MSC Digital Cybercrime

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MSC Digital Cybercrime

A specialist postgraduate degree designed by expert criminologists and computer scientists for graduates to investigate cybercrime through theory, practice, and applied research. Build in-demand analytical, technical, and problem-solving skills through real-world cybercrime cases and hands-on learning. Ideal for career changers wanting to build technical skills from scratch and launch careers across digital, justice, and technology sectors.

Academic Journey

Information	Details
Programme	MSc Digital Cybercrime
Description	Specialist cybercrime & digital investigation degree
Duration	12 months (Full-time) / 24 months (Part-time)
Study Mode	Full-time or Part-time
Entry Requirements	Minimum 2:2 honours degree (any subject)
Next Start Date	February 2027
Campus	Leeds, London Bloomsbury
Teaching Days	Up to 3 days per week on-campus
Specialist Pathways	AI Pathway or Forensic Investigation
Final Project Options	MSc Criminology Dissertation OR MSc Computer Science Project
Rating	5 Star QS World University Rankings (Teaching, Employability, Online Learning, Academic Development, Inclusiveness)

CAMPUSES

Full-time: Leeds, London Bloomsbury

Part-time: Leeds, London Bloomsbury

FEES 2026/27

Category	London	Outside London
Domestic	£10,900	£10,300
International	£17,500 (or £16,000 with £1,500 bursary)	£16,500 (or £15,000 with £1,500 bursary)

Alumni Discount: £1,000 (ULaw graduates)
International Bursary: £1,500 available
Postgraduate Loan: Eligible
Scholarships & Bursaries: Range available

Inside the Learning Segments

SEMESTER 1 – Compulsory Modules (15 credits each):

Crime and Criminal Justice
- Justice system challenges
- Prison crises and reform
- Environmental crime
- Miscarriages of justice
- Problem-solving courts
- Abolitionist criminology
- Global justice issues
Cybercrime and Society
- Internet and traditional crime
- New cybercrime opportunities
- Victim impact
- Hacking and online abuse
- Police response to cybercrime
- Theories of online offending
- Future threats
Cyber Forensic Investigation
- Professional digital investigation
- Forensic process (finding, saving, analysing data)
- Hands-on tools: Autopsy, FTK, EnCase
- Computer Misuse Act
- Data protection regulations
- Evidence presentation
- Legal best practices

SEMESTER 2 – Compulsory Module (30 credits):

Research Methods

Qualitative and quantitative methodologies
Ethical considerations
Research proposal design
Data interpretation
Research findings write-up

Choose 2 Electives (15 credits each):

Option A: Forensic Psychology

Forensic, criminal & investigative psychology
Theories of crime
Eyewitness memory & false confessions
Serial murder & offender profiling
Jury decision-making
Behavioural investigative advice
Hostage negotiation

Option B: Digital Intelligence and Cybercrime Investigation

Intelligence cycle
Data protection regulations
Inter-agency information sharing
Digital-facilitated crimes
Hacking, malware, denial of service
Data manipulation
Policy briefing development

Option C: Applications of Artificial Intelligence

AI history and state-of-the-art
Machine learning theories
Intelligent agents
Algorithmic solutions
Building software
Ethical AI
Uncertainty and risk assessment

YEAR 1 ONLY – Compulsory Module (15 credits):

The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Cybercrime

AI-driven attacks
Deepfakes and fraud
Phishing techniques
Fake news and disinformation
AI for defensive purposes
Blue team mindset
Threat detection
High-tech attack prevention

SEMESTER 3 / YEAR 2 – Choose Final Project (60 credits):

Option 1: MSc Criminology Dissertation

Design own criminological research project
Full research management
Original rigorous research
Supervisor support
Career-focused project

Option 2: MSc Project on Computer Science

Software development focus
Cybersecurity application
AI product development
Full project management
Implementation of robust tools
Technical decision-making
Professional initiative development

SPECIALIST PATHWAYS

AI Pathway:

Focus on artificial intelligence applications
Deep learning and machine learning
AI-driven cyber threats
Defensive AI tools

Forensic Investigation Pathway:

Focus on digital forensics
Evidence collection and analysis
Cyber investigation techniques
Computer Misuse Act applications

TEACHING & ASSESSMENT METHODS

Teaching Approach:

Lectures
Interactive workshops
Digital media
Online learning resources
Programme handbooks
Module and unit guides
E-books and reference materials
Up to 3 days per week on-campus
11-week semesters

Assessment Methods:

Portfolios
Coursework assignments
Presentations
Blogs/Vlogs
Project reports
Project artefacts (software-based)
Research methods assessments
Variety of evaluation methods

Academic:

Minimum 2:2 honours degree (any subject)
No prior computing knowledge required
Computing students should review modules for appropriate progression

English Language (International):

IELTS 6.0 or above with minimum 5.5 in each component

Cybercrime Investigator
Digital Forensics Specialist
Cybersecurity Analyst
Intelligence Officer
Police Cybercrime Unit
National Crime Agency
Digital Intelligence Analyst
Fraud Investigation Specialist
Data Protection Officer
Cyber Threat Analyst
Law Enforcement Technology Specialist
Corporate Cybersecurity Professional
Security Consultant

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