Exploring Forensics in Helsinki, Finland

Key Information

Information

Application Deadline: 05/02/24 at 9:00 am

Opportunity type: Academic-led trips

Faculty: Health and Life Sciences

Ref: 10008405

Dates

Departure Date: 03/06/24

Return Date: 08/06/24

Costs

£500: the estimated cost for travel and accommodation (excluding DMU Global funding). Students will also be required to pay for: UK and in-country transfers, visits, food and drink, visa (if applicable)

Funding

DMU Global Bursary: £150

Booking

Accommodation: Shared rooms in a hostel booked by DMU

Travel: Flights booked by DMU (students travel as a group)

Contact

General Enquiries: Global Mobility Office - dmuglobal@dmu.ac.uk

Trip Lead: Anu Neuvonen - anu.neuvonen@dmu.ac.uk

How to pay

Payment details: Students will be required to pay between £350 as a contribution towards the cost of travel and accommodation after being offered a place on the trip. The DMU Global bursary will be deducted directly from the overall cost of the booking.

Carbon Levy

Student contribution: To offset the carbon emissions from the flight for this trip there is a £3 Carbon Levy for this trip which has been added to the total cost. Information about how this Levy will be used can be found here.

Eligibility

Third year FSCI Forensic Science students are eligible to participate on this opportunity. There is a maximum of 30 places available, with a minimum of 15 participants required for this opportunity to take place. Students are recommended to check the eligibility criteria before applying.

 

Please note, if you have already participated on or been accepted for a DMU Global overseas trip between September 2023 and August 2024 you are not eligible to apply for this opportunity.

 

Students are recommended to apply for no more than 2 overseas opportunities. Further application submissions will not be considered.

About

The purpose of the trip is to introduce DMU students to forensic work and research in Finland and to Nordic culture. This trip will offer students the chance to gain insight into forensic practice, advanced technology, and multidisciplinary research through contact with experienced professionals in the field.

The trip will include a range of potential academic activities that will be of benefit to Forensic Science students. These include a tour of the Finnish Institute of Health and Welfare facilities, including accredited national Forensic Medicine and Forensic Chemistry laboratories. There will also be talks and demonstrations from forensic specialists from the University of Helsinki. Speakers will include renowned specialists in forensic genetics, pathology and/ or odontology.

Students will also be offered the chance to visit the Finnish Crime Museum (permission pending). Whilst unconfirmed currently, there are also potentially a range of engagements and demonstrations with senior academics and members of the Finnish DVI team with expertise in the identification of victims in the aftermath of conflicts and disasters.

Based on availability and costs there may also be an additional day trip to Tallinn to visit the Estonian Forensic Institute, meeting with specialists in document examination, fingerprint analysis and computer forensics.


Learning objectives


Participating in a DMU Global opportunity can help you develop knowledge, skills and competencies that enhance your studies. The objectives of this trip to Helsinki are to:

  • Enhance understanding of international forensic practice and current technologies through engagement with specialists and practical routine outside the UK
  • Promote communication, networking, and collaboration skills through engagement with international peers in the field
  • Develop a broader perspective of the world through cross-cultural exposure

Pre-trip activities will include an introduction to Finnish culture and forensic work and a reflection exercise for students, with the aim of considering in advance what they wish to see and learn on the trip, and what skills they would like to develop. Post-trip activities will include a reflective forensic and cultural journal, i.e. a report on what was gained and learned during the experience and long-term benefits for career development.


Cultural activities


Whilst in Helsinki, students will have free time to explore the city’s plentiful cultural and historical sites. Suggested activities include a walking tour of Helsinki Esplanade Park and Market Square, followed a visit to the World Heritage site, Suomenlinna island fortress, a World Heritage Site.

There will also be the opportunity to visit Helsinki City Museum with free exhibits. Students may also choose to enjoy a typical Finnish activity but visit the Löyly seaside sauna complex. For those interested in the culinary offerings of Helsinki, there are a number of traditional Finnish restaurants that students may wish to visit.

Visa Information

Due to various external factors and an unprecedented demand for international travel, there are significant delays in visa processing, as well as very limited availability of application appointment slots for some countries and embassies.

We recommend that you take all appropriate steps to secure a visa as soon as practically possible, and to notify DMU Global if you face any issues. It is your responsibility to meet the entry requirements of the country you are travelling to. Failing to do so may mean that you’re liable for the costs incurred to the university (including repayment of the DMU Global bursary).