Program Overview

MSc Forensic Investigations

Overview

Gain an in-depth understanding of the scientific principles and practices essential for forensic investigations Develop competence and knowledge through immersive skills-based engagement activities and modules Learn with an interdisciplinary team who combine expertise from different academic and industry areas This MSc prepares you to excel in the forensic science sector and other related fields

Entry Requirements

A 2:2 Honours degree or above in forensic science, archaeology, anthropology, geology, geography, criminology, computer science, medicine, biology, chemistry, physics, natural sciences, or similar While we normally only consider applicants who meet these criteria, if you are coming from a different background which is equivalent to degree level, or have relevant work experience or technical skills, we would welcome your application

Course Content

This MSc combines hands-on practical work with theoretical studies, allowing you to develop your skills using advanced laboratories and cutting-edge analytical tools By the end of the course, you will be able to critically analyse evidence, create strategic solutions for operational challenges, conduct original research, and communicate complex scientific findings effectively

Modules

Compulsory Modules

• ARCM701: Independent Project: Interpretation, Evaluation and Presentation of Evidence (30 credits)
• ARCM702: Laboratory Analysis (30 credits)
• ARCM703: Crime Scene Investigation (30 credits)
• ARCM704: Forensic Anthropology (30 credits)
• ARCM705: Forensic Archaeology (30 credits)

Optional Modules

• ARC3510: Experimental Approaches to Forensic and Archaeological Investigations (15 credits)
• ARCM407: Zooarchaeology (15 credits)
• HISM043: Critical Approaches to the History of Violence and Conflict (30 credits)
• SOC3127: Crimes of the Powerful (15 credits)
• SOC3129: Cybercrime (15 credits)
• SOC3143: Forensic Cultures (15 credits)
• POLM231: State Crime (30 credits)
• ARCM412: Funerary Osteoarchaeology (15 credits)
• SOC3128: Introduction to Open-source Intelligence (OSINT) (15 credits)
• SOC3134: Forensic Science, Conflict and Justice (15 credits)
• SOC3146: Forensics in Policing (15 credits)
• SOC3092: Introduction to Terrorism Studies (15 credits)
• SOC3144: Security, Society and Algorithms (15 credits)
• ANTM109: Animal Criminology (15 credits)
• ARA3045: War, Violence and Revolution in the Modern Middle East (30 credits)

Fees

2025/26 Entry

• UK fees per year: £12,500 full-time; £6,250 part-time
• International fees per year: £25,300 full-time; £12,650 part-time

Teaching and Research

Learning and Teaching

We seek to inspire and educate students in stimulating ways so as to develop intellectual skills for life and employment in the contemporary world Skill gain and tailored immersive engagement are central tenets of the programme’s design, with learning enhanced through practical exercises and progression captured through portfolio and skill-based assessments

Teaching Team

We believe in “no borders” interdisciplinary collaboration, a particularly essential attribute for forensic casework Given the nature and scope of criminal activity, a vast array of expertise is required to identify, record, and reconstruct events accurately We therefore operate a collaborative cross-disciplinary team from across the university and industry, drawing a wide range of expertise into the delivery of this MSc

Classes

Most of the formal classes that you will attend will be a mixture of lectures, seminars, workshops, and laboratory sessions The precise mix will vary between modules These aim to outline the principal issues of the module, to explore some detailed issues, and, where relevant, to give you experience of working with a particular technique or data set

Assessment

The assessment for the MSc Forensic Investigations is through a combination of tests, essays, reports, posters, portfolios, oral and visual presentations, viva voce, and an independent project The independent project of up to 10,000 words is a substantial piece of original and independent research on a topic aligned to career aspirations or research interests, subject to the approval of a supervisor

Facilities

SHArD 3D Laboratory

The University of Exeter's Science, Heritage and Archaeology Digital 3D (SHArD 3D) Laboratory, is a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to digitally replicating and preserving biological and cultural artefacts Funded by nearly £893,000 from the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC), SHArD 3D employs advanced scanning and microscopy techniques to create detailed 3D models, enhancing the study of archaeological finds and bio-cultural heritage

Collections

We also have extensive reference collections of artefacts, animal bones and plant remains So whatever your specific interests within archaeology we have the kit for it

Careers

This programme prepares you to excel in the forensic science sector and various other related fields The MSc has been designed to align with the latest industry standards

Example Fields Where Graduates Find Employment

• Police
• Military
• Crime Scene Investigation
• Fire and Rescue Service
• Forensic Service Provision (Private) Laboratories and Scene Support
• Government Laboratories (e.g., CAST or DSTL)
• Medical Laboratories
• Medical Sector (NHS; Doctors; Mortuary Technicians)
• NGOs/IGOs (e.g., Red Cross; Human Rights Watch; Amnesty International; International Commission on Missing Persons)
• Emergency Response
• Heritage (Museums; Commercial Archaeology)
• Law (Barristers; Solicitors)
• Project Management
• Academia (PhD; Research; Lectureships)