What will I learn on this module?
You will have the opportunity to further develop your analytical and evaluative skills in digital forensic investigations using the latest industry software, giving invaluable hands-on practical use. Learning and teaching will take place through a variety of mechanisms. Topics will be introduced in lectures and discussed through seminar activities and guided learning activities. The theoretical material on digital forensics will be re-enforced through the critical analysis and discussion of case studies as well as sessions on the use of digital forensics software in lab-based practical seminar sessions. These hands will use digital forensic tools to analyse and evaluate case studies/digital evidence to solve digital forensic problems. Throughout the lab-based sessions, you will be reminded of the professional responsibilities, the need to protect evidential integrity and the need to document all activities to a standard expected by a court of law.
CoP pre-join curriculum learning outcomes: CoP December 2023 v1.1
CORE National Learning
The Police Constable Role and professional standards: 2.1
CORE National Supporting Information
The Police Constable role and professional standards
Wellbeing and resilience
Protecting the public
Criminal Justice System
Community policing and partnership working
Response policing
Information, intelligence and evidence
Conducting investigations
How will I learn on this module?
The module includes a combination of methods to support learning, including lectures, practical seminar sessions and guided learning. Topics will normally be introduced in lectures and explored through practical exercises (helping you develop the practical skills needed) and guided learning activities. You will be encouraged to develop independent learning skills. The university library offers support for all students through its catalogue and an Ask4Help online service.
How will I be supported academically on this module?
You will be supported through active participation and discussion during seminars and workshops. These offer a unique opportunity to fully understand the theory underpinning the principles and practices of a thorough and effective police investigation. All lecture, seminar and workshop material will be available on the University’s eLearning Portal, supplemented with guidance on further reading relevant to the subjects.
Written assessment feedback will also be provided to allow you to understand how you performed and how you can build on this performance in
subsequent assessments within your programme.
What will I be expected to read on this module?
All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.
What will I be expected to achieve?
Knowledge & Understanding:
1. Evaluate the core concepts which underpin the disciplines of digital forensics
2. Evaluate how the core concepts, knowledge and practice of digital forensics has developed through research.
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
3. Identify and evaluate findings obtained from digital forensic investigations and apply appropriate procedural principles to that evidence.
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
4. Communicate and present written investigative findings in such ways that they meet the expected standards.
How will I be assessed?
Formative – discussions and quizzes during seminar classes.
Summative – a 3500 word report presenting the investigative findings from a given case study (digital evidence). This will assess all MLOs. Feedback will be via elp.
Pre-requisite(s)
N/A
Co-requisite(s)
N/A
Module abstract
You will have the opportunity to analyse and examine digital forensics case studies using the latest industry specialist software, giving invaluable hands-on practical use. You will be guided through and provided feedback on exercises during the timetabled seminar sessions as well as attending a series of lectures and seminars covering core teaching topics. You will be assessed via a written report, requiring you to undertake an examination on a given case study/digital evidence.
Course info
UCAS Code LL44
Credits 20
Level of Study Undergraduate
Mode of Study 3 years Full Time
Department Social Sciences
Location City Campus, Northumbria University
City Newcastle
Start September 2025
All information is accurate at the time of sharing.
Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.
Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.
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