Programme Specification for the 2024/5 academic year
MSc Forensic Investigations (PT Variant)
1. Programme Details
| Programme name | MSc Forensic Investigations (PT Variant) | Programme code | PTS2ARCARCN |
|---|---|---|---|
| Study mode(s) | Part Time |
Academic year | 2024/5 |
| Campus(es) | Streatham (Exeter) |
NQF Level of the Final Award | 7 (Masters) |
2. Description of the Programme
This MSc program provides students with an in-depth understanding of the scientific principles and practices essential for forensic investigations. You'll learn from experts across the institution and industry who will keep you updated on the latest research and advancements in the field. The program 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'll be able to critically analyse evidence, create strategic solutions for operational challenges, conduct original research, and communicate complex scientific findings effectively. This program prepares you to excel in the forensic science sector and various other related fields.
3. Educational Aims of the Programme
4. Programme Structure
5. Programme Modules
The following tables describe the programme and constituent modules. Constituent modules may be updated, deleted or replaced as a consequence of the annual programme review of this programme.
Stage 1
Year 1: 90 credits of compulsory modules.
Compulsory Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| ARCM702 | Laboratory Analysis | 30 | Yes |
| ARCM703 | Crime Scene Investigation | 30 | Yes |
| ARCM705 | Forensic Archaeology | 30 | Yes |
Stage 2
Year 2: 60 credits of compulsory modules and 30 credits of optional modules.
Compulsory Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| ARCM701 | Independent Project: Interpretation, Evaluation and Presentation of Evidence | 30 | Yes |
| ARCM704 | Forensic Anthropology | 30 | Yes |
Optional Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| ARC3510 | Experimental Approaches to Forensic and Archaeological Investigations | 15 | No |
| ARCM110 | Research Design in Archaeology | 15 | No |
| ARCM407 | Zooarchaeology | 15 | No |
| HISM043 | Critical Approaches to the History of Violence and Conflict | 30 | No |
| SOC3127 | Crimes of the Powerful | 15 | No |
| SOC3129 | Cybercrime | 15 | No |
| SOC3143 | Forensic Cultures | 15 | No |
| POLM231 | State Crime | 30 | No |
| ARCM412 | Funerary Osteoarchaeology | 15 | No |
| SOC3128 | Introduction to Open-source Intelligence (OSINT) | 15 | No |
| SOC3134 | Forensic Science, Conflict and Justice | 15 | No |
| SOC3146 | Forensics in Policing | 15 | No |
| SOC3092 | Introduction to Terrorism Studies | 15 | No |
| SOC3144 | Security, Society and Algorithms | 15 | No |
| ANTM109 | Animal Criminology | 15 | No |
| ARA3045 | War, Violence and Revolution in the Modern Middle East | 30 | No |
6. Programme Outcomes Linked to Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods
Intended Learning Outcomes
A: Specialised Subject Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
Intended Learning Outcomes
B: Academic Discipline Core Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
Intended Learning Outcomes
C: Personal/Transferable/Employment Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
7. Programme Regulations
Classification
Full details of assessment regulations for all taught programmes can be found in the TQA Manual, specifically in the Credit and Qualifications Framework, and the Assessment, Progression and Awarding: Taught Programmes Handbook. Additional information, including Generic Marking Criteria, can be found in the Learning and Teaching Support Handbook.
8. College Support for Students and Students' Learning
9. University Support for Students and Students' Learning
Please refer to the University Academic Policy and Standards guidelines regarding support for students and students' learning.
10. Admissions Criteria
Undergraduate applicants must satisfy the Undergraduate Admissions Policy of the University of Exeter.
Postgraduate applicants must satisfy the Postgraduate Admissions Policy of the University of Exeter.
Specific requirements required to enrol on this programme are available at the respective Undergraduate or Postgraduate Study Site webpages.
11. Regulation of Assessment and Academic Standards
Each academic programme in the University is subject to an agreed College assessment and marking strategy, underpinned by institution-wide assessment procedures.
The security of assessment and academic standards is further supported through the appointment of External Examiners for each programme. External Examiners have access to draft papers, course work and examination scripts. They are required to attend the Board of Examiners and to provide an annual report. Annual External Examiner reports are monitored at both College and University level. Their responsibilities are described in the University's code of practice. See the University's TQA Manual for details.
14. Awarding Institution
University of Exeter
15. Lead College / Teaching Institution
Faculty of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS)
16. Partner College / Institution
Partner College(s)
Not applicable to this programme
Partner Institution
Not applicable to this programme.
17. Programme Accredited / Validated by
0
18. Final Award
MSc Forensic Investigations (PT Variant)
19. UCAS Code
Not applicable to this programme.
20. NQF Level of Final Award
7 (Masters)
21. Credit
| CATS credits | ECTS credits |
|---|
22. QAA Subject Benchmarking Group
23. Dates
| Origin Date | 16/08/2024 |
Date of last revision | 16/08/2024 |
|---|


