MSc Forensic Art & Facial Identification at University of Dundee

Forensic art encompasses a wide range of subjects, notably facial anthropology and identification, such as two and three-dimensional facial reconstruction, craniofacial superimposition, post-mortem depiction, composite art and age progression.

The course was established in 2007 by the Centre for Anatomy and Human Identification (CAHID) and Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design (DJCAD). You will be taught by specialists from scientific backgrounds and experienced forensic art supervisors.

Our facilities include a well-established art college, newly-refurbished laboratories, a dedicated library and access to human material in a modern medical science environment.

The award-winning staff in the Centre for Anatomy and Human Identification (CAHID) are amongst the most experienced in the UK in the fields of human identification, forensic anthropology, craniofacial identification and the study of the human body.

The core remit of the Centre is the study of anatomy, and staff deliver high quality anatomy teaching at all levels, via whole body dissection which allows students to develop a sound knowledge of the human body.

The Centre was awarded a prestigious Queen's Anniversary Prize for Higher Education in November 2013. Presented in recognition of 'world class excellence', the Queen’s Anniversary Prizes are among the most highly-regarded awards for the UK’s universities and colleges.

Careers

This course will provide professional training to underpin your first degree. You will enter employment at the leading edge of your discipline. There are various career opportunities in forensic art and facial identification. They will depend on individual background and interests.

Potential careers in forensic art and facial identification exist within the police force and overseas law enforcement, as well as with private companies and in research. Many of the techniques you will learn are increasingly transferrable.  Potential career paths include:

• Police or associated art and design departments producing forensic documents, image enhancement, CCTV surveillance, image collection, staff posters and presentations
• SOCO/CSIs in UK or overseas law enforcement agencies
• Facial composite art practitioner and witness interviewer
• Facial identification services
• Missing-persons organisations
• Facial prosthetics
• Movie special-effects
• Archaeological artist working with museums, institutes and exhibitions
• Academia: teaching or research
• PhD research
• Medicolegal artwork
• Freelance art applications