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.

At a glance

  • Dates
    • 03 - 07 Nov 2025
  • Duration5 days
  • LocationCranfield campus
  • CostShort course £2,250, accredited short course £2,500

Course structure

Lectures and tutor guide classroom practical exercises followed by self-study

What you will learn

On successful completion of the course you will be able to:

  • Explain selected fundamental technologies, techniques, processes, standards, and legislation applicable to digital forensics.
  • Construct an effective search and seizure plan for a digital investigation.
  • Perform a forensically sound acquisition of digital evidence.
  • Perform an examination of a digital evidence source using common techniques.
  • Create appropriate documentation to accompany a digital forensic investigation (e.g. notes, continuity, and statements).

Core content

  • Introduction to Digital Forensics,
  • Legislation,
  • Handling Evidence,
  • Quality in Digital Forensics,
  • Digital Forensics Documentation e.g. notes, continuity and statements,
  • Computer Architecture,
  • Mobile Architectures,
  • Other Digital Devices,
  • Forensic Tools,
  • Disk Imaging,
  • Phone Extraction,
  • Hashing Evidence,
  • Analysis Techniques,
  • Live Examination & Triage.

Credits towards further study

Important notice

Please note we will not be taking registrations for the below courses (MSc, PgDip and PgCert) from the 2026-2027 academic year onwards:

Forensic Archaeology and Anthropology
Forensic Investigation
Digital Forensics
Counterterrorism, Security and Resilience

This means that we are no longer in a position to transfer credit associated with modules from these courses to Cranfield degree awards. We continue, however, to be able to support credit transfer to other university awards, subject to acceptance by the receiving institution.

This short course forms part of Digital Forensics and when successfully completed as an accredited short course you will gain 10 Cranfield learning credits.

Find out more about accredited short courses.

Speakers

Andrew Sheldon

How to apply

To apply for this course please use the online application form.

Read our Professional development (CPD) booking conditions.