Skip to content The Open University

Student and tutor module reviews

Digital forensics

see module description

  • Points: 30
  • Code: M812
  • Level: Postgraduate
On this page

Student reviews

Firstly, the Digital Forensics (M812) module is exciting at the start, and I had a positive vibe to read through materials as well as the latest acts related to the subject. The more practical elements are challenging but still enjoyable for a technically minded individual like myself.

The module requires updating as the area is changing rapidly. Hereafter, there were many errors and broken (mostly outdated) links to follow.

Secondly, a lack of my tutor's support, along with his limited availability, didn't allow me to get the best from the module. I found calling his number only to get a response from the child on the other end about the family being at the restaurant job, which finishes late at night.

The exam is not as bad as it could look like. I would recommend to go through the past exam papers and try to answer every question. It could get you familiar with the form of the exam and bring confidence for a handwritten four-hour session in one of the OU exam centres.
It would be nice to see some innovations within this area as nowadays handwritten exams are a little bit dated.

It could be a great module, only if refreshed and supported appropriately. Otherwise, it could be a nightmare for less experienced or not familiar with the subject students like myself.

Course starting: May 2019

Review posted: January 2020

Faculty response

Thank you for your taking time to help us improve M812. It is encouraging that you enjoyed the module and found it suitably challenging. The materials for modules such as M812 are produced some time in advance of the module running and as you recognise this can occasionally impact on the currentness of the content, particularly links to third party sites which the OU has no control over. As you are aware, we do try to mitigate this with errata and broken links areas on the course website.

Rest assured we do welcome all the feedback we receive (positive or negative) and use this to inform the course development. In fact, the module team has recently tripled in size and changes for the current presentation have already been made. Further major changes are also coming online for next year's presentation to bring the module fully up to date.

We are very concerned to hear you felt there was a lack of tutor support. This is unusual and as your feedback is anonymous we would request you get in touch with us as soon as possible to help us look into this and better understand what happened in this instance. As a reminder, study at Masters level involves more independent work than at Graduate Level but we are grateful for feedback as this helps us to monitor the support that students need. Like our students, many of our tutors have other commitments, so it is generally good practice to schedule phone calls with tutors for this very reason. Doing this will also allow tutors to better prepare for the call and better assist you. Our tutors are working professionals and will make an effort to respond to a particular student request in a timely manner. Beyond tutor support for each module, do remember that students are able to raise many queries in the online forum and contact the dedicated Student Support Team to help with other queries or concerns.

As part of the major changes highlighted above, the module team are looking at the final exam and how this might be revised. One of the key things we are considering is introducing an online tutorial/revision session in advance of the exam to enable students to raise questions and practice/discuss exam-style questions with a tutor.

Once again, thank you for your thoughts on M812; this is very useful.

Please note

Each of the views expressed above is an individual's very particular response, largely unedited, and should be viewed with that in mind. Since modules are subject to regular updating, some of the issues identified may have already been addressed. In some instances the faculty may have provided a response to a comment. If you have a query about a particular module, please contact your Regional Centre.

Enter a module code to find a review

To send us reviews on modules you have studied with us, please click the sign in button below.