Grade 2:1.

• Penetration Testing and Ethical Hacking.

• Secure Computer Networks

• Security and Forensic Analysis

• Cybersecurity

• Industrial Placement ( Durham Constabulary).

• Artificial Intelligence

•   Fullstack development

• Programming and software development.

• Digital Forensics Investigations.

For my dissertation, I chose to design and develop a digital forensics tool inspired by the experience I gained while working with Durham Constabulary. Having worked closely with forensic imaging and evidential handling, I wanted a project that would both reflect real-world practice and expand my technical skillset. This led me to create an image hashing utility aimed at assisting with the detection of known illicit material.

The tool was built in Python and implements two widely used cryptographic hashing algorithms: SHA-256 and MD5. Images are processed through these algorithms and the resulting hash values are stored in a local database. The database is fully editable, allowing users to add or remove entries either through the application itself or by modifying the underlying CSV file externally.

To improve usability, the application includes features such as bulk image import, single-image import, image previewing, database management options, and clear feedback throughout the workflow. The tool also includes an integrated help page to guide users through each function, and I produced a full set of supporting documentation including a README, a user guide, and planning documents. The interface was built using PyQt5, ensuring a clean, accessible graphical experience.

Overall, this project allowed me to combine my academic learning with professional insights from law enforcement settings, producing a tool that is both practical and ethically designed for digital forensic work.