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 four core modules and choose seven 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 four compulsory modules and then choose seven elective modules based on their particular background, future requirements or interest. 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.
Course modules
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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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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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
Introductory Studies
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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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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: |
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: |
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, |
Firearms Investigations
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). |
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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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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 |
Indicative module content:
• 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: Mass Grave Excavation
Module Leader |
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Aim |
The module will introduce the principles of mass grave investigations; from finding and assessing sites, setting up and carrying out mass grave excavations to analysing and interpreting graves, victims and associated evidence. |
Syllabus |
Day 1: Classroom based teaching Day 2: Site assessment and setup Day 3-6: Site excavation Day 7: Site closure and exercise debrief The seven days include: |
Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module a student should be able to: • adapt their methodologies to a single or mass grave environment |
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 Ballistic Investigations
Aim |
To provide an understanding of the principles of internal, intermediate, external, terminal and wound ballistics and how they are used in forensic investigations. |
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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 |
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 and exploitation. |
Syllabus |
• role of communication and information sharing, • the use of FORINT cells in long term policing strategy, • exploitation and military intelligence, • pattern analysis, geographic information systems (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, |
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 |
Indicative module content: • 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: |
Further Forensic Anthropology: Identification
Module Leader |
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Aim |
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Syllabus |
• Identification of the deceased |
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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International Heritage Crime
Aim |
To provide an understanding of international heritage crime, the main players and the methods of both attacks and defence. |
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Syllabus |
Indicative module content: • introduction to international heritage crime,
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Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of the module you will be able to: • compare the main threats to international heritage, |
International Heritage Exercise
Aim |
To practically apply learning from the International Heritage Crime module to a real time, operational environment with the added difficulties of the international component. |
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Syllabus |
Indicative module content: This is a 'wargame' or exercise environment in which students take the role of one of the key people advising and commenting on a UK based operation. It draws heavily on the content of the International Heritage Crime module, but teaches and examines other skills including: |
Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of the module you will be able to: • identify agencies involved in a international heritage crime operation, |
Introduction to Firearms Investigations and Forensic Ballistics
Aim |
The module shall provide an introduction to the principles of forensic investigations involving firearms and forensic investigations of projectile ballistics. |
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Syllabus |
Indicative module content: |
Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module a student should be able to: • assess and evaluate how small arms work and operate,
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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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Materials Engineering and Processing
Module Leader |
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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. |
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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Practical Archaeological Excavation
Module Leader |
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Aim |
To provide students with an understanding of the manner in which traditional archaeology uses field techniques to address practical research questions.
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Syllabus |
• Planning an excavation,
• logistical practical and health and safety issues, • practical excavation skills, • man management and organisation skills, • drawing, planning and recording an excavation, • small finds, • the care of human remains, • press, the public and other partners. |
Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module a student should be able to: • explain how an excavation is planned and run, • transfer theoretical knowledge of excavation techniques into practical use, • recover safely and record rigorously material uncovered in the excavation, • critically assess the most important features of an excavation and determine appropriate techniques, • communicate results to other persons both archaeological experts and lay member of the public. |
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: |
UK Heritage Crime
Aim |
To provide an understanding of heritage crime in the UK and the methods and agencies to combat it. |
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Syllabus |
Indicative module content: • introduction to UK heritage assets,
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Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of the module you will be able to: • appraise the main threats to UK heritage, |
UK Heritage Exercise
Aim |
To practically apply learning from the UK Heritage Crime module to a real time, operational environment. |
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Syllabus |
Indicative module content: This is a 'wargame' or exercise environment in which students take the role of one of the key people advising and commenting on a UK based operation. It draws heavily on the content of the UK Heritage Crime module, but teaches and examines other skills including: |
Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of the module you will be able to: • appraise roles within UK heritage crime operation, |
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:
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.
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.