This Forensic Science MSc is aimed at students from traditional science subjects, who wish to enhance their career prospects within the analytical sciences industry.

The course builds on scientific knowledge gained at undergraduate level and extends your understanding into specialist areas. You will gain knowledge and scientific skills that are directly applicable to the field of forensic science. This course creates prospects of employment in forensic science laboratories as well as in other analytical science labs.

A high level of practical laboratory experience develops competency and professionalism, together with team working, dexterity, and numeracy. Academic knowledge and intellectual curiosity are promoted throughout, driving engaged students to achieve at their highest level. This Masters course involves a unique combination of forensic chemistry and forensic biology. It covers subjects such as trace evidence, toxicology and DNA analysis.

Our teaching will give you a solid grounding in all the technical areas that are key to forensic science, while simultaneously developing the higher level of independent thinking and advanced interpretation that is expected at Masters level.

To support your learning journey, many of the staff have an ‘open door’ policy which makes it easy to ask questions; it’s also possible to book appointments with them so that you can work through queries about lab work, concepts and theories, and any other aspects of the subject.

We use different types of assessments: some will contribute to your final grade while others will be used to provide you with guidance on your progress and reinforce your learning. You can expect both your tutors and your peers to provide useful comments and feedback throughout the course.

Our teaching team are active researchers who routinely incorporate their expertise and enthusiasm into their teaching.

Many of the staff have worked in forensic science laboratories and have been involved in high profile cases such as the Stephen Lawrence, Joanna Yeates, Suffolk strangler and Jigsaw murder cases. Their areas of research include toxicology, the analysis of fibres and their transfer and persistence and the analysis of ancient DNA.

Academic staff include former forensic biologists, forensic toxicologists, and forensic fibre experts. They continue to maintain close links with the industry including the police and practising forensic scientists. Many of them are well-established within professional forensic science societies and organisations, which directly inform policy and practices within the field.

You will have access to a dedicated crime scene house to enable you to examine simulated crime scenes.

Students can also access Return to Scene (R2S) software which provides a 360 degree interactive scan of a crime scene allowing you to perform further analysis in detail after you have left the scene. Northumbria University has also invested heavily in an impressive suite of analytical equipment allowing you to gain first-hand experience of the techniques used in operational laboratories.

We use a range of technologies to enhance your learning, with tools including web-based self-guided exercises, online tests with feedback, and electronic discussion boards. These tools support and extend the material that is delivered during lectures.

The 24/7 University Library achieves some of the highest levels of student satisfaction in the UK and has held the Cabinet Office accreditation for Customer Service Excellence since 2010.

We host the Northumbria University Forensic Science Unit and our research directly impacts on what and how you learn.

Northumbria is helping to push the frontiers of knowledge in areas such as:

• Forensic fibre comparisons using statistical and chemometric approaches
• DNA profiling in contexts such as injuries to children and poaching of wildlife
• Human genetic and phenotypic variation
• Analytical toxicology
• Forensic proteomics
• Forensic biometrics
• Forensic science regulation and policy

As part of the course, you will undertake a Masters project that will require you to evaluate relevant literature as well as to develop your ideas within the context of existing research. The project will involve information retrieval, critical appraisal, presentation of aims and strategy, development of advanced analytical and problem-solving skills, the discussion and interpretation of results, and the composition of a written dissertation. Each project will be aligned to an active area of research that is specific to an academic member of staff.

This course is accredited by the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences, which means you’ll develop the exact blend of skills and knowledge required by employers in the sector.

The focus on practical laboratory work, combined with the mix of group work, independent learning and professional practice, will help ensure that you develop skills that are transferable to a range of careers and disciplines.

Forensic science has gained a high profile through TV dramas and, in the years ahead, the sector is likely to be further transformed by technological advances. With an MSc Forensic Science you will be well-placed to take up a fascinating and rewarding role in forensic science laboratories.

What’s more, by developing the attributes of a Masters student, including the ability to solve complex problems, think critically, and work effectively with others and on your own, you will enhance your employability in all sectors of the analytical science industry.

You will also be well equipped to pursue further studies at PhD level.