MSc Forensic Investigation
01 Sep 2025 - 31 Aug 2028
| Course Leader | Beth Nurse |
|---|---|
| Course Team | |
| Awarding Body | University of South Wales |
| Teaching Institutions | University of South Wales |
| Modes of Study | Full Time, Part Time |
Document Version
| Version | 2 |
|---|---|
| Valid From | 01 Sep 2025 |
| Valid To | 31 Aug 2028 |
QAA Benchmarks
Educational Aim
To critically evaluate forensic investigation methodologies and apply them to complex case scenarios, including crime scene examination, evidence interpretation and intelligence gathering.
To assess the legal and regulatory frameworks governing forensic investigations, including policing and evidentiary procedures.
To integrate forensic principles into criminal investigative procedures, strengthening effectiveness through the application of structured methodologies.
To critically analyse and present investigative evidence within a professional or moot court environment, demonstrating the ability to communicate findings effectively to peers, staff, legal professionals, criminal justice agencies, and policy makers.
Design, execute and critically reflect on the impact and applicability of an independent project, engaging with contemporary issues, emerging technologies, and evidence-based forensic practices.?
Learning Outcomes
| A1 | Critically evaluate forensic investigation methodologies and apply them to complex case scenarios, including crime scene examination, evidence interpretation, and investigative strategies. |
| A2 | Apply structured investigative approaches to criminal casework, integrating forensic principles to strengthen decision-making, case strategy, and multi-agency collaboration. |
| A3 | Assess the legal, procedural, and ethical frameworks governing forensic investigations, including evidentiary standards, criminal justice procedures, and human rights obligations. |
| A4 | Interpret and communicate investigative findings effectively, using appropriate formats such as professional reports, oral briefings, and courtroom presentations. |
| A5 | Demonstrate a critical understanding of the role of forensic practitioners within policing and justice systems, including responsibilities relating to evidence integrity and investigative impartiality. |
| A6 | Engage in simulated court and investigative scenarios to evaluate and present forensic evidence under scrutiny, demonstrating competency in professional witness roles and legal communication. |
| A7 | Design, implement, and critically reflect on an independent research or investigative project, addressing contemporary issues and evidencing methodological rigour and relevance to practice. |
| B1 | Critically evaluate forensic investigation methodologies and apply them to complex case scenarios, including crime scene examination, evidence interpretation, and investigative strategies. |
| B2 | Apply structured investigative approaches to criminal casework, integrating forensic principles to strengthen decision-making, case strategy, and multi-agency collaboration. |
| B3 | Assess the legal, procedural, and ethical frameworks governing forensic investigations, including evidentiary standards, criminal justice procedures, and human rights obligations. |
| B4 | Interpret and communicate investigative findings effectively, using appropriate formats such as professional reports, oral briefings, and courtroom presentations. |
| B5 | Demonstrate a critical understanding of the role of forensic practitioners within policing and justice systems, including responsibilities relating to evidence integrity and investigative impartiality. |
| B6 | Engage in simulated court and investigative scenarios to evaluate and present forensic evidence under scrutiny, demonstrating competency in professional witness roles and legal communication. |
| B7 | Design, implement, and critically reflect on an independent research or investigative project, addressing contemporary issues and evidencing methodological rigour and relevance to practice. |
| C1 | Critically evaluate forensic investigation methodologies and apply them to complex case scenarios, including crime scene examination, evidence interpretation, and investigative strategies. |
| C2 | Apply structured investigative approaches to criminal casework, integrating forensic principles to strengthen decision-making, case strategy, and multi-agency collaboration. |
| C3 | Assess the legal, procedural, and ethical frameworks governing forensic investigations, including evidentiary standards, criminal justice procedures, and human rights obligations. |
| C4 | Interpret and communicate investigative findings effectively, using appropriate formats such as professional reports, oral briefings, and courtroom presentations. |
| C5 | Demonstrate a critical understanding of the role of forensic practitioners within policing and justice systems, including responsibilities relating to evidence integrity and investigative impartiality. |
| C6 | Engage in simulated court and investigative scenarios to evaluate and present forensic evidence under scrutiny, demonstrating competency in professional witness roles and legal communication. |
| C7 | Design, implement, and critically reflect on an independent research or investigative project, addressing contemporary issues and evidencing methodological rigour and relevance to practice. |
Course Structure
Level 7 Modules
| Module Code | Module Id | Module Title | Module Status | Credit Value | Module Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FP4U001 | MOD013812 | Forensic Evidence in Investigative Practice | Running | 30 | specified |
| FP4U002 | MOD013811 | Advanced Crime Scene Investigation | Running | 30 | specified |
| FP4U003 | MOD013813 | Fire, Explosions and CBRNe Investigations | Running | 30 | specified |
| FP4U004 | MOD013814 | Investigative Techniques and Evidence Presentation | Running | 30 | specified |
| FP4T004 | MOD013815 | Research and Development Project | Running | 60 | specified |
Teaching and Assessment
Learning and Teaching Methods
Employer Engagement
Means of Assessment
Learning Support
Course Exit Points
| Award | Criteria | Final |
|---|---|---|
| Master of Science | 180 credits of which at least 150 must be at Level 7 and no more than 30 at Level 6 | Final |
| Postgraduate Certificate | 60 credits with at least 40 at Level 7 and no more than 20 at Level 6 | Intermediate |
| Postgraduate Diploma | 120 credits of which at least 90 must be at Level 7 and no more than 30 at Level 6 | Exit |
Progression Route
Entry Requirements
Admission to the course is typically through the following qualifications:
Inclusive Curriculum Statement
The University of South Wales operates a policy of inclusive learning, teaching and assessment to ensure that all students have an equal opportunity to fulfil their educational potential. Course teams will have considered ways of designing out any potentially disadvantageous element of courses during the course design process. However some specific needs may remain, details about how to apply to have your needs assessed can be found at: http://unilife.southwales.ac.uk/pages/3040-disability-and-dyslexia-service/
Addendum for Delivery at a Partner Institution
N/A
Methods Of Quality Standards
N/A
Quality Of Standards Indicators
N/A