Studying Forensic Science

Introducing your course leader, Dr Jodie Dunnett

I am Dr Jodie Dunnett, course leader for Forensic Science.

Although I am passionate about all aspects of forensic science, my main area of expertise lies within the area of analytical chemistry, in particular the analysis of drugs. I work with local police forces and councils to analyse seized drugs to provide intelligence information and trend updates and regularly get my undergraduate and postgraduate project students assisting with such projects.

I love to work in the amazing analytical laboratory here at University of Staffordshire, using instruments such as Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry, High Performance Liquid Chromatography and Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy to determine if there is a drug within a sample, what adulterants/diluents are present and if there is a drug present, to understand the purity of the sample.

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Virtual Tour - Specialist forensics Labs

Take a virtual tour of some of our specialist forensics labs where as a forensic science student, you'll be getting hands-on preparing for your future career by learning to use equipment found in the real world. 

Our Criminalistics Lab contains an array of equipment that will take you from crime scene to courtroom, giving you the ability to analyse and investigate the evidence which forms the backbone of prosecution and defence cases.

Our Analytical Methods Laboratory houses professional-grade analytical equipment that will prepare you for real-world chemical analysis for careers in forensic science, quality assurance and chemical consultancy.

Take the tour

Graduate experiences - Harriet Copley

Forensic Science graduate Harriet Copley shares her experiences on our course, as well as the reasons she chose to study Forensic Science at University of Staffordshire.

"You have the potential to make a real-world difference. There are criminal cases you could help solve that without a person with your knowledge, without a forensic scientist wouldn't get solved."

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Teaching staff

Dr Duncan Parker

Course Director

Duncan Parker joined the university in 2017 as a lecturer in Chemistry, teaching on the Forensic Science degrees. He is now Course Leader for Forensic Science and Course Director for Forensic Science and Investigation.

Duncan's profile

David Flatman-Fairs

Senior Lecturer

David has been a lecturer at Staffordshire University since 2002, and is now Course Leader for Forensic Investigation. His expertise are in Chemical Analysis, Criminalistic Methods and Crime Scene Processing.

David's profile

Dr Claire Gwinnett

Professor

I am a Professor in Forensic and Environmental Science. I specialise in forensic fibres analysis, mircoplastics and plastic pollution, hair analysis, paint analysis and glass analysis.

Claire's profile

Mia Abbott

Lecturer

I am a Lecturer in Forensic Science at University of Staffordshire, teaching across all levels on our bachelor’s and master’s courses. I specialise in drug analysis, with my research surrounding detection of new psychoactive substances (NPS).

Mia's profile

Dr Jodie Dunnett

Senior Lecturer

I am a senior lecturer and Course Leader for Forensic Science. I specialise in forensic chemistry, particularly forensic drug analysis.

Jodie's profile

Dean Northfield

Senior Lecturer

Dean worked for West Yorkshire Police as a VIPER Officer (2 Years) then an Imaging Officer (6 years). He progressed to Senior Imaging Officer, before finishing his time at West Yorkshire Police in the Forensic Multimedia Unit

Dean's profile

Dr Neil Lamont

Senior Lecturer

Neil's expertise is in analytical chemistry developed in the area of environmental science. He is module leader for Basic Chemical Concepts, Vehicle Collision Investigation and Environmental Forensics and is a member of the Royal Society of Chem…

Neil's profile

Dr Abdulrahman Oleiwi

Senior Lecturer

Abdulrahman is a lecturer in forensic genetics and forensic biology. He joined Staffordshire University in 2019 within the school of Law, Policing and Forensics and lectures at all levels on Forensic Biology and DNA Profiling.

Abdulrahman's profile

Dr Kirsty Squires

Associate Professor

Kirsty is an Associate Professor of Bioarchaeology and MSc Forensic Science course leader.

Kirsty's profile

Rachel Bolton-King

Visiting Fellow

I am an Associate Professor (Tef) and I specialise in forensic firearm identification and ammunition, ballistics imaging, and shooting incident reconstruction.

Rachel's profile

Dr Alison Davidson

Technical Specialist-Analytical Chemistr

I work in the University’s Analytical Methods Laboratory maintaining a wide range of analytical instrumentation, facilitating the teaching of analytical chemistry and working with researchers.

Alison's profile

Dr Laura Walton-Williams

Director Of Enterprise Edu Ass Professor

Laura has been a lecturer at Staffordshire University since 2004. Actively involved in research in forensic science, she also conducts consultancy in the examination of evidence of a biological origin. Laura's areas of expertise include DNA an…

Laura's profile

Dr Sarah Fieldhouse

Associate Professor

I am a Senior Lecturer and I specialise in fingerprints and their use as forensic evidence.

Sarah's profile

Your next steps

  1. Accept your offer

    An exciting new chapter awaits you here at University of Staffordshire - we can't wait to meet you. Before you can progress with finance or accommodation choices, you'll need to confirm your offer via UCAS.

    Accept your offer

  2. Apply for student finance

    It's best to arrange your student finance before starting University. You can learn more about student finance and make an application at www.gov.uk/student-finance. Our support team is here to help, get in touch if you have any questions about student finance.

    Enquire about finance

  3. Apply for your accommodation

    We have a range of accommodation to choose from to suit all lifestyles and budgets, including en-suite and accessible rooms. Browse rooms and find out how to apply.

    Browse University accommodation
for Career Prospects

Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023

for Facilities

Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023

for Social Inclusion

The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023

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

Research Excellence Framework 2021

of Research is “Internationally Excellent” or “World Leading”

Research Excellence Framework 2021

Four Star Rating

QS Star Ratings 2021