Master's Programme (60 credits) in Network Forensics, 60 credits

Bachelor of Science degree or the equivalent in an engineering subject or in computer science. Courses in computer technology, digital communication, computer networks, computer science or digital forensics of at least 90 credits, of which 15 credits must be in Computer networks and 7.5 credits in Programming. Courses in mathematics of at least 15 credits. The degree must be equivalent to a Swedish kandidatexamen and must have been awarded from an internationally recognised university.

Applicants must have written and verbal command of the English language equivalent to English course 6 in Swedish Upper-Secondary School.

The aim of the programme is to enable students to develop the theoretical and practical expertise required to work with forensic network analysis and to conduct research within the field. Furthermore, students will acquire specialised knowledge within areas such as datamining, digital security and cybercrime with regard to issues of democracy, diversity and equality also participation in society. The MSc in Network Forensics is an interdisciplinary programme firmly linked to network technology, cyber security and societal needs, contributing to the sustainable development of digital services and implementations of online infrastructures.

The student shall with the programme reach a good basis for postgraduate studies in the field of digital forensics.

On completion of the programme, students shall be able to:

Knowledge and understanding

• account for and explain central concepts and models in the field of digital forensics as well as discuss current research and development in the field with regard to both technical and diversity, equality and democracy perspectives on social control and integrity
• identify relevant methods to plan and execute advanced implementation assignments within the field of datamining, network analysis and digital forensics investigations

Competence and skills

• assess and manage complex phenomena and situations concerning forensic investigations
• independently design, execute, document and report scientifically based investigations within predetermined time frames and apply appropriate research methods in digital forensics
• present and defend their work in both orally and in writing in an international research environment and dialogue with different groups and relate their work to established research in the field
• participate in research, innovation and development projects and independently execute delimited project assignments

Judgement and approach

• critically assess and evaluate research, innovation and development within digital forensics with regard to issues of technology, sustainability, ethics and integrity
• demonstrate insight into the opportunities and limitations of working in the field of digital forensics, the role of the field in society and the responsibility and influence of people
• make relevant assessments of their own level of understanding and need of further knowledge in digital forensics

The program's central area is digital forensics, one interdisciplinary subject between information technology, right economics, sociology, and political science. Students are trained critically relate to current research on digital forensics from both a technical perspective and an openness perspective, democracy, and personal integrity. Education takes up questions about norm formation in society and human rights
and in-depth information on investigating digital crimes and incident management. Every criminal investigation has digital evidence, and competence in digital forensics has a vital role in the fight against crime. Parts of the course material are produced by organisations active in many countries to make it an international standard. The students are prepared for a global working life or research. By alternating theory with practical elements, the students are well prepared the tasks they can rely on in their future work.

The first semester deals with digital forensics and the research methods used within the field. In the second semester, a student specialise within the field, taking into account the significance of forensics for sustainable development from the perspectives of society, technology and ethics. In parallel, they execute a degree project in digital forensics focusing on research, innovation or development.

The following courses are included in the programme

All of the courses are in the second cycle and included in the main field of digital forensics.

Semester 1

Advanced Computer Networks and Security 15 credits

Introduction to Digital Forensics 7.5 credits

Applied Data Mining 7.5 credits

Semester 2

Network Forensics and Cybercrime 15 credits

Degree Project in Digital Forensics 15 credits

Teaching language is English.

Degree of Master of Science (60 credits) with a major in Digital Forensics (Teknologie magisterexamen med huvudområdet digital forensik).

To be eligible for semester 2, 7.5 credits from the course Advanced Computer Networks and Security 15 credits are required.

The programme is continuously monitored and evaluated through course evaluations conducted after the completion of each course. Course evaluations serve as a tool to, based on students' experiences and feedback, make changes to the content and delivery of courses. Upon completing their studies, all students are offered the opportunity to participate in a programme evaluation by completing a final-year survey. The results of this survey can lead to changes in the programme. The programme is associated with a programme council that addresses quality and development issues. The council includes representatives from the industry, programme students, alumni, and others. The students are, through the Halmstad Students’ Union, represented in the university's decision-making bodies as well as in the committees that evaluate programs in accordance with the university's quality system.