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Online vs Hands On Master Degree

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Zixu
 Zixu
(@zixu)
Posts: 4
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Topic starter
 

Hello Guys, first time posting, please do bare with me.

As a MSc in IT/Electronics and couple of years experience with OS's, computer repairs and Data recovery including AceLab PC3K, R-Studio, head assy replacement, PCB repair, etc.

I am shifting into Digital Investigations and Forensics, hopefully e-discovery later.

I checked several universities and went to their open days and got a bit lost and confused between Online degree with UCD or Hands On degree with Westminster University. Both of them have great modules.
I am from London by the way and cannot move to Dublin unfortunately (work, partner, etc.), you know how it is.

Westminster University London would be easier location wise. I will also get a chance to meet forensic minded people and gain real, face to face teaching and debates. Also will expand networking and socializing with fellow students, exchange ideas and points. Which I think is important in this field.

On the other hand. UCD is very advanced in CF. Their stuff looks like they knows what they are doing. And I would like to get the best of what I pay for. I think A reputable university will give me edge to my future employer.

So guys please, give me advice and your point of views.

Regards, GA

 
Posted : 06/02/2014 3:45 am
(@dcs1094)
Posts: 146
Estimable Member
 

Have you considered Cranfield University, Royal Military College of Science in Shrivenham?

I have not been there, however from what I have heard from colleagues and others, it is considered to be one of the most respected in the UK, because of the quality of Computer Forensic programs/courses created by Tony Sammes.

https://www.cranfield.ac.uk/courses/training/forensic-computing-foundations.html

Hope this helps!

 
Posted : 06/02/2014 4:35 am
Zixu
 Zixu
(@zixu)
Posts: 4
New Member
Topic starter
 

@ DCS1094 Thank you for your reply. I am gonna check their courses as well.

I am looking for part time education, to combine with my work.
Looks like suitable for me is part time course modules, but do you think they cover enough. Its only 5days per course though. lol

 
Posted : 06/02/2014 7:16 pm
(@dcs1094)
Posts: 146
Estimable Member
 

Similar posts to this come's up a lot & with a bit digging on this forum you'll find more recommendations. Here is one e.g. http//www.forensicfocus.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=7859/postdays=0/postorder=asc/highlight=cranfield/start=7/

The course I linked is short (5-10 days), however this is one of many on offer & from my understanding the content/syllabus will provide you with a solid ground knowledge of Computers Forensics/ACPO/Forensic Analysis methods/Common tools used & so on… maybe some people who have attended on here can share some of their opinions/reviews on it. I have purely recommended it to you, as I have been advised myself previously & have also seen reviews from people who have attended. It is also recognised by many LE & Forensic Service Providers etc.

 
Posted : 06/02/2014 9:47 pm
Zixu
 Zixu
(@zixu)
Posts: 4
New Member
Topic starter
 

Thank you very much for your answer DCS1094. I appreciate it.

It is very useful information.

Regards

 
Posted : 07/02/2014 11:07 pm
jhup
 jhup
(@jhup)
Posts: 1442
Noble Member
 

Online education, especially in the digital forensics arena is not just feasible but, in my opinion, better in almost all areas of the field, except collection.

Once the student grasps the methods of collection, the image processing and analysis can be done anywhere.

There is a discussion going on at another forum about the difference what one loses with distance and online education versus the "college campus experience".

The consensus from anecdotal information from students and professors is that you lose little in the long term, especially for adult learners.

lose, not loose
going to, not gonna
Hands-on, not Hands On

 
Posted : 08/02/2014 2:47 am
Zixu
 Zixu
(@zixu)
Posts: 4
New Member
Topic starter
 

Right at the spot jhup.

Sounds like it's worth doing it online. UCDs' online course is combined with hands-on week or two laboratory work. That time they will teach about acquisition and evidence preservation, also working with the specific software.

I will sign-in for 1 year part time master with them and will report back. Unfortunately no input here when it comes to online master graduates. Looks like their life gets busy and no time for responses. Which is kind of good news. Means that there is activity in the field. D

Thank you for your response, useful information. I will trace down that discussion you mentioned. Maybe can get some more information from there as well.

Thanks for the corrections, English is not my first language, neither second… lol

Regards

 
Posted : 08/02/2014 4:32 am
ForensicRanger
(@forensicranger)
Posts: 122
Estimable Member
 

I just completed the modules and have entered the dissertation phase of UCD's Masters (now this is the LE version). If you have specific questions, I'd be glad to answer them.

Feel free to PM.

Cheers,

FR

 
Posted : 12/02/2014 12:44 am
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