Program Overview

Forensic and Analytical Science MSci

The Forensic and Analytical Science MSci is a four-year undergraduate Master's course with a placement year in research. This program provides students with the opportunity to explore the fascinating areas of forensic science, while putting theory to the test in the real world.

Overview

The course is accredited by the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences and covers a wide range of topics, including analytical science, forensic biology, and crime scene investigation. Students will have access to specialized labs and crime-scene facilities, where they will learn to use tools and processes used in real-life investigations.

Course Structure

The course consists of four years of study, with the third year spent in a research group, usually in a university or research institute. The final year includes advanced topics in forensic and analytical science, as well as a substantial research project.

Year 1

• Important Forensic Concepts: This module introduces students to basic forensic techniques, scientific principles, and mathematics, statistics, and computing tools used to present scientific findings.
• Introduction to Analytical Science and Spectroscopy: This module introduces students to the range of skills required in modern analytical science and illustrates how analytical methodology underpins scientific investigation.
• Structure: From Atoms to Molecules and Materials: This module introduces students to the chemistry of the elements, starting with the earliest known chemical events in the universe.
• The Reactivity and Properties of Carbon Compounds: This module teaches students to recognize a range of functional groups and to name systematically compounds that contain them.

Year 2

• Crime Scene and Forensic Examinations: This module provides an overview of commonly encountered evidence types at crime scenes, with a focus on crime scene-specific issues.
• Forensic Biology Awareness: This module provides an introduction to selected topics in modern biology, suitable for students of forensic science and chemistry.
• Practical Forensic Science 2: This module builds upon the concepts and techniques introduced in the module Practical Forensic Science 1.
• Molecular Analysis & Instrumental Methods: This module consolidates the interpretative skills learned in the module Analytical Science 1 and extends these to the analysis of spectra from more complex organic molecules.

Year 3

• Scientific Communication: This module covers three aspects of communication of importance in science: the ability to read and understand scientific journal papers, the ability to write a scientific journal paper, and the ability to give oral presentations.
• Criminal Law and Presentation of Evidence: This module explores the relationship between the forensic scientist and the justice system, with a view to addressing aspects of criminal and civil law.
• Research Project: Students will carry out a substantial research project, under supervision, in an industrial or academic research environment.
• Supervised Training: Training will normally take place across a 48-week period in a suitable organization, usually a university laboratory.

Year 4

• Forensic Investigation and Evidence Types: This module covers the forensic investigation of evidence, building on material delivered in the second-year modules.
• Advanced Crime Scene Sciences: This module comprises a series of specialist workshops incorporating both theoretical and practical aspects in the more specialist forensic science disciplines.
• Separation Techniques & Analytical Toxicology: This module expands and extends the basic description of separation science provided earlier in the course.
• Advanced Spectroscopy, Electroanalysis & Sensors: This module provides an overview of contemporary spectroscopic techniques and their relevant areas of application.

Placements

During the MSci degree, students will spend year 3 as a student (unsalaried) in a research group, usually in a university or a research institute. This is an ideal choice for those who may wish to pursue a PhD upon graduation.

Career Opportunities

As a graduate of this course, students may consider a career in crime scene investigation, forensic pathology, toxicology, clothing damage analysis, bloodstain pattern analysis, forensic technology, or forensic anthropology, as well as roles in chemistry and analytical chemistry within sectors such as pharmaceuticals, food and drink manufacturers, or health.

Fees and Finance

The maximum fees for UK-based students on undergraduate courses in 2025/26 will be £9,535 per year for full-time students. Tuition fees will cover the cost of study at the University, as well as charges for registration, tuition, supervision, and examinations.

Additional Costs

Optional short field trips may be arranged, and the costs of these trips must be covered by students. Previous trip costs have ranged from £10 to £100 per student, depending on the location.