Master of Science (MSc) in Forensic Science, orientation Digital Investigation and Identification

The Master of Science in Forensic Science, orientation Digital Investigation and Identification, offers theoretical, technical and practical training in digital investigation and identification in the information society. You will acquire a transdisciplinary grasp and in-depth knowledge of the different fields of forensic science, rounded off with advanced technical skills in digital technologies. The technical IT component is offered in collaboration with the IT Division of the Bern University of Applied Sciences.

The transdisciplinary approach encourages synergies with criminology in the context of new Internet paradigms: social networks, discussion forums, structures and importance of criminal networks active on the Internet, virtualization of certain criminal activities.

Organiser
School of Criminal Justice
Faculty of Law, Criminal Justice and Public Administration

Degree awarded
Master of Science (MSc) in Forensic Science, orientation Digital Investigation and Identification

ECTS credits
120

Duration
4 semesters

Teaching language
French. Recommended level : C1. A good understanding of English is necessary since most of the literature is published in English and a few courses may be taught in English.

Admission requirements
The candidate must be a holder of a Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science affiliated to the “Forensic Science” study branch (swissuniversities).
Another degree or university title may be judged to be equivalent and give access to this Master’s degree course, with or without further conditions. The School of Criminal Justice is competent for the final decision on equivalence (info.esc@unil.ch), subject to the candidate’s formal admissibility to the Master’s degree course.

Enrolment and final dates
The degree course begins in the autumn semester only.
Applications must be submitted to the Admissions Department before the deadline.
Final enrolment date: 30 April. Candidates needing a visa to study in Switzerland: 28 February.

More information
​​​​​​​Course description

This unique and innovative academic training satisfies a clearly identified need in police work, but also in the realm of public and private enterprises. Many firms need to envisage a holistic approach to security and criminality linked to new technologies, whether in relation to acts of fraud committed internally by employees (data theft) or cyberattacks, as well as economic espionage and counterfeiting.

Moreover, in addition to specific academic skills, university studies develop a great many transverse skills such as: communication, critical, analytical and summarising faculties, abilities in research, the learning and transmission of knowledge, independence and the ability to make judgements in the field of specialisation and overlapping areas.

This panoply of skills, combined with specialist knowledge acquired in the course of studies, is excellent preparation for a wide range of employment opportunities such as:

• Forensic science laboratories in Switzerland and abroad
• Technical and scientific police services in Switzerland and abroad
• Police services at a cantonal or federal level
• Academic and research careers in the field of forensics
• Service providers and consulting firms in the fields of digital technology and information security
• Internal IT departments of major public and private enterprises