Some of this MSc will be delivered at Cranfield University at Shrivenham located on the Defence Academy of the United KingdomSecurity 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).

 

Using cutting edge research, latest methodologies and in-depth forward thinking. The Forensic Explosive and Explosion Investigation MSc aims to enhance your understanding in a fast-paced science. 

It will give you a broad introduction into the subject, and will utilise highly practical and hands-on sessions, aiming to produce forensic experts capable of giving expert witness testimonies in a courtroom situation and elsewhere.

The course allows you to flexibly choose a number of elective modules to suit your prospective career. You can choose from a list of different capabilities within the scope of the course, whether than be Hazardous materials, counter-improvised explosive devices (IED) investigation or firearms and their investigation. 

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.


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.