Bachelor in Digital Forensics

University College 3 years Online Studies
Oslo Kristiansand

Education focusing on determining the who, what, where and when through the investigation of constantly changing, and increasingly complex digital environments. The program prepares you for a career within digital security and forensics for law enforcement and other organizations in need of digital security.

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Working in Digital Forensics and Incident Response

Digital forensics has evolved from its traditional law enforcement focus of search and seizure, to a more dynamic approach; driven by changes to technology, how technology is used and evidence that can be recovered. Technology is no longer a simple computer, it is now interconnected, embedded in human bodies, and relied upon by all business and industries – often hosted in the “cloud”. No action can now be taken in real-life that does not involve a digital device.

This reliance on digital technology now means that all digital devices potentially hold the significant piece of a puzzle needed during an investigation by law enforcement, government bodies, and organisations, to determine what has happened. Alongside the technological changes there is also a significant shift towards cyber-attacks, which includes ransomware, malware and “hacking”.

It is a field with good job opportunities both now and in the future. Christoffer Hansen Michaelsen, student

There is always something to learn, and incredibly diverse job opportunities. Håkon Smalås, student

This three-year bachelor program focuses on the analysis of digital devices through the development of digital forensics and incident response competencies. Students will be experienced in the lifecycle of securing and analysing evidence from digital crime scenes from the perspective of a range of situations and needs.

The program is delivered using a mixture of practical and theoretical, which together provide overall knowledge about the analysis and inner workings of digital systems, and how to extract the key forensic artifacts from these. Upon graduation, a student will be competent to enter a number of different roles involved in the protection and analysis of digital systems.

Program Structure

During the first year of the program students will focus on the development of the core technical fundamentals that will allow them to succeed in the future specialist courses. The first year is designed to develop students to the correct level for progressing into later years. During this period, students will develop basic research skills along with the ability to verify that information.

The second year of studies is more in depth. Students will explore the core concepts of digital forensics looking at securing and analysing digital devices including data recovery, file reconstruction and determining the what and when of an investigation. By obtaining this information, we can look at the user´s behaviour, vital timestamps and other information that can be recovered. We utilise cases and draw upon the industry experience of the digital forensic team to deliver real-life examples and war stores.

The final year of the Bachelor program provides additional specialism in advanced areas of the subject area; allowing students to encounter, both theoretically and practically, technology and techniques that they will face now and in the future. The final project explores new systems and applications. It is meant to make the student an informed and knowledgeable investigator in digital forensics and incident response; providing an opportunity to research into an area that they find most exciting with the support of experienced academics.

Job Opportunities

The expertise and skills of this bachelor program are sought after in the public, police and intelligence, and industrial organizations. The huge growth in digital technology creates real threats for both businesses and government critical infrastructures. Most large businesses that rely on digital technology, have the need for people with expertise in digital forensics. This bachelor's degree provides a unique qualification for handling challenges in a variety of organizations.

The degree prepares you to work with security implementation. You will be able to examine data offenses and digital fraud. You can act as an expert witness in court cases and lawsuits. You will also be able to critically assess and mitigate threats to digital infrastructures.

With a Bachelor's Degree in Digital Forensics, you can apply for positions as information security manager, information officer, computer crime investigator, and / or eDiscovery investigator.

Further Studies

Students who wish for further training in digital forensics can apply for studies related to computing and information security at the master level and then at the doctoral level by Norwegian or international universities.

Watch recording of livestream

We recommend watching the latest livestream on our IT bachelor programs hosted by Emlyn Butterfield and recorded 10 March 2023. You can also skip directly to the chapter regarding Digital Forensics in the chapter menu, which starts at 10:51.