MSc in Forensic Science
Kingston University
Key Information
Campus location
Kingston upon Thames, United Kingdom
Languages
English
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
1 - 2 year
Pace
Full time
Tuition fees
GBP 9,860 / per year **
Application deadline
Request info *
Earliest start date
Request info
* there is no application deadline for postgraduate courses
** home full-time: £9,860 | international full-time: £15,800
Introduction
Why choose this course?
Forensic Science (Analysis) examines the latest analytical, spectroscopic and separation techniques used in case studies, such as Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LCMS/ MS) and Inductively-Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICPMS). You will learn to investigate and analyse drugs of abuse, fibres and firearms and conduct fire and explosive investigations.
Forensic Science (Toxicology) offers in-depth training in pharmacology and analytical chemistry. You will study the biological effects and therapeutic uses of drugs, focusing on criminal and road traffic toxicology, and on drug testing in sports. Many of our staff have worked as forensic scientists or as expert witnesses and are actively engaged in research
Kingston University has its own scene-of-crime house located on-site. This is used to recreate crime scenes and enables you to put your investigative skills into practice. The property's garden is used by the forensic team's archaeologist for field investigations.
Lecturers on the course have wide experience in the forensics sector. Many have worked either as forensic scientists or as expert witnesses. They are also actively engaged in forensic research and are supported by visiting speakers from leading forensic consultancies.
Reasons to choose Kingston University
- These courses offer hands-on experience with state-of-the-art analytical and forensic equipment.
- You will gain practical experience through recreated crime scenes at the University's own scene-of-crime house, and through presenting evidence at a mock trial at a crown court.
- The opportunity to carry out a research project in the industry (depending on availability) or in our extensive laboratories.
Accreditation
This course is accredited by The Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences for the component standards in Interpretation, Evaluation and Presentation of Evidence; Laboratory Analysis; and Crime Scene Investigation.
When you graduate you are eligible to apply to be an Associate of The Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences (ACSFS post-nominals). Having completed appropriate continuing professional development in a forensic science workplace, you can also become a Professional Member (MCSFS).
The Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences commended Kingston University on the following:
- The provision of state-of-the-art industry-related training schemes was considered both innovative and highly beneficial to students' employment prospects. The fact that these are free, assessed and provide competence certificates, in addition to the degree award, is commendable and was highly supported by the students.
- Giving students the experience and opportunity to undertake a crime scene exercise, following an initial investigation by a team of trainee paramedics, was considered an excellent way to introduce real-life aspects of crime scene management and the awareness of how the work of others can impact on the management and investigation of a scene.
- Exposure to up-to-date working practice in forensic science, through training schemes, workshops and employment seminars.
- The University is commended for the wide range of analytical equipment available to the MSc students.
Admissions
Curriculum
What you will study
You will explore recent trends in forensic science and learn about the latest analytical devices used, such as atomic and molecular spectroscopic and separation techniques and DNA profiling.
You will look at the role of the forensic scientist and learn how to, for example, investigate and analyse drugs of abuse, fibres and firearms and conduct fire investigation. There is also the opportunity to present expert evidence at a mock courtroom trial in a magistrates' court, examined by Kingston's own trainee lawyers and/or their law lecturers.
In addition, you will have the opportunity to carry out your research project in the industry (depending on your results and project availability) or in Kingston University's extensive forensic and analytical laboratories.
For a student to go on placement they are required to pass every module the first time with no reassessments. It is the responsibility of individual students to find a suitable paid placement. Students will be supported by our dedicated placement team in securing this opportunity.
Modules
Core modules
- The Role of the Professional Forensic Scientist
- Separation Science
- Molecular and Atomic Spectroscopy
- Project
Optional modules
- Professional Placement
Forensic Science (Analysis) pathway
Core modules
- Forensic Chemistry and Trace Analysis
Forensic Science (Toxicology) pathway
Core modules
- Current Concepts in Forensic Toxicology
Please note
Optional modules only run if there is enough demand. If we have an insufficient number of students interested in an optional module, that module will not be offered for this course.
Program Tuition Fee
Career Opportunities
Where this course will take you
In the UK, forensic analysts are now mainly employed in independent laboratories. They perform a variety of roles including laboratory technical support, laboratory management, and forensic investigations (sampling, chemical analysis and data interpretation) and are expected to present evidence through formal reports or directly in court. Whilst a qualification in Forensic Analysis can allow access to employment opportunities in forensic laboratories, the training required for a forensic analyst is valuable in a wide range of related employment sectors. The MSc Forensic Analysis helps to prepare you for roles such as:
- scene of crimes officer
- forensic scientist
- pharmaceutical scientist
- quality assurance officer
- medicinal and scientific researcher
After you graduate
Recent graduates have taken on roles such as the scene of crimes officer, quality assurance officer, forensic toxicologist/analyst/scientist and pharmaceutical scientist.