical, privacy, professional and quality issues that govern and influence the digital forensic investigative landscape and the requirements for providing a digital forensic service. Through the use of industry-utilised tools and techniques, students will also understand and deploy current state of the art investigative techniques and procedures appropriate for the capture, analysis and interpretation of data derived from a range of digital devices, contextualised with real world problems. You will also develop your own communication, problem solving, research and academic skills through a range of activities and assessments.
This module provides a general introduction to the awards associated with the MSc Digital Forensics, and the principles underpinning the course. It orients students and provides research skills to prepare students for their subsequent programme of study on the assessed modules. The discussion sessions provide students with an opportunity to network and gain confidence in expressing evidenced professional opinions.
The aim of this module is to provide students a thorough grounding in the fundamentals of common digital systems, the artefacts associated with such systems and techniques to identify, collect and analyse those artefacts. A mixture of theory and practice will facilitate the development of skills and experience across multiple computing platforms, including networking related artefacts. In addition to preparing students for real-world examination of computers, these skills will serve as a foundation for further study, including the Mobile Device Forensics and Internet-Based Investigations modules.
The aim of this module is to develop knowledge and understanding of the processes involved in the investigation of digital crime. These include the investigation of digital crime, the organization of digital systems, the seizure of digital evidence, the principles of device examination, the value of contemporaneous notes, the construction of reports and knowledge of relevant law.
This module addresses various Internet based technologies and services, the artefacts that are associated with them and the analysis of the various parts of such internet/network connected systems, from servers and cloud services to computers and mobile devices.
The tools used in digital forensics may not extract all relevant data or interpret data comprehensively. This module arms students with the understanding and ability to use programming techniques for the identification, extraction and interpretation of data in a digital forensics context.
This module introduces the techniques and challenges encountered in the forensic examination of mobile devices. Students will learn about various technologies associated with mobile devices, procedures for preserving, collecting and analysing data, as well as related legal and procedural concerns. The module concentrates on the Android and iOS operating systems but includes an overview of other mobile and embedded devices, including non-smart phones and IoT technologies.
To understand the core responsibilities of evidence recording and collection at the crime scene, both in general, and specifically related to operational constraints of a UK investigative context. To understand the operation of forensic and police investigators within the context of a major investigation.
The module will provide an understanding of the role and responsibilities of expert witnesses in domestic and international criminal and civil cases and how they can present their evidence to the court effectively. You will also apply knowledge gained in previous modules to strengthen arguments presented in expert witness reports.
3.5
