Program Overview

The requirements for forensic investigation around ballistics is becoming more and more prevalent in today’s world. The need for expertise to understand gun crime, examination of firearms and the science of ballistics is becoming crucial for armed and non-armed forces worldwide. Our Forensic Ballistics MSc is often attended by students from several different European, African and North American countries meaning the experience you will gather networking and discussing ideas with multiple different people will be invaluable. The courses benefits from facilities that no other university in the UK can offer, and our close relationship with the Defence Academy of the United Kingdom and MOD allows us access to facilities unrivalled elsewhere.

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.

The MSc in Forensic Ballistics course usually has around 10-15 students per year. 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 Ballistics course is part of the MSc Forensic Programme and is highly practical and hands-on, aiming to produce a clear understanding of how firearms and ammunition function, the science of ballistics, the role of the forensic firearms examiner and how the forensic evidence produced in gun crime can be used to help resolve issues in relation to criminal and civil law.

The course consists of a one-week 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 eight core modules and choose three 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.

Accreditation

The MSc of this course is accredited by The Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences.

Your career

Prepares you to practise as a professional expert witness in forensic ballistics, within forensic laboratories, police departments, government bodies and non-governmental organisations. It is also a necessary introduction that could lead into conducting research at PhD level in the subject.

Students can also exit with PGDip and PGCert awards.