KV5004 - Digital Forensics: Principles and Practices

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 February 2026 v3.0

CORE National Learning
The police constable role and professional standards 2.1
Wellbeing and resilience 1.1–1.8
Neighbourhood, community and partnership working 2.4

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

School Humanities and Social Sciences

Location City Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Start September 2027

Fee Information

Module Information

Accuracy of information

All information is accurate at the time of sharing.

How your course is delivered

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning.

Changes to your course

Most courses run as described on our website and in our marketing materials. Occasionally we may need to make changes, for example due to a change in the law or regulatory requirements, requirements of a Professional, Statutory or Regulatory Body, or our quality assurance processes. Where a change is significant (in line with the Competition and Markets Authority's guidance on "substantial changes"), we will consult with affected students in advance where the change is being decided, and will explain the reason for the change and inform you at the earliest opportunity.

If we make a significant variation to your programme, you are entitled to: request a transfer to an alternative, appropriate programme; withdraw and have your tuition fees adjusted; or raise a complaint through the Student Complaints Procedure.

Optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year. Where a module you selected is withdrawn, the options above apply.

Contact time

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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The photography and video on this page are used for illustration. They may have been taken at different times and in different parts of the University, and may show facilities, equipment, staff, students or activities that are not part of this course. They are not a guarantee of the specific facilities or equipment you will use.

The course content, entry requirements and fees sections of this page, together with the Programme Specification, set out what this course includes. Our facilities are updated over time and may change during your studies.

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Accuracy of information

All information is accurate at the time of sharing.

How your course is delivered

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning.

Changes to your course

Most courses run as described on our website and in our marketing materials. Occasionally we may need to make changes, for example due to a change in the law or regulatory requirements, requirements of a Professional, Statutory or Regulatory Body, or our quality assurance processes. Where a change is significant (in line with the Competition and Markets Authority's guidance on "substantial changes"), we will consult with affected students in advance where the change is being decided, and will explain the reason for the change and inform you at the earliest opportunity.

If we make a significant variation to your programme, you are entitled to: request a transfer to an alternative, appropriate programme; withdraw and have your tuition fees adjusted; or raise a complaint through the Student Complaints Procedure.

Optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year. Where a module you selected is withdrawn, the options above apply.

Contact time

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.

Images and video

The photography and video on this page are used for illustration. They may have been taken at different times and in different parts of the University, and may show facilities, equipment, staff, students or activities that are not part of this course. They are not a guarantee of the specific facilities or equipment you will use.

The course content, entry requirements and fees sections of this page, together with the Programme Specification, set out what this course includes. Our facilities are updated over time and may change during your studies.

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