- Definitions, jurisdiction, criminology theories and emerging trends.
- Artificial Intelligence’s use in crime, prevention and supporting investigations (AI in planning, conducting, imagery, non-consensual imagery, revenge porn)
- Mobile phones investigative guidance including cloud storage, stalker-ware, volt apps, property interference and cell site.
- Cyber terrorism and its effect on the economic security of the UK including online theft and fraud offences.
- Video and CCTV – a deeper dive into investigative opportunities and expert evidence.
- The Deep and Dark Web- an understanding of their functions and use.
- Open-Source Intelligence as an investigative tool.
- Examinations of contemporary case studies.
- Hidden devices material and use of digidogs /cyberdogs)

1. Case Study Critique – You will identify a Cybercrime event that affected the UK in the past 5 years, critically assess its overall effect and identify both investigative and preventative measures for future deterrence.

2. Skills-based computer assessment on an open-source intelligence investigation – You will be provided with details of a hypothetical investigation. Using your practical skills, you will work through problem-solving ideas to identify investigative opportunities using open-source intelligence.

Sessions will include a mixture of lectures, tutorials covering case study activity, discussions and assignment support. Workshops will also be utilised for open-source, CCTV and mobile phone digital capabilities which will support you in developing skills necessary from the summative assessment. We will support you in preparing for the assessment in providing a mock case and assessment in one of the timetabled sessions. Experts from the field will be invited as guest lecturers to share first hand experience and provide a direct link to industry practice and personnel.

1. Critically evaluate multidiscipline/agency responses to contemporary cybercrime issues being faced in the United Kingdom from an investigator's perspective and formulate recommendations for future deterrence.

Critical reasoning & collaboration

2. Apply investigative tools and techniques in a cybercrime and digital environment.

Digital literacy

3. Analyse the significance of real contemporary case studies in a policing environment.

Application & problem solving

4. Apply research skills to source, verify, interpret and analyse open-source intelligence for informed decision-making.

Research skills

- Access to computer rooms with internet use.

- Office simulation suite room for use in seizing computer assets.

Akhgar, B. (2014) Cyber crime and cyber terrorism investigator's handbook. Waltham MA: Syngress.

Cybercrime and Digital Forensics: An Introduction by Holt, Bossler & Seigfried-Spellar (2022)

CPS Cybercrime Prosecution Guidance (Crown Prosecution Service, latest version July 2024)

National Cyber Security Centre (2024) Annual Review 2024 — NCSC (GCHQ)

Wilson-Kovacs & Wilcox (2022) - “Managing Policing Demand for Digital Forensics through Risk Assessment and Prioritization in England and Wales” — Policing: A Journal of Policy and Practice

How are cyber and digital crimes committed? What can an investigator do to detect and prevent these? In this module you will be given an exciting opportunity to develop a greater understanding and answer to these questions. The Cybercrime module will consider the ideas, concepts and law connected to cybercrime. The role of police and other agencies to investigate such crimes will be explored, as will the challenges of such investigations. The module will utilise real life case studies, practicals and simulations to allow you to apply theoretical knowledge and gain practical skills which are transferable to the workplace.