Forensic & Crime Analysis, Master of Science

Who is the Master's in Forensics & Crime Analysis suitable for?

The part-time Master's programme in Forensics & Crime Analysis is aimed at professionals and graduates who already have an academic background in STEM fields, forensics, or related disciplines such as biology, chemistry, computer science, or engineering, and who wish to further qualify as forensic experts. It targets individuals who want to advance their careers in crime investigation, forensic analytics, digital forensics, law enforcement agencies, IT security departments, or private security companies. The course offering is particularly suitable for specialists who want to position themselves in a practice-oriented and evidence-based manner and apply current methods of data analysis and artificial intelligence in crime fighting.

What are the exact admission requirements?

For admission to the Master's in Forensics & Crime Analysis (60 ECTS, part-time) at Hochschule Fresenius, the following applies:

• You need a first professionally qualifying academic degree (e.g. Bachelor, Diploma) with at least 240 credit points (CP) in a STEM subject (mathematics, computer science, natural sciences, engineering), typically in forensics, biology, chemistry, computer science, or engineering.
• Applicants with fewer than 240 CP may be admitted in exceptional cases if they can provide evidence of relevant professional experience or specialised further training.
• The module "Berufspraktischer Transfer" can be credited by at least one year of relevant professional experience in the forensic field (30 CP), which allows for a shortened duration of study.
• No specific final grade or numerus clausus is required.

You should have a strong interest in analytical questions related to crime investigation, trace analysis, and digital forensics. A good scientific or technical understanding, the ability to solve problems in a structured way, as well as precise and responsible working methods are expected. Communication skills, teamwork, and a high willingness for continuous further training in current technologies are helpful for successfully completing the course. Initial practical experience in the laboratory, data analysis, or in the criminalistic environment is advantageous but not mandatory.

Study Content in Detail

In the part-time Master’s degree programme Forensics & Crime Analysis (M.Sc.) at Hochschule Fresenius, you will acquire interdisciplinary expertise from natural sciences, criminology, psychology, and modern information technology. The curriculum covers the entire range of forensic working methods – from classic trace analysis to digital forensics:

• Data Science & Statistics: Analysis of large data sets, development of algorithms for crime detection, and identification of crime patterns.
• Trace Analysis & Structural Elucidation: Examination of physical and chemical traces, methods of structural analysis, interpretation of evidence.
• Forensic Analytics: Techniques for investigating various types of evidence, integration of modern laboratory technologies.
• Food and Environmental Analytics: Clarification of cases where food or environmental contamination is part of the chain of evidence.
• Crime Analysis I & II: Introduction to offender profiling, risk analysis, and development of risk models based on police databases.
• Data Science and Machine Learning: Application of machine learning methods, use of AI for pattern recognition in digital and analogue traces.
• Clinical Laboratory, Haematology & Genetic Fingerprinting: DNA analyses and biomedical trace investigation.
• AI in Forensics: Opportunities and challenges of artificial intelligence in the criminological context.
• Forensics of Mobile Devices and Network Forensics: Analysis of digital evidence, data recovery and trace preservation on smartphones, computers, as well as network traffic.
• Imaging and Data Recovery: Securing and reconstruction of digital information using current tools and methods.

The studies are accompanied by practical projects, a mandatory internship or a work-based practical project, and an independent thesis with defence. You will learn to analyse complex crime sequences, professionally interpret evidence, and assess legal as well as ethical frameworks.

Course Structure: How the Master’s Programme Works

The Master’s degree Forensics & Crime Analysis lasts three semesters and is designed for part-time learning at the Online Campus of Hochschule Fresenius. The study model is specifically tailored to be compatible with employment:

• At the beginning and the end of each semester, there is a block week (Wednesday to Saturday) held on campus, usually including exams.
• Between the block weeks, you attend virtual live lectures for 12 weeks – typically on one to two evenings per week.
• Internships or work-based practical projects are an integral part and can, by arrangement, be integrated into your ongoing professional activities.
• In the third semester, you write your master’s thesis on an individually chosen topic and present it in a defence.
• The assessments consist of exams, practice-oriented case studies, project work, and the final thesis with defence.

The programme is completely digitally organised, although some examinations are held on campus. Optionally, you can take exams at various examination centres across Germany.

Career Opportunities & Professional Prospects after Graduation

As a graduate of the Master’s programme Forensics & Crime Analysis, a wide range of career opportunities opens up in a growing field:

• Forensic Laboratories: Work as a scientist investigating material and biological traces.
• Medical and Criminal Technical Institutes: Analyst for laboratory examinations, DNA analyses, and preparation of expert reports.
• IT Security Departments and Companies: Cybercrime specialist, data scientist for combating and preventing cybercrimes, as well as digital evidence preservation.
• Public Investigation Authorities: Collaboration in crime analysis, digital forensics, or development of prevention strategies.
• Private Security Companies: Consulting, risk analysis, and clarification of digital or material offences.
• Research and Development: Development of new analytical methods, scientific participation in projects of forensic sciences.
• University Teaching and Continuing Education: Engagement in teaching and training (e.g. at forensic institutes, universities, educational institutions).

Typical positions include cybercrime specialist, forensic analyst, and data scientist in the context of crime fighting.

Study Location: How Does Learning at the Online Campus Work?

The Master’s programme is held entirely at the Online Campus of Hochschule Fresenius. The virtual organisation enables you to participate in your studies independently of location. All courses, group work, and interaction with lecturers take place digitally, mostly live via video conference. Presence phases and examinations are offered at selected locations – you can usually choose between attending the university or examination centres in Germany.

Access to the Online Campus provides:

• Access to digital learning materials and up-to-date literature databases
• Virtual lectures with direct interaction with your lecturers and fellow students
• Digital tools for group work, project management, and exchange in study groups

The flexible study concept ensures optimal compatibility with work and private life.

Costs and Financing: What Should You Budget for Your Studies?

The part-time Master’s programme Forensics & Crime Analysis at the Online Campus of Hochschule Fresenius costs 650 euros per month (total costs: 11,350 euros for three semesters). Additionally, there is a one-time registration fee of 250 euros.

The price includes all digital teaching materials, access to the Online Campus, and the use of additional offers such as free language or startup courses as well as networking and career events within StudyPLUS.

You have various financing options:

• Funding via BAföG (depending on personal situation and duration of studies)
• Scholarships from the university or external organisations
• Student loans from banks or state development banks such as KfW
• Support from employers within the scope of personnel development

The university’s student advisory service can provide individual advice on financing options.