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Overview
Forensic evidence is a vital component in bringing perpetrators to justice. On this MSc Forensic Investigation degree course, you'll learn the practical skills and theories that underpin forensic science and its role in criminal justice, from a crime scene to the courtroom.
You'll study when and why forensic science techniques are used within criminal investigations, as well as how best to deploy them, building your experience in realistic settings, including our crime scene simulation spaces. You'll develop the ability to form strategic forensic responses in the investigation of crime, and understand how to apply them within your career.
Drawing on the expertise of our passionate and research-driven criminology team, you'll also develop your skills in independent research design, data analysis and critical thinking.
You can tailor your studies with specialist subjects such as applied forensic science, aquatic forensic investigation, and investigation and psychology.
When you graduate, you'll have all the skills you need for a successful career in forensic investigation or police work, or another related criminal justice field, such as intelligence or crime science.
Eligibility
This course accepts UK, EU, and International students.
Course highlights
- Explore forensic investigation on a Master's course developed with our partners in law enforcement and forensic science, including Hampshire Constabulary, Key Forensic Services and Forensic Access
- Have the opportunity to use our lab equipment to carry out your own forensic research, such as our crime scene simulation spaces and virtual reality (VR) software
- Learn from a team of forensic investigation specialists in our School of Criminology and Criminal Justice, including experts with experience in crime scene investigation, disaster victim identification and forensic science leadership
- Work with Hampshire Constabulary as part of our Forensic Innovation Partnership, taking part in collaborative research
- Hear from industry expert guest speakers from around the world
- Be part of our community of researchers by getting involved with our criminology research groups, such as the Forensic Science research group and the Cybercrime and Cybersecurity research group
- Interact and explore forensic investigation with fellow professionals from the world of criminal justice
Contact information
Contact AdmissionsModules
Each module on this course is worth a certain number of credits.
You need to study modules worth a total of 180 credits. For example, 4 modules worth 30 credits and 1 module worth 60 credits.
Full-time
Core modules
You'll do all core modules.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
-
Critically evaluate the use of science and technology to support investigations and crime reduction activities.
-
Critically assess the utility of a variety of investigative tools that are available to support investigations and crime reduction activities.
-
Articulate and critically comment upon the range of specialist services available to investigators.
-
Devise appropriate strategies to make the most efficient, effective and economic use of scientific resources in support of investigations and crime reduction activities.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
-
Be able to synthesise new and existing knowledge to generate ideas and develop creative solutions to the benefit of society, within a small-scale research project within their chosen field.
-
Design, apply and critically evaluate research methodologies within the chosen subject area, demonstrating a commitment to ethical practice.
-
Conduct a systematic, methodologically and ethically sound research process (literature based or empirical research).
-
Manage and reflect upon own learning and be able to communicate in a range of forms to audiences relevant to the academic and/or workplace community.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
-
Design and formulate an appropriate strategy to recover forensic evidence in response to investigation requirements.
-
Critically appraise the utility of forensic methodologies to support investigation requirements.
-
Critically evaluate decisions made during forensic investigations.
-
Develop skills in evidence assessment, recovery, analysis and demonstrate their application to investigatory processes.
-
Develop an evidence based approach to evidence assessment, recovery, analysis and interpretation.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
-
Recognise the challenges involved in undertaking ethical research and identify the research challenges that need to be accommodated within a proposal for a research project.
-
Construct a postgraduate research proposal with an ability to set out clear research objectives, and appropriate research design whilst able to select appropriate research methods.
-
Apply an appropriate research design, and deploy specific research method(s) to the research problem (or question) with a clear appreciation of how any ethical issues are addressed.
-
Effectively locate existing academic literature in their chosen field of research using bibliographic databases, with an appreciation of the breadth of other data sources, repositories and archives.
Optional modules
You can do one optional module.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
-
Critically analyse the importance and demonstrate an understanding of scientific techniques, in relation to a forensic investigation and associated case.
-
Practice suitable protocols for the analysis of scientific evidence in a forensic context, indicated by completion and submission of contemporaneous laboratory notes.
-
Cooperate with, communicate, critically comment and reflect on scientific methods to a like-minded audience, by completion of a presentation.
-
Complete and critically assess a casefile, with a focus on suitable forensic analyses and data interpretation.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
-
To develop a critical awareness of aquatic forensic investigation as a specialist field within the sector.
-
To demonstrate a critical and reflective knowledge of limitations of the field of aquative forensic investigation.
-
To identify and critically evaluate necessary areas for future research in the field of aquatic forensic investigation.
-
To demonstrate the ability to think independently, critically and analytically to apply complex concepts and theory to complex forensic scenarios.
-
To demonstrate an advanced understanding of the relevant practical skills necessary for effective aquatic investigation and how these can be applied.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
-
Critically discuss the potential contributions of psychological research and theory in the criminal justice arena.
-
Critically assess the application of psychology to the criminal justice system, from investigation to the courtroom.
-
Critically appraise the role of psychology in criminal justice policy and procedure.
Part-time
Core modules
You'll do all core modules.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
-
Critically evaluate the use of science and technology to support investigations and crime reduction activities.
-
Critically assess the utility of a variety of investigative tools that are available to support investigations and crime reduction activities.
-
Articulate and critically comment upon the range of specialist services available to investigators.
-
Devise appropriate strategies to make the most efficient, effective and economic use of scientific resources in support of investigations and crime reduction activities.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
-
Design and formulate an appropriate strategy to recover forensic evidence in response to investigation requirements.
-
Critically appraise the utility of forensic methodologies to support investigation requirements.
-
Critically evaluate decisions made during forensic investigations.
-
Develop skills in evidence assessment, recovery, analysis and demonstrate their application to investigatory processes.
-
Develop an evidence based approach to evidence assessment, recovery, analysis and interpretation.
Optional modules
You can do one optional module.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
-
Critically analyse the importance and demonstrate an understanding of scientific techniques, in relation to a forensic investigation and associated case.
-
Practice suitable protocols for the analysis of scientific evidence in a forensic context, indicated by completion and submission of contemporaneous laboratory notes.
-
Cooperate with, communicate, critically comment and reflect on scientific methods to a like-minded audience, by completion of a presentation.
-
Complete and critically assess a casefile, with a focus on suitable forensic analyses and data interpretation.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
-
To develop a critical awareness of aquatic forensic investigation as a specialist field within the sector.
-
To demonstrate a critical and reflective knowledge of limitations of the field of aquative forensic investigation.
-
To identify and critically evaluate necessary areas for future research in the field of aquatic forensic investigation.
-
To demonstrate the ability to think independently, critically and analytically to apply complex concepts and theory to complex forensic scenarios.
-
To demonstrate an advanced understanding of the relevant practical skills necessary for effective aquatic investigation and how these can be applied.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
-
Critically discuss the potential contributions of psychological research and theory in the criminal justice arena.
-
Critically assess the application of psychology to the criminal justice system, from investigation to the courtroom.
-
Critically appraise the role of psychology in criminal justice policy and procedure.
Core modules
You'll do all core modules.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
-
Be able to synthesise new and existing knowledge to generate ideas and develop creative solutions to the benefit of society, within a small-scale research project within their chosen field.
-
Design, apply and critically evaluate research methodologies within the chosen subject area, demonstrating a commitment to ethical practice.
-
Conduct a systematic, methodologically and ethically sound research process (literature based or empirical research).
-
Manage and reflect upon own learning and be able to communicate in a range of forms to audiences relevant to the academic and/or workplace community.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
-
Recognise the challenges involved in undertaking ethical research and identify the research challenges that need to be accommodated within a proposal for a research project.
-
Construct a postgraduate research proposal with an ability to set out clear research objectives, and appropriate research design whilst able to select appropriate research methods.
-
Apply an appropriate research design, and deploy specific research method(s) to the research problem (or question) with a clear appreciation of how any ethical issues are addressed.
-
Effectively locate existing academic literature in their chosen field of research using bibliographic databases, with an appreciation of the breadth of other data sources, repositories and archives.
Changes to course content
We use the best and most current research and professional practice alongside feedback from our students to make sure course content is relevant to your future career or further studies.
Therefore, course content is revised and regularly reviewed. This may result in changes being made in order to reflect developments in research, learning from practice and changes in policy at both national and local levels.
Criminal Justice Master's courses
Discover the Master's courses offered by the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice.
Dr Helen Earwaker: Here within the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice at the University of Portsmouth, we run a diverse range of Master's level provision with content aligned to a host of different areas that link to the pursuit of justice. Students can choose to study on campus or through distance learning. Our distance learning courses enable students to learn as part of a diverse online community, balancing their other commitments with their learning.
Dr Helen Earwaker: On campus, we bring learning to life through interactive workshops, immersive learning and through using simulated environments.
Gary [Podcast]: "Hello, everyone, and welcome back. Today we are looking at the case of Simon Flint, who is reported missing by his wife. A missing persons case has been opened and there is an active investigation into his disappearance. There is some intelligence to suggest that Mr. Flint has been involved in fraudulent activity. Four days later, a body believed to be that of Mr. Flint is discovered in an abandoned warehouse.
So now that we've discussed the case, we're going to look at the different theoretical and practical aspects that spanned the disciplines connected with this case. For example, we're going to consider the economic crime and fraud investigation, forensic science and crime science, the application of victimology and psychology, the potential connectivity with cybercrime, and then we're going to see how all of these fit together within the criminal justice system. This is important because these are all the areas that are considered within our MSc provision."
Dr Helen Earwaker: Our MSc provision connects to the research centres that we have within our school and our students benefit from the world-leading research that goes on within these. Research is at the very heart of our MSc teaching with evidence-based practice a core theme throughout our courses. Our students learn in a multidisciplinary and cross-border environment, benefiting from a wide range of perspectives across criminal justice and beyond.
Dr Helen Earwaker: We work closely with partner organisations across the justice sector, enabling our students to combine theory and practice throughout their studies. An MSc within the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice will equip you to be evidence informed, forward thinking and to go on to challenge the status quo in the pursuit of justice.
Careers and opportunities
Careers this Master's prepares you for
With exciting developments in research, accreditation of frontline practices and a national drive for 'transforming forensics' (National Police Chiefs' Council), there's never been a better time to study forensic investigation.
This Master's degree in Forensic Investigation will give you a practical and research-based understanding of forensic methods, as well as a postgraduate qualification you can customise to exactly the area of criminal justice you aspire to. You'll delve deep into the subjects you choose to study through research, gaining an evidence-based perspective and a greater ability to be analytical and evaluative.
If you already work in the field of criminal justice, you'll be ready to pursue higher-level roles, or to break into a different area of the discipline. If you're still to embark on your career in criminal justice, you'll gain the knowledge and advanced research problem-solving skills you need to stand out to employers and contribute positively to justice system reform.
You could also go on to further study, or progress on to a graduate scheme such as PoliceNow or the Civil Service Fast Track Apprenticeship Scheme.
Graduates of this course can go on to roles such as:
- forensic practitioner
- crime scene investigator
- police or law enforcement officer
- probation or prison officer
- data analyst
- intelligence analyst
Graduates of this course can go on to work for organisations such as:
- the Civil Service
- national and international Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs)
- Government agencies and departments internationally
- probation and prison service
- the Courts
- local administration / authorities
- private security companies
- charities
Career planning
During your course you'll have expert career support from your tutors and from our Careers and Employability Centre, which you can access for 5 years after you graduate.
You'll benefit from:
- Networking events
- 1-to-1 appointments
- CV and cover letter advice
- Interview preparation and practice
- Workshops to enhance your employability skills
- Recruitment events including the Student and Graduate Opportunities Fair
- Support starting your own business
Facilities and specialist equipment
Collaboration of Forensic Interviewing
CoFI researches interviewing techniques and the issues that affect how information is gathered in a forensic context. Depending on the modules you study, you'll have access to CoFI's interviewing simulation activities.
Crime scene simulation spaces
Use the latest forensic advances and immersive learning technologies, including evidence analysis equipment and interpretation spaces, to delve into crime scene investigation in our realistic simulation areas.
Hydra immersive learning suite
Engage in dynamic simulated scenarios that replicate operational challenges, developing your problem solving, decision making and critical thinking skills.
Virtual Reality (VR) lab
Use immersive VR technologies to explore new ways of learning about criminal activities – from tracking eye movement to identifying unconscious behaviour.
Wildlife crime related artefacts
Enrich your studies with access to our range of rare wildlife crime related artefacts, including ivory, traps, and snares.
How you'll spend your time
We recognise that you'll probably be juggling more demands when you do your Master's degree, as you may be working or you may have family responsibilities.
We'll give you as much indication here as we can of how much time you'll need to be on campus and how many hours you can expect to spend in self-directed study, but please note that these indications are always subject to change. You should receive your full timetable several weeks before you start with us.
Course structure
This Master's degree will take:
- 1 year (full-time study)
- 2 years (part-time study)
You can expect:
- Up to 4 hours of teaching time every week (lectures, seminars or workshops). This will be pro rata for part-time students.
- 30–35 hours of independent study each week if you study full-time, or 15–18 hours each week if you study part-time.
Master's study is deeper and more specialised than an undergraduate degree. This means you'll focus on something that really matters to you and your career as you work closely with academics committed to the subject.
You'll spend more time in independent study and research than you did for your undergraduate degree, but the majority of your teaching time will be in-person and face-to-face.
Teaching methods on this course include:
- lectures
- seminars
- tutorials
- group discussions
- practical workshops
Assessment
You'll be assessed through:
- essays
- reports
- oral presentations
- projects and portfolios
- seminar participation and engagement
- dissertation / major report
You'll be able to test your skills and knowledge informally before you do assessments that count towards your final mark.
You can get feedback on practice and formal assessments so you can improve in the future.
Teaching staff
These are some of the expert staff who'll teach you on this course:
Term dates
September start
The Master's academic year runs from September to the following September. There are breaks at Christmas and Easter. Over the summer you'll be writing your project/dissertation.
Joining us as an international student
You'll feel at home in our international community and our diverse city. You'll be joining over 5,000 international students from more than 150 countries who are studying with us.
Learn more about international student life and how we can help you with visas, applications, arrival and settling in.
Supporting you
Master's study is more focused on independent learning than undergraduate study, but you'll get lots of support via video, phone and face-to-face from teaching and support staff to enhance your learning experience and help you succeed. You can build your personalised network of support from the following people and services:
Types of support
Your personal tutor helps you make the transition to postgraduate study and gives you academic and personal support throughout your Master's.
As well as regular scheduled meetings with your personal tutor, they're also available at set times during the week if you want to chat with them about anything that can't wait until your next meeting.
You'll have help from a team of faculty learning development tutors. They can help you improve and develop your academic skills and support you in any area of your study.
They can help with:
- Improving your academic writing (for example, essays, reports, dissertations)
- Delivering presentations (including observing and filming presentations)
- Understanding and using assignment feedback
- Managing your time and workload
- Revision and exam techniques
As well as support from faculty staff and your personal tutor, you can use the University's Academic Skills Unit (ASK).
ASK provides one-to-one support in areas such as:
- Academic writing
- Note taking
- Time management
- Critical thinking
- Presentation skills
- Referencing
- Working in groups
- Revision, memory and exam techniques
If you have a disability or need extra support, the Additional Support and Disability Centre (ASDAC) will give you help, support and advice.
Our online Learning Well mini-course will help you plan for managing the challenges of learning and student life, so you can fulfil your potential and have a great student experience.
You can get personal, emotional and mental health support from our Student Wellbeing Service, in person and online. This includes 1–2–1 support as well as courses and workshops that help you better manage stress, anxiety or depression.
If you require extra support because of a disability or additional learning need our specialist team can help you.
They'll help you to
- discuss and agree on reasonable adjustments
- liaise with other University services and facilities, such as the library
- access specialist study skills and strategies tutors, and assistive technology tutors, on a 1-to-1 basis or in groups
- liaise with external services
Library staff are available in person or by email, phone, or online chat to help you make the most of the University’s library resources. You can also request one-to-one appointments and get support from a librarian who specialises in your subject area.
The library is open 24 hours a day, every day, in term time.
The Maths Café offers advice and assistance with mathematical skills in a friendly, informal environment. You can come to our daily drop-in sessions, develop your maths skills at a workshop or use our online resources.
If English isn't your first language, you can do one of our English language courses to improve your written and spoken English language skills before starting your degree. Once you're here, you can take part in our free In-Sessional English (ISE) programme to improve your English further.
Course costs and funding
Tuition fees (September 2024 start)
- Full-time: £10,400
- Part-time: £5,200 per year
Including the Transition Scholarship for EU students
- Full-time: £10,400
- Part-time: £5,200 per year
- Full-time: £18,100
- Part-time: £9,050 per year
University of Portsmouth graduates may receive a 20% alumni tuition fee discount.
Fees are subject to annual increase. Read our tuition fees terms and conditions.
You'll be able to pay your fees in instalments. Find out how to pay your tuition fees.
Funding your studies
Explore how to fund your studies, including available scholarships and bursaries.
If you're a UK student, you may be eligible for a Government Postgraduate Master's Loan, which you can use to help with course fees and living costs.
If you're a UK student who achieved a first in your undergraduate degree you may be eligible for a £3,000 University of Portsmouth scholarship.
Loans, scholarships and bursaries
Browse funding such as the Government Postgraduate Loan, our scholarships for new and returning students, and subject specific loans.
Funding for international students
Learn more about sponsorships, scholarships and loans for students applying from outside of the UK.
Fees and funding for Master's courses
Discover how you can fund your Master's study at Portsmouth – including loans, scholarships and bursaries – and read our guidance on topics like how to budget, and how to get support if you're disabled or have dependents.
Additional costs
These course-related costs aren't included in the tuition fees, so you'll need to budget for them when you plan your spending. Additional costs could include:
- Accommodation: Accommodation options and costs can be found on our accommodation pages.
- Recommended reading: You can borrow key texts from the library and if you choose to purchase these texts they may cost up to £60 each.
- General costs: Such as photocopying, memory sticks, printing charges, binding and specialist printing. We suggest budgeting £75 per year.
- Final project transport or accommodation: where necessary, which related to your research activities. The amount will depend on the project you choose.
Read more about tuition fees and living costs, including what your tuition fees cover.
Entry requirements
Eligibility
This course accepts UK, EU, and International students.
September 2024 start
Qualifications or experience
- A minimum of a second-class honours degree in a relevant subject (Social Science, Humanities, Law, Psychology, Forensic Science or Management subject). Information Technology or science related subjects will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
- Applicants with equivalent professional experience in a relevant organisation will also be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Please get in touch if you're not sure if your undergraduate subject is relevant to this degree.
Equivalent professional experience and/or qualifications will also be considered, such as previous study, employment, voluntary work and training courses, including courses and qualifications you didn't complete. Learn more about our Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
If you're applying as an international student with a non-UK degree, you’ll need to show you meet the UK entry requirements listed above.
To find out if your non-UK degree or other qualification is accepted, please visit our page for your country and view the UK equivalent of your qualification.
- English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.5 (or equivalent) with no component score below 6.0.
You do not need an IELTS or equivalent certification if:
- you have a UK degree
- you have a degree from a majority English speaking country (not taught by Distance Learning)
- you are a national of a majority English speaking country
Degrees taught solely in English from non-majority English speaking countries will be considered on a case by case basis. Find out more about our English language requirements.
If you do not meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
How to apply
Unlike undergraduate applications, which go through UCAS, applications for this Master's course are made directly to us.
There's no deadline for applications to this course. We accept applications right up until the start date in September, as long as there are places available. If you wait until September to apply, you may find that the course is full.
If you're applying as an international student, remember that you'll need to leave plenty of time to get your visa organised.
You can find more advice about applying in our Master's application checklist. International students and current students and recent graduates of the University of Portsmouth also have some different application options, which are detailed below.
Extra information for international students
If you're an international student, you can apply directly to us using the same application form as UK students.
You could also get an agent to help with your application. Check your country page for details of agents in your region. To find out what to include in your application, head to the how to apply page of our international students section.
If you don’t meet the English language requirements for this course yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Ready to apply?
I'm a current Portsmouth student, or a recent Portsmouth graduate
If you're currently in your final year of study at Portsmouth, or you graduated since July 2023, you're eligible to make a fast track application. You'll have:
- a shorter application form to complete
- access to the 20% Alumni fee discount
- a guaranteed conditional offer, for most Master's courses
After you apply
Once we receive your application, we may ask you for further information. We will then either make you an offer or suggest alternatives if your application is unsuccessful.
You'll usually get a decision within 10 working days, so you shouldn't have to wait too long. Some courses have an interview stage – we'll let you know if you need to prepare for one.
Learn more about how we assess your application.
Admissions terms and conditions
When you accept an offer to study at the University of Portsmouth, you also agree to abide by our Student Contract (which includes the University's relevant policies, rules and regulations). You should read and consider these before you apply.