Elements of some modules as part of the course structure for this MSc will be undertaken at Cranfield University at Shrivenham located on the Defence Academy of the United Kingdom. Security clearance will be required for completion of these modules. Please refer to our entry requirements section for more details, or see further about security clearance for Cranfield at Shrivenham.
Criminal activity and conflict continue to pose significant threats to both national and international cultural heritage. Increased evidence of the destruction, theft, trafficking, forgery, fraud and laundering of cultural property has highlighted the need for specially qualified, skilled professionals to combat cultural heritage crime. Cranfield's new forensic MSc was developed in discussion with cultural heritage professionals, military agencies, law enforcement and art market stakeholders. Examining current threats to a range of cultural heritage from shipwrecks to fine art, this unique postgraduate programme will equip you with the specialist skills and international network required to work in the global field of heritage crime investigation and cultural property protection.
Overview
- Start dateOctober
- DurationFull-time: 11 months (MSc), one year (PgDip and PgCert); Part-time: three years (MSc) or two years (PgDip and PgCert)
- DeliveryBy written and practical examinations, continuous assessment, project presentation and oral exam
- QualificationMSc, PgDip, PgCert
- Study typeFull-time / Part-time
- CampusCranfield campus
Why this course?
This course will fit into the highly successful Forensic Master’s Programme run by Cranfield University. Cranfield teaches a suite of other Forensic MSc titles, which means that students on this course will work alongside those studying other forensic disciplines in depth, including archaeology, anthropology, ballistics and investigations. Optional modules on this new course allow its students to experience one or two modules in some of these other specialties, enhancing their employability and increasing the student experience.
Course details
Students are required to take nine core modules and choose up to two elective modules based on their particular background, future requirements or interests. This is followed by a four-month research project.
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 oral exam
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:
International Heritage Exercise
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:
Counter Improvised Explosive Devices Capability
Fires, Explosions and their Investigation
Forensic Archaeology: Recovering Buried Remains
Forensic Exploitation and Intelligence
Fundamentals of Forensic Anthropology: Osteology
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 forensics. The Course Director for our MSc in Forensic Investigation of Heritage Crime is Professor Andrew Shortland. The teaching team includes:
Your career
Key organisations have supported the need for further education within this field, due to the rise in crime and high demand for highly qualified subject matter experts.
This course aims to meet these demands and improve the employment prospects for students, and promotion prospects for existing heritage professionals. Heritage is a competitive, but expanding field, and the knowledge gained from this MSc should be of real world use to enhance your chances of employment.
