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.
Overview
- Start dateOctober
- DurationMSc: 11 months full-time, up to three years part-time; PgDip/PgCert: 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, PgCert
- 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 Investigation course are competitive. 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 Forensic Investigation course is part of the Forensic MSc Programme and is highly practical and hands-on, aiming to produce forensic experts capable of giving expert witness testimonies in a courtroom situation and elsewhere.
Students are able to choose from a wide range of subject areas, providing a highly flexible course where learners are able to tailor their MSc to their interests.
The course consists of a short 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 five core modules and choose six 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
The Forensic Investigation course has been devised by academics with operational experience in forensic science and police investigation. Its graduates are highly successful at progressing into forensically-based careers.
Course details
Students are required to take five core modules and choose six elective modules based on their particular background, future requirements or interests. This is followed by a four-month research project and 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:
Advanced Crime Scene Investigation
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
Environmental Forensic Science
Fires, Explosions and their Investigation
Forensic Archaeology: Recovering Buried Remains
Forensic Archaeology Mass Grave Excavation
Forensic Ballistic Investigations
Forensic Exploitation and Intelligence
Forensic Investigation of Explosives and Explosive Devices
Fundamentals of Forensic Anthropology: Osteology
International Heritage Exercise
Introduction to Firearms Investigations and Forensic Ballistics
Introduction to Fire Investigation
Materials Engineering and Processing
Materials Failure and Analysis
Practical Archaeological Excavation
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 Directors for our MSc in Forensic Investigation are Dr Hannah Moore and Stephanie Giles. The teaching team includes:
Your career
The Forensic Investigation course offers career opportunities across a broad range of applications. Past students have gone on to work in forensic laboratories, government bodies and police forces.
Cranfield Careers and Employability Service
Cranfield’s Careers and Employability Service is dedicated to helping you meet your career aspirations. You will have access to career coaching and advice, CV development, interview practice, access to hundreds of available jobs via our Symplicity platform and opportunities to meet recruiting employers at our careers fairs. We will also work with you to identify suitable opportunities and support you in the job application process for up to three years after graduation.
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.
