MRes Investigations of Death
Course Overview
The University of Greater Manchester's MRes in Investigations of Death is a unique, research-intensive programme focused on the interdisciplinary study of death investigations. It is designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge required to conduct advanced research in forensic science, coronial law, and medico-legal investigations. The programme covers a wide range of topics, including death scene investigation, forensic pathology, mortuary practices, and the ethical and legal challenges of investigating deaths.Students will engage in critical analysis and independent research, developing a deep understanding of the processes involved in death investigations. The programme also provides a pathway to further academic research (e.g., PhD) or professional careers in the medico-legal sector.
The MRes programme will provide a common foundation for PhD or Professional Doctorate programmes, with an interim award available following the gaining of 60 credits (PgCert), and an exit award of the 180-credit MRes.
Highlights
- The MRes Investigations of Death is designed to provide a deep understanding of the processes involved in death investigations, including forensic science, medico-legal investigations, and coronial law.
- The programme offers the opportunity to undertake in-depth, independent, and original research on topics related to death investigations.
- A range of academic and professional assessments are carefully planned throughout the student journey to support the development of advanced research skills.
- Opportunities to engage with leading experts in the field of death investigation, medical review, policing, and coronial law.
- Successful graduates will be eligible to apply for advanced standing onto PhD and doctoral study.
- The programme includes a significant research project, allowing students to demonstrate their ability to undertake rigorous, original research.
Key Features
- Develop a systematic understanding of the principles and practices of death investigations, including forensic science, pathology, and mortuary practices.
- Learn to critically evaluate current research and advanced scholarship in death investigations and related disciplines.
- Gain the ability to deal with complex forensic issues systematically and creatively, making sound judgements in the absence of complete data.
- Acquire advanced research skills and methodologies, preparing you for further academic study or professional practice in the medico-legal sector.
- Benefit from a blended learning approach that includes lectures, seminars, workshops, and independent research projects.
- Develop critical self-awareness and independent learning strategies to support academic and professional growth.
Entry Requirements
- You are normally expected to have successfully completed an honours degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject (minimum classification 2.2 or equivalent). Relevant subjects may include law, criminology, crime, criminal justice, forensic science, anthropology, medicine, or a related discipline.
- You should include in your personal statement an explanation of your research interests and how they align with your career aspirations. You may be required to attend an interview to discuss this further.
- If English isn’t your first language, you’ll also need IELTS 6.0 with no less than 5.5 in any band (or equivalent). We also accept a range of other English language qualifications – please visit our English Language Requirements web page for more details.
Where changes are made to material information contained in this course description or a decision is taken to suspend a course between the offer of admissions and enrolment, we will inform applicants at the earliest possible opportunity and will outline the various options available to the applicant.
Career Opportunities
You will develop transferable skills of independent thought and critical analysis, analysing and evaluating complex issues and solving unfamiliar problems, presenting ideas clearly and with confidence, and working independently.
Graduates of the MRes Investigations of Death programme will be well-prepared for careers in coronial law, death investigation, forensic science and related fields. They will develop critical thinking, independent research skills, and advanced analytical abilities, making them highly competitive for roles in the medico-legal sector or for further academic study.
What can I do with this qualification?
Alternative career options
Graduates of the MRes Investigations of Death programme will develop a wide range of advanced research skills and specialised knowledge in death investigations, forensic science, and medico-legal practice. This qualification can open doors to a variety of professional pathways. However, some of these roles may require additional training, professional accreditation, or practical experience, depending on the specific career path chosen.
- Academic Research Assistant
- Research and Development Technician/Assistant
- Consultancy
- Coroner's Officer
- Medico-Legal Researcher
- Death Investigation Specialist
- Criminal Justice Researcher
- Academic Researcher or Lecturer
- Forensic Casework Supervisor
- Forensic Science Technician
- Forensic Evidence Analyst
- Human Identification Specialist
- Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) Officer
- Forensic Policy Advisor
- Medico-Legal Consultant
- Mass Fatality Incident Coordinator
- Death Certification Officer
- Forensic Records Manager
- Research Analyst (Forensic Science)
- Case Review Specialist
- Investigative Researcher
- Specialist Trainer in Death Investigations
- Compliance and Ethics Officer (Medico-Legal)
- Expert Witness Consultant
- Specialist in Human Remains Recovery
- Quality Assurance Officer (Forensics)
- Project Manager (Forensic Research)
- Cold Case Researcher
- Victim Identification Specialist
- Legal Research Assistant (Medico-Legal Cases)
- Forensic Research Coordinator
- Mortuary Operations Manager
- Evidence Handling Specialist
- Forensic Data Analyst
- Academic Tutor in Forensic Studies
- Specialist Advisor (Post-Mortem Practices)
- Policy Researcher (Death Investigations)
- Independent Forensic Consultant
- Technical Writer (Forensic Publications)
- Lecturer in Medico-Legal Studies
Fees & Funding
Home/EU Fees
No fee information is currently available, please contact the University of Bolton’s Academic Fees team by emailing AcademicFees@bolton.ac.uk for more information.
International Fees
No fee information is currently available, please contact the University of Bolton’s Academic Fees team by emailing AcademicFees@bolton.ac.uk for more information.
Important note regarding tuition fees: EU nationals who meet residency requirements (have settled or pre-settled status) may be eligible for 'Home' fee status. If you do not meet these residency requirements, overseas fees will apply. Irish citizens living in the UK or Ireland will be eligible for 'Home' fee status under the Common Travel Area arrangement. Please read the student finance for EU students web page on www.gov.uk for information.
The fees for a student's course of study will be set for the normal duration of that course subject only to inflationary increases – measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI) recorded in March each year to take effect for subsequent start dates.
How to apply
Home Applicants
You may apply directly to the University using the University's online application form. Please select your chosen start date from the list below:
You should have to hand:
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Details of the educational establishments you attended and dates
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Your certificates for the qualifications you are using to gain entry to the course – you will need to enter the completion date and upload copies
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Details of any employment history including name, address, dates and role
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Personal statement – this can be either input into the relevant field or uploaded separately
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Details including e-mail addresses of two referees, at least one of which should be someone who can provide an academic reference
Please make sure any documents you wish to upload in support of your application are in pdf or jpeg format. Personal statements may be word documents.
Please ensure your data is correct at each stage of the application before you proceed to the next page. If you use the back button at any time during the application, you should check the validity of the data you have already input.
If you experience difficulties during the application process, contact the Admissions Team on 01204 903394 or admissions-team@bolton.ac.uk
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Apply online: University of Bolton MRes Investigation of Death - 22 September 2025
International Applicants
Thank you for your interest
In order to determine your suitability for this course as an international student and also to confirm you meet any initial eligibility criteria, we need you to answer a few short questions.
Teaching & Assessment
The programme will be delivered using a blended learning approach, combining face-to-face delivery sessions with online and practical work as appropriate. A range of learning and teaching methods will be employed, including (face-to-face or online) lectures, seminars, tutorials, discussion groups, guest speakers and master classes. A significant amount of personal study time is expected to be undertaken by the student, comprising background reading, online activities, assessment work, and preparation for sessions.
Assessment methods
The assessment strategy for the programme is designed to ensure that students achieve the overall aims and learning outcomes of the programme, as well as the learning outcomes for individual modules. Assessment serves several functions. Assessment is used to evaluate your achievement; however, assessment also serves to help students organise and develop their learning. Feedback from assessment serves an important educational function and can help students develop their skills and understanding of their own strengths and weaknesses.
The types of assessment students will be required to complete fall into two general categories, formative and summative. Formative assessments are activities that do not contribute to students' overall module grade. They are, however, an integral part of the learning strategy for a module, and students are required to complete them. Students will receive feedback on their level of achievement; this may take a variety of forms. Summative assessments are those assessment activities for which the marks will contribute to the overall module grade. Students will also receive feedback on these assessments so that they will know what they have done well and where they can improve.
Many different forms of assessment are employed on the programme. For both formative and summative purposes, the major forms are: coursework; reports, case studies; oral presentations, research proposals and an extended project.
Learning Activities
A range of learning and teaching methods will be employed, including lectures, seminars, tutorials, discussion groups, assessment work and preparation for sessions. The course is taught by a core team of specialist lecturers; online support is available before and after the block to ensure you have ongoing support.
Assessment will be by a combination of coursework and practical exercises, such as the preparation of presentations and posters. A final research project will form part of the assessment. A significant amount of personal study time is expected to be undertaken by the student, comprising, for example, background reading and online activities. This programme adopts a blended style of learning and teaching, including online delivery and engagement where appropriate.
The university will use all reasonable endeavours to deliver your course as described in its published material and the programme specification for the academic year in which you begin your course. The university considers changes to courses very carefully and the university will minimise any changes. Please be aware that our courses are subject to review on an ongoing basis and changes may be necessary due to legitimate staffing, financial, regulatory and academic reasons. The content of course modules and mode of associated assessments may be updated on an annual basis. This is to ensure that all modules are up-to-date and responsive to employment and sector needs. The published course material and the programme specification contain indicative ‘optional modules’ that may be subject to change due to circumstances outside of our control. For this reason, we cannot guarantee to run any specific optional module.
