Analytical and Digital Forensics, Bachelor of Science

Detailed Study Content: What Awaits You in Analytical and Digital Forensics?

In the Bachelor's degree programme Analytical and Digital Forensics at Hochschule Fresenius, you combine scientific fundamentals with current methods of digital evidence preservation and data analysis. The course familiarises you with key disciplines of digital forensics and forensic analytics. Your course content includes, among others:

• Natural sciences for forensic scientists (chemistry, biology, mathematics)
• Programming and databases for forensic applications
• Fundamentals and specialised topics of digital forensics (e.g. data visualisation, encryption, image and video forensics, system and network security)
• Technical English and soft skills in an interdisciplinary context
• Forensic analytics and methods of evidence preservation
• Data virtualisation, data preparation as well as data mining and text mining
• Legal fundamentals of forensics, especially in IT and data protection law
• Critical infrastructures and IT security concepts
• Preparation of expert reports and statements for investigations and criminal proceedings
• Practical project and case studies with direct company or authority reference
• Scientific work and bachelor's thesis with disputation

You learn to capture, analyse and use digital traces to solve crimes or security-relevant incidents. The programme imparts key competences in analytical problem-solving, critical thinking and the application of modern IT tools and forensic techniques.

Course Structure: How Is the Degree Organised?

The Analytical and Digital Forensics degree is organised as a full-time on-campus programme over a standard study period of six semesters (three years). The courses take place at the Idstein campus of Hochschule Fresenius. The study structure is divided into thematic modules covering all relevant academic areas and is complemented by practical projects.

• Theory and practical phases alternate, giving you direct insight into laboratory work and the application of digital forensics.
• From the third year onwards, practice-oriented projects and case studies take centre stage, often in cooperation with companies or authorities.
• You can choose between two specialisations during your studies: Biomedicine or Chemical Analytics.
• The programme concludes with the bachelor’s thesis and an oral disputation.
• Additional offerings such as the StudyPLUS programme enable you to integrate language courses, career workshops and international experiences.

Career Prospects & Job Opportunities: What Are Your Prospects?

After graduation, a wide range of job opportunities await you in public and private organisations. Typical employers and fields of activity include:

• IT forensic specialist – analysing and evaluating digital traces in police, law enforcement authorities, companies or IT security firms
• Toxicologist – especially with a focus on biomedicine (investigation of toxin exposure, clarification of poisonings)
• Environmental chemist – analysis of environmental samples, investigation of pollutants for companies, authorities or NGOs
• Expert in data protection, network security and cryptography in companies, consultancies or public institutions
• Analyst for critical infrastructures and supply security
• Expert or appraiser in judicial investigation procedures

With your knowledge, you can take on leadership roles in IT security, digital forensics and laboratory analytics or specialise in an academic career with subsequent master’s studies.

Place of Study: Where Do You Study Analytical and Digital Forensics?

The programme takes place at the main campus of Hochschule Fresenius in Idstein (Hesse). The campus is equipped with modern laboratories and seminar rooms. The central location on Limburger Straße allows direct contact with companies and authorities in the area. The Department of Chemistry & Biology, in whose rooms the programme is based, has a long tradition of forensic education. Idstein as a university location offers a familiar study environment with personal exchange in small groups as well as a close network of practical partners in the region.

Costs and Financing: What Should You Budget for the Degree?

The tuition fees amount to 595 euros per month over 36 months, totalling 21,420 euros. Additionally, a one-time registration fee of 695 euros is charged. The fees include all courses, laboratory practicals as well as the use of the StudyPLUS offer (e.g. free language courses, development training and career counselling). For financing, you can utilise the following options:

• BAföG: The programme is eligible for funding. Examination and application are free of charge for students at Hochschule Fresenius.
• Scholarships: The university and external institutions award merit-based and social scholarships.
• Study loans: Financing via education funds, KfW student loans or private banks is possible.
• Part-time jobs: The campus location and flexible schedules enable part-time employment alongside your studies.

Individual advice on study financing is offered personally by the university team.