Programme Specification for the 2025/6 academic year
MSc Forensic Investigations
1. Programme Details
| Programme name | MSc Forensic Investigations | Programme code | PTS1ARCARC01 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Study mode(s) | Full Time |
Academic year | 2025/6 |
| Campus(es) | Streatham (Exeter) |
NQF Level of the Final Award | 7 (Masters) |
2. Description of the Programme
This MSc programme provides you with an in-depth understanding of the scientific principles and practices essential for forensic investigations. You will learn from experts across the institution and industry who will keep you updated on the latest research and advancements in the field. The 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 to operational challenges, conduct original research, and communicate scientific findings effectively. This programme prepares you to excel in the forensic science sector and various other related fields.
3. Educational Aims of the Programme
4. Programme Structure
The MSc Forensic Investigations course is a 1-year full-time programme of study at Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) Level 7 (MSc) (as confirmed against the FHEQ). This programme is a 1-year, 1-stage, 180 credit MSc (T71-02-08) with a part-time, 2-year, 1-stage variant.
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
1-year, 1-stage 180 credits -
Stage 1: 150 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 |
| ARCM702 | Laboratory Analysis | 30 | Yes |
| ARCM703 | Crime Scene Investigation | 30 | Yes |
| ARCM704 | Forensic Anthropology | 30 | No |
| ARCM705 | Forensic Archaeology | 30 | No |
Optional Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| ARC3510 | Experimental Approaches to Forensic and Archaeological Investigations | 15 | No |
| ARCM407 | Zooarchaeology | 15 | No |
| HISM043 | Critical Approaches to the History of Violence and Conflict | 30 | No |
| POLM231 | State Crime | 30 | No |
| ARCM412 | Funerary Osteoarchaeology | 15 | No |
| ANTM109 | Animal Criminology | 15 | No |
| ARA3045 | War, Violence and Revolution in the Modern Middle East | 30 | No |
| ARCM415 | The Archaeology of Humans and Other Animals | 15 | No |
| ARCM130 | Discovering the Past with Molecular Science | 15 | No |
| CRI3013 | Introduction to Terrorism Studies | 15 | No |
| SPAM003 | Computational Social Science 1 | 15 | No |
| SPAM004 | Computational Social Science 2 | 15 | No |
| HASM026 | Research Skills in Archaeology and History | 15 | 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: | |
1. Understand and practice advanced techniques used in contemporary forensic investigations. | These skills are developed using a range of teaching methods appropriate to the subject material including taught lectures, seminars, tutorials, practical workshops and independent study. Refer to programme module descriptors for more information. | The assessment of these skills is through a combination of class tests, exams, written reports, written statements, practical portfolios, research projects, essays, oral presentations and visual presentations. |
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: | |
5. Draw critical thematic comparisons between material from a broad range of sources. | These skills are developed through lectures, tutorials, seminars, practical workshops, written work, and oral work (including both presentations and class discussions). | The assessment of these skills is through a combination of class tests, exams, written reports, written statements, practical portfolios, research projects, essays, oral presentations and visual presentations. |
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: | |
11. Undertake independent research and work to deadlines. | These skills are developed via lectures, practical workshops, tutorials and seminars and are demonstrated through written, oral and practical assignments. Most notably in the Independent Project: Interpretation, Evaluation and Presentation of Evidence (ARCM701) module. Refer to programme module descriptors for more information | The assessment of these skills is through a combination of class tests, exams, written reports, written statements, practical portfolios, research projects, essays, oral presentations and visual presentations. |
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
Students will be given access to both the Archaeology and Faculty Student Handbooks via the student gateway. These handbooks provide students with relevant information to successfully navigate their way through their postgraduate education (includes information in relation to study support; assessment and feedback; wellbeing and welfare; rules and regulations; programme structures; modules and module optionality).
Academic personal tutoring: https://www.exeter.ac.uk/students/personaltutoring/ ~ each student will be allocated a personal tutor (Harrison; Evis; Outram; Beckett) who is actively involved in the delivery of the Forensic Investigations MSc programme.
Academic study administration: https://www.exeter.ac.uk/students/administration/academic/ ~ general principles that will apply to students on the programme.
Changes to study: https://www.exeter.ac.uk/students/infopoints/yourinfopointservices/changestostudy/ ~ general principles that will apply to students on the programme.
Study zone: https://www.exeter.ac.uk/students/studyzone/ ~ a general resource to support students during their studies. Further, module-specific advice, will be provided to students by personal tutors, module tutors and project supervisors.
ELE2: https://ele.exeter.ac.uk ~ each module will have a dedicated ELE page. This page will provide 24hr access to relevant lecture content/practical materials, assessment information, RECAPs (auto-recorded lecture content), as well as relevant links to external/internal learning materials (e.g., live-linked-library reading lists).
Library resources: https://www.exeter.ac.uk/departments/library/librariesandstudyspaces/ ~ the university has already invested heavily in forensic/forensically-relevant learning resources due to their provision of other forensic UG/PGT programmes and modules. We are therefore well placed to support the aims, ILOs and overall provision of the programme.
Wellbeing: https://www.exeter.ac.uk/students/wellbeing/devon/ ~ students will be provided with information about support services in their student handbooks and by their personal tutors.
IT: https://www.exeter.ac.uk/v8media/universityofexeter/it/Student_IT_Welcome.pdf ~ IT support information will be provided in student handbooks.
Printing: https://www.exeter.ac.uk/departments/it/howdoi/printing/ ~ printing information will be provided in student handbooks. The programme is based in the Laver Building. The building hosts two fully accessible printers (1 colour and 1 black and white) and open-access computers in a dedicated study area (Level 3).
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
Not applicable to this programme.
18. Final Award
MSc Forensic Investigations
19. UCAS Code
Not applicable to this programme.
20. NQF Level of Final Award
7 (Masters)
21. Credit
| CATS credits | 180 |
ECTS credits | 90 |
|---|
22. QAA Subject Benchmarking Group
Level 1
23. Dates
| Origin Date | 10/06/2025 |
Date of last revision |
|---|
