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Research in Forensic Speech Science - LAN00032M

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  • Department: Language and Linguistic Science
  • Module co-ordinator: Dr. Vincent Hughes
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: M
  • Academic year of delivery: 2024-25

Module summary

This module furthers a student’s knowledge and skills in forensic speech analysis, with a focus on speaker comparison.

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 2 2024-25

Module aims

This module implements knowledge and practical skills acquired in semester 1 to the forensic domain, with a focus on the practices and problems of speaker comparison. It introduces further techniques for forensic speech analysis and the construction and delivery of evidence, including a practical and theoretical introduction to automatic speaker recognition and the calculation of likelihood ratios. The module surveys current research in the field, as it relates to practical matters, and thereby provide grounding for dissertations.

Module learning outcomes

By the end of this module students will be able to:

  1. demonstrate a thorough understanding of practical methods used in forensic speech analysis, and their associated problems.

  2. demonstrate an understanding of key research issues in FSS.

  3. demonstrate an understanding of how to design research projects in the forensic domain.

  4. demonstrate practical skills in speaker identification and other applications of phonetics in the forensic domain.

Module content

This module involves a combination of lecture-style teaching and lab-based practical tasks.

Assessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
Research in Forensic Speech Science Lab report 1 2500 words		 N/A 40
Essay/coursework
Research in Forensic Speech Science Lab report 2 3000 words		 N/A 60

Special assessment rules

None

Reassessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
Research in Forensic Speech Science Lab report 1 2500 words		 N/A 40
Essay/coursework
Research in Forensic Speech Science Lab report 2 3000 words		 N/A 60

Module feedback

Weekly feedback in lab sessions and office hours.

Assessment feedback given within University standards.

Indicative reading

French, J.P. & Harrison, P. (2006) Investigative and evidential application of forensic speech science. In A. Heaton-Armstrong, E. Shepherd, G. Gudjonsson & D. Wolchover (eds.) Witness Testimony: Psychological, Investigative and Evidential Perspectives. Oxford: OUP. pp. 247-262.

Jessen, M. (2008) Forensic phonetics. Language and Linguistics Compass 2(4): 671-711.

Jessen, M. (2018) Forensic voice comparison. In M. Rathert & J. Visconti (eds.) Handbook of Communication in the Legal Sphere. Berlin: De Gruyter Mouton. pp. 219-255.


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University is constantly exploring ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary by the University. Where appropriate, the University will notify and consult with affected students in advance about any changes that are required in line with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.