You will study a diverse range of subject areas relevant to forensic investigation, including crime scene investigation, collection and analysis of evidence, the structure and processes which regulate the criminal justice system and laws associated with criminal investigation.

Year One: MSci Forensic Investigation

During the first year, you will receive an introduction to the various disciplines within the forensic science field and this will be complimented with practical experience gained through the examination of realistic simulated crime scenes from domestic burglaries to homicide within our suite of forensic laboratories and bespoke crime scene house. Other subject areas such as Policing, Health and Safety, Introductory Science and Mathematics will also be studied. Modules include:

Introduction to Forensic Science
This module will provide you with a comprehensive introduction to the technical and practical aspects of selected topics within forensic science. Areas covered include forensic geology; forensic odontology and anthropology; homicide investigation; criminal profiling; forensic entomology; accident investigation; current and anticipated crime trends and legal systems in England and Wales.

Introduction to Criminalistics
The practice of forensic science requires an understanding of a broad range of forensic topics and involves many investigative techniques. This module will provide you with the knowledge, practical understanding and technical ability relating to the investigation of crime. Here you will study introduction to crime scene investigation; documentation; collection and preservation of physical evidence; interpretation of crime scene evidence and crime scene reconstruction.

Law, Governance and the Criminal Justice System
This module will introduce you to the legislative and criminal justice system of England and Wales. This will include identifying the role of the police and associated agencies, who work in this environment. You will also examine the role of governance within the policing and security environments.

Science for Forensic Investigation
Within this module you will be introduced to the concepts of scientific investigation, measurement, accuracy and essential chemical and biological theories and practices involved in forensic investigation. This will include assisting you to develop good laboratory technique within these areas, but also an introduction to chemistry, cell and molecular biology, serology, genetics and DNA.

Crime Analysis
In this module you will learn about the scientific and statistical tools used to evaluate crime along with its origin and context, prevalence, and effects upon victims and society. You will be given an overview of the classification of criminal offences and links to intelligence and evidence.

Key Skills for Forensic Practice
This module will provide you with an appreciation of the principles of safe working in laboratories, accident prevention and the promotion of safety in the workplace and the consequences for health due to exposure to hazards. You will develop an understanding of the information concerning hazards in performing experimental work and in the calculation of the probability of an accident and to estimate risk. Additionally the use of IT for scientific working, accessing journals and referencing skills are provided.

Year Two: MSci Forensic Investigation

During the second year of study, you will further enhance your skills through the analysis of evidence in the laboratory, learning about the various chemical and biological analyses that are used within forensic laboratories. Specialist disciplines such as photography, Forensic Earth Science, Computer Forensics and microscopy are introduced here. Modules studied include:

Forensic Evidence and Laboratory Examination
Through studying this module you will gain practical experience in the examination of a variety of forensic evidence types using industry standard laboratory approaches or equipment. You will also learn the science behind examination techniques as well as the evidence itself. You will become competent in the search, recovery and examination of evidence and it's presentation through case files and expert witness reports. The module also focuses on biological evidence and subsequent DNA analysis.

Volume Crime Scene Examination
Within this module you will gain practical digital imaging, crime scene photography and video experience recording a variety of crime scenes scenarios. This will involve studying the theoretical aspects of photography, and equipment: Films and film speeds, camera formats, focal length, aperture and depth of field, lighting techniques and flash. In addition to this, you will gain practical training in core skills for the crime scene investigator within a series of simulated volume crime scenes including vehicle examination.

Police Duties and Law II
This module will enable you to interpret and relate current and new legislation to police practice and procedures. It will allow you to identify and analyse the effects of legislation on communities and partner agencies. Students will be given the opportunity to further develop knowledge, confidence and competence in application of law as a tool for problem solving.

Digital Forensics (e-crime)
You will develop knowledge and evaluate the tools and techniques associated with the creation and delivery of a computer forensic service within a team environment.
You will learn to demonstrate knowledge and skill in the processes required to manage a forensic project, from initial seizure to presenting evidence in the courtroom.

Investigative Approaches
In this module you will gain an understanding of the reactive and proactive approaches to criminal investigations. You will understand the complex nature of offender motivation and consequences for the crime scene. The module will also include an introduction to the complex field of forensic psychology and its role and uses in the criminal investigation procedure.

Practical Applications of Forensic Investigation
You will learn about the prevalence, abuse and effects and forensic examination of drugs and alcohol. This will include the sports doping, hair analysis and in the investigation of consumer products. In addition to this, you will gain an appreciation of the role of earth science data in the forensic examination of crime scenes or reported episodes.

Year Three: MSci Forensic Investigation

You will be introduced to more complex Forensic Investigation areas such as Fire and Explosion and Specialist areas of Forensic Investigation. Emphasis will still be placed on the Policing strand of the course and the importance of crime scene processing, and evidence handling in the laboratory. You will also undertake an independent literature review research project. Modules studied include:

Research, Employability and Professional Skills
This will involve the scientific evaluation of cases and evidence and statistical evaluation of forensic evidence and professional ethics and standards. Cases will include forensic pathology, homicide, suicide and accidental death amongst others. In addition to this, you will be introduced to the court room processes and the role of the expert witness, barristers, cross-examination and evidence in chief. As part of this module, you will conduct a literature review which will involve a critical evaluation of primary information and data on a selected topic within forensic science.

Forensic Microscopy
You will develop an understanding of the optic principles involved in microscopy and appreciate the microscope as an instrument to examine and analyse specimens which are applicable to forensic science. In addition to this, you will develop a capacity to interpret images and draw conclusions from these observations. Samples may include textiles, fibres, food and drugs, soil, pollen and tissue samples. In addition to this you will gain an understanding in, and hands on experience of using the Scanning Electron Microscope.

Forensic Evidence II
You will acquire practical experience in trace evidence analyses using associated instrumentation and develop competence in case management and evidence interpretation. In addition to this, you will receive theoretical and practical instruction in traffic incidents and the use of GIS in the statistical analysis of crimes.

Police Duties and Law III
It will enable you to critically analyse complex legislation in the context of police practice and procedures. You will learn to differentiate and discriminate in analysing, summarising, interpreting and applying the nature and effects of complex legislation and it enhances knowledge, confidence and competency in the application of complex law involved in personal development and progression within policing.

Specialist Forensic Investigation
Within this module you will be provided with an understanding of a variety of specialist investigation fields including wildlife forensics, forensic engineering and the investigation of biological and radiological hazards. In addition to this, you will learn about bioterrorism and its’ investigation and wildlife forensics.

Major Scene Investigation
This module aims to allow you to develop a detailed knowledge of the forensic criminal investigation process and gain a critical understanding applied to a range of specialist and serious offences described as major incident investigations. You will apply associated learning through exposure to relevant and related simulated major scene scenarios and case studies.

Year Four: MSci Forensic Investigation

Crime Scene Management
This advanced module will provide you with an understanding and practical experience of advanced scene analysis (volume and major crime) and professional scene management. You will learn techniques to analyse trace evidence recovered from volume and major crime scenes.

Interpretation, Evaluation and Presentation of Casework
This module trains you in a range of interpretation and evaluation skills that you will require in a future forensic practitioner role. You will understand the requirements of the role of an expert witness and reporting scientist. You will also be introduced to further Bayesian statistics, and the chemometric approach to data analysis.

Analytical Toxicology
This module focuses on the detection and quantitation of a range of drugs of abuse in biological matrices such as blood, urine saliva and hair. You will receive a high level of practical laboratory training in several drug extraction methods and confirmation techniques such as GCMS and ICP-OES. Practical laboratory work will include method development and validation techniques and in addition we will focus on the challenging area of hair analysis for clinical and forensic toxicology.

Project Design, Management and Enterprise
In this module, you will have the opportunity to complete an internationally recognised PRINCE2 foundation certificate. You will also prepare a full research proposal, and engage in activities alike Dragon’s Den where you will explore your entrepreneurial capabilities.

Laboratory Research Project
In this 40-credit module, you will complete an individual piece of research with a forensic context in one of our laboratories. There may also be an opportunity to work alongside a forensic science service provider on a collaborative project. You will produce a scientific dissertation, and a conference poster which will be evaluated in an end of year student conference.

The MSci Forensic Investigation degree will help you develop the academic, vocational and personal skills needed to pursue a variety of careers. These include roles in crime scene and forensic investigation units, and in the wider criminal justice sector. The Forensic Investigation course is designed to also develop transferrable skills that you can apply to a range of occupations requiring a scientific analytical background. You could also progress to a PhD or research degree.