Forensic Investigation, MSc
Learn from the expert who helped shape the UK’s forensic standards. Gain cutting-edge skills aligned with the latest Codes of Practice in forensic investigation.
The MSc in Forensic Investigation is designed to address the growing demand for highly skilled professionals capable of applying scientific, analytical, and investigative techniques to support the criminal justice system. As crime becomes increasingly complex—encompassing cybercrime, terrorism, organised crime, and environmental offenses—there is an urgent need for forensic investigators who are not only technically proficient but also ethically grounded and legally informed.
This course aims to advance the field of forensic science through industry-led research projects and the development of innovative techniques and products. Students will benefit from the expertise of the Forensic Science Team and interdisciplinary collaboration with the Faculty of Liberal Arts, particularly in Criminology and Law. The curriculum draws on the real-world experience of professionals from the forensic industry, offering unique insights into practical forensics, forensic management, and the legal and criminological context of investigations. This is further enriched by the establishment of a Centre for Collaboration, which integrates forensic science with criminological theory.
A distinctive feature of this course is its incorporation of the newly published Forensic Science Regulator’s Codes of Practice for incident scene examination and management. The Course Leader has contributed directly to the development of these standards, ensuring that students are trained in accordance with the latest professional guidelines. The course also integrates best practices from the Senior Investigating Officers Course, supported by the College of Policing, providing students with a comprehensive and contemporary understanding of forensic investigation.
School
Location
Duration
1 year full-time
Start month
September
2026/27 fees
To be confirmedWhat you should know about this course
What you will study
New course - subject to approval
We continually develop new courses to reflect the needs of students, employers and professional bodies. This course is currently subject to the final stage of our approval process.
In the unlikely event that the course is not approved before the start date, we will help you find an alternative course.
Indicative modules
- Incident Scene Management (30 credits)
- Practical Skills in Forensic Science (Incident Scene Examination) (30 credits)
- Expert Witness, Law and the Criminal Justice System (30 credits)
- Forensic Criminology and Policing (30 credits)
- Forensic Investigation project and dissertation (60 credits)
About the course team
The lecturing team have a wide range of expertise and field experience working with Kent, Sussex and the Metropolitan Police services and most recently Kent Fire and Rescue services. Our experts cover fields including family liaison, facial recognition, disaster victim identification and counter terrorism, bringing real-life examples to give you a taste of working in these disciplines. Final-year students may receive training from qualified barristers for the mock-court assessments.
Come and meet us
We are offering virtual events so that you can still experience how Greenwich could be the right university for you.
Next Open Days
Got a question?
To find out more about our Open Days and Campus Tours or if you need any assistance, please email opendays@gre.ac.uk.
Entry requirements
An undergraduate (honours) degree at 2:2, or above, in Forensic Science, Computer Science/Computing, Biology, Chemistry or Physics.
Applicants without a degree that have professional qualifications, or relevant professional experience in the field of Food science/Technology may be considered.
For more information, use our contact form or call us on 020 8331 9000.
You can also read our admissions policy.
For more information, use our contact form or call us on 020 8331 9000.
You can also read our admissions policy.
Available to overseas students?
Yes
Can I use Prior Learning?
Find out more on our Recognition of Prior Learning pages.
How you will learn
Teaching
This course is taught by lectures, seminars, workshops and lab-based exercises, with the use of practical case studies. You'll gain teamwork experience to simulate an industrial setting as well as the critical thinking and problem-solving abilities which are important for modern biotechnology practice.
Class sizes
For specialist modules, our classes are usually limited to 20 students in lab sessions and 40 in lectures. This helps to create familiarity between students and staff and ensure a great learning experience. The modules that run across several courses can have larger classes sizes, which are typically broken down into smaller groups.
Independent learning
Our courses are designed to give you the space for exploratory and independent study. You'll work towards individual and group assignments and undertake the preparation/follow-up work associated with lectures, seminars, integrative assignments and laboratory classes.
We encourage students to take advantage of a range of related extra-curricular opportunities available within the university and elsewhere.
Overall workload
If you are studying full-time, you should expect the workload to be similar to a full-time job. For part-time students, this will reduce in proportion with the number of courses you are studying.
Assessment
Students will be assessed through a variety of methods, such as:
- Classroom presentations, discussions and case-studies
- Critical reviews, looking at new areas of research
- Examinations.
Feedback summary
University policy is to give feedback on assignments within 15 working days of the coursework submission date.
Examination results will be available within 28 days.
Dates and timetables
Each academic year runs from September to June. You can begin the course in September or January.
Full teaching timetables are not usually available until term has started. For any queries, please call 020 8331 9000.
Fees and funding
University is a great investment in your future. English-domiciled graduate annual salaries were £10,500 more than non-graduates in 2023 - and the UK Government projects that 88% of new jobs by 2035 will be at graduate level.
(Source: DfE Graduate labour market statistics: 2023/DfE Labour market and skills projections: 2020 to 2035).
2026/27 fees
To be confirmed.Accommodation costs
Whether you choose to live in halls of residence or rent privately, we can help you find what you're looking for. University accommodation is available from £126.35 per person per week (bills included), depending on your location and preferences. If you require more space or facilities, these options are available at a slightly higher cost.
Scholarships and bursaries
We offer a wide range of financial help including scholarships and bursaries.
The Greenwich Bursary
This bursary is worth £700 for new undergraduate students with a low household income, entering Year 0 or 1 who meet the eligibility criteria.
EU Bursary
Following the UK's departure from the European Union, we are supporting new EU students by offering a substantial fee-reduction for studying.
Financial support
We want your time at university to be enjoyable, rewarding, and free of unnecessary stress, so planning your finances before you come to university can help to reduce financial concerns. We can offer advice on living costs and budgeting, as well as on awards, allowances and loans.
Careers and placements
What sort of careers do graduates pursue?
Graduates of MSc in Forensic Investigation go on to pursue diverse and rewarding careers in both the public and private sectors. Many work as forensic scientists, crime scene investigators, or digital forensics analysts within police forces, government agencies, or national security services. Others take on roles such as intelligence analysts, environmental crime investigators, or corporate investigators in industries like insurance, finance, and cybersecurity. Some graduates move into consultancy, offering expert forensic advice and courtroom testimony, while others continue into academic research or teaching, contributing to the advancement of forensic science and criminology.
Do you provide employability services?
We have a team dedicated to enhancing student employment outcomes. This includes an Employer Partnerships Manager, who works with companies to provide placement and employment opportunities.
Our team will also help you understand the jobs market, produce effective CVs, and prepare for a graduate job and placement applications in your final year.
Accommodation
Medway campus in Kent
Our Medway halls of residence are all located on-campus, with facilities include an on-site café, launderette and bar. And the halls are located within minutes of the historic Chatham dockyard and Chatham and Gillingham town centres.
With student-run social events, modern ensuite rooms and communal shared spaces, you’ll find that living in halls of residence will be a highlight of your University of Greenwich experience.
Rooms start at £172.06/wk and include Wi-Fi, utility bills and 24-hour residential support. Our Medway accommodation boasts 350 rooms with 24/7 security, and resident car parking permits are available.
Support and advice
Academic skills and study support
We allocate you a personal tutor, who you will meet soon after you join the department. Their role is to support your personal and academic development and act as your point of contact for queries or problems.
Support from the department
We help new students over the first few weeks with our faculty and department induction. This covers the first week of term 1 (September) and term 2 (January). We'll also help you discover the academic and social landscape at Medway Campus.
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