Forensic Ballistics MSc

This course is designed to provide students with a comprehensive insight of the field of firearms, ammunition and ballistic investigations.

Who is it for?

The course offers students a wide range of different experiences with unique facilities available to no other university in the UK.

The MSc in Forensic Ballistics course usually has around 10-15 students per year. Students come from a wide range of backgrounds, usually with a science or forensic science first degree. Many students come from abroad, especially Europe, Africa and North America.

Why this course?

The Forensic Ballistics course is part of the MSc Forensic Programme and is highly practical and hands-on, aiming to produce a clear understanding of how firearms and ammunition function, the science of ballistics, the role of the forensic firearms examiner and how the forensic evidence produced in gun crime can be used to help resolve issues in relation to criminal and civil law.

The course consists of a one-week period of introductory studies followed by academic instruction in modular form. Most modules are of five days duration, interspersed with weeks devoted to private study. Students are required to take eight core modules and choose three elective modules based on their particular background, future requirements or interests. This is followed by a four-month research project and either a thesis or literature review and paper.

Accreditation

The MSc of this course is accredited by The Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences.

Your career

Prepares you to practise as a professional expert witness in forensic ballistics, within forensic laboratories, police departments, government bodies and non-governmental organisations. It is also a necessary introduction that could lead into conducting research at PhD level in the subject.

Students can also exit with PGDip award.