Elements of this Module will be undertaken at Cranfield University at Shrivenham located on the Defence Academy of the United Kingdom. Security clearance will be required if this module is selected. Please refer to our entry requirements section for more details, or see further about security clearance for Cranfield at Shrivenham.


This module can be taken as a Short Course for Credit or a Standalone Short Course.

Please go to the 'Upgrade to a professional qualification' section for more information.

Electives may not run if there is limited student uptake. However, alternatives will be offered.

 

The aim of this course is to provide you with an understanding of the principles involved in forensic investigations involving firearms.

You will be introduced to a range of topics associated with this discipline. These topics will be supplemented with practical sessions involving the examination of small arms and ammunition within a forensic context. This short course, which will be taught at MSc standard, is one of the modules that comprise the postgraduate Forensic Modular Masters Programme.

At a glance

  • Dates
    • 05 - 09 Feb 2024
  • Duration5 days
  • LocationCranfield campus and Cranfield University at Shrivenham
  • Cost£1,925 Concessions available

Course structure

One course per year. Each course lasts for 5 days. Lectures, practical firearms and ammunition examinations, live firing exercises, group working and individual assessment.

What you will learn

This course provides you with an unrivalled opportunity to gain hands-on, practical experience with firearms, ammunition and live firing testing that is not available at any other UK University.

Core content

  • Weapon function and design
  • Introduction to gunshot residue analysis
  • Introduction to serial number restoration techniques
  • Deactivated, reactivated and improvised firearms
  • Classification under current UK firearms legislation
  • Firearms examination and recovery of evidence.

Upgrade to a professional qualification

This course will be taught at Masters standard as it is one of the modules that comprise the postgraduate Forensic Modular Masters Programme. Registering for this Short Course for Credit and successfully passing the associated assessment will gain you 10 Cranfield credits. These could then be used to apply for a transfer towards a PgCert/PgDip or MSc in the Forensic Programme should you wish to complete one of these courses within 5 years.

 

Find out more about short course credit points.

Who should attend

This course will be of interest to graduates and more experienced workers that already have an understanding of firearms and ammunition function who are looking to advance their knowledge in forensic firearms investigations.

You must have completed the Introduction to Firearms Investigations and Forensic Ballistics course in order to take this as a Short Course for Credit or an appropriate degree or relevant work experience with prior knowledge of firearms and ammunition function, and a fundamental understanding of firearms investigations.

 

Accreditation

The courses is a module of the Forensic Modular Masters Programme, which is accredited by  The Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences.


Speakers

Concessions

Concessions are available for Cranfield alumni and multiple bookings from the same organisation, please contact us to discuss.

Accommodation options and prices

This course is non-residential. If you would like to book accommodation on campus, please contact Mitchell Hall or Cranfield Management Development Centre directly. Further information about our on campus accommodation can be found here.  Alternatively you may wish to make your own arrangements at a nearby hotel.

Location and travel

Situated close to Milton Keynes and Bedford, the Cranfield campus is situated in Wharley End, very close to Cranfield village, and is about 10 minutes from the M1 motorway.  There is rail and road access to most major airports as well as coach and train stations. Cranfield campus also has its own airport for private executive business travel.

Download a visitor guide including map, directions and health and safety information.

Campus address

College Road
Cranfield
Bedfordshire
MK43 0AL

Elements of this module will also be taught at Cranfield at Shrivenham based at the Defence Academy of the UK near Swindon

How to apply

To apply for this course please use the online application form.

Read our Professional development (CPD) booking conditions.