Software and hardware appropriate to the chosen project together with standard computing facilities.

Initially you should : (a) identify the area of study within the Research Methods and Proposal module; (b) develop a plan including for the project milestones, deliverables and development schedule; (c) identify the resources needed. Following this the research and development needs to be carried out. This should be based on the techniques and knowledge gleaned from the underlying modules, together with advice from an academic supervisor. The report should be produced describing the achievements, techniques used and analytic aspects of the Dissertation. You will be required at the end to present your findings.

This is a major piece of work to be carried out on an individual basis. You are expected to highlight three separate strands during your work on the Dissertation : understanding, application, and presentation. The first part will demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of the subject domain. The second part will allow you to demonstrate your abilities through investigation of the problem and the application of appropriate knowledge and skills in providing solutions. The final strand will involve you presenting your findings in a format suitable for use in a courtroom setting.

The major aim of the Dissertation is to allow you to extend and unify your understanding of your chosen subject as developed in the
underlying modules. The production of the Dissertation is supported by an academic supervisor, who will help you develop your ideas.

It is envisaged that the Dissertation will focus on a particular topic in the forensic computing field. This will involve a critical study of
recent developments in the field and will be illustrated by a created artefact which may take the form of a software product, a design
document, a framework, a specification or any other deliverable. On starting the dissertation students will be given a handbook that details dissertation content, layout/presentation issues, and other areas such as the role of the dissertation supervisor.

A dissertation of 15,000 words and created artefact.
100% coursework (Learning outcomes 1-6)

A dissertation read and assessed by two Academics and a viva / courtroom simulation presentation of findings (in addition a demonstration of artefact maybe required but the viva is an oral examination of the work written in the dissertation and any relevant background material).

Research papers and standard textbooks appropriate to the area of study.

Student must be enrolled on the MSc stage of the MSc Forensic Computing Award.