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Visualisation and descriptive statistics

The goal of the course is to provide education in reasoning how, why, and when to perform all the tasks in the data analysis process. This knowledge is complemented by a highly applied approach where students are expected to perform tasks in R as they learn the theoretical concepts. Finally, the knowledge and skills acquired will be linked to statistical analysis and the visualisation of digital evidence. The course also aims to provide students with a solid foundation of applied knowledge for those who want to learn more advanced data analysis techniques in the future.

Level:
Further education
ECTS Credits:
7.5
Organisation:
Part-time
Study Format:
Web based
Start of studies:
Spring 2027
Application deadline:
September 15th

Application prosess

The application prosess have several steps. Please familiarize yourselv with the different stages of the process.

How to apply

About the programme

Your learning outcomes

The aim of this program is to ensure that the quality of computer forensic investigation is of a high level, guaranteeing legal protection and the right to privacy.

After completion of the module candidates will be able to:

  • perform professional and research tasks in digital policing
  • see the role of digital policing in a broader perspective during an investigation

Knowledge

After completion of the module candidates will have knowledge of:

  • data analysis and statistics terminology
  • data analysis theory and workflow
  • the relevance of data analysis for data-driven law enforcement decision making
  • good practices and ethical concerns when communicating statistical results of cybercrime-related data

Skills

After completion of the module candidates will be able to:

  • create visualisations and evaluate their appropriateness and quality
  • utilise R and other appropriate tools and techniques in data analysis
  • analyse findings with a statistical approach
  • communicate statistical / analytical findings
  • conduct data analysis cleaning and preparation tasks in R
  • perform descriptive statistical data analysis in R
  • identify and select the appropriate visualisation methods for digital policing tasks build advanced data visualisations in R
  • apply the acquired knowledge to the statistical analysis and presentation of digital evidence

Admission criteria

The primary target group is police staff in the Nordic countries whose main task is handling and investigating digital evidence. It is a prerequisite that participants are selected in accordance with local competency plans.

Employees in other International police services or governmental agencies who work, or will work, with digital evidence are also eligible to apply. 

Applicants must be recommended by the employer.

Admission criteria:

  • Bachelor’s degree
  • have passed at least one NCFI M2X module

Applicants who do not satisfy the requirement for a bachelor’s degree must document the following:

  • Passed and completed 2-year education at a higher level than upper secondary school, and in addition either:
  • Minimum 60 ECTS
    • (of which NCFI Core Concepts of 15 ECTS and any NCFI M2X of 15 ECTS each. The former NCFI Module 1 (5 ECTS) and former NCFI Module 2 (25 ECTS) are also accepted.), or
  • 1680 hours of continuing education courses, or
  • 5 years of practice

Employment, work experience and additional requirements:

  • Current employment in a government agency (e.g., law enforcement agency or other cooperating governmental agencies/organisations)

All applicants have to document English language proficiency when applying for this study.

Practical information

The education is organised as an online part-time programme and must be completed within 5 months. The scope of further education is estimated to be approx. 210 hours of study.

The mandatory reading shall not exceed 450 pages.

The student needs to pass a number of course requirements in order to sit the exam. Students may have multiple attempts at these tests if necessary.

The module is concluded with an individual take-home exam over 4 hours. The exam must be passed in order to successfully complete the module.

Grading is on a scale of A – F (in which A – E are passing grades and F is a fail).

Schedule for tuition and exam

Spring 2027
Compulsory education
Location: Online
Welcome meeting: 11.01.2027 09:00-10:00 CET 

Exam Preparation Lecture: 28.04.2027 10:00-11:00 CEST

Exam
Location: Online, take-home exam over 4 hours.
Date: 13.05.2027 09:00-13:00

If both are blank, then the course may not be running this semester.
If compulsory education is blank, then the course may not have it, see curriculum for information about this.

Tuition fee

A semester fee is required.

An external student is defined as a student from another Nordic country, or an agency outside the police service (including police special agencies). The tuition fee is not applicable to students coming from institutions which have a reciprocal agreement with NPUC, or an agreement involving contributions to the study programme. The student fee is NOK 15 000,-.

Study plan

Current study plan (pdf)

Programme structure and courses

Contact

Academic questions

Academic inquiries should be adressed to e-mail: cybercrime@phs.no.

Questions about admission

For questions regarding the application prosess, admission requirements and the admission prosess, contact: opptakevu@phs.no