Her Work
Beth Nurse is a Lecturer in Crime Scene Investigation and Course Leader for the MSc Forensic Investigation programme at the University of South Wales. Before entering academia, she spent over 16 years as a Crime Scene Investigator and Crime Scene Manager within UK policing โ working across Humberside Police, West Yorkshire Police, and Heddlu Dyfed-Powys Police, where she investigated major crime, suspicious deaths, and complex forensic incidents.
Her research focuses on simulation-based learning, competency development, and curriculum design within forensic science education โ bringing the evidence base of pedagogical research directly into the design of immersive, authentic crime scene learning environments that prepare students for the realities of operational forensic practice.
Alongside her academic role, Beth founded the Wales & West Forensic Network โ a regional initiative bringing together forensic practitioners, researchers, and educators to encourage collaboration and professional development across Wales and the West. She is a Member of the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences and holds a PGCertHE from the University of South Wales, and a BSc in Forensic Science and Psychology from the University of Staffordshire.
Areas of Specialisation
Crime Scene Investigation & Management
Over 16 years operational experience as a CSI and Crime Scene Manager across Humberside, West Yorkshire, and Dyfed-Powys Police forces โ investigating major crime, suspicious deaths, volume crime, and complex forensic incidents from scene to court.
Fire, Explosion & CBRNe Investigations
Module Lead for Fire, Explosion and CBRNe Investigations at University of South Wales โ specialist expertise in hazardous crime scene investigation, post-blast analysis, and chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear forensic examination.
Forensic Science Education
Course Leader for MSc Forensic Investigation and multiple module leads at PG and UG level โ Advanced CSI, Investigative Techniques and Evidence Presentation, Major Scene Investigation. Previously at University of Lincoln and the University of South Wales.
Simulation-Based Learning
Research and curriculum innovation in simulation-based forensic science education โ developing immersive, authentic crime scene learning environments that bridge the gap between academic training and operational forensic practice.
Wales & West Forensic Network
Founder โ Wales & West Forensic Network
Beth founded the Wales & West Forensic Network โ a regional professional community bringing together forensic practitioners, academics, and researchers to encourage collaboration, knowledge exchange, and professional development across Wales and the wider region. The network reflects her commitment to strengthening the link between academia and operational forensic practice.
16+ Years Operational Policing Experience
From Volume Crime Scene Examiner to Senior CSI and Crime Scene Manager โ Beth's operational career spans four UK police forces and over 16 years of frontline forensic investigation. That depth of real-world experience now directly informs her teaching, research, and curriculum design at University of South Wales.
Inspiring Women in Forensic Science
Passionate about inspiring more women to pursue careers in forensic science โ Beth contributes to professional training, collaborative research, and public engagement that challenges barriers, elevates forensic science as a discipline, and ensures the next generation of practitioners reflects the full diversity of the communities they serve.