How to become
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
- training with a professional body
University
You can study for a degree or postgraduate qualification in:
- forensic computing and security
- computer science
- cyber security
- digital forensics
- financial technology
Choosing a course that includes an internship or industry work placement may give you an advantage when looking for jobs.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
- a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study
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Apprenticeship
You could apply to do an apprenticeship, such as:
- Cyber Security Technologist Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship
- Digital Forensic Technician Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship
- Cyber Security Technical Professional Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship
- Advanced Digital Forensic Professional Level 7 Degree Apprenticeship
These can take between 2 and 4 years to complete and combine work-based training with academic study.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship
a degree in a relevant subject
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Work
You could start work as an IT support technician, network engineer or junior developer after doing A levels or equivalent qualifications. You could then move into forensic analysis through further training on the job.
Other Routes
You could do certified industry training with a professional body like the Chartered Institute of Information Security or The Chartered Institute for IT.
You'll need to be working in IT security or have a lot of relevant experience to do this.
Further information
You can learn more about careers in digital forensics from the: