Course Summary
This is a programme for law enforcement. It aims to provide high quality forensic computing and cybercrime investigation training and formal education. It is also designed to deliver cutting-edge, up-to-date cybercrime investigation techniques, strategies and tactics that allow students to understand and tackle emerging trends in cybercrime.
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 applicants must be current employees of a law enforcement organisation (LE) working in an investigative role. You do not have to be a sworn officer. LE includes any organisation that has responsibility for the enforcement of national or local legislation such as:
- Local, National, or Federal Police Forces
- Government law enforcement agencies
- Immigration & Border Control, Revenue & Customs
- Defence forces including military police
- International Police organisations (Europol, Interpol, etc)
- Regulatory Enforcement agencies etc
- Public prosecutors / Attorney General's office
We prefer applicants with a primary degree in computer science. However if you do not have this, 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. In such cases 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 MSc programme.
Please note that in some countries, a Masters degree is not recognised unless you also have an undergraduate degree and do a major piece of research as part of your Masters.
Each applicant will be assessed on a case by case basis.
Students are also required to fulfil UCD’s English Language Requirements (see http://www.ucd.ie/international/study-at-ucd-global/ucdenglishlanguagerequirements/)
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:
MSc Forensic Computing and Cybercrime Investigation Sept FT (T146)
Duration 1 Years
Attend Full Time
Deadline Rolling*
MSc Forensic Computing and Cybercrime Investigation Sept PT (T025)
Duration 2 Years
Attend Part Time
DeadlineRolling*
* Courses will remain open until such time as all places have been filled, therefore early application is advised
Next Intake: September 2025.
Fees
MSc Forensic Computing and Cybercrime Investigation (T025) Part Time
EU/NONEU fee per year - € 5544
MSc Forensic Computing and Cybercrime Investigation (T146) Full Time
EU fee per year - € 11088
nonEU fee per year - € 10994
***Fees are subject to change
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.
Career Progression
For law enforcement officers, having this qualification has the additional advantage of adding credibility to their testimony as expert witnesses. Career development possibilities in this field are excellent. Graduates include senior staff at Europol and INTERPOL, members of national and regional police forces and police training colleges, government ministries and agencies with Law Enforcement (LE) powers, defence forces, specialist cybercrime agencies, revenue, customs and border protection.
Duration
Course delivery
Lectures are pre-recorded and provided online via a virtual online learning environment. Exercises, reading, assignments and projects are conducted online and in our virtual labs. Students are required to come to Dublin or another UCD exam centre each year to complete in-person examinations. All modules are examined in May each year in Dublin, Netherlands, Canada and the USA. We also hold optional exams in Dublin and the Netherlands in December for our semester one modules.