Program Overview

MSc Forensic Science

The MSc Forensic Science is a postgraduate degree that provides students with a comprehensive understanding of forensic science and its applications. The program is designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and expertise required to pursue a career in forensic science.

Key Facts

• Start date: September
• Accreditation: Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences
• Study mode and duration: 12 months full-time
• Places: 70

Study with Us

The University of Strathclyde offers the longest running MSc Forensic Science course in the UK, accredited by the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences. Students participate in a major practical crime scene and courtroom exercise, with input from forensic practitioners and professional scientists. The program allows students to specialize in forensic biology or forensic chemistry in the second semester.

Why this Course?

The MSc Forensic Science program prepares students for a career in forensic science, providing a wide range of practical skills, problem-solving skills, and investigative thinking. Students join a global network of Strathclyde forensic science graduates who are in highly respected positions all over the world. The program offers a unique experience, combining 'case-based' learning with research-led teaching.

Course Content

The program covers core aspects of forensic science, including:

• preservation and recovery of evidence at a crime scene
• assessment and analysis of a wide range of evidence types
• legal systems, quality assurance, and ethical considerations of forensic science
• the interpretation, statistical evaluation, and reporting of evidence

Students can choose to specialize in either forensic biology or forensic chemistry. The program includes a three-month project, which can be completed in an operational forensic science laboratory or another University laboratory, either in the UK or overseas.

Learning and Teaching

The program is taught using a wide range of delivery methods, including online and face-to-face lectures, workshops, and tutorials, case studies, guest lectures, practical laboratory classes, simulated crime scene exercises, casework exercises, courtroom exercises, and laboratory-based research.

Assessment

A wide range of assessment methods are utilized, including written coursework, laboratory reports, quizzes, data analysis exercises, scientific writing exercises, court reports, crime scene reports, case files, oral presentations, and formal written examinations.

Entry Requirements

• Academic requirements/experience: Minimum second-class (2:2) Honours degree, or international equivalent, in a relevant science subject.
• English language requirements: IELTS 6.5 is required for all non-English speakers for entry to the MSc programme.
• Other information: Prospective students with relevant industry/practitioner experience are also welcome to apply.

Fees and Funding

• Scotland: £14,250
• England, Wales & Northern Ireland: £14,250
• Republic of Ireland: £14,250
• International: £32,350
• Available scholarships: Take a look at our scholarships search for funding opportunities.
• Additional costs: Course materials, project, crime scene exercise, and international students may have associated visa and immigration costs.

Careers

Most forensic scientists in Scotland are employed by the Scottish Police Authority Forensic Services. In the rest of the UK, forensic scientists are employed by individual police forces, private forensic science providers, or government bodies. Graduates of the program also follow a wide variety of careers in related fields, including analytical chemistry and molecular biology, as well as going on to do PhDs and pursuing research careers.