Some of this MSc will be delivered at Cranfield University at Shrivenham located on the Defence Academy of the United Kingdom. Security clearance will be required as part of the application process. Please refer to our entry requirements section for more details, or see further about security clearance for Cranfield at Shrivenham.
Please be aware of the following application deadlines: 12th June 2023 (International) / 21st July 2023 (UK).
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, PgDip
- Study typeFull-time / Part-time
- CampusCranfield campus
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.
Places on the MSc Forensic Explosive and Explosion Investigation are competitive. Students come from a wide range of backgrounds, usually with a science or forensic science first degree. Many students come from the police and military as well as from abroad, especially Europe, Africa and North America.Why this course?
The Forensic Explosive and Explosion Investigation course is part of the MSc Forensic Programme, and is designed to give a broad introduction to the subject, rapidly advancing into the understanding of cutting-edge research and the latest methodologies. The course is highly practical and hands-on, aiming to produce forensic experts capable of giving expert witness testimonies in a courtroom situation and elsewhere.
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
Multiple strong relationships with forensic service and equipment providers such as Thermo Fisher Scientific, Smiths Detection, Bruker, KeTech and others.
Course details
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 or thesis.
Some modules for this MSc may be taught at Cranfield University at Shrivenham.
Course delivery
By written and practical examinations, continuous assessment, project presentation and viva voce
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.
Modules
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 and elective (where applicable) modules which are currently affiliated with this course. All modules are indicative only, and may be subject to change for your year of entry.
Compulsory modules
All the modules in the following list need to be taken as part of this course:
Ballistic Impact and Protection
Counter Improvised Explosive Devices Capability
Explosive Effects on Structures
Forensic Investigation of Explosives and Explosive Devices
Introduction to Fire Investigation
Introduction to Shock and Impact
Investigation and Evidence Collection
Reasoning for Forensic Science
Elective modules
A selection of modules from the following list need to be taken as part of this course:
Forensic Ballistics Investigations
Fires, Explosions and their Investigation
Forensic Archaeology: Recovering Buried Remains
Forensic Exploitation and Intelligence
Fundamentals of Forensic Anthropology: Osteology
International Heritage Exercise
Introduction to Firearms Investigations and Forensic Ballistics
Materials Failure and Analysis
Radiographic Investigations in Forensic Science
Teaching team
You will be taught by Cranfield's leading experts with capability expertise, industry knowledge and collective subject research, as well as external speakers from industry and defence. The Course Director for our MSc in Forensic Explosive and Explosion Investigation is Mike Harris. The teaching team includes:
Accreditation
The MSc of this course is accredited by The Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences. and the Institute of Explosive Engineers (IExpE)
Your career
Supports professional development for those in security and defence occupations related to explosives, intelligence or search. Excellent grounding for career starters looking to join government scientific services, forensic laboratories, police departments and insurance companies.
How to apply
To register your interest, please use the button below. If you'd like to speak to a member of the admissions or course team then use the 'Get in touch' details at the top of the page.
