I consider the field of computer forensics to be based on knowledge of computers, computer systems, and how these are maintained, managed and used by users, computer administrators, etc. The knowledge of how users interact with a computer (and sometimes vice versa) is clearly relevant for the area of computer forensics.
I think this gets to the crux of the issue you generally need a broader understanding of IT to become a well-rounded Digital Forensic practitioner. For that reason I think it's disingenuous for universities to brand degrees as 'Forensic' where the majority of the content is general in nature.
The vast differences in modules studied at varying universities highlights the need to select your university carefully. Its all very well doing a forensics degree, but if your university has no reputation or the modules hold little relevance then your wasting your time.
The vast differences in modules studied at varying universities highlights the need to select your university carefully. Its all very well doing a forensics degree, but if your university has no reputation or the modules hold little relevance then your wasting your time.
That's true, however, when I was an undergrad doing a 'Forensics' degree we used to moan about the lack of (what we thought was) Forensics. We never used to see the value of doing databases, web programming, software development etc etc.
With hindsight, and 4 years in LE forensics, I now know that this was naive and foolish. Some of the most valuable subjects to me turned out to be databases, SQL, binary manipulation, networking etc etc.
Your right, I think modules such as programming, databases, networking etc are useful. My point is that the 3rd year is supposed to be the year in which we specialize. The majority of the 3rd year choice modules posted are covered in either or both the first and second years at Glamorgan and therefore seem a little irreverent to me as 3rd year choice modules.
Also the university you attend does make a difference (Derby, Glamorgan etc). There is one 20 miles from my house offering a Bsc (hons) in Computer Forensics but has no standing or reputation, so I commute 120 miles a day to attend one that does. Mainly because I'm scared of wasting three/four years and thousands of pounds by not getting a job at the end of it. I know there's no guarantee, but it's difficult enough to get into forensics without politics getting in the way.