Forensic Science

Study options

Award

MSc

Key facts

Location:
Stoke-on-Trent campus
Location:
Stoke-on-Trent campus
Study option:
Full-time, blended learning
Study option:
Part-time, blended learning
Duration:
13 Months
Duration:
22 Months
Start date:
25 September 2023
School:
School of Justice, Security and Sustainability

Blended learning

Brings flexibility to your studies

Outstanding Research Impact

87% of our research impact is recognised as “very considerable” or “outstanding" (Research Excellence Framework 2021)

Summer schools

Develop valuable hands-on practical experience in our crime scene house and state-of-the-art laboratories

On this course you will take your science or forensic science degree to the next level with a more detailed exploration of the evidence. You’ll put learning into practice at summer schools on campus.

This MSc will build upon your previous experience of biological, chemical or forensic sciences. You’ll further hone your evidence-gathering skills, including biological evidence, finger marks, footwear marks, documents, fibres and glass.

The emphasis of this award is on accuracy, accountability and thoroughness, with the aim of providing results and interpretation for use by a court of law. 

You’ll put theory into practice in our fully equipped crime scene house on two summer schools over one month. You’ll also gain valuable experience in our modern laboratories.

You’ll learn from real case experience through staff expertise. They are involved in courts of law, case work and research with police forces.

This course can be studied part-time which would require a 15 hour per week commitment.

This MSc will build upon your previous experience of biological, chemical or forensic sciences. You’ll further hone your evidence-gathering skills, including biological evidence, finger marks, footwear marks, documents, fibres and glass.

The emphasis of this award is on accuracy, accountability and thoroughness, with the aim of providing results and interpretation for use by a court of law. 

You’ll put theory into practice in our fully equipped crime scene house on two summer schools over one month. You’ll also gain valuable experience in our modern laboratories.

You’ll learn from real case experience through staff expertise. They are involved in courts of law, case work and research with police forces.

This course can be studied part-time which would require a 15 hour per week commitment.

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: MSc Forensic Science

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: MSc Forensic Science

Blended learning

This course is offered as blended learning, full-time over 13 months or part-time over 22 months 

Part-time study

It is possible to study the course part-time over three years. This option can be taken if you're in full-time employment or wish to study at a less intensive pace. It requires a 15 hour per week commitment.  

Blended learning

This course is offered as blended learning, full-time over 13 months or part-time over 22 months 

Course content

You’ll take eight compulsory modules, including an independent research project. The postgraduate certificate and postgraduate diploma form the first two stages of the award.

At certificate level, the focus is on the crime scene and the collection, packaging and analysis of evidence, such as finger marks, footwear marks, documents, hairs, fibres and glass.

At diploma stage, you’ll study the chemical and biological analysis of evidence in forensic laboratories.

For the MSc stage, you’ll carry out an independent research project in an area of interest or one chosen from a list of specialist topics aligned to industry needs.

You’ll take eight compulsory modules, including an independent research project. The postgraduate certificate and postgraduate diploma form the first two stages of the award.

At certificate level, the focus is on the crime scene and the collection, packaging and analysis of evidence, such as finger marks, footwear marks, documents, hairs, fibres and glass.

At diploma stage, you’ll study the chemical and biological analysis of evidence in forensic laboratories.

For the MSc stage, you’ll carry out an independent research project in an area of interest or one chosen from a list of specialist topics aligned to industry needs.

Professional body accreditation

The Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences provides an accreditation system for both undergraduate and postgraduate courses in forensic science and related topics. Accreditation is given provided the course content meets with the Society's component standards which provide a quality endorsement of the course.

This course is accredited by the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences

Accredited by the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences. 

First recipients of Rob Shaw Award announced

News

New awards, honouring a charismatic computing lecturer who died last year, have been presented to graduates demonstrating forensics excellence.

Modules

The tables provide an indicative list of the modules that make up the course for the current academic year. Each module is worth a specified number of credits. Our teaching is informed by research, and modules change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline. We aim to ensure that all modules run as scheduled. If for any reason a module cannot be run we will advise you as soon as possible and will provide guidance on selecting an appropriate alternative module.

Modules

The tables provide an indicative list of the modules that make up the course for the current academic year. Each module is worth a specified number of credits. Our teaching is informed by research, and modules change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline. We aim to ensure that all modules run as scheduled. If for any reason a module cannot be run we will advise you as soon as possible and will provide guidance on selecting an appropriate alternative module.

Year 1 compulsory modules
Drugs And Toxicology 15 credits
Firearms, Fires And Explosions 15 credits
Methods Of Crime Detection 30 credits
Practical Support 1 15 credits
Year 2 compulsory modules
Dna Profiling And The Analysis Of Biological Evidence 15 credits
Independent Research Project 60 credits
Methods Of Chemical Analysis 15 credits
Practical Support 2 15 credits

Entry requirements

Minimum 2:2 BSc (Hons) degree in a biological, chemical or forensic science discipline or equivalent and/or accredited professional qualifications or vocational experience in relevant areas. 

A good standard of English. A minimum score of IELTS 6.0 (with a minimum of 5.5 in all bands) or an equivalent qualification is required for this course. Accredited professional qualifications or vocational experience will be considered.

If students do not have the required qualification but have professional experience, we would encourage you to apply as we consider all applications on their individual merit.  Similarly, if you are unsure whether your degree would be appropriate, please contact our enquiries team who will be able to assist you.

Minimum 2:2 BSc (Hons) degree in a biological, chemical or forensic science discipline or equivalent and/or accredited professional qualifications or vocational experience in relevant areas. 

A good standard of English. A minimum score of IELTS 6.0 (with a minimum of 5.5 in all bands) or an equivalent qualification is required for this course. Accredited professional qualifications or vocational experience will be considered.

If students do not have the required qualification but have professional experience, we would encourage you to apply as we consider all applications on their individual merit.  Similarly, if you are unsure whether your degree would be appropriate, please contact our enquiries team who will be able to assist you.

VIDEO: REF results interview – Professor Kevin Hetherington

For equivalent entry requirements in your home country, please see the information on our country pages.

Choose your country

Check our entry and English language requirements for your country.

GO

Facilities

Libraries

We have Libraries and service desks at both sites in Stoke-on-Trent and Stafford. Our experienced and friendly staff can answer your IT queries, help you to access resources, show you how to research for your assignments and help with referencing.

Careers

After completing the MSc Forensic Science, you’ll be equipped to work in the following roles:

  • Forensic scientists (varied disciplines)
  • Analytical Scientist
  • Crime Scene Examiners
  • Fingerprint Analyst
  • Forensic Specialist within Police Forces
  • Medical Researcher
  • Academic

Eager for more knowledge? Upon completion, you’ll be ideally placed for further academic study at PhD level. 

All students have access to Career Connect, our dedicated careers team.

School of Justice, Security and Sustainability Blog

Blog

Read the latest blog post from different areas of the school
Teaching and assessment

Teaching

We know that everyone learns differently. So, we use problem-based learning to help you apply your skills.   

For this course, you'll:

  • Work with others on group work
  • Delve deeper into subject areas in workshops and practical sessions
  • Be expected to study independently
  • Attend summer schools 

Our teaching is delivered and supported through our Virtual Learning Environment called Blackboard. This means you can access a range of materials to support your learning wherever you are.   

We’ll also assign you a supervisor to support you throughout your independent research project. 

We know that everyone learns differently. So, we use problem-based learning to help you apply your skills.   

For this course, you'll:

  • Work with others on group work
  • Delve deeper into subject areas in workshops and practical sessions
  • Be expected to study independently
  • Attend summer schools 

Our teaching is delivered and supported through our Virtual Learning Environment called Blackboard. This means you can access a range of materials to support your learning wherever you are.   

We’ll also assign you a supervisor to support you throughout your independent research project. 

Assessment

There are two types of assessments: practice (also called formative) or formal (also called summative).

Practice assessments do not count towards your final mark. These are your chance to test your understanding – and learn how to improve for the real thing.   

Assessment is by coursework assignments. Coursework takes various forms including essays, reports, analysis of evidence and role-play, including cross-examination in our mock courtroom.   

The practical support modules are assessed by submission of written reports based on experiments carried out.   

The independent research project assessment consists of the writing of a project proposal, a manuscript for submission to a journal and a literature review in addition to your laboratory notebook.

There are two types of assessments: practice (also called formative) or formal (also called summative).

Practice assessments do not count towards your final mark. These are your chance to test your understanding – and learn how to improve for the real thing.   

Assessment is by coursework assignments. Coursework takes various forms including essays, reports, analysis of evidence and role-play, including cross-examination in our mock courtroom.   

The practical support modules are assessed by submission of written reports based on experiments carried out.   

The independent research project assessment consists of the writing of a project proposal, a manuscript for submission to a journal and a literature review in addition to your laboratory notebook.

Learning support

Your course tutors will provide lots of support. But you can also take advantage of our Academic Skills team, who can help you with:

  • Study skills (including reading, note-taking and presentation skills)
  • Written English (including punctuation, grammar)
  • Academic writing (including how to reference)
  • Research skills
  • Critical thinking
  • Revision, assessment and exam skills (including time management)

Additional support

If you have additional needs like dyslexia or a sensory impairment, then our Student Inclusion Services are here to help make sure nothing stands in your way.

Feedback

We know that it’s important for you to be able to gauge your progress. So, your tutor will give you feedback on any practice assessments you do. We usually give you feedback on formal assessments within 20 working days, but the format will vary for each module.

We know that it’s important for you to be able to gauge your progress. So, your tutor will give you feedback on any practice assessments you do. We usually give you feedback on formal assessments within 20 working days, but the format will vary for each module.

Your study time will include independent learning and assessments. It will vary depending on the module you are studying, but  a typical composition of study time for this course is:

 Reading course material and using this as the basis of further research. Using online resources to access primary scientific literature to find more detail on a technique and its application to forensic science. 

Your study time will include independent learning and assessments. It will vary depending on the module you are studying, but  a typical composition of study time for this course is:

 Reading course material and using this as the basis of further research. Using online resources to access primary scientific literature to find more detail on a technique and its application to forensic science. 

Independent learning

The nature of this course requires you to apply a disciplined approach to independent learning and self-study. Summer schools will provide practical support for the Methods of Crime Detection, Methods of Chemical Analysis, and DNA Profiling and the Analysis of Biological Evidence Modules. 

We know it’s important for you to discover things on your own terms. This could involve:

  • Reading journals, articles and books
  • Working on projects, alone or in a group
  • Researching in the library
  • Preparing coursework   

We’ve invested in state-of-the-art facilities to help you make the most of your private study time. Whether you need a library, a computer or a lab, you’ll have access to it at Staffordshire University. 

Self-instructional learning materials are delivered through Blackboard, and considerable emphasis is placed on your ability to evaluate the suitability of literature in relation to the tasks you have been set. Greater emphasis is placed on independent learning at the MSc stage.

The nature of this course requires you to apply a disciplined approach to independent learning and self-study. Summer schools will provide practical support for the Methods of Crime Detection, Methods of Chemical Analysis, and DNA Profiling and the Analysis of Biological Evidence Modules. 

We know it’s important for you to discover things on your own terms. This could involve:

  • Reading journals, articles and books
  • Working on projects, alone or in a group
  • Researching in the library
  • Preparing coursework   

We’ve invested in state-of-the-art facilities to help you make the most of your private study time. Whether you need a library, a computer or a lab, you’ll have access to it at Staffordshire University. 

Self-instructional learning materials are delivered through Blackboard, and considerable emphasis is placed on your ability to evaluate the suitability of literature in relation to the tasks you have been set. Greater emphasis is placed on independent learning at the MSc stage.

Staff

You will be taught be dedicated and research active lecturers, whose expertise and knowledge closely match the content of the course. 

Dr Kirsty Squires

Associate Professor

Kirsty is an Associate Professor of Bioarchaeology and primarily teaches in the areas of human osteology and statistical methods. Her research focuses on the analysis of cremated human bone from archaeological and forensic contexts

Kirsty's profile

Fees

For the course starting on 25 September 2023 the tuition fees are:

Study option UK / Channel Islands International
Full-time £8,490 per course £16,750 per course

For the course starting on 25 September 2023 the tuition fees are:

Study option UK / Channel Islands International
Part-time £8,460 per course £16,740 per course

If you would like to know more about the fees listed and what this means to you then please get in touch with our Enquiries Team.

Alumni discount

If you've previously completed a Staffordshire University undergraduate degree (excluding HND and foundation degrees) you may be entitled to a discount of up to 25% off your course fees for any subsequent postgraduate taught course (terms apply, see the alumni discount page for details). If you have any questions about how this relates to you, please contact feesandbursaries@staffs.ac.uk.

Included in the fees:
  • As a Staffordshire University student, you’ll be entitled to a range of free software
  • The use of all specialist technical facilities and hire of equipment relating to the course of study.
  • PPE, including lab coat, provided for duration of course.
  • As a Staffordshire University student, you’ll be entitled to a range of free software
  • The use of all specialist technical facilities and hire of equipment relating to the course of study.
  • PPE, including lab coat, provided for duration of course.
Not included in the fees:
  • Text books are available from the library, but some students choose to purchase their own copies.
  • Travel costs
  • Printing
  • Any optional field trips
  • Text books are available from the library, but some students choose to purchase their own copies.
  • Travel costs
  • Printing
  • Any optional field trips
Accommodation and living costs

Accommodation and living costs are not included in our fees. 

For more information on accommodation and living costs, please see: Accommodation

Sources of financial support

Providing you are studying towards a full Masters qualification you may be able to apply for a postgraduate loan of up to £11,570 to help with tuition fees, maintenance and other associated costs. Student loans are available for many of our postgraduate degrees and are provided by the Student Loans Company (SLC). The loan can cover a wide range of postgraduate study options; part-time, full-time and distance learning. 

For more information and how to apply visit masters loan.

Our students

Throughout the BSc Policing and Criminal Investigation course I was offered extensive support in my preparation for employment covering curriculum vitae skills, potential career opportunities and current vacancies. The Personal Development Portfolio modules covered these in detail and allowed me to develop my personal skills such as communication and leadership through opportunities as a student mentor and course / faculty representative. On completion of my BSc course, I was offered a position on the MSc Forensic Science course which provided me with a broad range of detailed knowledge and research skills that I could take with me into my employment with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service. 

Gary Pickup

Policing and Criminal Investigation and MSc Forensic Science graduate 

I found that having an MSc degree from Staffordshire University gave me a massive advantage when it came to applying for jobs, and the distance learning part was great for me as I live in America

Kaylene Folkes

DNA Forensic Scientist, Washington State Patrol Crime Laboratory

Visiting the campus during an open day made me very excited to start this course at Staffordshire University. The different facilities available for forensics, such as the crime scene house, the mock court room and the new laboratories, fully convinced me to start my next challenge at Staffordshire University.

Support was available every time you needed it. The ease of requesting and receiving this support was great. Even when you didn’t ask for support, a hand is reached out to you which you can grab whenever you need to.

Erine Coolkens

MSc. Forensic Science

Apply

Location Award Study option Start date
Stoke-on-Trent campus MSc Full-time, blended learning 25 September 2023 Apply now

Rules and regulations

If you are offered a place at Staffordshire University, your offer will be subject to our rules, regulations and enrolment conditions, which may vary from time to time.

Students of Staffordshire University enter into a contract with us and are bound by these rules and regulations, which are subject to change. For more information, please see: University Policies and Regulations. 

Social media

Have you considered?

Applied Research MSc

Study options
Full-time, blended learning
Part-time, blended learning

Digital Forensic Investigation MSc

Study options
Full-time
Part-time

Forensic Archaeology and Genocide Investigation MA

Study options
Full-time, distance learning
Part-time, distance learning

Forensic Archaeology and Genocide Investigation MSc

Study options
Full-time
Part-time

Leadership of Policing MSc

Study options
Full-time, distance learning
Part-time, distance learning
UK University

StudentCrowd University Awards 2022

for Job Prospects

StudentCrowd University Awards 2022

for Student Satisfaction

Complete University Guide 2022

for Social Inclusion

The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023

for Course Content

StudentCrowd University Awards 2022

of Research Impact is ‘Outstanding’ or ‘Very Considerable’

Research Excellence Framework 2021