Program Overview

MSc Audio Forensics and Restoration

About this course

This programme prepares students from varied backgrounds for work in the fields of forensic audio and audio restoration utilising state-of-the-art methods and technology.

• Whether you want to use your experience and skills to help fight crime in the digital age or preserve our media heritage for the future, this is the course for you
• The course will help you convert and apply your Audio/Science skills, qualifications and experience to enhance your employability in the new emerging industries of Audio Forensics and Media Restoration
• The course has been designed specifically to meet the needs of exacting standards of each industry
• On completion of the course you will emerge well prepared to develop a career in both areas of study
• The Audio Forensics and Restoration Masters is ideal for those who have a strong interest in: Audio archiving, Sound preservation and Restoration, Modern CSI techniques, Audio forensics with expert witness disciplines, Evidence analysis, Audio processing

The processes and techniques taught across the course are fully integrated and complementary. They are designed specifically to help you convert your current related qualifications and skills into high value specialisms that can serve the many industries requiring qualified, informed audio expertise.

The Audio Forensics modules will equip you for a career working with or for the police, supporting investigations as a modern digital forensic provider. Further skills gained from the Expert Witness module will open up additional opportunities in the emerging professional private investigative services. The ability to authenticate, analyse and enhance audio evidence to the exacting standards required by law is now one of the most sought after technical skills in the crime detection portfolio.

The restoration modules are designed specifically to build and broaden audio skills. They will equip you with the knowledge to confidently operate and support the exciting new areas in commercial media that are making 20th Century media accessible to a 21st Century audience. Preparing classic film soundtracks for re-release, preserving archive musical performances and restoring analogue recording for modern streaming distribution are just some of the exciting new careers emerging thanks to the digital tools you will be using on this course.

After completion of this course you will not only be suitably equipped to operate within the proposed ISO frameworks of Modern Digital Forensic Services but fully prepared to utilise your skills for enhanced employability in specialist areas of the modern media industry.

Course modules

Core modules

• Audio Forensics Theory and Practice (30 credits)
  • This module will provide students with a thorough understanding of the relevant skills, processes and procedures pertinent to their potential role as an Audio Forensic Specialist. The focus will be on many common audio forensic real life situations, although there may be scope to specialise in specific areas of the industry.
• Audio Restoration Theory and Practice (30 credits)
  • This module will provide students with a thorough understanding of the relevant skills, processes and procedures pertinent to their potential role as an Audio Restoration Specialist. The focus will be on many common audio legacy formats, although there may be scope to specialise in specific areas of the industry.
• Enterprise and the Commercial Context (20 credits)
  • This module complements the technical and practical competencies of the other modules by creating an awareness of the current commercial, legal and regulatory environment of the industry and the agencies which comprise it. It is a vehicle for the exploration, debate and formulation of relevant principles and practice.
• Legacy Media Formats (10 credits)
  • This module will explore various methods of storing and reproducing representations of media in a variety of legacy formats.
• MSc Dissertation (60 credits)
  • This project module provides you the opportunity to demonstrate your ability to drive your own deep/thorough investigation, undertake high quality academic research and demonstrate critical evaluation of your results.
• Research Skills (10 credits)
  • The module will help prepare you to undertake your own research project and deliver the required skill set for successful completion of your investigations.
• Law and Court Room Skills (20 credits)
  • This module discusses the criminal justice systems under which a Forensic Scientist may work and examines expert witness testimony. Aspects of regulation and quality assurance are touched upon.

Your Learning Experience

• Teaching: Classroom contact is approximately 13 hours per week in Semester 1, and 11 hours per week in Semester 2. Self-study would bring the total study time to 60 hours per week.
• Assessment: Assessment is through practical activities and coursework.

Career paths

• Audio Forensic Specialist
• Audio Restoration Specialist
• Multimedia Restoration Specialist
• Digital CSI technician
• Academic research and education
• Private Audio forensic expert witness
• Corporate archivist

Tuition fees and funding

• Home: £10,850
• International: £18,250

Entry requirements

• A 2.2 Honours degree or above in Audio Production, Audio Technology, Sound Technology, or a related audio discipline
• A 2.2 Honours degree or above in Forensic Science, Mathematics or a physical science, together with experience in a relevant field
• A degree with industrial experience or relevant postgraduate experience
• Other qualifications or relevant experience within the audio industry deemed to be equivalent to the above

International requirements

• IELTS English language requirement: 6.0 (minimum 5.5 in each component)