7th - 12th September 2026

An immersive, practical week of crime scene and forensic investigation led by former police practitioners and academic leading experts now lecturing at the University of Lancashire. This intensive course is perfect for students and early-career professionals eager to gain real-life forensic skills in a hands-on setting.

Course Description

Provisional program highlights:

Crime Scene Examination Simulations

•       Scene assessment and approach, photography and forensic note-taking, recovery and documentation of exhibits, packaging and labelling of evidence in line with current UK working practices.

Hydra Decision Making Immersive Suite

·         Experience high pressure decision making in our specialist Hydra Lab – a unique training facility as used by many UK police forces.

Laboratory Workshops

•       Search and recovery of body fluids and trace evidence, presumptive and confirmatory tests for body fluid identification, use of specialist forensic lights.

Bloodstain Pattern Analysis (BPA)

•       Introduction to BPA theory and classification, practical BPA exercises in our state-of-the-art BPA training suite.

Anthropology & Death Sciences

·         A look at the decomposition, factors influencing the process and consequent determination of time since death. The role of insects and other agents of taphonomic change and elements of death management will be contemplated.

 Witness and Courtroom Skills

•       Mock courtroom sessions with case presentations in our mock Court, opportunity to practice delivering witness testimony.

Visit to Blackpool Rifle & Pistol Club

·       Ballistics demonstration with highly qualified firearms practitioners.

End of course meal and certificate presentations.