Course summary
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.
- 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
- forensic practitioner
- crime scene investigator
- police or law enforcement officer
- probation or prison officer
- data analyst
- intelligence analyst
- 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
Modules
Core modules in this year include:
- Forensic Investigation - 30 credits
- Crime Science - 30 credits
- Research Methods and Research Ethics - 30 credits
- Dissertation - 60 credits
- Applied Forensic Science - 30 credits
- Aquatic Forensic Investigation - 30 credits
Assessment method
You'll be assessed through:
- essays
- reports
- oral presentations
- projects and portfolios
- seminar participation and engagement
- dissertation / major report
Entry requirements
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.
English language requirements
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.5 with no component score below 5.5. | |
| TOEFL (iBT) | 91 with a minimum of 18 in Reading, 17 in Listening, 20 in Speaking and 17 in Writing. | |
| PTE Academic | An overall score of 65 with a minimum of 59 in each skill. | |
| Cambridge English Advanced | Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) (taken after January 2015). An overall score of 176 with no component score less than 162. | |
| Cambridge English Proficiency | Cambridge English: Advanced (CPE) (taken after January 2015). An overall score of 176 with no component score less than 162. |
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| EU | £5450 | Year 1 |
| England | £5450 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £5450 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £5450 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £5450 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £5450 | Year 1 |
| Republic of Ireland | £5450 | Year 1 |
| International | £8600 | Year 1 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
Students who are resident in EU countries: please note that the net fee is inclusive of the Transition Scholarship.
Fees are accurate at the time of publishing and are subject to change at any time without notice.
Fees may also go up in later years, in line with inflation.
For further fee information please see the corresponding University of Portsmouth course page or visit https://www.port.ac.uk/study/masters-and-postgraduate-taught/fees-and-funding
Provider information
University of Portsmouth
University House
Winston Churchill Avenue
Portsmouth
PO1 2UP