ObjectivesYou'll focus on the application of investigative and analytical techniques in forensic science, crime scene investigation and other relevant aspects of policing and law. You'll benefit from links with practitioners and organisations working in the field, and key members of staff are former forensic scientists or crime scene investigators and managers with considerable operational experience.
Entry requirementsApplicants should normally have an honours degree (at least 2.2) in an appropriate related discipline, professional membership of an appropriate chartered institution or an equivalent relevant qualification. Holders of an appropriate higher national diploma plus several years' relevant experience may also be accepted.
Academic titleMSc Forensic Investigation
Course descriptionMSc Forensic Investigation
This course builds on the success of the University's undergraduate degrees in forensic investigation and crime scene science. Practical work is undertaken in the University's on-campus 30-room Crime Scene House Laboratory, which is fully equipped with CCTV, chemistry and computer laboratories.
More information
Stage 1
Introduction and Professional Studies
This module is designed to introduce you to the issues related to studying beyond undergraduate level. It applies to students on taught postgraduate courses and those who are embarking on a programme of research. The module encompasses issues such as enrolment, health and safety, using Blackboard, report writing and referencing, ethics, plagiarism, time management and numerical techniques. You will also examine discipline specific areas pertinent to your pathway, which will offer you a particular grounding, skills base or understanding required at the early stage of your study. You will be introduced to personal development planning, by keeping a formal log book.
Principles of Crime Scene Science
The module uses a case scenario to introduce to the principles of crime scene science and provides you with an understanding of the methodologies associated with recovering physical evidence.
Forensic Science Awareness
This module uses case scenarios to introduce forensic science principles and procedures, and gives you an understanding of the methodologies associated with interpreting and evaluating scientific evidence. Analysis of evidence introduces the various analytical techniques, both biological and chemical.
Stage 2
Intelligence and Analysis
This module develops your understanding of the position and contribution of forensic science to intelligence-led policing. You will look at where and how forensic science can provide intelligence and how forensic intelligence is used at both a tactical and a strategic level.
Legal Issues and Evidence Reporting
This module explores the legal and procedural contexts in which forensic science operates, providing you with opportunities to develop skills and knowledge relevant to the gathering, examination and presentation of evidence in a range of situations.
Integration of Police and Forensic Procedures
This module develops your understanding of the application of forensic science within the police environment, particularly in respect of how forensic science is integrated into the investigative process. The module looks at forensic practices and procedures and how these interface with a wide range of police procedures, including administrative and financial procedures. You will also consider the relationship between forensic science procedures and other parts of the criminal justice system of England and Wales.
Stage 3
Research Project
This is the culmination of the programme of studies. You will undertake a challenging problem related substantially to your discipline. The project is linked where possible to an industrial or external partner organisation, which may even host your work and substantially direct the activity. Where this is not possible, a real or simulated real problem may be chosen as subject for the work. It is, however, expected that even where the problem is simulated or hypothetical, it will be treated as if real. The project outcomes project should be at a publishable standard.
Course structure
Core modules focus on a wide range of techniques in forensic investigation and include Introduction and Professional Studies, Principles of Crime Scene Science, Forensic Science Awareness, Intelligence and Analysis, Integration of Police and Forensic Procedures, and Legal Issues and Evidence Reporting.
Careers
Graduates should be well prepared for a wide range of employment opportunities in the fields of science, policing and law enforcement, including criminalistics, intelligence analysis, HM Revenue & Customs and health and safety. Industrial experience
On each master's degree you'll complete a project related to professional practice. This, along with the involvement of practitioners and academics in the delivery of these courses, ensures that they are relevant to the requirements of the criminal justice system.
Intermediate awards
Our master's degrees can lead to the award of a postgraduate certificate at Stage 1 (60 credits - 3 modules), a postgraduate diploma at Stage 2 (120 credits - 6 modules) or, on completion of a research project, the MSc.
Block release study
Our master's degrees are available on a block-release basis: you'll study for one week between 9.00am and 6.00pm with follow-up days in the next four weeks and accompanying assignment work.