Course Summary
This programme gives law enforcement officers knowledge and skills to investigate cybercrimes and to gather, handle and use digital evidence and intelligence in order to disrupt criminal activity and prevent crime and to secure convictions.
College Link
Career Sectors
This course prepares you for working in the Career Sectors below. Follow the links to get a fuller understanding of the sectors you are preparing for.
Entry Requirements
All Forensic Computing & Cybercrime Investigation programmes/modules are restricted to members of LAW ENFORCEMENT (LE) ONLY. Applicants must be working in an investigative role. This includes agents of any organisation that has responsibility for the enforcement of national or local legislation including but not limited to Local, National, or Federal Police Forces, International Police organisations (Europol, Interpol, etc), Fisheries, Revenue & Customs, Immigration, Border Security, Regulatory Enforcement, Defence Forces / Military.
Applicants to the Graduate Certificate programme should have 5 years experience in LE. If you do not have the required 5 years minimum employment in law enforcement, but you have been working in the field of digital forensic investigations in law enforcement for more than 2 years and you have successfully completed advanced training, then we will consider this in compensation, at the discretion of the course directors. We prefer applicants with a primary degree in computer science but it is not compulsory.
In cases where applicants have less than the required length of employment experience we may ask you to take 3 single modules as CPD (Continual Professional Development) and if you achieve grades of B- or higher you may be allowed to transfer to the Graduate Certificate programme.
You may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), as UCD recognises formal, informal, and/or experiential learning. RPL may be awarded to gain Admission and/or credit exemptions on a programme. Please visit the UCD Registry RPL web page for further information. Any exceptions are also listed on this webpage.
https://www.ucd.ie/registry/prospectivestudents/admissions/rpl/
Application Details
Apply online
Who Should Apply?
Part Time option suitable for:
Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants: Yes
This programme is open to members of LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES ONLY.
F007 Forensic Computing & Cybercrime Investigation (Graduate Certificate) Part-Time
Commencing September 2026
Graduate Taught
Fees
GradCert Forensic Computing & Cybercrime Investigation (F007) Part Time
EU fee per year - € 3864
nonEU fee per year - € 3864
***Fees are subject to change
Tuition fee information is available on the UCD Fees website. The cost of examination trips is not included in the tuition fee and students are expected to support themselves while attending examinations and other events.
The Student
Career Interests
This course is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests. If these interests do not describe you, this course may prepare you for work you may not find satisfying.
Investigative
The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.
Career Progression
Duration
Delivery: Blended