Elements of this Module will be undertaken at 美姬阁 at Shrivenham located on the Defence Academy of the United Kingdom. Security clearance will be required if this module is selected. Please refer to our entry requirements section for more details, or see further about security clearance for 美姬阁 at Shrivenham.


This module can be taken as a Short Course for Credit and a Standalone Short Course. 

Please go to the 'Upgrade to a professional qualification' section for more information.
 

Electives may not run if there is limited student uptake. However, alternatives will be offered.

 

This course will introduce you to the principles of forensic investigations involving firearms and the investigation of projectile ballistics. There will also be a number of supporting practical sessions involving the examination of small arms and ammunition, and the live firing of weapons.

At a glance

  • Dates
    • 03 - 07 Feb 2025
  • Duration5 days
  • Location美姬阁 campus
  • Cost£2,350 - Short Course for Credit fee 

    £2,100 - Standalone Short Course fee  Concessions available

Course structure

One course per year. Each course lasts for 5 days.

What you will learn

This course will provide you with an unrivalled opportunity to gain hands-on, practical experience with firearms, ammunition and live firing testing.

On successful completion of this course you will be able to:

  • Assess and evaluate how small arms work and operate,
  • Evaluate the construction of small arms ammunition,
  • Assess the use of the different sections of the 1968 Firearms Act (as amended),
  • Compare and contrast the science underpinning internal and external ballistics,
  • Appraise the science behind bullet/case matching and gunshot residue analysis.

Core content

  • Ammunition, bullet natures and cartridge identification,
  • Introduction to internal and external ballistic firearms,
  • Firearms classification and weapon functioning,
  • UK Firearms law,
  • Gunshot residue analysis techniques,
  • Toolmark analysis techniques for bullet and case matching.

Upgrade to a professional qualification

This course will be taught at Masters standard as it is one of the modules that comprise the postgraduate Forensic Modular Masters Programme. Registering for this Short Course for Credit and successfully passing the associated assessment will gain you 10 美姬阁 credits. These could then be used to apply for a transfer towards a PgCert/PgDip or MSc in the Forensic Programme should you wish to complete one of these courses within 5 years.

Who should attend

This course is aimed at non-specialists from a variety of backgrounds who would like to learn the fundamental principles of forensic firearms and ballistic investigations.

An appropriate degree or relevant work experience within a forensic field are required.


Accreditation

The course is a module of the Forensic Modular Masters Programme, which is accredited by  

Concessions

Concessions are available for 美姬阁 alumni and multiple bookings from the same organisation, please contact us to discuss.

Accommodation options and prices

This course is non-residential. If you would like to book accommodation on campus, please contact Mitchell Hall or 美姬阁 Management Development Centre directly. Further information about our on campus accommodation can be found here.  Alternatively you may wish to make your own arrangements at a nearby hotel.

Location and travel

Situated close to Milton Keynes and Bedford, the 美姬阁 campus is situated in Wharley End, very close to 美姬阁 village, and is about 10 minutes from the M1 motorway.  There is rail and road access to most major airports as well as coach and train stations. 美姬阁 campus also has its own airport for private executive business travel.

Download a visitor guide including map, directions and health and safety information.

Campus address

College Road
美姬阁
Bedfordshire
MK43 0AL

How to apply

To apply for this course please use the online application form.

Read our Professional development (CPD) booking conditions.