The MSc programme combines a foundation in general linguistic-phonetic theory and method with extensive practical experience in analysis of forensic materials. The MSc has been designed in conjunction with one of the world's leading forensic speech laboratories, JP French Associates. The director of the laboratory, Professor Peter French, will deliver some of the taught components and will supervise some research projects. Students are given the opportunity to go on site visits that will allow them to observe the working practices of the laboratory, as well as those of cognate institutions such as courts. Areas of the MSc overlap with those central to speech technology (especially speaker recognition), as well as communications and recording technology (including the development of recording systems for emergency calls, police messaging and covert operations).

The MSc is not intended as a stand-alone vocational qualification. However, successful completion of the programme will provide students with the requisite skills, understanding, and knowledge to work effectively and increase their employability in forensic domains as well as in related fields such as the police, prison service, emergency call services and security services. Further study The MSc also provides distinctive training for students who wish to continue their academic careers to PhD level in phonetics, sociolinguistics/language variation and change, or acoustics. Occupations Graduates of the MSc programme have found employment with police services, forensic laboratories, and as academic researchers.