Our MSci in Forensic Science is ideal if you have a strong interest in science and its applications within the criminal justice system. You'll gain a high level of scientific expertise as well as advanced analytical, problem-solving and transferable skills. The course has a practical focus so you'll get hands-on use of a range of instruments and techniques in forensic science. You may have the opportunity to work directly with forensic providers to gain valuable practical experience. In Year 1, you'll learn about crime scene investigation and the importance of preservation of evidence. You'll cover relevant biological and chemical principles as well as photography and other crime scene documenting techniques. In Year 2, you'll focus on analysis and measurement. You'll expand on the principles of criminalistic methods, forensic chemistry and forensic biology. You'll also enhance your research and communication skills via practical exercises that involve working in small teams. In Year 3, you'll put your forensic knowledge into practice by working on simulated scenes. You'll also complete an independent research project in a current forensic field. In Year 4, you'll work more independently through either a placement or a research assistantship. By this stage, you'll have the lab and literature searching skills you need to function autonomously to demonstrate the wide variety of skills expected at Masters level study. You'll be assessed via seen and unseen exams, portfolios, laboratory reports, group and individual presentations, role plays and poster presentations.

This course has been designed in conjunction with practitioners and professionals within the forensic arena to give you the skills and knowledge required to seek employment within the forensic and other fields. You will have developed skills in biological and chemical applications to forensic science alongside criminalistic methods and crime scene processing. This gives you a sound foundation to pursue a career in many areas of forensic science. We have graduates from the BSc Forensic Science who have gone on to find employment in the many facets of forensic science from scenes of crime officers to DNA analysts to exhibits officers to scientists in overseas forensic laboratories to insurance company loss adjusters. The skills and knowledge developed over the course not only equip you to find employment within a forensic context but also within traditional science environments. We have graduates who have secured employment as: water quality chemists, hospital pathology laboratory technicians, polymer chemist, pharmaceutical chemist, occupational hygienist, laboratory coordinator, as well as going in to science teaching and postgraduate study at both MSc and PhD level. In addition the team working, problem solving, communication and time management skills you develop also mean you are able to seek employment in areas outside of science, such as human resources and recruitment. In addition the placement module will give you invaluable experience of the working environment.