Forensic Science MSc
2 or 3 Years Part-Time | September Start
Option for Placement Year
Option for Study Abroad
International
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The course builds on scientific knowledge gained at undergraduate level and extends your understanding into specialist areas. You will gain knowledge and scientific skills that are directly applicable to the field of forensic science. This course creates prospects of employment in forensic science laboratories as well as in other analytical science labs.
A high level of practical laboratory experience develops competency and professionalism, together with team working, dexterity, and numeracy. Academic knowledge and intellectual curiosity are promoted throughout, driving engaged students to achieve at their highest level. This part-time Masters course involves a unique combination of forensic chemistry and forensic biology. It covers subjects such as trace evidence, toxicology and DNA analysis.
We will continue to offer our new students a range of mock casework and research projects. This will challenge your investigative and research skills and encourage growth in expertise as a forensic scientist. You will undertake a crime scene assessment; examine, analyse, and interpret evidence; produce a court report, and present an oral testimony in a mock court. You will additionally pursue a three-month research project in a specialist area in forensic science. These will shape you as a forensic scientist and build your confidence as a valuable professional.
Your research will be supervised by the most appropriate of our inspirational staff, most of whom have extensive experience in practice. They’ve been involved in high profile cases such as the Stephen Lawrence, Joanna Yeates, Suffolk strangler and Jigsaw murder cases.
Our facilities are exceptional and include a dedicated crime scene house to enable you to examine simulated crime scenes.
The course is accredited by the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences, which enhances its credibility and currency among potential employers.
Level of Study
Postgraduate
Mode of Study
2 or 3 years Part Time
1 other options available
Department
Applied Sciences
Location
City Campus, Northumbria University
City
Newcastle
Start
September 2024
Fees
Fee Information
Modules
Module Information
Hear from our students on their experience of studying Forensic Science, and what some of your learning will look like.
Explore our immersive 360 tours, informative subject videos, inspirational student profiles, ground-breaking research, and a range of life at university blogs videos and articles.
To support your learning journey, many of the staff have an 'open door' policy which makes it easy to ask questions; it is also possible to book appointments with them so that you can work through queries about lab work, concepts and theories, and any other aspects of the subject. The part-time mode makes it possible to combine your studies with existing commitments such as a job in an analytical laboratory.
We use different types of assessments: some will contribute to your final grade while others will be used to provide you with guidance on your progress and reinforce your learning. You can expect both your tutors and your peers to provide useful comments and feedback throughout the course.
Watch our department video to get a feel for where you could be studying.
Take a look at what Northumbria has to offer and discover what studying with us can do for you.
Many of the staff have worked in forensic science laboratories and have been involved in high profile cases such as the Stephen Lawrence, Joanna Yeates, Suffolk strangler and Jigsaw murder cases. Their areas of research include toxicology, the analysis of fibres and their transfer and persistence and the analysis of ancient DNA.
Academic staff include former forensic biologists, forensic toxicologists, and forensic fibre experts. They continue to maintain close links with the industry including the police and practising forensic scientists. Many of them are well-established within professional forensic science societies and organisations, which directly inform policy and practices within the field.
Meet the staff who teach on our Forensic Science programme
Dr Aaron Amankwaa
Senior Lecturer
Alan Langford
Senior Lecturer
Kelly Sheridan
Senior Lecturer
John Dean
Professor
Take a look at what Northumbria has to offer and discover what studying with us can do for you.
Students can also access Return to Scene (R2S) software which provides a 360 degree interactive scan of a crime scene allowing you to perform further analysis in detail after you have left the scene. Northumbria University has also invested heavily in an impressive suite of analytical equipment allowing you to gain first-hand experience of the techniques used in operational laboratories.
We use a range of technologies to enhance your learning, with tools including web-based self-guided exercises, online tests with feedback, and electronic discussion boards. These tools support and extend the material that is delivered during lectures.
You will have 24/7 term-time access to Northumbria’s library, which has 500,000 electronic books, 50,000 electronic journals and over 100 databases. The ease of online access is ideal for those who are studying part-time since you can read materials whenever or wherever you need them.
The 24/7 University Library achieves some of the highest levels of student satisfaction in the UK and has held the Cabinet Office accreditation for Customer Service Excellence since 2010.
Take a look at what Northumbria has to offer and discover what studying with us can do for you.
Northumbria is helping to push the frontiers of knowledge in areas such as:
As part of the course, you will undertake a Masters project that will require you to evaluate relevant literature as well as to develop your ideas within the context of existing research. The project will involve information retrieval, critical appraisal, presentation of aims and strategy, development of advanced analytical and problem-solving skills, the discussion and interpretation of results, and the composition of a written dissertation. Each project will be aligned to an active area of research that is specific to an academic member of staff.
Bio-economy
Multidisciplinary Research
Applied Sciences Research
Forensic Science Unit
An interdisciplinary group of scientists and ex-practitioners interested in advancing knowledge and contributing to the profession.
Take a look at what Northumbria has to offer and discover what studying with us can do for you.
The focus on practical laboratory work, combined with the mix of group work, independent learning, and professional practice, will help ensure that you develop skills that are transferable to a range of careers and disciplines.
Throughout your time at Northumbria we will prompt you to reflect on your self-development through the Higher Education Achievement Report process. We will also encourage you to take advantage of the services of our Careers and Employment Service such as CV advice and interview preparation.
Forensic science has gained a high profile through TV dramas, and in the years ahead the sector is likely to be further transformed by technological advances in a number of fields.
With an MSc Forensic Science you will be well-placed to take up a fascinating and rewarding role in forensic science laboratories.
What’s more, by developing the attributes of a Masters student, including the ability to solve complex problems, think critically, and work effectively with others and on your own, you will enhance your employability in all sectors of the analytical science industry. You will also be well equipped to pursue further studies at PhD level.
Laura Reid
Student profile
When I graduate, I hope to get a job in a forensic lab or in the police force. The great thing about the course is the possibility of branching out into a number of different science-based jobs.
Laura Reid
MSc Forensic Science
Take a look at what Northumbria has to offer and discover what studying with us can do for you.
Applicants should normally have:
A minimum of a 2:2 honours degree in a subject related to chemistry or biology. Other subject qualifications, equivalent professional qualifications and/or relevant work experience will be considered on an individual basis.
International qualifications:
If you have studied a non UK qualification, you can see how your qualifications compare to the standard entry criteria, by selecting the country that you received the qualification in, from our country pages. Visit www.northumbria.ac.uk/yourcountry
English language requirements:
International applicants are required to have a minimum overall IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5 with 6 in each component (or approved equivalent*).
*The university accepts a large number of UK and International Qualifications in place of IELTS. You can find details of acceptable tests and the required grades you will need in our English Language section. Visit www.northumbria.ac.uk/englishqualifications
Full UK Fee: £9,250
Full EU Fee: £19,750
Full International Fee: £19,750
Scholarships and Discounts
ADDITIONAL COSTS
Laboratory equipment such as lab notebook (hardcover) and a scientific calculator are required and should cost no more than £25. You may be required to print some documents this should be no more than £10 per academic year. If a student chooses to undertake their research project with an external company, there may be travel costs associated with this.
* At Northumbria we are strongly committed to protecting the privacy of personal data. To view the University’s Privacy Notice please click here
Module information is indicative and is reviewed annually therefore may be subject to change. Applicants will be informed if there are any changes.
AP0703 -
Subject Exploration (Core,20 Credits)
This module allows you to explore a topic related to your Masters programme of your own choosing to an advanced level developing a critical appreciation of the methodologies, recent advances and future potential in that field. In doing so, you will develop and refine your research skills including information retrieval, evaluative, analytical, and problem solving skills together with group-based written and oral communication skills.
More informationAP0723 -
Practices & Procedures in Forensic Science (Core,20 Credits)
You will learn the core knowledge and skills underpinning forensic science to provide you with a holistic view of forensic disciplines, principles and practices.
You will develop your critical thinking in terms of processes, evidence evaluation, interpretation and application of knowledge in forensic casework.
Example topics included within this module are as follows:
- Key forensic principles
- Forensic evidence types, such as trace evidence, body fluids, drugs & toxicology and DNA
- Case evaluation and assessment
- Evidence interpretation and statistical evaluation
- Case reporting and statement writing
- Legal system and expert testimony
AP0726 -
Forensic Genetics (Core,20 Credits)
In this module you will discover the biological principles underpinning the scientific and statistical methods used to enable the identification of individuals from biological material recovered following unlawful activity. During the course of this module you will cover all of the major techniques that have been used in forensic genetics, from the original DNA fingerprinting method to contemporary STR profiling. You will also explore emerging technologies such as Next Generation DNA Sequencing and RNA profiling that will provide investigators with an ever increasing array of genetic information to progress a case. The ethical implications of the use of genetic information for criminal investigation and storage of information in DNA databases will also be considered during this course.
More informationAP0700 -
Graduate Science Research Methods (Core,20 Credits)
This module will provide you with an opportunity to develop your skills in the use and understanding of relevant literature and in both quantitative and qualitative methods. You will learn how to evaluate and contribute to the scientific literature and to interpret and disseminate scientific information. You will appreciate the desirable properties of research design and be able to select an experimental design appropriate to a given system and create the design matrix. You will learn how to assess the kinds of scientific data and tests of hypotheses and will be able to select, apply, and interpret the output from statistical methods of data analysis, and to evaluate the results of statistical analyses as applied to a given data set. Using contemporary science stories, you will develop scientific communication skills in systematic searching, summary writing and critical analysis of the underpinning primary research.
More informationAP0724 -
Forensic Toxicology & Drugs of Abuse (Core,20 Credits)
You will learn the core material relating to forensic toxicology and drug analysis and may include the evaluation and application of analytical toxicology and analysis of drugs of abuse to forensic science, theory of advanced mass spectral analysis, critical evaluation of current issues in forensic science, for example, roadside drug testing and the construction toxicology database construction using Microsoft Access
Throughout the module, the focus is orientated to existing, current and future research practices and draws on research experience from the module team i.e. post-mortem drug redistribution, tolerance, genotoxicity, analysis and interpretation. The module team will be expanded to include guest speakers as appropriate.
AP0725 -
Criminalistics (Core,20 Credits)
Trace evidence such as fibres, glass and paint is often critical in forensic investigations. In this module you will learn the theory that underpins fibres, glass, paint, and firearms as evidence types and learn how that knowledge can be utilised to solve cases. You will learn how to apply your knowledge to determine when and how each evidence type may or may not be approppariate in a given case scenario and in doing so develop a case strategy. Your practical skills will be developed to enable you to search, recover and analyse trace evidence using appropriate techniques. Armed with hard evidence you will then apply your knowledge within the context of the case scenario to evaluate its significance. By the end of this module you will have developed an understanding of the role of a forensic examiner and what value they bring to the forensic aspect of a criminal investigation.
More informationAP0708 -
Applied Sciences Research Project (Core,60 Credits)
This module provides you with a vehicle for developing, refining and applying your research skills in an independent project. Guided by a staff member, you will plan, carry out and report the outcomes of an independent research project to professional standards. You will identify stakeholders in your research and describe the projected impact your research holds for them. In order to prepare you for life as a research professional, assessments emulate authentic professional documentary formats aimed at securing project resources and disseminating your findings to ensure they develop real world impact.
More informationModule information is indicative and is reviewed annually therefore may be subject to change. Applicants will be informed if there are any changes.
AP0703 -
Subject Exploration (Core,20 Credits)
This module allows you to explore a topic related to your Masters programme of your own choosing to an advanced level developing a critical appreciation of the methodologies, recent advances and future potential in that field. In doing so, you will develop and refine your research skills including information retrieval, evaluative, analytical, and problem solving skills together with group-based written and oral communication skills.
More informationAP0723 -
Practices & Procedures in Forensic Science (Core,20 Credits)
You will learn the core knowledge and skills underpinning forensic science to provide you with a holistic view of forensic disciplines, principles and practices.
You will develop your critical thinking in terms of processes, evidence evaluation, interpretation and application of knowledge in forensic casework.
Example topics included within this module are as follows:
- Key forensic principles
- Forensic evidence types, such as trace evidence, body fluids, drugs & toxicology and DNA
- Case evaluation and assessment
- Evidence interpretation and statistical evaluation
- Case reporting and statement writing
- Legal system and expert testimony
AP0726 -
Forensic Genetics (Core,20 Credits)
In this module you will discover the biological principles underpinning the scientific and statistical methods used to enable the identification of individuals from biological material recovered following unlawful activity. During the course of this module you will cover all of the major techniques that have been used in forensic genetics, from the original DNA fingerprinting method to contemporary STR profiling. You will also explore emerging technologies such as Next Generation DNA Sequencing and RNA profiling that will provide investigators with an ever increasing array of genetic information to progress a case. The ethical implications of the use of genetic information for criminal investigation and storage of information in DNA databases will also be considered during this course.
More informationAP0700 -
Graduate Science Research Methods (Core,20 Credits)
This module will provide you with an opportunity to develop your skills in the use and understanding of relevant literature and in both quantitative and qualitative methods. You will learn how to evaluate and contribute to the scientific literature and to interpret and disseminate scientific information. You will appreciate the desirable properties of research design and be able to select an experimental design appropriate to a given system and create the design matrix. You will learn how to assess the kinds of scientific data and tests of hypotheses and will be able to select, apply, and interpret the output from statistical methods of data analysis, and to evaluate the results of statistical analyses as applied to a given data set. Using contemporary science stories, you will develop scientific communication skills in systematic searching, summary writing and critical analysis of the underpinning primary research.
More informationAP0724 -
Forensic Toxicology & Drugs of Abuse (Core,20 Credits)
You will learn the core material relating to forensic toxicology and drug analysis and may include the evaluation and application of analytical toxicology and analysis of drugs of abuse to forensic science, theory of advanced mass spectral analysis, critical evaluation of current issues in forensic science, for example, roadside drug testing and the construction toxicology database construction using Microsoft Access
Throughout the module, the focus is orientated to existing, current and future research practices and draws on research experience from the module team i.e. post-mortem drug redistribution, tolerance, genotoxicity, analysis and interpretation. The module team will be expanded to include guest speakers as appropriate.
AP0725 -
Criminalistics (Core,20 Credits)
Trace evidence such as fibres, glass and paint is often critical in forensic investigations. In this module you will learn the theory that underpins fibres, glass, paint, and firearms as evidence types and learn how that knowledge can be utilised to solve cases. You will learn how to apply your knowledge to determine when and how each evidence type may or may not be approppariate in a given case scenario and in doing so develop a case strategy. Your practical skills will be developed to enable you to search, recover and analyse trace evidence using appropriate techniques. Armed with hard evidence you will then apply your knowledge within the context of the case scenario to evaluate its significance. By the end of this module you will have developed an understanding of the role of a forensic examiner and what value they bring to the forensic aspect of a criminal investigation.
More informationAP0708 -
Applied Sciences Research Project (Core,60 Credits)
This module provides you with a vehicle for developing, refining and applying your research skills in an independent project. Guided by a staff member, you will plan, carry out and report the outcomes of an independent research project to professional standards. You will identify stakeholders in your research and describe the projected impact your research holds for them. In order to prepare you for life as a research professional, assessments emulate authentic professional documentary formats aimed at securing project resources and disseminating your findings to ensure they develop real world impact.
More informationThe following alternative study options are available for this course:
Sep start
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* At Northumbria we are strongly committed to protecting the privacy of personal data. To view the University’s Privacy Notice please click here
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