Who is the Master’s Degree in Digital Forensics suitable for?
The part-time Master’s degree in Digital Forensics is aimed at professionals from the police, law enforcement, judiciary, tax investigation, customs, immigration authorities as well as employees in expert offices, companies, IT service providers, clinics, auditing firms, banks, insurance companies and security consulting. The study programme is designed for people who already have practical experience in IT and want to systematically deepen their knowledge in the field of digital investigations and IT security.
What formal requirements do you have to meet?
The following requirements apply for admission to the Master’s programme in Digital Forensics:
- Completed first degree (e.g. Bachelor’s or diploma, preferably in computer science, natural sciences, engineering or related subjects)
- At least 1 year of relevant professional experience in IT
- The number of study places is limited to 30, application deadline is annually the 15th of July
Personally, you should bring the following qualities:
- Analytical thinking skills and structured problem-solving competence
- Interest in IT security, data analysis and digital investigation processes
- Self-organisation and self-motivation in order to successfully complete the distance learning programme alongside work
- Willingness to engage in continuous further training in a rapidly evolving field
Which knowledge and skills will you acquire in the Master’s Digital Forensics?
In the Master's degree programme Digital Forensics, you will develop a broad, interdisciplinary knowledge around IT security, digital investigations, and legal aspects. The course content ranges from fundamentals of computer science and operating systems, through internet technologies, to practice-oriented modules such as reverse engineering and live analysis of digital traces. You will learn to secure and evaluate digital evidence, conduct forensic analyses of data carriers, and reconstruct IT attacks. The legal dimension encompasses both computer criminal law and information and computer criminal procedure law. A special elective module is browser and application forensics. By the end of your studies, you will be able to independently plan demanding digital investigations and professionally support them.
- Introduction to computer science, operating systems, and internet basics
- IT security, types of IT attacks, and forensic programming
- Operating system forensics and network forensics for trace analysis in systems and data streams
- Reverse engineering and data carrier forensics for detection and reconstruction of manipulations
- Practice-oriented live analyses and execution of digital investigations
- Advanced knowledge in computer criminal law and information law
- Elective module: browser and application forensics
You will sharpen your analytical skills, problem-solving ability, and your understanding of both computer science and legal interrelations in digital investigation processes.
What is the course structure and procedure of the distance learning Digital Forensics?
The programme is designed as a 7-semester (standard period of study) part-time distance learning course. The majority of the content (about 80%) is studied flexibly during self-study phases using study booklets, digital documents, and online tools from home. The self-study units are complemented by alternating on-site phases, during which you work practically, exchange ideas with fellow students, and receive direct feedback from lecturers.
- Study materials are provided either by post or digitally
- ILIAS learning platform as well as a virtual laboratory are available throughout
- Combination of written examinations and further module completions during the course
- Completion through Master’s thesis including defence in the 7th semester
- Academic supervision by an experienced, interdisciplinary teaching team
- During your studies, you will benefit from scientific online databases and free use of online subscriptions and e-books
The flexible model allows you to complete the studies fully part-time alongside your job and graduate with a recognised Master of Science.
Which career paths does the Master’s Digital Forensics open up?
With the Master’s degree in Digital Forensics, you qualify for specialised positions in the fields of IT forensics and IT security. Typical professional fields include police and public prosecutor’s investigations, activities in tax investigation, as well as expertise in expert offices, companies, hospitals, auditing firms, banks, insurance companies, and within IT security consulting.
- Forensic analysis and digital investigations at law enforcement authorities (police, customs, public prosecutor’s office)
- Specialist tasks in the field of IT security and incident response in companies and organisations
- Specialist and management positions in IT service companies, auditing, insurance, and banking
- Consulting and project participation at security consulting firms or data protection officers
- Work as a forensic expert or external specialist for courts and public authorities
The specialised competence profile is in strong demand and opens doors for you in public administration, justice, and the private sector with a focus on IT forensics and digital evidence preservation.
How are the costs composed and what financing options are available?
The tuition fees for the Master’s degree programme Digital Forensics amount to EUR 19,090 for the entire part-time course (7 semesters). Included in the price are all study materials, access to the online learning platform and virtual laboratory, academic supervision, on-site phases, study counselling, as well as free access to scientific databases and digital specialist literature.
- The total costs of the course: EUR 19,090
- Included: all teaching materials, use of the virtual laboratory, and access to specialist literature
- No hidden additional costs for examinations or services
- Tuition fees can, if necessary, be paid in instalments
- Options exist for funding by employers or tax deductions (as income-related expenses/business expenses)
Educational loans or funding programmes for continuing education courses may also be utilised. The investment paves your way to a future-oriented specialisation in the field of IT forensics.
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