Computer and Digital Forensics
Computer and digital forensics is the discipline concerned with the investigation and analysis of digital evidence, the recovery of data from electronic devices, and the application of technical skills and legal frameworks to support criminal investigations and civil litigation. As virtually every aspect of modern life leaves a digital trace, the ability to find, preserve, and interpret that evidence has become central to law enforcement, corporate security, regulatory compliance, and the justice system.
At Teesside University this three-year, full-time programme develops your technical expertise across a range of forensic computing skills. You will study network design solutions and current trends in networking, including the growing demand for bandwidth and wireless systems, and you will gain hands-on experience with key network simulation software. The programme also covers security threats and their solutions, the assessment and management of security risk, the legal requirements governing digital evidence, and the social and ethical issues that arise in the investigation of digital systems.
A sandwich year is built in, and work placement opportunities are available, giving you professional experience in relevant technical or investigative environments.
Graduates of computer and digital forensics work in law enforcement, specialist forensic investigation companies, corporate security teams, government agencies, and legal firms that need technical expertise to support litigation. Many move into roles as digital forensic investigators, incident response specialists, cybersecurity analysts, or expert witnesses. The combination of technical forensic skills and knowledge of legal frameworks and ethical considerations is increasingly valued as the volume and complexity of digital evidence in legal and regulatory proceedings grows.
Further study at Masters level in digital forensics, cybersecurity, or computer science is available for those who want to develop deeper specialist expertise.