Advanced Digital Forensic Professional Apprenticeship

The Advanced Digital Forensic Professional Apprenticeship is a part-time course that meets the requirements of the Level 7 Advanced Digital Forensic Professional Apprenticeship Programme. Eligible organisations can use their Apprenticeship Levy to cover the cost of the course tuition fees.

Overview

• Start date: March and October
• Duration: 24 months plus End Point Assessment (estimated to take place within 6 months)
• Delivery: A mix of in-person residential and online modules with an end-point assessment
• Qualification: MSc
• Study type: Part-time
• Campus: Cranfield campus, Cranfield campus/Online, Online and Cranfield campus

Course Details

The course covers a range of key areas pertinent to planning and conducting digital forensic investigations in a complex and tech-diverse 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.

Modules

The following are the compulsory modules for the course:

1. Introductory Studies: Provides a general introduction to the awards associated with the MSc Digital Forensics and the principles underpinning the course.
2. Digital Forensic Techniques and Traces: Provides 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.
3. Introduction to Digital Crime and Investigation: Develops knowledge and understanding of the processes involved in the investigation of digital crime.
4. Internet Based Investigations: Addresses various Internet-based technologies and services, the artefacts associated with them, and the analysis of the various parts of such internet
   etwork-connected systems.
5. Programming for Digital Forensics: Arms students with the understanding and ability to use programming techniques for the identification, extraction, and interpretation of data in a digital forensics context.
6. Mobile Device Forensics: Introduces the techniques and challenges encountered in the forensic examination of mobile devices.
7. Investigation and Evidence Collection: Understands the core responsibilities of evidence recording and collection at the crime scene.
8. Courtroom Skills: Provides 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.

Teaching Team

The course is taught by academics involved in cutting-edge research in the field, as well as experts from industry, bringing specialist knowledge and skills to support student learning.

Fees and Funding

• The course fees are Ł27,000, which includes tuition fees and endpoint assessment only.
• Eligible organisations can use their Apprenticeship Levy to cover the cost of the programme.

Entry Requirements

• A first or second-class honours degree or equivalent.
• Alternatively, a lower qualification together with appropriate work experience may be acceptable.
• Applicants must demonstrate that they can communicate effectively in English in an academic environment prior to the start of the course.
• As part of all Higher-Level Apprenticeships in England, it is a requirement that an apprentice holds or achieves an approved level 2 qualification in Mathematics and English before they can successfully complete the apprenticeship.

Career Opportunities

The programme offers a highly effective springboard into many career opportunities, including employment routes to Government and non-Governmental bodies, police departments, and independent digital forensic consultants. Popular job roles in the digital forensics/cyber security sector include Junior OSINT Analyst, Forensic eDiscovery Services, Cyber Security Analyst, and Expert in Digital Forensics.

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Overview:

Cranfield University is a postgraduate-focused institution specializing in science, technology, engineering, and management. It is renowned for its strong industry links and practical approach to education.

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Services Offered:

Cranfield University offers a wide range of services to students, including:

Careers and Employability Service:

Provides guidance and support for career planning and job searching.

IT Services:

Offers access to computer labs, software, and technical support.

Libraries:

Provides access to extensive collections of books, journals, and online resources.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Strong Industry Links:

Cranfield University has close relationships with numerous organizations, providing students with opportunities for internships, placements, and networking.

Practical Approach to Education:

The university emphasizes hands-on learning and real-world applications, preparing students for successful careers.

World-Class Facilities:

Cranfield boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including laboratories, workshops, and research centers.

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Academic Programs:

Cranfield University offers a variety of postgraduate programs, including:

Taught Degrees:

MSc programs in various fields, such as aerospace, energy, and management.

Research Degrees:

PhD and MPhil programs for students seeking to conduct advanced research.

Apprenticeships:

Level 7 apprenticeships for professionals seeking to enhance their skills and knowledge.

Professional Development:

Short courses and executive development programs for individuals and organizations.

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Other:

• Cranfield University has two campuses: Cranfield Campus and Cranfield University at Shrivenham.
• The university is committed to sustainability and has a strong track record in environmental research.
• Cranfield University is ranked highly in various international rankings, including those for sustainability and engineering.