Cranfield University
Cranfield Forensic Institute (CFI), Cranfield Defence and Security

Cranfield Defence and Security is based at Shrivenham, Oxfordshire on a secure campus where Cranfield provide academic teaching, support and research to the British Armed Forces in the fields of Defence Management, Science and Technology. Cranfield's capabilities, research and facilities within these areas is unrivalled.  Cranfield Defence and Security also offer a number of courses at postgraduate level and other short courses.

Cranfield Forensic Institute (CFI) is based at Shrivenham comprising of a world-renowned multi-disciplinary team including Forensic Anthropologists, Engineers, Microbiologists and Chemists. Its aim is to apply science and technology to law enforcement particularly, through forensic science and engineering. The CFI currently operate in several areas including: Forensic Science, Security Technology, Forensic Archaeology and Anthropology, Forensic Computing, Ballistics and Firearms, Forensic Engineering, Forensic Biomechanics and Osteomics, concentrating their efforts in research and development, consultancy and the provision of postgraduate education.

Postgraduate education

Forensic MSc Programme

Cranfield's Forensic MSc Programme offers graduates and professionals a wide range of modules allowing them to graduate with one of five tailored MSc courses that will closely match their desired area of professional expertise. Each MSc is accredited by the Forensic Science Society.

• Forensic Archaeology and Anthropology - gain experience of forensic archaeology and anthropology and benefit from spending a year specialising in this area.
• Forensic Ballistics - develop an understanding of how the physical sciences and other specific disciplines including ballistics, weapon function and weapon failure can be used to help resolve issues in relation to civil and criminal law.
• Forensic Engineering and Science - acquire an understanding of the application of key scientific disciplines to problems in forensic science and engineering.
• Forensic Explosive and Explosion Investigation - gain an understanding of how the physical sciences and other disciplines including explosive science, fire and explosion investigation and risk analysis can be used to help resolve issues in relation to civil and criminal law.
• Forensic Investigation - develop an understanding of how the physical sciences and other specific disciplines can be used to help resolve issues in relation to civil and criminal law.

The programme comprises three components; two weeks of assessed introductory studies followed by eleven taught modules - four core modules, four role specific modules which determine your MSc selection and a further three elective modules. This is followed by a four-month research project and thesis. Students carry out an original research project allowing them to apply the skills and knowledge acquired during the taught phase of the course. The research project can be undertaken in industry or academia.

Each MSc is available on a full and part-time basis. For even more flexibility MSc modules are also available to study as individual short courses.

Duration: Full-time: One year. Part-time: Two-five years
Start date: September

Visit our website for more information on our Forensic MSc Programme.

Short courses

Before embarking on an MSc programme, many students attend one of the short courses or workshops organised by CFI. The majority of Forensic MSc Programme modules are offered as individual short courses. In addition a five-day Workshop in Forensic Archaeology and Anthropology caters for non-specialists from a wide range of disciplines and provides a flavour of the Forensic Archaeology and Anthropology MSc.

Visit our website for more information on our short courses. 

Facilities and teaching

Cranfield University has excellent facilities for research on the campus and has strong links with industry, attracting substantial sponsorship from both the public and private sectors. Based on a Military of Defence secure site, the CFI are able to provide unique facilities that are not available to Forensic students at other Universities, for example fire arms and explosive ranges and a series of woods for conducting forensic exercises and recovery of bodies. Students also have access to well-equipped science and engineering laboratories and visits to forensic establishments form part of the specific modules.

Students benefit from the expertise and support of our world renowned academics as well as visiting experts who contribute to teaching.

Career opportunities

Cranfield graduates are very successful in achieving relevant work. Some 93% are in relevant employment or further study six months after graduation. For professionals already in industry, Cranfield qualifications enhance their careers, benefiting both the candidate and their employer.

The Forensic MSc Programme opens doors to several different career opportunities. These include employment routes to government and non-governmental bodies, police departments and independent forensic consultants working for insurance companies. It is also a necessary introduction to research at PhD level in the subject.

Specific course features that enable a high probability of employment include the niche areas of ballistics and explosives, and the science base to archaeology and anthropology.
Likely roles graduates may enter include: Archaeologist, Fire Investigator, Forensic Analyst, Forensic Archaeologist, Forensic Engineer, Forensic Scientist, Forensic Trainer, Heritage Consultant.

What our students say

'The course has helped a lot with my work as an expert witness both giving me technical skills and theoretical background as well as providing a formal recognition of my qualifications which gives support to my reports. The course is a perfect combination of theory and practice'.

Mauricio Silva, Brazilian Army,
Forensic Engineering and Science Graduate and winner of the LGC Forensics Prize, the CMSE Prize,
the Worshipful Company of Armourers and Braziers' Prize and the Commandant's Prize.

'I really enjoyed my course at Shrivenham, especially the practical work. The hands-on experience was particularly fun and interesting; the skills I learnt have also been really relevant for my PhD work. I especially enjoyed the excavations both at Shrivenham and in Gosport which allowed me to put all the training into practice'.

Rebecca Scott
PhD student, Forensic Archaeology and Anthropology
MSc Graduate and winner of the INFORCE Prize.

Find out more

Visit our website to learn more about our courses.
To attend our 17 May 2011 Open Day Register here.
Alternatively, contact the Enquiries Office:
T: +44 (0) 1234 758008
E: enquiries@cranfield.ac.uk