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. Most students on the programme are studying for a MSc, but students may leave the programme with a Graduate Diploma award once they have successfully completed and passed exams for 60 credits taken from modules from the wide range available in the programme.
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 Diploma programme should have 5 years experience in LE. If they have less than 5 years experience in LE, applicants should have a degree in computing / policing studies / related discipline or 2 years LE experience in Digital Forensics / Cybercrime Investigation role. Each applicant will be assessed on a case by case basis.
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://tinyurl.com/2ae2ffax
Application Details
The following entry routes are available:
Grad Dip Forensic Computing and Cyber Crime Investigation FT (T235)
Duration 1 Years
Attend Full Time
Deadline Rolling*
Grad Dip Forensic Computing and Cyber Crime Investigation PT (T007)
Duration 2 Years
Attend Part Time
Deadline Rolling*
* Courses will remain open until such time as all places have been filled, therefore early application is advised
Next Intake: September 2025.
Fees
GradDip Forensic Computing and Cyber Crime Investigation (T007) Part Time
EU fee per year - € 3864
nonEU fee per year - € 3864
GradDip Forensic Computing and Cyber Crime Investigation (T235) Full Time
EU fee per year - € 7686
nonEU fee per year - € 7686
***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.
Linguistic
The Linguistic's interests are usually focused on ideas and information exchange. They tend to like reading a lot, and enjoy discussion about what has been said. Some will want to write about their own ideas and may follow a path towards journalism, story writing or editing. Others will develop skills in other languages, perhaps finding work as a translator or interpreter. Most Linguistic types will enjoy the opportunity to teach or instruct people in a topic they are interested in.