Overview
- Start dateOctober
- DurationMSc: 11 months full-time, up to three years part-time. PgDip: Up to 11 months full-time, up to two years part-time.
- DeliveryBy written and practical examinations, continuous assessment, project presentation and viva voce.
- QualificationMSc, MSc by Research, PgDip
- Study typeFull-time / Part-time
- CampusCranfield University at Shrivenham
Who is it for?
The course offers students a wide range of different experiences with unique facilities available to no other university in the UK.
The MSc in Forensic Ballistics course usually has around 10-15 students per year. Students come from a wide range of backgrounds, usually with a science or forensic science first degree. Many students come from abroad, especially Europe, Africa and North America.Why this course?
The MSc Forensic Ballistics course is part of the MSc Forensic Programme which is formally accredited by The Chartered Society for Forensic Sciences.
The course is highly practical and hands-on, aiming to produce a clear understanding of how firearms and ammunition function, the science of ballistics, the role of the forensic firearms examiner and how the forensic evidence produced in gun crime can be used to help resolve issues in relation to criminal and civil law.
The course consists of a one-week period of introductory studies followed by academic instruction in modular form. Most modules are of five days duration, interspersed with weeks devoted to private study. Students are required to take eight core modules and choose three elective modules based on their particular background, future requirements or interests. This is followed by a four-month research project and either a thesis or literature review and paper.
Informed by Industry
Made up of serving Forensic Practitioners from different disciplines.
Accreditation
The Forensic Modular Masters Programme at Cranfield Forensic Institute is accredited by The Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences.
Course details
Students are required to take nine core modules and choose three elective modules based on their particular background, future requirements, or interests. This is followed by a four-month research project and thesis.
Individual project
The individual project takes four months from April to July. The student selects from a range of titles, or may propose their own topic. Most are practically or experimentally based using Cranfield’s unique facilities.
Assessment
By written and practical examinations, continuous assessment, project presentation and viva voce.University Disclaimer
Keeping our courses up-to-date and current requires constant innovation and change. The modules we offer reflect the needs of business and industry and the research interests of our staff and, as a result, may change or be withdrawn due to research developments, legislation changes or for a variety of other reasons. Changes may also be designed to improve the student learning experience or to respond to feedback from students, external examiners, accreditation bodies and industrial advisory panels.
To give you a taster, we have listed the compulsory modules and (where applicable) some elective modules affiliated with this programme which ran in the academic year 2018–2019. There is no guarantee that these modules will run for 2019 entry. All modules are subject to change depending on your year of entry.
Compulsory modules
All the modules in the following list need to be taken as part of this course
Analytical Techniques
Module Leader |
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Aim |
To provide an understanding of the principles and practical applications of the major analytical techniques used in materials based investigations.
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Syllabus |
• Specimen collection and sample preparation • Mass/volume of interaction • Materials identification by X-ray diffraction • Special techniques used in X-ray diffraction • X-ray fluorescence • Electron microscopy and micro-analysis • Optical microscopy • Spectroscopic methods: Infrared and Raman spectroscopy • Mass spectrometry • Chromatographic and other separation methods: GC, HPLC, CE • Hyphenated techniques • Isotope ratios and carbon dating • DNA profiling. • Hardness measurements (micro- and nano-hardness) • Radiography |
Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module a student should be able to: |
Courtroom Skills
Module Leader |
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Aim |
The module will provide an understanding of the role and responsibilities of expert witnesses in domestic and international criminal and civil cases and how they can present their evidence to the court effectively. You will also apply knowledge gained in previous modules to strengthen arguments presented in expert witness reports. |
Syllabus |
• Role and legal responsibilities of the forensic expert
• Civil and criminal procedure rules • Excellence in report and statement writing • Presentation of evidence in court • Preparation for examination-in-chief and cross-examination. |
Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module a student should be able to:
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Firearms Investigations
Module Leader |
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Aim |
The module will provide an understanding of the principles of firearms design, forensic investigations involving firearms and the classification of firearms against the 1968 Firearms Act (as amended). |
Syllabus |
• Serial number restoration • Improvised and converted weapons • Preservation and recording of evidence • 1968 Firearms Act (as amended) • Gun-shot residue Investigations • Application of bullet and case matching in forensic investigations |
Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of the module the student should be able to: • evaluate the component parts of small arms,
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Forensic Ballistic Investigations
Module Leader |
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Aim |
To provide an understanding of the principles of internal, intermediate, external, terminal and wound ballistics and how they are used in forensic investigations. |
Syllabus |
• Intermediate ballistics • External ballistics • Terminal ballistics • Wound ballistics • Fragmenting munitions • Shotgun ballistics • Hit probability and statistics |
Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module a student should be able to: • Investigate and assess the internal, intermediate and external ballistics of projectiles |
Investigation and Evidence Collection
Module Leader |
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Aim |
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Syllabus |
• Construction of the forensic strategy
• Evidence selection and collection • Scene photography • Digital photography • Sample integrity and contamination issues • Assessment of evidence • Packaging and transportation • Scene reporting • Handling intelligence – assessment and communication |
Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module a student should be able to:
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Reasoning for Forensic Science
Module Leader |
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Aim |
To provide an understanding and experience of the disciplines underpinning critical evaluation of quantitative information applied within the Forensic Sciences. |
Syllabus |
The syllabus will follow the general course of a generic investigative process from the appropriate framing of a question to the critical interpretation of data and information. The appropriate use of data in well-constructed arguments will be considered in order to distinguish between fact, opinion and speculation. Intellectual rigour will be challenged, and the ability to identify weakness in argument will be developed. Data will be examined for reliability and reproducibility with a focus on the distinct features of forensically related data. Appropriate use of descriptive and hypothesis testing statistics will be practiced and the ‘prosecutor’s fallacy’ explored. Bayes’ Theorem will be considered and rehearsed through case studies. |
Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module a student should be able to:
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Introduction to Firearms Investigations and Forensic Ballistics
Module Leader |
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Aim |
The module shall provide an introduction to the principles of forensic investigations involving firearms and forensic investigations of projectile ballistics. |
Syllabus |
• Introduction into weapon functioning and performance |
Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module a student should be able to: • Assess and evaluate how small arms work and operate |
Materials Engineering and Processing
Aim |
The module provides an understanding of the structure and properties of materials, to understand how the processing and fabrication methods affect them, and to familiarise the student with the common faults that can arise during production. |
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Syllabus |
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Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of the module a diligent student will be able to:
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Research Project
Module Leader |
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Aim |
To undertake an independent and original investigation, normally experimentally or practically-based, relating to a specific area of the syllabus. |
Syllabus |
• Safety assessment • Statistics • Experimental design • Library search techniques • Web search techniques • Technical writing |
Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module a student should be able to:
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Elective modules
A selection of modules from the following list need to be taken as part of this course
Fakes and Forgeries
Module Leader |
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Aim |
The module will provide an understanding of the principles of forensic and scientific investigations into art objects.
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Syllabus |
• Introduction to the art world,
• collectors, auction houses and museums, • object and material types: (stone, ceramic, glass, metal, pigment, organics), • scientific versus art historical analysis, • special considerations of sampling, • quasi-non-destructive and non-destructive techniques, • relative and absolute dating, • provenancing. |
Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module a student should be able to: • describe the basic functioning of the art market, |
Fires, Explosions and their Investigation
Module Leader |
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Aim |
The course covers fire dynamics and the characteristics of explosives, their effects on buildings and people and the physical effects that would be looked for in their investigation. |
Syllabus |
• Fire initiation
• Fire spread • Gas, vapour and dust explosions • Fire spread in solids • Effects of fire on the human • Condensed phase explosives and pyrotechnics • Explosive effects • Forensic examination of fires and explosions using visiting speakers from the Fire Service and commercial investigators • Vehicle fires • Explosives range demonstration and fire demonstration (weather permitting) • Laboratory practical • Laboratory practical |
Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module a student should be able to: • understand the fundamental principles of fire science theory and fire modelling and demonstrate a critical awareness of the limitations of current theories and modelling processes, • identify the various physical and mechanical processes and mechanisms leading to the initiation of fires and explosives, • analyse the mechanisms involved in the spread of fire and the development of gas, vapour, and dust explosions, • demonstrate an understanding of the forensic techniques used in the examination of fire and explosions. |
Forensic Archaeology: Recovering Buried Remains
Module Leader |
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Aim |
To introduce the role of the forensic archaeologist within the context of major crime investigation, specifically in the UK. The module aims to describe and discuss all aspects of this role, including project design, wide area search techniques, grave location techniques, excavation, evidence recognition and handling, grave and scatter scene interpretation and the production of specialist reports for court. |
Syllabus |
• perpetrator behaviour • search and location • grave digging practical • principles of geophysics • police search techniques • cadaver dog use • principles of surveying • stratigraphy and recording • scatter scenes • scavenger behaviour • assessing soils • running a forensic excavation • recording & planning |
Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module a student should be able to: • evaluate and critically assess the development of forensic archaeology and its current application on UK and international crime scenes |
Forensic Investigation of Explosives and Explosive Devices
Module Leader |
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Aim |
The aim of the FIEED course is to educate forensic scientists, police, military and relevant supporting disciplines in the process of investigating an explosive device, scene of explosion or suspected production facility or hide. Students work up from scene processing and evidence recovery, through to selection of analytic techniques, production of witness statements and court hearings. |
Syllabus |
• Explosive crime scenes |
Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module a student should be able to: • evaluate the methods available for the detection and analysis of explosives |
Fundamentals of Forensic Anthropology: Osteology
Module Leader |
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Aim |
To provide a broad introduction to the subject, focusing on the role of the forensic anthropologist, human skeletal anatomy and the basic biological profile from human skeletal remains. |
Syllabus |
Day 1: Introduction to human skeletal anatomy, biomechanics, and forensic anthropology. Day 2: Bone and tooth identification and taphonomy. Day 3: Human vs non-human bone; outdoor scatter scene. Day 4: Biological profile estimation (age-at-death, sex, stature, ancestry). Day 5: Analysis of a human skeleton. |
Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module a student should be able to: |
Mass Fatality Incidents
Module Leader |
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Aim |
This course provides an introduction to mass fatality incidents (MFI); their definition, categorisation, mitigation and management. It has a strong focus on disaster victim identification (DVI) but also covers more general effects, challenges, lessons learnt, management developments and, the return to normality following an MFI. In particular, the course considers the roles and responsibilities of the personnel involved in the DVI process, practical application of Interpol guidelines and DVI forms, planning and evaluation of temporary mortuary facilities and, DVI humanitarian assistance aspects of mass fatality incident response. The course may be of interest to a wide range of professionals including; emergency planners, emergency response personnel (police, fire and ambulance), family liaison officers, accident investigators, NGO workers, forensic scientists, medical doctors, lawyers, and those involved in the investigation of missing persons.
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Syllabus |
• Introduction to mass fatality incidents (MFI); definitions, categorisations and history,
• MFI mitigation, response planning and management, • disaster victim identification (DVI) process and challenges, • roles and responsibilities of DVI personnel, • role of INTERPOL with respect to MFI, • needs of the bereaved and humanitarian assistance, • potential personal impact of MFI on responders, • case study examples, • lessons learnt and management developments, • UK and International perspectives, • mock MFI scenarios, • media involvement with, and impact on MFI. |
Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module a student should be able to:
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Radiographic Investigations in Forensic Science
Module Leader |
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Aim |
To provide an understanding of the principles and practical applications of radiographic imaging techniques used in forensic science. |
Syllabus |
• Physics of X-ray production and utilization |
Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of the module you will be able to: • explain the fundamental principles of a wide range of imaging techniques |
Trace Evidence
Module Leader |
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Aim |
The module will provide an understanding of the trace physical evidence and its associated forensic examination. |
Syllabus |
• Fibre and hair construction • Fibre and hair microscopy for identification and comparison • Fabric comparison and damage • Glass construction and forensic examination • Paint characterization • Soil analysis • Blood spatter • Finger prints • Marks as evidence |
Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module a student should be able to: |
Hazardous Forensics
Module Leader |
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Aim |
To present the fundamental principles of hazardous investigations including CBRN and to introduce techniques and working practices that promote risk management during a methodical investigation. |
Syllabus |
• Introduction to hazardous investigations – principles and practices
• Recognising a CBRN incident • Understanding hazardous scenes, sites, and situations (operational to strategic) • Management of hazardous scenes • CBRN contamination as an evidence challenge • Reporting on investigations • Techniques and technologies for operating in hazardous environments |
Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module a student should be able to:
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Forensic Exploitation and Intelligence
Module Leader |
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Aim |
To provide an understanding of the principles and practical applications of the major forensic analytical techniques used in Forensic Intelligence (FORINT) and exploitation. |
Syllabus |
• FORINT in long term policing strategy • exploitation and military intelligence • pattern analysis, GIS and mathematics in forensic intelligence • technical exploitation • forensic exploitation • planning and direction of forensic intelligence • collection, processing, production, management and dissemination of FORINT • forms of output and report from FORINT |
Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module a student should be able to: • distinguish evidential types for use in court and for intelligence purposes |
Digital Crime and Investigation
Module Leader |
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Aim |
The aim of this module is to develop knowledge and understanding of the processes involved in the investigation of digital crime. These include the investigation of crime, the seizure of digital evidence, the examination of seized devices, the construction of reports and knowledge of relevant law. |
Syllabus |
• Investigation of digital crime • Planning and executing a search and seizure operation in the context of a digital crime based investigation • Introduction to the tools and techniques used to examine digital evidence • Reports and statements • Relevant UK and European law |
Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module a student should be able to:
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Approach to Failure Investigation and Analysis
Module Leader |
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Aim |
The module will introduce the failure investigation process, the importance of defining the objective(s) and planning the investigation, and the steps and common tools involved in failure analysis.
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Syllabus |
• Importance of defining the goal(s) and planning a failure investigation
• Requirements for leading a failure investigation and the importance of determining the root cause • Root cause analysis techniques • Failure investigation pitfalls • Steps involved in failure analysis • Cleaning and preservation of samples • NDT and the common tools used in failure examinations • Present engineering information |
Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module a student should be able to: •explain the steps involved in failure investigations and the importance of determining the root cause, •plan a systematic approach to problem solving, •evaluate the tools used in failure analysis, and the limitations. |
Counter Improvised Explosive Devices Capability
Module Leader |
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Aim |
The aim of the C-IED Capability course is to educate industry, military and civilian MoD C-IED staff in the Counter IED/Threat systems with emphasis on supporting capabilities and technology. |
Syllabus |
Subjects covered will include:
• describe and explain the C-IED approach in accordance with JDP 3-65(AJP-3.15(A)), • understand the development of IED threats based on historical perspective and how these have been countered (adversary tactics techniques and procedures and the philosophies and principles underpinning IEDD), • technologies involved in C-IED across detect, neutralise, mitigate and exploit. Includes roles of ISTAR and ECM, • how to advise senior and specialist staff on C-IED, • the importance of ‘Understand’ and information management to maintain effectiveness, • application of influence activities to C-IED, • analysing adversary IED systems and identifying points of influence and effect. |
Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module a student should be able to: |
Failure Mechanisms of Materials
Module Leader |
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Aim |
The module will introduce the different causes of failure, and investigate the mechanisms and subsequent characteristic features of the different failure modes. This will enable the student to be able to evaluate and deduce the cause(s) of failure from the examination of failed engineered components.
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Syllabus |
• Modes of loading and stress distributions
• Residual stress • Failure modes – ductile/brittle fracture, fatigue, wear, corrosion, elevated temperature • Fractography and the interpretation of fracture surfaces • Crack tip stress fields and linear elastic fracture mechanics |
Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module a student should be able to:
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Introductory Studies
Module Leader |
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Aim |
The aim of Introductory Studies is to prepare students for their subsequent programme of study on the assessed modules. It is optional and carries a formal credit rating of zero, although a student’s understanding of the material covered may be tested as part of the assessments for the course modules. Students are advised to participate in Introductory Studies. |
Syllabus |
The emphasis in Introductory Studies is on fundamentals and subjects are covered at first-degree level. Topics include:
• chemistry,
• archaeology and anthropology, • computing services and library briefings, • materials engineering, • study skills and research methods, • maths (including statistics), • physics. |
Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module students will be able to: • revise, consolidate and expand their skill and knowledge base so that they can derive maximum benefit from the course.
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Teaching team
You will be taught by Cranfield's leading experts with many years' industrial experience as well as external speakers from industry and defence. The teaching team includes:
Fees and Funding
European Union students applying for university places in the 2019 to 2020 academic year will still have access to student funding support. Please see the UK Government’s announcement (24 July 2018).
Students from the UK/EU are eligible for a departmental bursary of £2,000 for MSc and £1200 for PgDip award. For further information on the funding of this course, please see the Fees and Funding section.
Cranfield University welcomes applications from students from all over the world for our postgraduate programmes. The Home/EU student fees listed continue to apply to EU students.
MSc Full-time | £12,000 |
MSc Part-time | £12,000 * |
PgDip Full-time | £10,000 |
PgDip Part-time | £10,000 * |
Fee notes:
- The fees outlined apply to all students whose initial date of registration falls on or between 1 August 2019 and 31 July 2020.
- All students pay the tuition fee set by the University for the full duration of their registration period agreed at their initial registration.
- For self-funded applicants a non-refundable £500 deposit is payable on offer acceptance and will be deducted from your overall tuition fee.
- Home/EU students - Most fees paid personally by the student or their families are eligible for a departmental bursary (MSc £2,000 and PgDip £1,200).
- Additional fees for extensions to the agreed registration period may be charged.
- Fee eligibility at the Home/EU rate is determined with reference to UK Government regulations. As a guiding principle, EU nationals (including UK) who are ordinarily resident in the EU pay Home/EU tuition fees, all other students (including those from the Channel Islands and Isle of Man) pay Overseas fees.
MSc Full-time | £20,500 |
MSc Part-time | £20,500 * |
PgDip Full-time | £16,400 |
PgDip Part-time | £16,400 * |
Fee notes:
- The fees outlined apply to all students whose initial date of registration falls on or between 1 August 2019 and 31 July 2020.
- All students pay the tuition fee set by the University for the full duration of their registration period agreed at their initial registration.
- For self-funded applicants a non-refundable £500 deposit is payable on offer acceptance and will be deducted from your overall tuition fee.
- Home/EU students - Most fees paid personally by the student or their families are eligible for a departmental bursary (MSc £2,000 and PgDip £1,200).
- Additional fees for extensions to the agreed registration period may be charged.
- Fee eligibility at the Home/EU rate is determined with reference to UK Government regulations. As a guiding principle, EU nationals (including UK) who are ordinarily resident in the EU pay Home/EU tuition fees, all other students (including those from the Channel Islands and Isle of Man) pay Overseas fees.
Funding Opportunities
To help students find and secure appropriate funding, we have created a funding finder where you can search for suitable sources of funding by filtering the results to suit your needs. Visit the funding finder.
Conacyt (Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnologia)
Cranfield offers competitive scholarships for Mexican students in conjunction with Conacyt (Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnologia) in science, technology and engineering.
Postgraduate Loan from Student Finance England
A Postgraduate Loan is now available for UK and EU applicants to help you pay for your Master’s course. You can apply for a loan at GOV.UK
Santander MSc Scholarship
The Santander Scholarship at Cranfield University is worth £5,000 towards tuition fees for full-time master's courses. Check the scholarship page to find out if you are from an eligible Santander Universities programme country.
Chevening Scholarships
Chevening Scholarships are awarded to outstanding emerging leaders to pursue a one-year master’s at Cranfield university. The scholarship includes tuition fees, travel and monthly stipend for Master’s study.
Cranfield Postgraduate Loan Scheme (CPLS)
The Cranfield Postgraduate Loan Scheme (CPLS) is a funding programme providing affordable tuition fee and maintenance loans for full-time UK/EU students studying technology-based MSc courses.
Commonwealth Scholarships for Developing Countries
Students from developing countries who would not otherwise be able to study in the UK can apply for a Commonwealth Scholarship which includes tuition fees, travel and monthly stipend for Master’s study.
Future Finance Student Loans
Future Finance offer student loans of up to £40,000 that can cover living costs and tuition fees for all student at Cranfield University.
Please contact studentfunding@cranfield.ac.uk for more information on funding.
Additional information on fees and funding can be found here.Entry requirements
A first or second class Honours degree, or equivalent, in a relevant discipline such as a science, archaeology, anthropology, engineering, forensic science, materials, or the professional equivalent. Students with other degrees who can show a knowledge of and interest in the scientific elements of the subject will also be considered.
English Language
If you are an international student you will need to provide evidence that you have achieved a satisfactory test result in an English qualification. The minimum standard expected from a number of accepted courses are as follows:
- IELTS Academic - 7
- TOEFL - 100
- Pearson PTE Academic - 68
- Cambridge English Scale - 190
- Cambridge English: Advanced - C
- Cambridge English: Proficiency - C
- Trinity College London Integrated Skills in English III - minimum overall score of pass
In addition to these minimum scores you are also expected to achieve a balanced score across all elements of the test. We reserve the right to reject any test score if any one element of the test score is too low.
We can only accept tests taken within two years of your registration date (with the exception of Cambridge English tests which have no expiry date).
Students requiring a Tier 4 (General) visa must ensure they can meet the English language requirements set out by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) and we recommend booking a IELTS for UKVI test.
Security clearance for Shrivenham
Some Cranfield University courses are delivered at the Defence Academy of the United Kingdom, Shrivenham which is a Ministry of Defence (MOD) site. All applicants to courses that are wholly or partially delivered at Shrivenham must complete the BPSS (HMG Baseline Personnel Security Standard V4 April 2014) prior to registration on the course or must already hold a security clearance to this level or higher.
Please visit our security clearance page for further information.
Your career
Prepares you to practice as a professional expert witness in forensic ballistics, within forensic laboratories, police departments, government bodies and non-governmental organisations. It is also a necessary introduction that could lead into conducting research at PhD level in the subject.
How to apply
Applicants may be invited to attend an interview. Applicants based outside of the UK may be interviewed either by telephone or video conference.