Forensic Science MSc
- Level(s) of Study: Postgraduate taught
- UCAS Code(s): F413 / F414
- Start Date(s): September 2024
- Duration: One year full-time / two years part-time
- Study Mode(s): Full-time / Part-time
- Campus: Clifton Campus
- Entry Requirements:
More information
Introduction:
If you have a strong chemistry or forensics background and want to gain more specialised knowledge of forensic toxicology or bioarchaeology, this course is for you.
If you are looking to further yourself as a forensics expert, this course will provide you with an understanding of current legislation and legal procedures impacting professionals, recognising constraints and opportunities. You will gain deep knowledge and experience of relevant forensics techniques, gaining hands-on experience from experienced practitioners.
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Work with academics who are also practising professionals in the field of stomach contents analysis and post-mortem analysis. -
NTU is 2nd in the UK for Forensic Science (Guardian University League Table 2023) -
Top 10 in the UK for Forensic Science (Complete University Guide 2024)
What you’ll study
You will be taught six modules before conducting a research project in your chosen specialism. Modules you'll study will include:
Research Methods and Independent Study (20 credit points)
This module provides an underpinning in research skills relevant to independent study. You will be introduced to the techniques required to formulate a research project and to carry out a literature review. You will be given practice using the library and learning resources, including relevant IT packages.
Forensic Expert (20 cp)
Gain professional awareness of the legal standards for the presentation of expert evidence in court, including the duties and liabilities of the expert witness.
Bioarchaeology (20 cp)
You will look at the recovery of bodies in missing persons and unexplained death scenarios, including search, recording, recovery and the evidential significance of plants, pollen and soils.
Biometrics and Forensic Databases (20 cp)
Gain an overview of identification, authentication and verification techniques, with an introduction to the theory of database systems and the legal and moral implications of database use.
Advanced Topics in Forensic Science (20 cp)
The focus will be on the forensic industry's current topics, including regulatory subject areas.
Research Project (60 cp)
You will work on laboratory-based research and will evaluate and review the scientific literature relevant to the topic. You will design and conduct experimental work and present the findings in a presentation, poster, and a written thesis. Examples of project titles:
- Investigating Anaphylaxis and the Contribution of Cross-Reactivity of Allergens in Sudden Death
- Factors Affecting the Rate of Digestive Transit and Techniques to Help Characterise Liquid Content of Stomach for Investigation of Sudden Death in Children and Vulnerable Adults
- Techniques to Refine and Standardise Scent Dog Training for Police Officers
- Factors Contributing to the Rise of Acid Attacks
Optional modules - choose one:
Analytical Toxicology (20 cp)
Develop a working knowledge of various drug separation and detection techniques and the application of analytical approaches to detect and quantify drugs and metabolites in biological fluids and tissues. You'll review the use of abuse of substances used as both medicines and poisons.
International Environmental Crime (20 cp)
Explore threats and activities that occur illegally across international borders and jurisdictions. You will develop a global awareness when looking at a range of environmental scenarios and consider the context of the ethical and legal frameworks in which these events may be assessed and investigated.
Alongside your study, you also have the opportunity to learn a new language. The University Language Programme (ULP) is available to all students and gives you the option of learning a new language or improving the skills you already have. Find out more about the ULP.
How you’re taught
This programme is will be delivered by a combination of traditional lectures, seminars and tutorials, together with laboratory classes and laboratory based research project.
If you are a full-time student, you will have the opportunity to carry out a research project in a forensic research group at Nottingham Trent University or with one of our industrial, academic or government sector partners.
You will be assessed on a variety of components including:
- written exam
- oral presentation
- assignment
- poster presentation
- research project.
Contact hours
Lectures / seminars / workshops (20%) and independent study (80%)
How you’re assessed
Coursework (75%), written (8%) and practical (17%)
Careers and employability
At Nottingham Trent University, we know that your employability and job prospects are crucial factors in your choice of university. You need to know that your postgraduate degree will be worth the time and money you spend on it.
Our strength lies in the relevance of our degrees to the real world. In all subject areas, we encourage you to recognise your transferable skills and their application to many careers. By taking an MSc in Forensic Science, you will benefit from the progressive development of various skills, such as advanced laboratory techniques and the critical analysis and synthesis of breadth and depth of relevant forensic-specific research.
This Master will enable you to enter more senior roles within police services, government bodies and private companies in roles such as:
- senior forensic scientist
- DNA analysts
- crime and data analysts
- laboratory directors
- analytical chemists
- casework examiners
Please note, for roles within the UK police service the recruitment process involves security vetting. All security clearances require you to provide evidence that you have been resident in the UK for at least three of the last five years.
This course provides a good basis for you to progress onto a PhD.
Although this Forensic Science postgraduate degree does not offer a formal placement, it is vocationally focused and benefits from strong links with industry.
Re:search Re:imagined
To us, research is about more than writing papers and proposing new ideas. By daring to think differently, we’re disrupting the research landscape and finding the answers to the questions that matter. From conservation management to sustainable farming, we’re inspiring the brightest minds to rise and find solutions to some of the most significant global challenges facing society.
NTU Enterprise
You'll also have the opportunity to turn your ideas into a viable business with help from NTU Enterprise, NTU's purpose-built Centre for Entrepreneurship and Enterprise, a support centre to help students create, develop and grow their businesses.
Campus and facilities
You will have access to a range of first-class facilities and equipment at the School of Science and Technology. Our laboratories are modern and well-equipped.
Entry requirements
What are we looking for?
- A UK honours degree (minimum 2.2) or equivalent subject, including Chemistry, Forensics, Pharmacology and Pharmacy.
- Applicants with relevant employment experience or other relevant qualifications will also be considered.
NTU may admit a student with advanced standing beyond the beginning of a course through an assessment of that student's prior learning, whether it is certificated or uncertificated. Our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy outlines the process and options available to these prospective students, such as recognising experiential learning or transferring to a similar course at another institution, otherwise known as credit transfer.
All prospective students who wish to apply via Recognition of Prior Learning should initially contact the central Admissions and Enquiries Team who will be able to support you through the process.
Getting in touch
If you need more help or information, get in touch through our enquiry form
You will need one of the following:
- A UK honours degree (minimum 2.2) or equivalent subject, including Chemistry, Forensics, Pharmacology and Pharmacy.
- Applicants with relevant employment experience or other relevant qualifications will also be considered.
International qualifications
We accept qualifications from all over the world – check yours here:
Postgraduate preparation courses (Pre-Masters)
If you don’t yet meet our entry requirements, we offer Pre-Masters courses through our partner Nottingham Trent International College (NTIC), based on our City Campus:
English language entry requirements
You can meet our language requirements by completing our pre-sessional English course for an agreed length of time or by submitting the required grade in one of our accepted English language tests, such as IELTS:
Would you like some advice on your study plans?
Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.
- Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.
Fees and funding
Course fees for September 2024 are:
| Study route | UK | International / EU |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time | £9,700 | £17,500 |
| Part-time | £4,850 | £8,750* |
* For part-time study, please check your student visa regulations.
Please note that if you are considering a part-time route that runs over more than one year, the tuition fee stated is for Year One of study. The course fee for Year Two is subject to annual review.
Funding your studies
Preparing for the financial side of student life is important, but there’s no need to feel anxious and confused about it. We hope that our fees and living costs page and our funding page will answer all your questions.
Scholarships
You might be able to get a scholarship to help fund your studies. We award scholarships to those students who demonstrate excellent achievement, passion and dedication to their studies.
Alumni discount
We’re happy to be able to offer a 20% alumni discount to most current NTU students and recent NTU alumni. This discount is currently available for those starting an eligible postgraduate taught, postgraduate research or professional course.
Getting in touch
For more advice and guidance, you can contact our Student Financial Support Service on +44 (0)115 848 2494. For scholarship help, please contact us on +44 (0)115 848 4460.
Course fees for September 2024 are:
| Study route | UK | International / EU |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time | £9,700 | £17,500 |
| Part-time | £4,850 | £8,750* |
* For part-time study, please check your student visa regulations.
Please note that if you are considering a part-time route that runs over more than one year, the tuition fee stated is for Year One of study. The course fee for Year Two is subject to annual review.
Scholarships
We offer scholarships of up to 50% of your tuition fee. You can apply for your scholarship when you have an offer to study at NTU.
Living costs
Get advice on the cost of living as an international student in Nottingham and how to budget:
Paying fees
Find out about advanced payments, instalment plan options and how to make payments securely to the University:
Would you like some advice on your study plans?
Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.
- Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.
How to apply
Ready to join us? We are now accepting applications for this course. Just click the Apply button at the top of the page and follow the application instructions. Make sure you check the entry requirements above carefully before you do.
If you are interested in joining us in September 2025, this course will be open for applications through the applicant portal from September 2024. Courses starting in January 2026 will be open for applications from July 2025.
You can get more information and advice about applying to NTU in our postgraduates' guide. Here you'll find advice about how to write a good personal statement and much more.
Writing your application
Be honest, thorough and persuasive in your application. Remember, we can only make a decision based on what you tell us. Make sure you include as much information as possible, including uploading evidence of results already achieved, as well as a personal statement.
Keeping up to date
After you’ve applied, we’ll be sending you important emails throughout the application process - so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.
Getting in touch
If you need any more help or information, please contact us at Ask NTU or call on +44 (0)115 848 4200.
Apply online through our NTU applicant portal.
If you are interested in joining us in September 2025, this course will be open for applications through the applicant portal from September 2024. Courses starting in January 2026 will be open for applications from July 2025.
Application advice
Apply early so you have enough time to prepare – processing times for Student visas can vary, for example. After you've applied, we'll be sending you important emails throughout the application process – so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.
Writing your personal statement
Be honest, thorough, and persuasive – we can only make a decision about your application based on what you tell us:
Would you like some advice on your study plans?
Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.
- Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.
The University's commitment to delivering the educational services advertised.