MSc Forensic Science

Study with uslongest running MSc Forensic Science course in the UKaccredited by the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciencesparticipate in a major practical crime scene and courtroom exerciseinput by forensic practitioners and professional scientistschoose to specialise in forensic biology or forensic chemistry in second semesterWhy this courseYou’ll join a global network of Strathclyde forensic science graduates who are in highly respected positions all over the world. In addition to preparing you for life as a forensic scientist, you’ll also graduate with a wide range of practical skills, problem-solving skills, and investigative thinking, relevant to a wide range of careers.You'll benefit from the expertise of our enthusiastic teaching staff who also conduct forensic science research and casework. Studying in the Centre for Forensic Science offers a unique experience, combining ‘case-based’ learning with research-led teaching.What you'll studyYou'll cover core aspects of forensic science in Semester 1 including:preservation and recovery of evidence at a crime sceneassessment and analysis of a wide range of evidence typeslegal systems, quality assurance, and ethical considerations of forensic sciencethe interpretation, statistical evaluation, and reporting of evidenceThe focal point of the first semester is our major crime scene exercise, in which you investigate simulated outdoor crime scenes, collect and analyse the evidence from those scenes, and then present this in Glasgow Sheriff Court in conjunction with students training in Strathclyde Law School.Following the general introduction in Semester 1, you can choose to specialise in either forensic biology or forensic chemistry.As a forensic biologist you’ll study a range of topics including:investigation of assaultsbiological trace evidenceDNA profiling and DNA mixture analysisinvestigation of sexual offencesIf you choose to specialise in forensic chemistry, you’ll develop expertise in:analysis of illicit substancestoxicology and alcohol analysisinvestigation of fires and explosivesanalytical chemistry for forensic scientistsCareersMost forensic scientists in Scotland are employed by the Scottish Police Authority Forensic Services.In the rest of the UK, forensic scientists are employed by individual police forces, private forensic science providers such as Eurofins Forensic Services, Cellmark Forensic Services, Key Forensics, or government bodies such as the Defence Science Technology Laboratory (DSTL).Outside of the UK, forensic scientists may be employed by police forces, government bodies or private companies.Forensic scientists generally specialise in specific areas such as biology, chemistry, crime scene examination, DNA analysis, drug analysis, fire investigation.Most of the work is laboratory-based but crime scene examinersmanagers and experienced forensic scientists will also attend crime scenes and give evidence in court.Graduates of the programme also follow a wide variety of careers in related fields, including analytical chemistry and molecular biology, as well as going on to do PhDs and pursuing research careers.

Academic requirements/experience
Minimum second-class (2:2) Honours degree, or international equivalent, in a relevant science subject such as:
chemistry
biology
biochemistry
pharmacy
zoology
botany
Prospective students with relevant industry/practitioner experience are also welcome to apply.

IELTS - 6.5 overall (no individual band less than 5.5)
TOEFL ibt - 80 overall, with the following minimum scores in each component-(Listening- 17, Reading- 18, Speaking- 20, Writing- 18)