Crime Scene & Forensic Science

This course is one of only seven of its kind in the country to be accredited by the Forensic Science Society

It concentrates on the practices, procedures and analytical techniques of forensic science, and how they are applied in support of the investigation of crime and the criminal justice system as a whole.

On completion of the course you will be able to demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of forensic science and how scientific methods are applied to the investigation of crime. You benefit from our links with practitioners and organisations working in the field. In addition key members of staff are former forensic scientists or crime scene scientists with considerable operational experience. Expect to carry out analytical and practical work in the University's on-campus Crime Scene House Laboratory which is fully equipped with CCTV, the specialist analytical laboratories and the forensic DNA analysis facilities.

What you study

You study the six taught modules listed followed by a 60-credit in-depth project.

How you learn

The course consists of lectures, tutorials and laboratory work.

How you are assessed

All modules are assessed by in-course assignments, including a courtroom-based expert witness assessment.

Career opportunities

Employment opportunities exist in the field of forensic science and forensic investigation with forensic science providers and law enforcement agencies. Other roles include scientific investigation where the application of science in a legal or regulatory context is important.

This MSc programme has been accredited and commended by the Forensic Science Society - the international professional body for forensic science.

Entry requirements

Applicants should normally have a BSc honours degree (at least 2.2) in an appropriate related discipline, or professional membership of an appropriate chartered institution or an equivalent relevant qualification. Typical subjects would include biology, chemistry, biomedical science, biochemistry and forensic science.

For additional information please see the undergraduate and postgraduate entry requirements in our admissions section

Industrial experience

On each master's degree you'll complete a project related to professional practice. This, along with the involvement of practitioners and academics in the delivery of these courses, ensures that they are relevant to the requirements of the criminal justice system.

Intermediate awards

Our master's degrees can lead to the award of a postgraduate certificate at Stage 1 (60 credits - 3 modules), a postgraduate diploma at Stage 2 (120 credits - 6 modules) or, on completion of a research project, the MSc.

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