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Forensic Science - MSc
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This programme is for graduates with a strong grounding in forensic science or chemistry-related subjects who wish to advance their knowledge of the field.
Overview
It prepares you for a professional role in forensic science within the criminal or civil judicial system, police or forensic practice, or research. You develop command, control and management skills that will enable you to present expert evidential incident reports to the highest standard at court.
You also develop your knowledge and understanding of advanced laboratory analytical methods applied to forensic investigation. This enables you to select the most appropriate analytical techniques for forensic investigation and to use a wide range of advanced analytic apparatus to evidential standards.
This programme helps you to develop an integrated and critical understanding of forensic science to prepare you to undertake professional forensic-related roles or a PhD in any associated discipline.
About The School of Physical Sciences
The School offers postgraduate students the opportunity to participate in ground-breaking science in the realms of physics, chemistry, forensics and astronomy. With strong international reputations, our staff provide plausible ideas, well-designed projects, research training and enthusiasm within a stimulating environment. Recent investment in modern laboratory equipment and computational facilities accelerates the research.
Our principal research covers a wide variety of topics, theoretical, experimental and applied – you can see a list of example topics on our available research projects page. We also offer taught programmes in Forensic Science, studied over one year full-time, and a two-year European-style Master’s in Physics (one year taught, one year research).
Entry requirements
You are more than your grades
For 2022, in response to the challenges caused by Covid-19 we will consider applicants either holding or projected a 2:2. This response is part of our flexible approach to admissions whereby we consider each student and their personal circumstances. If you have any questions, please get in touch.
Entry requirements
A first or second class honours degree in forensic science or a forensic-related subject.
All applicants are considered on an individual basis and additional qualifications, professional qualifications and relevant experience may also be taken into account when considering applications.
International students
Please see our International Student website for entry requirements by country and other relevant information. Due to visa restrictions, students who require a student visa to study cannot study part-time unless undertaking a distance or blended-learning programme with no on-campus provision.
English language entry requirements
The University requires all non-native speakers of English to reach a minimum standard of proficiency in written and spoken English before beginning a postgraduate degree. Certain subjects require a higher level.
For detailed information see our English language requirements web pages.
Need help with English?
Please note that if you are required to meet an English language condition, we offer a number of pre-sessional courses in English for Academic Purposes through Kent International Pathways.
Form
Course structure
Duration: 1 year full-time
The programme provides a broad and balanced foundation of the science and law that underpins forensic practice and methodology in modern society.
This includes detailed knowledge of the physical techniques and methods of assay, analysis and examination used by forensic scientists, together with the essential chemical and biological knowledge required for understanding forensic evidence and its presentation.
Please note that it is compulsory for students to register and attend from the beginning of the first week of the academic year, for Health and Safety training. Laboratory work cannot take place until training has been completed.
Modules
The following modules are indicative of those offered on this programme. This list is based on the current curriculum and may change year to year in response to new curriculum developments and innovation. Most programmes will require you to study a combination of compulsory and optional modules. You may also have the option to take modules from other programmes so that you may customise your programme and explore other subject areas that interest you.
You must take all the following compulsory modules (75 credits) and then 45 credits from the optional modules.
You may only take PSCI7040, Major Incident Management OR PSCI7170, Modern Approaches to Incident Management. FSCI5030 can only be taken when taken with FSCI5010.
Optional modules may include
FSCI5010 - Fundamental Forensic Techniques (15 credits)
This module will develop students' appreciation of a range of physical techniques applied to the collection of bulk and trace evidence materials in forensic science. Students will look more deeply into aspects of physical evidence and will deal with the practical issues of item examination, legal process and general procedure associated with the collection and submission of a range of forensically-relevant materials.
FSCI5030 - Applied Forensic Practice (15 credits)
This module introduces students to a range of scene investigation and evidence processing techniques through a combination of laboratory-based training exercises and simulated scene investigation scenarios.
PSCI6010 - Fires and Explosions (15 credits)
This module covers a range of core chemical science that relates to fire and explosive events. The applied investigation of such events is also discussed to give students a wider appreciation of previous case studies and the complexities of post-fire and post-blast investigations.
PSCI6040 - Topics in Functional Materials (15 credits)
Chemists and physicists are now playing an important role in the growing field of materials research. More recently, there has been a growing interest, driven by technological needs, in materials with specific functions and this requires a combination of physics and chemistry. For example, new materials are needed for the optics and electronics industry (glasses and semiconductors). The aim of this module is to introduce students to this area of modern materials and associated techniques. Examples of the topics that might typically be covered are: Crystals and crystallography; Molecular materials; Glasses; Magnetism and Magnetic Materials; Multiferroics; X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS).
PSCI6370 - DNA Analysis & Interpretation (15 credits)
This module comprises a range of contemporary topics covering methods of analysis and the interpretational issues associated with forensic DNA profiling. The materials take students through the evolution of forensic DNA processes and the practical issues of sample collection, processing and storage, DNA theory and practical DNA processing. Students will appreciate the difficulties associated with mixed samples and the statistical interpretation associated with both single source and mixture interpretation. The module draws upon the latest materials published by the Forensic Science Regulator and the latest quality and legal standards associated with DNA profiling. The module is contextualised throughout using a range of contemporary case studies.
PSCI7040 - Major Incident Management (15 credits)
This module will cover the core principles behind the management and investigation processes that may relate to a range of forensically-relevant incident types. Indicative areas of discussion may include investigation of civil infrastructure incidents, disaster victim identification (DVI), acts of terrorism and weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) as well as managing forensic resources over a range of major and smaller incidents.
PSCI7170 - Modern Approaches to Incident Management (15 credits)
This module will cover the core principles behind the management and investigation processes that may relate to a range of forensically-relevant incident types. Indicative areas of discussion may include investigation of civil infrastructure incidents, disaster victim identification (DVI), acts of terrorism and weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) as well as managing forensic resources over a range of major and smaller incidents. Students will also manage a team of scene investigators as part of a simulated incident investigation.
SACO8150 - Forensic Taphonomy (15 credits)
This module is fundamental to this MSc where students learn various stages of post-mortem decay to human remains, focusing largely on environmental effects—including decomposition in soil and interaction with plants, insects, and other animals. Other topics covered are; PMI methods (time elapsed since death), biotaphonomy, and geotaphonomy.
Compulsory modules currently include
PSCI7800 - MSC Research Project (60 credits)
Students will undertake a project from an available project listing and will work under the guidance of a supervisor. The student will be encouraged to develop some level of research independence within the project remit appropriate of a postgraduate master's student.
The project will be assessed on a number of criteria which will include the project work (the amount, quality etc. appropriate for the level), effort put in by the student, the preparation of a written report and an oral presentation session. The student's progress will be assessed mid way through the research project through a progress report. This will also involve some degree of forward planning such that the students assess their own project requirements for the following period allowing the student to learn time management and forward planning skills.
Teaching
Teaching and assessment
Assessment is by examination and coursework.
Programme aims
This programme aims to:
- develop your integrated and critically aware understanding of forensic science and to prepare you to undertake a PhD in any associated disciplines
- prepare you for a professional role in forensic science within the criminal or civil judicial system, police, or forensic practice or research
- develop your command, control, and management skills in relation to major incidents, and to prepare and present expert evidential incident reports at court to the highest standard
- develop a clear recognition of the constraints and opportunities of the environment in which professional forensic science is carried out
- develop a variety of Masters’ level intellectual and transferable skills
- equip you with the learning skills to keep abreast of developments in the continually evolving field of forensic science and forensic investigation
- enable you to realise your academic potential.
Learning outcomes
Knowledge and understanding
You gain knowledge and understanding in areas such as:
- advanced theory, concepts, and practice in relation to laboratory analysis and substances of abuse
- the command, management, logistics, and forensic implications of major and minor incidents such as air or rail accidents and crime scenes. Emergency and disaster planning, theory, practice, legislation, and implementation
- advance laboratory analytic methods and apparatus as applied to general analysis and forensic investigation
- the forensic application of DNA analysis, fire investigation, explosives and accelerants.
Intellectual skills
You develop intellectual skills in:
- critical thinking, reasoning and reflection
- the ability to recognise and solve forensic-related problems at an advanced level
- the ability to select the most appropriate techniques for a given analysis and to use a wide range of advanced analytic apparatus to evidential standards
- the ability to manage personnel and logistics in demanding and highly fluid environments.
Subject-specific skills
You gain subject-specific skills in:
- the ability to source funding for, plan, and implement research projects
- the ability to identify, plan for and manage actual and potential threats in a range of environments
- the ability to prepare and present an incident management report to evidential standards, and to present such reports at court under hostile cross-examination
- the ability to perform advanced level analysis on a range of apparatus and to document such to evidential standards
- familiarity and competence to an advanced level in key items of forensic analytic apparatus.
Transferable skills
You gain the following transferable skills:
- personal and interpersonal skills, working as a member of a team and as a team leader.
- effective research costing and planning
- skills relevant to a career in forensic science (practice or judiciary) and forensic research
- the ability to learn effectively for the purpose of continuing your professional development
- the ability to generate, analyse, interpret and present in a range of environments
- the ability to manage time and resources within an individual project and as a team manager.
Fees
The 2022/23 UK fees for this course are:
- Home full-time £9300
- EU full-time £15900
- International full-time £21200
For details of when and how to pay fees and charges, please see our Student Finance Guide.
For students continuing on this programme fees will increase year on year by no more than RPI + 3% in each academic year of study except where regulated.* If you are uncertain about your fee status please contact information@kent.ac.uk.
Your fee status
The University will assess your fee status as part of the application process. If you are uncertain about your fee status you may wish to seek advice from UKCISA before applying.
Additional costs
General additional costs
Find out more about general additional costs that you may pay when studying at Kent.
Funding
Search our scholarships finder for possible funding opportunities. You may find it helpful to look at both:
- University and external funds
- Scholarships specific to the academic school delivering this programme.
Scholarships
We have a range of subject-specific awards and scholarships for academic, sporting and musical achievement.
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Independent rankings
In the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2014, research by the School of Physical Sciences was ranked 7th in the UK for research impact and a demonstration of its importance to industry and the public sector.
An impressive 100% of our physics research and 98% of our chemistry research was judged to be of international quality, with 75% physics and 78% of chemistry research judged world-leading or internationally excellent. The School’s environment was judged to be conducive to supporting the development of research of international excellence.
Research
Research areas
Applied Optics Group (AOG)
The Group’s research focuses on optical sources, optical configurations and signal processing methods for optical measurements and imaging. The Group developed the first en-face OCT image of the eye and now works with national and international institutions to extend OCT capabilities. They also conduct research on coherence gated wavefront sensors and multiple path interferometry, as well as Fast Fourier transformations on graphics cards, supercontinuum sources and fast tunable lasers.
https://research.kent.ac.uk/applied-optics/
Centre for Astrophysics and Planetary Science (CAPS)
The group’s research spans observation, experimentation, simulation and modelling. The major topics are star formation, planetary science and early solar system bodies, galactic astronomy and astrobiology. The group uses data from the largest telescopes in the world and in space, such as ESO’s Very Large Telescope, the New Technology Telescope, the Spitzer Space Telescope and the Herschel Space Observatory. They also use our in-house facilities, including a two-stage light gas gun for impact studies.
https://research.kent.ac.uk/caps/
Forensic Imaging Group (FIG)
The Group’s research has an applied focus. They explore mathematical and computational techniques and employ a wide variety of image processing and analysis methods for applications in many areas, including forensics and cyber security. The Group holds major grant funding from EPSRC. It has spawned a very successful spin-out company, Visionmetric Ltd, and was central to the School’s excellent REF 2014 rating for impact; placing the School equal 7th nationally in this category.
https://research.kent.ac.uk/fig/
Functional Materials Group (FMG)
Research in the multi-disciplinary FMG encompasses the synthesis, characterisation, theory and computer modelling of cutting-edge materials. Researcher are interested in finding new optical, mechanical, electronic, magnetic or biological properties that challenge present understanding or can give rise to new innovative technologies. The Group is unique nationwide in that it integrates both physicists and chemists, and its research benefits from this exchange of ideas and expertise.
Staff research interests
Full details of staff research interests can be found on the School's website.
Careers
All programmes in the School of Physical Sciences equip you with the tools you need to conduct research, solve problems, communicate effectively and transfer skills to the workplace, which means our graduates are always in high demand. Our links with industry not only provide you with the opportunity to gain work experience during your degree, but also equip you with the general and specialist skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the workplace.
Typical employment destinations for graduates from the physics programmes include power companies, aerospace, defence, optoelectronics and medical industries. Typical employment destinations for graduates from our forensic science and chemistry programmes include government agencies, consultancies, emergency services, laboratories, research or academia.
Study support
Postgraduate resources
The University has good facilities for modern research in physical sciences. These include: NMR spectrometers; powder X-ray diffractometers; X-ray fluorescence; atomic emission spectrometry; gel-permeation, gas, analytical and preparative high-performance liquid chromatography; mass spectrometry; scanning electron microscopy and EDX. We also have various microscopes, differential scanning calorimetry and thermal gravimetric analysis, dionex analysis of anions and automated CHN analysis. For planetary science impact studies, there is a two-stage light gas gun.
Interdisciplinary approach
Much of the School's work is interdisciplinary and we have successful collaborative projects with members of the Schools of Biosciences, Computing and Engineering and Digital Arts at Kent, as well as an extensive network of international collaborations.
National and international links
The School is a leading partner in the South East Physics Network (SEPnet), and benefits from £2.5 million of funding from the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE). The School has collaborations with universities around the world, particularly in Germany, France, Italy and the USA. UK links include King's College, London and St Bartholomew's Hospital, London. Our industrial partners include BAE Systems, New York Eye and Ear Infirmary, and Ophthalmic Technology Inc, Canada. We also have collaborations with NASA, European Southern Observatory (ESO) and European Space Agency (ESA) scientists.
Dynamic publishing culture
Staff publish regularly and widely in journals, conference proceedings and books. Among others, they have recently contributed to: Nature; Science; Forensic Science International, Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine; Astrophysical Journal; Journal of Polymer Science; Journal of Materials Chemistry; and Applied Optics.
Global Skills Award
All students registered for a taught Master's programme are eligible to apply for a place on our Global Skills Award Programme. The programme is designed to broaden your understanding of global issues and current affairs as well as to develop personal skills which will enhance your employability.
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T: +44 (0)1227 823254
E: internationalstudent@kent.ac.uk