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We have been a centre of excellence in the field of accident investigation for almost 40 years. Designed specifically for aircraft accident investigators and those working in related fields, this course will provide you with an academically recognised, high standard qualification.
The MSc in Safety and Accident Investigation (Air Transport) allows you to receive an internationally recognised qualification in the field of accident investigation. The majority of students join this course with the intention of receiving a qualification that will allow them to further their career development in accident investigation or other safety related areas of the air transport industry.
We have been a centre of excellence for aircraft accident investigation for almost 40 years. In 2011, we were awarded a Queen’s Anniversary Prize for our world leading work in aviation safety through research and training in air accident investigation.
An important aspect of this course is the use of hands-on workshops and simulations to develop the practical skills required as an investigator. This is complemented by sessions and modules that enable you to conduct rigorous research and scientific analysis, along with technical writing, investigation and interviewing techniques.
The course format is suitable for professionals based all over the world, as teaching is in modules, and research and assessments can be completed remotely if necessary. Cranfield University is very well located for visiting part-time students from all over the world, and offers a range of library and support facilities to support your studies. This enables students from all over the world to complete this qualification whilst balancing work/life commitments.
The Industry Advisory Board for this course is made up of representatives from several organisations who have an interest in safety and accident investigation. The board meets annually to ensure the course content remains relevant and up-to-date. Current members include:
The programme commences with attendance on the Aircraft Accident Investigation module, which may be completed as two three-week modules in Fundamentals of Investigation and Applied Aircraft Accident Investigation.
Upon completion of these core modules, you can then select four optional modules (15 options are currently offered, covering core skills, management, engineering, human factors and specialist techniques). Most optional modules are one week and many are offered as standalone short courses.
Individual project
During year three, you will undertake a supervised research project on a subject of your choice within the aircraft accident investigation field. Building on pioneering work in the area of medical imaging, one of our recent MSc graduates has developed a state-of-the-art technique with his research project ‘Using 3D Computed Tomography in Aircraft Accident Investigation.’
Further examples of recent titles include:
Assessment
Taught modules 50%, Individual research project 50%
The MSc in Safety and Accident Investigation (Air Transport) allows you to receive an internationally recognised qualification in the field of accident investigation. The majority of students join this course with the intention of receiving a qualification that will allow them to further their career development in accident investigation or other safety related areas of the air transport industry.
Previous students have been employed by dedicated government investigation agencies, airframe and power plant manufacturers, air traffic services, safety regulation, insurers, and the military.
This course aims to develop your knowledge and understanding of the underlying theories and their practical application in fire investigation. You will also experience extensive practical experience of the major techniques, methodologies and approaches used in fire investigation. In addition you will develop your skills in critical thinking using a range of academic paradigms by undertaking an extensive research project in the field of fire investigation.
Postgraduate Bursaries:
Fire Science and Building Construction
This module will introduce you to the basic science that underpins the investigation of fire scenes. You will be introduced to the chemistry of combustion, including consideration of the effects of ventilation, physical properties of combustible materials and ignition sources. You will look at the ontogeny and progression of combustion events, but also the legal and health and safety aspects underpinning fire science.
Evidence Gathering at Fire Scenes
This module will cover all aspects of the practical steps needed to identify and gather evidence at Fire Scenes. Integral to this module will be an appreciation of issues of continuity and integrity and an awareness of the differences between criminal and other investigations of scenes of fire.
Fire Scene Investigation Practical
You will gain direct practical experience of undertaking a fire scene investigation at the Oldbury facility of the West Midlands Fire Service. This module will expose you to a simulated fire scene, where you will have to carry out the full investigation of documenting and recording the scene, followed by evidence identification and recovery.
Interpretation of Fire Scenes
This module will allow you to utilise the various evidence strands that are present in fire scenes to work out the cause, origin and spread of fires. You will then discuss the effects of fire and products of combustion on the human body, including human behaviour.
Managing Fire Scene Investigations and Report Writing
This module will provide an in-depth analysis of the considerations surrounding the management of the investigations of fire scenes. There will be an overview of personnel involved, their roles and contribution to the investigation. The module will also describe the preparation of written and oral testimony for courts of law. Finally the presentation of the report in oral testimony will be reviewed.
Research Methods
provides you with the necessary skills to undertake a research project in this exciting area. The module will include a project specific literature review, experimental design and project planning, an oral presentation and an introduction to statistics in investigating experimental questions.
Research Project
The research project in Fire Investigation is an integral part of the course and is intended to develop research skills in persons undertaking careers in forensic mark comparison. As well as applying the scientific approach to research coupled with statistical validation of results from the research methods module, genuine case-based research will be undertaken at the University, in one of the course partners or at a number of alternative providers.
a) The delivery of the course would involve a partnership between one of the leading centres of fire investigation in the UK and the University. Both partners have an established track record in delivering training and education with a vocational aspect in this area.
b) The Oldbury Fire Investigation facility will allow the student a unique hands-on practical experience that is not offered by any other MSc course in the Midlands region.
c) There are opportunities for experienced fire investigators and forensic scene investigators to fast-track to the MSc.
Unfortunately, fires are always going to happen. There will always be a need to investigate these as the consequences of fires are extensive damage to persons and property. The applied nature of this course means that a number of career paths are available to you. These include:
At the end of this course you, the student, will demonstrate:
Developed in close collaboration with the marine accident investigation community, this course offers a unique combination of research based learning and learning from real-world experiences, ensuring that students gain the skills and knowledge from the best of both academia and industry.
The course is primarily aimed at those involved, or about to become involved, in marine accident investigation and other safety related industries.
The course is suitable for those with a technical or operational background in marine or safety engineering and management, accident investigators, and those employed by national investigation agencies, operator, regulators, and manufacturers.
Cranfield University have been a centre of excellence in the field of accident investigation for over 35 years. The course format draws on the experience Cranfield has gained in running similar MSc programmes which have proven to be both successful and popular. The course format suits professionals based in all over the world, as teaching is conducted in modules and research and assessments can be completed remotely if necessary.
The course structure has been developed in close collaboration with the marine accident investigation community and with the endorsement of the Cranfield Safety and Accident Investigation Centre’s Industrial Advisory Board.
Cranfield University is very well located for visiting part-time students from all over the world, and offers a range of library and support facilities to support your studies. This enables students from all over the world to complete this qualification whilst balancing work/life commitments. This MSc programme benefits from a wide range of cultural backgrounds which significantly enhances the learning experience for both staff and students.
The Industry Advisory Board for this course is made up of representatives from several organisations who have an interest in safety and accident investigation.
As this is a new course, it is expected that the Board will meet annually to ensure the course content remains relevant and up-to-date. Current members include:
This course commences with completion of the two core modules. Students can then specialise in particular areas of investigation such as core skills, management, engineering, human factors and specialist techniques through the choice of four optional modules, from a selection of thirteen modules.
Individual project
During year three, students undertake a supervised research project on a subject of their choice within the marine accident investigation field. Students will be given a briefing and must demonstrate competency in hypothesis formation, literature review, methodology, analysis, conclusion forming and presentation. Students will also be asked to give a formal oral presentation on their research findings.
Assessment
Taught modules 50%, Individual research project 50%
The MSc in Safety and Accident Investigation (Marine Transport) allows you to receive an internationally recognised qualification in the field of marine accident investigation. The majority of students join this course with the intention of receiving a qualification that will allow them to further their career development in accident investigation or other safety related areas of the marine transport industry.
Previous students have been employed by dedicated government investigation agencies, airframe and power plant manufacturers, air traffic services, safety regulation, insurers, and the military.
We have been a centre of excellence in the field of accident investigation for almost 40 years. This course provides you with the knowledge and skills to conduct a rail accident investigation in accordance with the standards and recommended practices as required under the appropriate national and European legislation
The course is primarily aimed at those involved in rail accident investigation and other safety related industries.
We have been a centre of excellence in the field of accident investigation for almost 40 years. The course format draws on the experience we have gained in running similar MSc programmes which have proved to be both successful and popular. The format suits professionals based in UK and abroad, as teaching is conducted in modules and research and assessments can be completed remotely.
An important aspect of this course is the use of hands-on workshops and simulations to develop the practical skills required as an investigator. This is complemented by sessions and modules that enable you to conduct rigorous research and scientific analysis, along with technical writing, investigation and interviewing techniques.
Cranfield University is very well located for visiting part-time students from all over the world, and offers a range of library and support facilities to support your studies. This enables students from all over the world to complete this qualification whilst balancing work/life commitments. This MSc programme benefits from a wide range of cultural backgrounds which significantly enhances the learning experience for both staff and students.
The Industry Advisory Board for this course is made up of representatives from several organisations who have an interest in safety and accident investigation. As this is a new course it is expected that the Board will meet annually to ensure the course content remains relevant and up-to-date. Current members include:
The course is delivered on a modular basis and consists of a combination of conventional learning tools and hands-on experience through field exercises and simulations.
The programme commences with attendance on the three-week module in Fundamentals of Investigation followed by a three-week module in Applied Rail Accident Investigation. The two compulsory modules have input from a significant number of external presenters who represent safety and accident investigation.
Individual project
During year three, students undertake a supervised research project on a subject of their choice within the rail accident investigation field. Students will be given a briefing and must demonstrate competency in hypothesis formation, literature review, methodology, analysis, conclusion forming and presentation. Students will also be asked to give a formal oral presentation on their research findings.
Assessment
Taught modules 50%, Individual research project 50%
The MSc in Safety and Accident Investigation (Rail Transport) allows you to receive an internationally recognised qualification in the field of rail accident investigation. The majority of students join this course with the intention of receiving a qualification that will allow them to further their career development in accident investigation or other safety related areas of the rail transport industry.
You develop your knowledge of contemporary theory and practices in criminal investigation, relevant legislation, and information relating to criminal justice studies and criminal law. This cross-disciplinary programme develops your intellectual capability and enhances your understanding of criminal justice both national and international.
Inter-disciplinary by nature, this course incorporates the knowledge of staff with practical experience of investigation, law and research whilst offering a strong academic base. It has a clear focus which merges theory and practice and emphasises the importance of relevant legislation, policies and practices, linking them to the overall theme exploring criminal investigation.
This programme includes a dissertation module which enables you to focus on an aspect of investigation which is of particular interest you, relevant to criminal investigation, but potentially in relation to an area not taught within the programme.
Course structure
Core modules
and one optional module
Modules offered may vary.
How you learn
Teaching is student-centred to develop your understanding of theory, practice and presentation.
The programme commences with a three-day block induction period to enable you to meet staff and be introduced to the programme. You then begin a blended learning programme, which involves studying both in the classroom (one evening and one half day) and independently via on-line learning. This increases the flexibility of the programme and it is anticipated this combined approach of on-line study, evening and daytime study offers sufficient flexibility to fit into most lifestyles, whilst offering the benefit of the socialising aspects of group study. It also encourages the development of independent learning skills at an earlier stage in the programme, in readiness for research tasks.
These teaching methods offer you the opportunity to develop subject-specific knowledge and understanding, developing your cognitive-intellectual, practical-professional and generic key skills.
Your research skills are developed during the research module and further developed through the course, enabling you to conduct your research successfully towards more specialist fields of enquiry for your dissertation.
The programme involves high levels of personal responsibility and self-direction. It requires you to work with complex knowledge, theory and concepts appropriate to postgraduate studies. On the completion of this course, you should be able to plan, manage and evaluate your own learning effectively so as to become an independent lifelong learner.
How you are assessed
Formative assessment is ongoing throughout each module, either via on-line tasks or by classroom tasks, offering you feedback to assist you to develop your skills.
This programme adopts a wide range of formal assessment methods which assists you to achieve the learning outcomes and to evaluate the effectiveness of your learning. Essays and other forms of writing are commonly used. These assess your analytical, evaluative and communication skills. Presentations allow you to demonstrate a critical and systematic understanding of the key subject matter.
Seen examinations test your knowledge and information retention as well as your fluency. You are required to undertake appropriate criminal investigation-related research. The dissertation gives you the opportunity to demonstrate an appropriate standard of research and enquiry into a specialised area of investigation, displaying an analytical discussion of that area.
Graduates are equipped to work within, or progress their existing careers in, the criminal justice institutions, such as the police, prison and probation services, other investigation-related institutions and organisations, and relevant private sectors.
This unique online Postgraduate Certificate in Policing and Criminal Investigation introduces many key topics relating to policing, psychology and criminal investigations.
You’ll discover the varied techniques used to investigate major crimes, such as homicide and sexual assault, while also critically reviewing effective police leadership and partnerships. The programme also has a strong focus on the role of psychology in supporting criminal investigations.
Using programme content created by tutors with considerable academic and professional senior policing and investigative experience, you’ll develop an in-depth knowledge of contemporary policing, criminological and psychological theory and social policy. After completing the programme you’ll also be able to demonstrate an advanced understanding of the changing nature of policing with a particular focus on leadership, social and government policy, and partnership working. You’ll also acquire a range of critical and analytical skills that can be used in a variety of different professional contexts.
This short, 100% online course is a great alternative to full-time, campus based study and is perfect if you are interested in discovering how policing and criminal investigation works, or if you are attracted to a career in the field of policing or investigation. If you are already working in policing or investigation, then this programme is valid (Continuing Professional Development) CPD and will enhance your knowledge and career prospects.
Upon completion of your Postgraduate Certificate, we offer the opportunity for you to progress on to study for a Postgraduate Diploma in Criminology and Criminal Psychology (awarded after 120 credits) and a full Masters in Criminology and Criminal Psychology (awarded after 180 credits).
The Postgraduate Certificate Policing and Criminal Investigation is made up of the following modules and, upon completion, is equal to a total of 60 credits at Level 7.
Level 7 modules:
Introduction
Studying online gives you the freedom to study when and where it suits you – at home, during your lunch hour or anywhere else you have internet access.
All of our online courses have an indicative study duration which is a guide to how long your course will take to complete. The actual duration may be longer or shorter depending on your speed of study, study options chosen and module availability. It’s possible to complete your studies faster than the indicative course duration by doubling up on modules at certain times; however, minimum study durations do apply.
All of our courses have regular start dates throughout the year. Our academic year is organised into modules, typically with a one- or two-week break between modules and a structured three-week break for the Christmas period. Students will receive a course timetable during the application process.
Teaching methods and style
As we are a 100% online university, we utilise a Virtual Learning Environment instead of a traditional campus. The system tracks and manages the learning process in real-time and provides you with immediate access to your learning materials.
This learning platform allows both students and tutors to actively take part in real-time conversations and you can listen to, and view, live lectures and seminars over the internet. All courses are delivered in English only.
You are supported throughout your course by a dedicated Student Adviser and have the opportunity to regularly interact with fellow students and your tutor. To ensure you receive the support you need from your tutor, we cap our class sizes at 20 students.
Assessment
We adopt an assignment-based approach to assessment instead of exams. Assessment for the Postgraduate Policing and Criminal Investigation will be based on a combination of written coursework.
You will always be aware of your current provisional grade right from the start of the programme, allowing you to evaluate the success of your current study methods and clearly identify areas to improve. We believe that this transparency gives you the information you need to make the most of your postgraduate course. We achieve this by:
We also have a policy of ensuring that work submitted by students is authentic. As well as the fact that all work is frequently assessed, we use a well-established electronic monitoring system to check for plagiarism.
We are dedicated to improving employability amongst our graduates. Our online courses give you the opportunity to improve your career prospects and earning potential with a mix of key skills that are directly transferable to the workplace.
This PG Cert Policing and Criminal Investigation course will give you the skills needed to pursue a career in policing and/or investigation. The programme is also perfect for those who are already working in the police service or investigation and looking to enhance their career prospects.
This MSc is highly practical and hands-on. It is designed to give an understanding of the cutting-edge research and latest forensic methodologies and is intended to enable graduates to resolve issues in relation to civil and criminal law.
The course offers students a wide range of different experiences with unique facilities available to no other university in the UK.
Places on the MSc Forensic Investigation course are competitive. 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.
The MSc Forensic Investigation course is part of the Forensic MSc Programme which has been formally accredited by The Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences.
The course is highly practical and hands-on, aiming to produce forensic experts capable of giving expert witness testimonies in a courtroom situation and elsewhere.
Students are able to choose from a wide range of subject areas, providing a highly flexible course where learners are able to tailor their MSc to their interests.
The course consists of a short 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 four core modules and choose seven 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.
The Forensic Investigation course has been devised by academics with operational experience in forensic science and police investigation. Its graduates are highly successful at progressing into forensically-based careers.
The Forensic Modular Masters Programme at Cranfield Forensic Institute is accredited by The Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences.
Students are required to take four compulsory modules and then choose seven elective modules based on their particular background, future requirements or interest. This is followed by a four-month research project and thesis.
Individual project
The individual project takes four months from April to July. The student selects from a range of titles, or may propose their own topic. Most are practically or experimentally based using Cranfield’s unique facilities.
Assessment
By written and practical examinations, continuous assessment, project presentation and viva voce.
The Forensic Investigation course offers career opportunities across a broad range of applications. Past students have gone on to work in forensic laboratories, government bodies and police forces.
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