Compare the Best University Degrees Courses UK

Overview

Cranfield University is one of the world’s leading universities for defence, security and forensic education, research and consultancy. Our academics’ expertise ranges from energetics and forensic sciences to international stabilisation and cyber security. With an unrivalled reputation for defence education, research and consultancy, our expertise is trusted by governments, armed forces, industry and security services around the world.

World-class, state-of-the-art facilities

Several unique facilities and large-scale test environments, including those on the Ministry of Defence site at Shrivenham, are used by our students and clients for exceptional research. They include the Guided Weapons Hall, with an extensive selection of complete missile systems; and Cranfield Ordnance Test and Evaluation Centre (COTEC), where materials and weapons are tested and evaluated for government agencies, defence suppliers and manufacturers.

OUR FORENSICS PROGRAMME

Cranfield Forensic Institute (CFI)

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 science 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.

Our MSc courses have been formally accredited by the internationally renowned Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences.

Our Cranfield Forensic MSc courses:

Archaeological Science MSc

Archaeological Science is fundamentally concerned with humanity’s engagement with the material world. The study of archaeological remains through the lens of geology, chemistry, and materials science not only illuminates the early development of technologies that are fundamental to the modern world, it also helps us understand how people thought, how their societies were organised, and how they interacted. The techniques of materials analysis are also vitally important in many cases of forensic importance, especially those involving the illicit antiquities trade and the other heritage crimes.

Digital Forensics MSc/PgDip/PgCert

The new MSc in Digital Forensics, offered by Cranfield University in partnership with CCL Solutions Group, (CCL) will seek to address the academically orientated operational needs of UK policing and serious skills shortage of educated and trained individuals in the field to fill digital forensic positions and support the UK’s criminal justice system.

Forensic Archaeology and Anthropology MSc,PgDip

Students gain an understanding of how traditional and advanced techniques from archeological science and physical anthropology can be applied in the forensic context. 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.

Forensic Ballistics MSc, PgDip

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.

Forensic Biology MSc/PgDip

This MSc is highly practical by its very nature. There is a focus on the interpretational skills required to critically evaluate different forms of forensic evidence recovered from exhibits in the laboratory and at the crime scene, based on scenarios.

With particular focus on biological evidence types, such as DNA, blood and other body fluids, the MSc focuses on the decision making and practitioner opinion of the scientific evidence based on real life case scenarios.

Forensic Explosive and Explosion Investigation MSc, PgDip

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.

Forensic Investigation MSc, PgDip, PgCert

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.

Investigation of Heritage Crime MSc, PgDip, PgCert

Over the last decade, heritage crime has become an increasing issue across the world. Efforts from the international heritage community to tackle crime against cultural property have highlighted the increasing demand for highly qualified and skilled subject matter experts. Developed from discussions with cultural heritage bodies, NGOs, military and police, this MSc will provide you with real world skills that will enhance your employability.

OUR DEFENCE AND SECURITY PROGRAMME

The Defence and Security Programme is designed to open up our teaching portfolio to give you the flexibility to tailor your own learning pathway. It offers three degree streams in Engineering, Leadership and Management and Technology, which all contain extensive elective choices to meet the varying requirements of both learners and employers.

There are two learning routes to the Defence and Security Programme which offer either an increased depth or greater breadth of understanding. One is a traditional MSc route and the other is a Capstone MSc route. Through the difference in routes, you can choose how and what you’ll learn, in a way that can fit in with your lifestyle and work commitments. Whether you’re a new graduate, a previous apprentice, someone with years of experience looking for senior positions, or even wanting to transition between disciplines, this programme has the flexibility to suit you.

As part of the MSc route, you can decide whether you want either an increased depth or greater breadth of understanding. Within this route, learners can select elective modules specific to their chosen stream, or alternatively choose two modules from across any of the three streams. Like our other degrees, this MSc route within the Defence and Security Programme is completed with a thesis.

The Capstone route is mostly delivered at distance, making it both more flexible and more affordable. Unlike the traditional MSc route that includes the completion of a thesis, the Capstone MSc route instead contains a Capstone Development and Exploitation module followed by a Capstone Portfolio Project. The Project is made up of multiple pieces of work that can be applied to a business case, with direct impact and exploitation potential within the learner’s business context.

The Leadership and Management stream of the Defence and Security Programme meets the requirements of the Level 7 Senior Leaders Master’s Degree Apprenticeship. Eligible organisations will be able to use £18,000 of their Apprenticeship Levy towards the overall cost.