Forensics MSc programme

Cranfield University

Cranfield University at Shrivenham, Shrivenham, Swindon, SN6 8LA, UK

Website: www.cranfield.ac.uk/defenceandsecurity

Email: cdsadmissions@cranfield.ac.uk

Tel: +44 (0) 1793 785220

About Cranfield University

As the UK’s only exclusively postgraduate university, Cranfield University’s world-class expertise, large-scale facilities and unrivalled industry partnerships is creating leaders in technology and management globally.

Our Cranfield Forensic Institute (CFI)

CFI is the renowned home for the many forensic-related disciplines at Cranfield University, such as ballistics, explosives, materials science, engineering failures and forensic archaeology and anthropology. We are the only university in the world to accommodate these disciplines within a science and technology faculty.

We have extensive expertise and exceptional facilities in a wide range of forensic science specialities. Our students have access to excellent laboratory facilities for the analysis of a wide range of materials, including modern and archaeological bone, art historical pieces and archaeological artefacts, and explosives. 

Students benefit from the specialist knowledge of teaching staff who have worked extensively in forensic casework and research environments, many of whom are recognised experts in their fields. This is complemented by contributions from external experts who share their professional experience. In addition, strong links with forensic service providers, police forces, military, national agencies and historical and academic institutions ensure that our course content and research areas are current and relevant.

Our MSc courses have been formally accredited by the internationally renowned Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences.

Our Cranfield Forensic MSc courses:

Forensic Archaeology and Anthropology MSc, PgDip
Students gain an understanding of how traditional and advanced techniques from archeological science and physical anthropology can be applied in the forensic context. Learn how the excavation of buried remains, the analysis of human remains and trauma identification can be used in civil, criminal and human rights investigations.

Forensic Ballistics MSc, PgDip
This course teaches you how firearms and ammunition function, the science of ballistics, the role of the forensic firearms examiners and how the forensic evidence produced in gun crime can be used to help resolve issues in relation to criminal and civil law. You will benefit from practical experience in firearms handling and examination, and be introduced to the interpretation of UK firearms law, comparison microscopy and serial number restoration.

Forensic Engineering and Science MSc, PgDip
Through learning how the physical sciences can be applied to forensic problems, you will gain a strong understanding in analysis of material and component failures, as well as the investigation of fires. Excellent links with the civil, defence and manufacturing industries will enable you to become familiar with a multitude of different applications.

Forensic Explosive and Explosion Investigation MSc, PgDip
This course introduces you to the investigation of explosive, chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear crime scenes. You will learn cutting-edge investigative and analytical techniques such as forensic intelligence, exploitation and open-source intelligence.

Forensic Investigation MSc, PgDip, PgCert
Gain an overview of the application of science to forensic problems in this highly practical and hands-on course. You will learn about the latest forensic methodologies and cutting-edge research, which will enable you to resolve issues in relation to civil and criminal law.

Professional and Technical Development courses

If you are looking to develop your professional and technical skills in forensics, we also have a portfolio of short courses available which are also modules of our master’s programme.

You can find a full list of short courses here.

Come and meet us

Attend our next Forensics Open Day to find out more about our Forensic MSc Programme.

You will be able to meet the course team, current students and academic support teams and be given an introduction to the course structure and available modules. You will also have the opportunity to discover the benefits of studying at a university closely aligned with industry and commerce and tour of some of our facilities.

Register for an Open Day

For further information about our Forensic courses please contact us at:

E: cdsadmissions@cranfield.ac.uk
T: +44 (0) 1793 785220
W: www.cranfield.ac.uk/cfi