About Cranfield University
As the UK's only exclusively postgraduate university, Cranfield's world-class expertise, large-scale facilities and unrivalled industry partnerships create leaders and innovators in the specialist areas of science, technology, engineering and management.
Our Cranfield Forensic Institute (CFI)
Cranfield University has invested £3.5 million in the latest forensic science technology at its Cranfield campus.
Building on Cranfield’s distinctive strength in defence and security, this forensic science teaching and research facility will be unparalleled in the UK.
The new facilities at CFI will be among some of the very best in the world in their specialist fields of crime scene investigation, digital forensic investigation and non-destructive analysis.
Students and staff will have access to new facilities such as a virtual reality autopsy table, digital forensics laboratory, crime scene investigation rooms and a simulated mass grave excavation site.
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 sciences 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.
The majority of our MSc courses have been formally accredited by the internationally renowned Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences.
Our Cranfield Forensic MSc courses:
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. You will gain an understanding of how traditional and advanced techniques from archaeological science and physical anthropology can be applied in the forensic context.
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.
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.
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.
Due to the rise in heritage crime there is currently an increasing demand for highly qualified subject matter experts. Developed from discussions with cultural heritage bodies, NGOs, military and police, this course aims to meet these demands and improve your employment prospects.
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.
Explore our full list of short courses.
Meet us
Uncover the postgraduate study opportunities in Forensics - webinar
If you are interested in undertaking one of our forensic courses, then join us for our upcoming interactive webinar and discover how, and why, the Cranfield Forensic MSc Programme will enhance your career.
Forensic MSc Programme webinar
Thursday 18 March 2021
12:00-13:00 GMT
Register for our webinar
For further information about our Forensic courses please contact us at:
E: studyforensics@cranfield.ac.uk
W: www.cranfield.ac.uk/cfi