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PhD

Forensic Science

Advance your expertise in forensic science research to impact real-world investigations.

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Forensic Science

Key information

Start
September, January, April
Location
Canterbury
Study mode
3 to 4 years full-time, 5 to 6 years part-time
Fees (per year)
UK:
International:
Typical offer
2.1 or above in an acceptable subject
All entry requirements

Overview

Our Forensic Science PhD research course at the University of Kent offers you the opportunity to engage in cutting-edge forensic research, contributing to an ever-evolving field. You will explore interdisciplinary areas that combine elements of chemistry, biology, archaeology, ballistics, engineering and more. With a focus on innovation, you'll join a community of research students who push the boundaries of forensic methodologies, working under the guidance of leading academics.

The course equips you with the skills necessary to address the challenges faced by forensic professionals today. You will have the chance to develop new techniques and approaches while honing your ability to communicate scientific findings with broader professional and public audiences.

Reasons to study Forensic Science at Kent

  • Forensic Science at Kent is ranked 2nd in the UK in Complete University Guide 2025.
  • Build on your knowledge and understanding of advanced laboratory analytical methods, essential to forensic investigation.
  • Our state-of-the-art facilities allow you to gain hands-on practical experience of advanced laboratory analytical techniques.
  • World class facilities for your chosen research field, including our live fire experimental ballistics facility, our large and diverse taphonomy facility and skeletal collections or our vast suite of microscopy and analytical chemistry instrumentation.
  • A highly supportive community of forensic science and chemistry postgraduate students and staff.

The course

How you'll study

Postgraduate taught modules are designed to give you advanced study skills, a deeper knowledge of the subject, and the confidence to achieve your ambitions.

Entry requirements

2.1 or above in an acceptable subject

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.

Fees and funding

The 2026/27 annual tuition fees for this course are:
  • Full-time (UK)
  • Part-time (UK)
  • Full-time (International)
  • Part-time (International)

For details of when and how to pay fees and charges, please see our Student Finance Guide.

Tuition fees may be increased in the second and subsequent years of your course. Detailed information on possible future increases in tuition fees is contained in the Tuition Fees Increase Policy.

The 2026/27 annual tuition fees for UK postgraduate research courses have not yet been set by the Research Councils UK. This is ordinarily announced in March. As a guide only, the full-time tuition fee for new and returning UK postgraduate research courses for 2025/26 is £5,006.

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.

Funding

Find out more about general additional costs that you may pay when studying at Kent. 

Additional research fees

Please note that, due to the technical requirements of certain laboratory-based research projects, some projects incur additional research costs to support consumable requirements.

You'll need regular access to a desktop computer/laptop with an internet connection to use the University of Kent’s online resources and systems. We've listed some guidelines for the technology and software you'll need for your studies.

General additional costs

Find out more about student accommodation and living costs, as well as general additional costs that you may pay when studying at Kent.

Search our scholarships finder for possible funding opportunities. You may find it helpful to look at both:

International scholarships

Unlock your potential with scholarships up to £5,000

Research

Kent is a leading research university, meaning that you will be informed about new discussions and developments by the people making them. This means your work will have real potential to make a difference.

Staff research interests

Kent’s world-class academics provide research students with excellent supervision. The academic staff in this school and their research interests are shown below. You are strongly encouraged to contact the school to discuss your proposed research and potential supervision prior to making an application. Please note, it is possible for students to be supervised by a member of academic staff from any of Kent’s schools, providing their expertise matches your research interests. Use our ‘find a supervisor’ search to search by staff member or keyword.

Your future

Graduates from the PhD Forensic Science research course are set to be highly employable, entering various sectors of forensic science, academia, and industry. With comprehensive research training, students are prepared for roles such as forensic investigators, research scientists, academic lecturers, and experts in governmental and private laboratories.

The course provides transferable skills applicable in a broad range of scientific disciplines, enabling graduates to pursue roles in forensic consultancy, law enforcement agencies, crime scene investigation, and beyond. Our alumni have excelled in both national and international careers, contributing to high-profile forensic cases and research projects.

Postgraduates earn

£6,000
more per year than graduates (Graduate Labour Market Statistics, 2021).

A degree can boost average lifetime earnings by over

£300,000
Graduate employment outcomes - Universities UK

Ready to apply?

Learn more about the application process or begin your application by clicking on a link below.

You will be able to choose your preferred year of entry once you have started your application. You can also save and return to your application at any time.

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