By taking the MSci Forensic Science course, you will have the opportunity to gain a highly valued education from a provider of forensic science degree courses by learning from practitioners and researchers. Designed around professional body criteria and quality benchmark requirements, this course will contain all of the core elements required for a good quality forensic science education which is also enriched by the expertise and experience of our staff.

Our MSci Forensic Science course will offer students the opportunities to engage in a broad spectrum of analytical and forensic sciences, studying almost all aspects of forensic science from chemistry to biology, earth science, anthropology, major scene investigation and toxicology. Our Forensic Science course has a very strong scientific base, which means you will be employable in a number of scientific sectors.

In years one to three of the course, you will have the opportunity to specialise in areas such as digital forensics, analytical chemistry, microscopy, toxicology, and forensic and molecular genetics. You will also study the core aspects within our forensic science courses which includes crime scene investigation, evidence examination and courtroom skills.

Following successful completion of a common first year curriculum covering criminalistics, forensic chemistry and forensic biology, students choose to study modules that follow either an “Analytical” or a “Biology” Forensic Science pathway depending upon their personal preference during their second and subsequent third year.

The second year of your forensic science will enhance your practical skills and theoretical knowledge through forensic evidence and crime scene examination. You will develop your skills in applying analytical techniques and your understanding of either analytical chemistry or biological science within forensic investigation depending upon the pathway chosen.

In the third year you will study advanced modules, critically analysing forensic case studies as well as developing advanced skills in either the analytical chemistry or biological science depending upon the pathway chosen as well as taking the Research, Employability and Professional Skills module.

Practical work, method development, quality assurance, instrument maintenance and research skills dominate the year four curriculum. Study a year four module in Project Design, Management and Enterprise leading to a PRINCE2 Foundation Qualification, illustrating not only your project management capabilities but your entrepreneurial side.

Year One: MSci Forensic Science Degree

• Introduction to Forensic Science
• Introduction to Criminalistics
• Introduction to Forensic Biology
• Fundamental Concepts for the Forensic Sciences
• Chemical Concepts for the Forensic Sciences
• Key Skills for Forensic Practice

Year Two: MSci Forensic Science Degree

Analytical Pathway

• Forensic Evidence and Laboratory Analysis
• Volume Crime Scene Examination
• Analytical Chemistry
• Human Molecular Genetics
• Spectroscopy
• Digital Forensics

Biology Pathway

• Forensic Evidence and Laboratory Analysis
• Volume Crime Scene Examination
• Analytical Chemistry
• Human Molecular Genetics
• Forensic Analysis of Human Remains
• Medical Microbiology

Year Three: MSci Forensic Science Degree

Analytical Pathway

• Major Scene Investigation
• Advanced Analytical Chemistry
• Forensic Genetics and DNA Analysis
• Forensic Microscopy and X-ray Analysis
• Toxicology
• Research, Employability and Professional Skills

Biology Pathway

• Applications of Forensic Biology
• Human Variation and Forensic Anthropology
• Forensic Genetics and DNA Analysis
• Forensic Microscopy and X-ray Microanalysis
• Toxicology
• Research, Employability and Professional Skills

Year Four: MSci Forensic Science Degree

• Analytical Toxicology
• Advanced DNA Profiling and Analysis
• Project Design, Management and Enterprise
• Interpretation, Evaluation and Presentation of Casework
• Laboratory Research Project

Employment prospects for MSci Forensic Science graduates are very good. You will have a much increased set of practical skills to offer employers, including skills in research, method development and project management, and therefore this should allow you to apply for positions above entry level.

Analytical Scientists such as forensic scientists have a wealth of career opportunities available to them in the field of forensics and elsewhere. Most graduates will obtain positions as scientists in laboratories with forensic science service providers such as in toxicology or DNA analysis, or related analytical industries where quality assurance and the use of instrumentation for analyte quantification or detection plays a significant part of the process.

Graduates with a MSci Forensic Science degree will have the scope to aspire to becoming reporting scientists, expert witnesses or laboratory managers. Good analytical scientists have the capacity to work in the area, and in teaching or research.

You could also progress to a PhD or research degree.