Masters applications for 2023 entry are now closed.
Applications for September 2024 will open on Monday 25 September. Applications are now open for programmes with a January 2024 start. View our programmes »
| UCAS code |
|
| Duration |
1 year full time
2 years part time |
| Entry year |
September 2025 |
| Campus |
Streatham Campus
|
| Discipline |
Archaeology
|
| Contact |
|
Overview
- Gain an in-depth understanding of the scientific principles and practices essential for forensic investigations
- Develop competence and knowledge through immersive skills-based engagement activities and modules
- Learn with an interdisciplinary team who combine expertise from different academic and industry areas
- This MSc prepares you to excel in the forensic science sector and other related fields
Top 50 in world subject rankings for Archaeology
Top 5 in the UK for Archaeology and Forensic Science
Top 10 in the Complete University Guide 2025
Commitment to interdisciplinary teaching and research
Top 50 in world subject rankings for Archaeology
Top 5 in the UK for Archaeology and Forensic Science
Top 10 in the Complete University Guide 2025
Commitment to interdisciplinary teaching and research
Entry requirements
A 2:2 Honours degree with 53% or above in forensic science, archaeology, anthropology, geology, geography, criminology, computer science, medicine, biology, chemistry, physics, natural sciences, or similar. While we normally only consider applicants who meet these criteria, if you are coming from a different background which is equivalent to degree level, or have relevant work experience or technical skills, we would welcome your application.
For applicants from different academic backgrounds or with relevant work experience, please use your Personal Statement to provide additional information. This might include:
- Why you want to study this course at the University of Exeter and what personal qualities make you suitable for postgraduate study.
- Relevant background (work/degree experience).
- Lecturers/modules you are particularly interested in and why.
- Career/future ambitions and how the course will help you achieve them.
Feel free to informally contact the Programme Director (see above) for advice before submitting your formal application.
Entry requirements for international students
Please visit our entry requirements section for equivalencies from your country and further information on English language requirements.
Read more
Entry requirements for international students
English language requirements
International students need to show they have the required level of English language to study this course. The required test scores for this course fall under Profile B2. Please visit our English language requirements page to view the required test scores and equivalencies from your country.
Course content
This MSc combines hands-on practical work with theoretical studies, allowing you to develop your skills using advanced laboratories and cutting-edge analytical tools. By the end of the course, you will be able to critically analyse evidence, create strategic solutions for operational challenges, conduct original research, and communicate complex scientific findings effectively.
The programme is divided into units of study called modules which are assigned 'credits'. The credit rating of a module is proportional to the total workload, with 1 credit being nominally equivalent to 10 hours of work.
The modules we outline here provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand.
1-year, 1-stage 180 credits -
Stage 1: 150 credits of compulsory modules and 30 credits of optional modules.
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module |
Credits |
|---|
| ARCM701 |
Independent Project: Interpretation, Evaluation and Presentation of Evidence | 30 |
| ARCM702 |
Laboratory Analysis | 30 |
| ARCM703 |
Crime Scene Investigation | 30 |
| ARCM704 |
Forensic Anthropology | 30 |
| ARCM705 |
Forensic Archaeology | 30 |
Optional modules
| Code | Module |
Credits |
|---|
| ARC3510 |
Experimental Approaches to Forensic and Archaeological Investigations | 15 |
| ARCM110 |
Research Design in Archaeology | 15 |
| ARCM407 |
Zooarchaeology | 15 |
| HISM043 |
Critical Approaches to the History of Violence and Conflict | 30 |
| SOC3127 |
Crimes of the Powerful | 15 |
| SOC3129 |
Cybercrime | 15 |
| SOC3143 |
Forensic Cultures | 15 |
| POLM231 |
State Crime | 30 |
| ARCM412 |
Funerary Osteoarchaeology | 15 |
| SOC3128 |
Introduction to Open-source Intelligence (OSINT) | 15 |
| SOC3134 |
Forensic Science, Conflict and Justice | 15 |
| SOC3146 |
Forensics in Policing | 15 |
| SOC3092 |
Introduction to Terrorism Studies | 15 |
| SOC3144 |
Security, Society and Algorithms | 15 |
| ANTM109 |
Animal Criminology | 15 |
| ARA3045 |
War, Violence and Revolution in the Modern Middle East | 30 |
Year 1
Year 1: 90 credits of compulsory modules.
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module |
Credits |
|---|
| ARCM702 |
Laboratory Analysis | 30 |
| ARCM703 |
Crime Scene Investigation | 30 |
| ARCM705 |
Forensic Archaeology | 30 |
Year 2
Year 2: 60 credits of compulsory modules and 30 credits of optional modules.
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module |
Credits |
|---|
| ARCM701 |
Independent Project: Interpretation, Evaluation and Presentation of Evidence | 30 |
| ARCM704 |
Forensic Anthropology | 30 |
Optional modules
| Code | Module |
Credits |
|---|
| ARC3510 |
Experimental Approaches to Forensic and Archaeological Investigations | 15 |
| ARCM110 |
Research Design in Archaeology | 15 |
| ARCM407 |
Zooarchaeology | 15 |
| HISM043 |
Critical Approaches to the History of Violence and Conflict | 30 |
| SOC3127 |
Crimes of the Powerful | 15 |
| SOC3129 |
Cybercrime | 15 |
| SOC3143 |
Forensic Cultures | 15 |
| POLM231 |
State Crime | 30 |
| ARCM412 |
Funerary Osteoarchaeology | 15 |
| SOC3128 |
Introduction to Open-source Intelligence (OSINT) | 15 |
| SOC3134 |
Forensic Science, Conflict and Justice | 15 |
| SOC3146 |
Forensics in Policing | 15 |
| SOC3092 |
Introduction to Terrorism Studies | 15 |
| SOC3144 |
Security, Society and Algorithms | 15 |
| ANTM109 |
Animal Criminology | 15 |
| ARA3045 |
War, Violence and Revolution in the Modern Middle East | 30 |
Fees
2025/26 entry
UK fees per year:
£12,500 full-time; £6,250 part-time
International fees per year:
£25,300 full-time; £12,650 part-time
Scholarships
The University of Exeter has many different scholarships available to support your education, including £5 million in scholarships for international students applying to study with us in the 2025/26 academic year, such as our Exeter Excellence Scholarships*.
For more information on scholarships and other financial support, please visit our scholarships and bursaries page.
*Terms and conditions apply. See online for details.
Teaching and research
Learning and teaching
We seek to inspire and educate students in stimulating ways so as to develop intellectual skills for life and employment in the contemporary world. Skill gain and tailored immersive engagement are central tenets of the programme’s design, with learning enhanced through practical exercises and progression captured through portfolio and skill-based assessments.
Teaching team
We believe in “no borders” interdisciplinary collaboration, a particularly essential attribute for forensic casework. Given the nature and scope of criminal activity, a vast array of expertise is required to identify, record, and reconstruct events accurately. We therefore operate a collaborative cross-disciplinary team from across the university and industry, drawing a wide range of expertise into the delivery of this MSc.
Classes
Most of the formal classes that you will attend will be a mixture of lectures, seminars, workshops, and laboratory sessions. The precise mix will vary between modules. These aim to outline the principal issues of the module, to explore some detailed issues, and, where relevant, to give you experience of working with a particular technique or data set.
Assessment
The assessment for the MSc Forensic Investigations is through a combination of tests, essays, reports, posters, portfolios, oral and visual presentations, viva voce, and an independent project. The independent project of up to 10,000 words is a substantial piece of original and independent research on a topic aligned to career aspirations or research interests, subject to the approval of a supervisor.
Engagement
All members of staff are actively engaged in research and casework, both in Britain and abroad, regularly attending conferences, workshops and symposia. It is through this engagement in both academia and industry that the university are able to provide top quality teaching by experts in their field.
Lab
In addition to the facilities below, you will have access to our Science Heritage and Archaeology Digital (SHArD 3D) Lab which includes equipment for: advanced digital microscopy, x-ray imaging and micro-CT imaging, and 3D modelling capabilities utilising structured light scanners for both small objects and entire landscapes. We also have a portable XRF for elemental analysis, and two drones for aerial survey and landscape modelling.
The SHArD Lab also provides you with the opportunity to collaborate and network with its commercial forensic partners and clients.
Facilities
As a member of the Archaeology and History Department and key part of our Postgraduate community you will have full access to our exceptional, modern facilities and resources. These include:
- Dedicated Experimental Archaeology laboratories and workshop spaces.
- Clean lab with fume cupboards for chemical work.
- Microscope room equipped with high specification microscopes and image processing facilities
- Wet labs for sample processing
- State of the art surveying equipment which includes resistivity equipment, magnetometers, differential and hand-held GPS, and a total station theodolite.
Collections
We also have extensive reference collections of artefacts, animal bones and plant remains. You will also have access to the wider resources of the University too, including the Library, Special Collections and our Digital Humanities Lab.
Read more
Professor Karl Harrison
Professor of Practice in Forensic Investigation
Dr Laura Evis
Senior Lecturer in Forensic Archaeology and Anthropology
Dr Sophie Beckett
Lecturer in Archaeology
Professor Karl Harrison
Professor of Practice in Forensic Investigation
Professor Karl Harrison has worked in the field of forensic investigations for over 20 years. He is a former National Forensic Specialist Adviser and one of the most experienced Forensic Archaeologists currently operational. Most of his casework has been UK-based and focused on prosecution work with UK police forces, but he has in addition worked internationally in Portugal, Greece, Poland, Iraq and in international waters. Focused on forensic archaeology, Karl has a broad background in scene forensics and major scene coordination, and has provided forensic strategy advice across a range of complex major investigations. Commended for his work at Grenfell Tower, Karl has a particular interest in the intersection between forensic investigation and mass fatality procedure.
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Dr Laura Evis
Senior Lecturer in Forensic Archaeology and Anthropology
Dr Laura Evis is a forensic bioarchaeologist who adapts and applies various archaeological and anthropological techniques to help answer questions and solve problems for medico-legal investigations. Topics of interest include the development of specialist search, location, recovery and recording methods for forensic casework, including work conducted in domestic, international and mass disaster settings. Laura's previous research focused on experimentally testing existing archaeological excavation techniques and recording methods to validate their suitability for use in forensic casework. Laura teaches across a range of subjects, but specialises in forensic archaeology and anthropology.
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Dr Sophie Beckett
Lecturer in Archaeology
Dr Sophie Beckett is a lecturer in Archaeology at the University of Exeter.
Research interests span Human Osteoarchaeology, Forensic Anthropology and Applied Archaeological Science with particular focus on biological minerals (such as dental calculus, urinary stones and burnt bone), disarticulated human skeletal remains, osteometrics and, the application of computed tomography (CT) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis within Archaeology. Sophie is an Honorary Fellow of Melbourne Dental School (University of Melbourne) and a Chartered Chemist (Royal Society of Chemistry). She has experience of management of large multi-user laboratories, commercial analysis in XRD and CT and, working in the UK and abroad within mass fatality incident response.
Profile page
Careers
This programme prepares you to excel in the forensic science sector and various other related fields. The MSc has been designed to align with the latest industry standards.
The interdisciplinary nature of the programme provides a range of employment options both within and outside of the forensic science sector, as well as progression opportunities to study a PhD.
Example fields where graduates find employment:
- Police
- Military
- Crime Scene Investigation
- Fire and Rescue Service
- Forensic Service Provision (Private) Laboratories and Scene Support
- Government Laboratories (e.g., CAST or DSTL)
- Medical Laboratories
- Medical Sector (NHS; Doctors; Mortuary Technicians)
- NGOs/IGOs (e.g., Red Cross; Human Rights Watch; Amnesty International; International Commission on Missing Persons)
- Emergency Response
- Heritage (Museums; Commercial Archaeology)
- Law (Barristers; Solicitors)
- Project Management
- Academia (PhD; Research; Lectureships)
Developing your skills and career prospects
Employment and professional development:
Our excellent Career Zone provides invaluable support, advice and access to graduate employers. Visit the employment and professional development pages for more information, including podcasts and profiles, about the range of support available.
