Forensic Science MSc

Program Overview

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Postgraduate Taught

Study

Key information

Course type: Masters Delivery mode: In person Study mode: Full time Duration: MSc one year Credit value (UK/ECTS equivalent): UK 180/ECTS 90 Application status: Open Start date: September 2025

Key benefits

• Programme fully accredited by The Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences
• A well-established and highly respected forensic science programme with contributions from leading forensic scientists both internal and external
• Strategic alliance with the Metropolitan Police Forensic Services Directorate and research partners with Eurofins forming the Met/ Eurofins/KCL managed forensic service provision.
• Strategic alliance with the City Police Forensic Services Directorate and currently housing their fingerprinting laboratory.
• Links with over 25 forensic laboratories and institutions worldwide provide research placement opportunities for students’ projects
• Exposure to cutting-edge technology and methodology at the forefront of forensic science research and development
• Flexible study pathway with the opportunity to extend your project to a 28-week project to gain an extra 60 Credits and the MRes qualification

Course essentials

Base campus

• Waterloo Campus

Regulating bodies

• King's is regulated by the Office for Students

Entry requirements

UK applicants

Standard requirements

• A minimum 2:1 undergraduate Bachelor’s (honours) degree
• If you have a lower degree classification, or a degree in an unrelated subject, your application may be considered if you can demonstrate significant relevant work experience, or offer a related graduate qualification (such as a Masters or PGDip).

Programme-Specific Requirements

• Bachelors degree with 2:1 honours in Life Sciences or Chemistry. This would include, courses such as Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Pharmacology, Toxicology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Biomedical Sciences, Genetics, Forensic Science or similar. Chemistry and Biology qualifications equivalent to UK A-level will also be beneficial.
• In order to meet the academic entry requirements for this programme you should have a minimum 2:1 undergraduate degree with a final mark of at least 60% or above in the UK marking scheme. If you are still studying you should be achieving an average of at least 60% or above in the UK marking scheme.

International applicants

Equivalent International qualifications

• Select a country to view equivalent international qualifications

English language requirements

• English language band: D
• To study at King's, it is essential that you can communicate in English effectively in an academic environment. You are usually required to provide certification of your competence in English before starting your studies.
• Nationals of majority English speaking countries (as defined by the UKVI) who have permanently resided in this country are not usually required to complete an additional English language test. This is also the case for applicants who have successfully completed an undergraduate degree (of at least three years duration), a postgraduate taught degree (of at least one year), or a PhD in a majority English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI) within five years of the course start date.

Selection process

• Applications must be made online using King's Apply, the Admissions Portal. A non-refundable application fee of £85 applies.
• Applications will be processed upon receipt. Overseas applicants are advised to apply by March to allow sufficient time for visa application. Places are ascribed on a first come first served basis.
• Applicants are encouraged to attend the Departmental and University Postgraduate events.

Personal statement and supporting information

• Personal Statement: Yes, a personal statement is required. This can be entered directly into the online application form (maximum 4,000 characters) or uploaded as an attachment to the online application form (maximum 2 pages).
• Previous Academic Study: Yes, a copy (or copies) of your official academic transcript(s), showing the subjects studied and marks obtained. If you have already completed your degree, copies of your official degree certificate will also be required. Applicants with academic documents issued in a language other than English, will need to submit both the original and official translation of their documents.
• Reference: Yes, one reference is required, professional references will be accepted if you have completed your qualifications over five years ago.
• Other: Optional, you may also wish to include a CV (Resume) or evidence of professional registration as part of your application.

Teaching & structure

Teaching methods - what to expect

• Lectures
• Laboratory-based Practicals
• Small Group Discussions
• Workshops
• Independent study

Assessment

• Coursework
• Exams

Structure

Required modules

• Analytical Chemistry for Forensic Science and Toxicology (15 credits)
• Forensic Genetics (15 credits)
• The Forensic Process (30 credits)
• The Chemistry of Drugs and Explosives (30 credits)
• Forensic Biology (30 credits)
• Forensic Project (60 credits; MSc pathway)

Careers

Employability

• Many Forensic Science graduates go on to work in the forensic science sector with forensic service providers within the UK, European and international fields.
• Others have taken employment with the Metropolitan Police or crime scene departments of other police forces.
• The degree, with its mixture of analytical chemistry and cutting-edge molecular biology, is also highly regarded in medical laboratories. Some graduates choose to continue to study towards a PhD either at King’s College London or other universities across the country.

Fees & Funding

Tuition Fees

UK

• Full time: £16,950 (2025/26)

International

• Full time: £35,800 (2025/26)

Deposit

• If you receive an offer for this programme, you will be required to pay a non-refundable deposit to secure your place. Deposit payments are credited towards the total tuition fee payment.
• The Home deposit is £500. The International deposit is £2000.

Additional Costs

• Books if you choose to buy your own copies
• Clothing for optional course related events and competitions
• Library fees and fines
• Personal photocopies
• Printing course handouts
• Society membership fees
• Stationery
• Travel costs for travel around London and between campuses
• Graduation costs

Funding

• To find out more about bursaries, scholarships, grants, tuition fees, living expenses, student loans, and other financial help available at King's please visit the Fees and Funding section.