Introduction to Digital Forensics

Every click, file, log, message and network connection can leave a digital trace. This course introduces you to the world of digital forensics, where specialist tools and techniques are used to investigate devices, networks and cyber incidents.

Purpose

Digital forensics is a vital area of computing and cyber security. As individuals and organisations rely more heavily on digital systems, there is a growing need to investigate security breaches, recover digital evidence and understand how incidents have occurred.

This course introduces learners to the processes and procedures used in digital forensic investigations. You will explore how evidence is identified, preserved, acquired, examined and analysed. You will also consider the legal, ethical and professional responsibilities involved in handling digital evidence.

Learners will investigate the use of forensic tools, system logs, network data and file system structures across different operating systems. You will also develop a forensic examination plan and make recommendations to improve system security based on investigation findings.

Goals

By the end of this course, learners will be able to:

· Understand what digital forensics is and why it is important.

· Examine the processes and procedures used in digital forensic investigations.

· Understand how digital evidence should be collected, preserved and analysed.

· Explore legal, ethical and professional guidelines for forensic investigation.

· Investigate the role of organisations and agencies involved in cyber crime and digital evidence.

· Use hardware and/or software tools to support a digital forensic investigation.

· Examine file system structures across different operating systems.

· Develop a forensic examination plan.

· Make recommendations to improve system security following an investigation.

· Develop analytical, problem-solving, communication and critical thinking skills relevant to cyber security and digital investigation.

On this course, you may explore topics such as:

· The meaning and purpose of digital forensics.

· The stages of a digital forensic investigation.

· Evidence assessment, acquisition, preservation, examination and analysis.

· Sources of digital evidence, including logs, access records, system data and network activity.

· Legal and ethical requirements, including the Data Protection Act 2018, Computer Misuse Act 1990 and Freedom of Information Act 2000.

· Law enforcement and professional guidelines linked to digital evidence.

· Hardware and software tools used in forensic investigation.

· SIEM tools, system logs, network monitoring and penetration testing tools.

· Investigation of devices, networks or cyber attacks.

· File system structures across operating systems such as Windows, Linux, UNIX, MacOS and Android.

· Forensic examination planning and recommendations for improving system security.

Assessment may include written explanations, diagrams, investigation plans, practical forensic activities, tool comparisons, case-study analysis and evaluative reports.
During this course, you will explore how digital forensic investigations are carried out in professional and cyber security contexts. You will learn why evidence handling is important and how investigators must follow clear processes to protect the reliability of digital evidence.

You will study realistic scenarios involving devices, networks or cyber incidents. You may examine logs, file structures, digital traces, system behaviours and potential evidence sources. You will also consider the consequences of not following correct forensic procedures, especially where evidence may be used in a legal or organisational investigation.

Unique Features

· A specialist digital course linked to cyber security, investigation and evidence handling.

· Practical exploration of forensic tools and investigation methods.

· Focus on professional, legal and ethical responsibilities.

· Opportunities to examine realistic cyber security and digital investigation scenarios.

· Development of skills relevant to cyber security, incident response, digital investigation and IT security roles.

Trips and Visit Opportunities

Where available, learners may have opportunities to engage with:

· Guest speakers from cyber security, digital investigation, policing, legal or IT security backgrounds.

· Visits or virtual sessions linked to universities, cyber security employers or digital investigation specialists.

· Cyber security events, workshops or competitions.

Links to Employers and Work Experience

This course supports skills that are relevant to the computing, cyber security and digital investigation sectors. Learners will develop awareness of how organisations respond to digital incidents and how forensic processes can help identify what has happened.

Employer links may include opportunities to explore:

· Cyber security operations.

· Incident response.

· IT support and systems administration.

· Digital investigation and forensic analysis.

· Network monitoring and security logging.

· Professional standards in evidence handling and investigation.

Enrichment Activities

Learners may take part in enrichment activities such as:

· Digital investigation mini challenges.

· Log analysis activities.

· Cyber incident case studies.

· Group discussions on legal and ethical issues.

· Tool comparison exercises.

· Presentations on forensic investigation findings.

· Practical workshops linked to evidence collection, preservation and reporting.

Other Requirements

Learners will be expected to work carefully, follow instructions, record findings accurately and maintain a professional approach to digital evidence. They should be prepared to complete independent research, analyse technical information and produce written reports using appropriate computing and cyber security terminology.
Applicants would normally be expected to have a relevant Level 3 qualification.

Applicants should also normally have GCSE English and maths at grade 4 or above, or equivalent qualifications.

Mature learners with relevant industry experience may also be considered, particularly where they have experience or interest in IT support, cyber security, networking, digital systems, policing, investigation, data protection or legal/ethical aspects of technology.
This course is assessed through assignment-based tasks.

Assessment methods may include:

· Written explanations of digital forensic concepts.

· Diagrams or illustrations showing forensic processes.

· Research into legal, ethical and professional guidelines.

· Case-study analysis of forensic investigation scenarios.

· Practical use of forensic tools or investigation techniques.

· Comparison of forensic tools.

· Examination of file system structures.

· Development of a forensic examination plan.

· Recommendations for improving system security.

· Evaluation of an investigation and its effectiveness.

· A final portfolio of assignment evidence.

Learners will be assessed on their ability to explain, apply, analyse and evaluate digital forensic processes in a professional and legally aware way.
On successful completion of this course, learners may be able to progress to further study or employment pathways linked to computing, cyber security and digital investigation.

Possible progression routes include:

· Higher education study in cyber security, computer science, digital forensics, networking, information security or computing.

· Further Level 5 or Level 6 study in cyber security, forensics, information security management or related digital subjects.

· Employment or career development in IT support, cyber security support, network support, incident response, systems administration or digital investigation support.

· Roles linked to security operations centres, digital evidence handling, cyber incident response or technical support.

· Professional development in areas such as ethical hacking, security monitoring, forensic analysis, data protection or cyber crime investigation.

This course can help learners build the knowledge and confidence to understand how digital evidence is handled and how forensic investigation supports cyber security and legal processes.
Fees:
£750
The Free Courses for Jobs offer gives eligible adults the chance to access their first Level 3 qualification for free. Also, any adult aged over 23 who is earning less than £32,200 or is unemployed, will be able to access the identified qualifications for free, regardless of their prior qualification level.
Course Code:
FL0100MQ/1
Category:
Computing & IT
Centre:
Tameside One
Start:
17/09/2026
Duration:
16 weeks
Times:
(Thu 5:00pm-8:00pm (tbc))

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