Digital forensics as a science in higher education

Digital Forensics is a multi-disciplinary applied science 'governed' by legislation. From an academic perspective the nature of digital forensics creates a number of challenges in the classroom. It requires the mentor-tutor to include criminology, psychology, sociology, law, forensic science, mathematics, and computer science in his expertise and develop and maintain an airtight learning environment that promotes freedom and academic excellence while ensuring and assuring its external boundaries (in a continuous manner) by employing appropriate forensic controls. This introduces a difficulty and complexity in the mentoring capabilities of the academic that is seldom recognized by management. In our paper we discuss our lean approach in educating digital forensic investigators, present our learning environment and argue that playing games is indeed the best method for transferring skills and knowledge to the different types of scholars studying towards an academically accredited digital forensics qualification. We also attempt to identify whether professional qualifications in the field of digital forensics could enhance the student experience and improve the student employability.