The taught MSc in Forensic Science allows you to develop command, control and management skills in relation to major incidents and gain the ability to present expert evidential incident reports in court to the highest standard. You also develop your knowledge and understanding of advanced laboratory analytical methods applied to forensic investigation.

The School of Physical Sciences was placed third for job prospects in The Times Good University Guide 2009.  Kent has an excellent record for postgraduate employment: over 90% of our postgraduate students who graduated in 2010 found a job or further study opportunity within
six months.

The School of Physical Sciences is one of only five institutes nationally to be fully accredited by the Forensic Science Society and endorsed by SkillsMark under the Skills for Justice programme

The MSc in Forensic Science has a scholarship - Postgraduate Scholarships

As a student of the taught MSc in Forensic Science you will have access to newly refurbished state-of-the-art laboratories as well as access to first-class facilities. These facilities include a dedicated firearms and ballistics kit, forensic investigation equipment, FT-IR microscopy, NMR spectrometers (including resolutions at 600 MHz), Raman spectrometer, X-ray fluorescence, atomic absorption and scanning electron microscopy.

As a student of the taught MSc in Forensic Science you will be working with expert staff at the forefront of their fields.  You will be able to take advantage of leading research expertise such as our innovative Forensic Imaging team who are developing a computerised photo-fit system and new methods for producing images in facial recognition.  Our taught MSc in Forensic Science students will also benefit from industry specialist lecturers from the Home Office, the Forensic Science Service and the Forensic Explosives Laboratory.

The taught MSc in Forensic Science comprises two stages over the year. In stage one, you undertake the five core modules and can select one additional optional module from the range available. The taught component is delivered over the first two terms. At the beginning of the second term, you are assigned an academic supervisor for your dissertation project which you undertake during stage two of the programme. The dissertation is completed over the summer. To proceed to stage two, you are required to pass all modules with a minimum of 40%. Students who successfully complete stage one, but do not complete the dissertation, will be eligible for the award of postgraduate diploma.

Assessment

Assessment is by examination and coursework.

This course is for graduates with a strong grounding in forensic science who wish to advance their knowledge of the field. Our entry requirements are therefore a minimum of a  2.1 degree in Forensic Science or in or in a forensic-related discipline such as Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Forensic Biology.

Applications are welcomed from international students who hold a relevant qualification from an internationally recognised institution. For more information on requirements for international qualifications visit http://www.kent.ac.uk/internationalstudent/country/index.html