Forensic Science
Expand your knowledge in all areas of forensic science, from crime scene to courtroom, with our Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences accredited Masters degree.
You can choose to study this course part-time, and start in September or January. The course durations vary slightly: 28 months (September starts) or 33 months (January starts). Course content and modules remain the same.
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Immersed in a practical environment that closely emulates real scenarios - from crime scene to court room - you'll benefit from our close links to major public and private sector employers in the forensic science industry.
You'll combine practical skills with high-level theoretical knowledge on a wide range of forensic techniques. You’ll cover the examination, analysis and interpretation of a range of criminalistics evidence, and the value of different types of evidence.
We’ll train you to design and carry out your own research project in an area that particularly interests you, and guide you on research methods, good practice, presentation and the application of your research.
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Study an accredited course and gain essential skills for a career in forensic science
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Gain courtroom experience during a mock court session
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Get hands-on experience in our crime scene rooms
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Learn from tutors with expertise in analytical chemistry, toxicology, forensic genetics and crime scene examination
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Take part in research projects and collaborations with industry partners
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Use the latest specialist equipment in our category 2 SuperLab
Study at an award-winning university
We were named Times Higher Education University of the Year 2023. We've also been awarded a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework – a reflection of the outstanding education we offer our students.
Careers
Gain the practical and analytical skills and expertise required to become a confident and effective forensic scientist, working in the forensic field or broader scientific and technological fields.
This course is enhanced by our excellent working relationships with most of the major employers in the forensic science industry, including the police and fire services. You’ll be an attractive candidate for employment given you’ve studied a course accredited by The Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences.
Teaching and modules
Focus on evidence collection, analysis and management. You’ll start by exploring crime scene examination and evidence recovery, prepare a witness statement and defend it in a moot court.
We’ll help you build skills in microscopy, including the use of a wide range of advanced techniques such as polarised light microscopy, comparison microscopy and phase-contrast microscopy. You’ll consider a range of evidential types including fibres, glass, paint, documents and fire debris.
Develop your understanding of forensic analysis, including forensic genetics, toxicology, chemical criminalistics and emerging technologies, and the challenges faced in forensic investigations.
You’ll also learn research skills and carry out research in areas of your particular or professional interest.
Modules are subject to change and availability, and may vary by location. If you have the choice of optional modules, these are indicated with a *.
- Mastering Forensic Evidence
- Evidence Collection and Management
- Research Methods and Preparation (15 credits)
- Specialised Topics in Forensic Science
- Mastering Forensic Analysis
- Masters Research Project (60 credits)
It's possible to study this course part-time. You'll take the same modules as MSc/MA students, but sometimes in a different order or in different years.
As a part-time student you'll typically study for twice as long as full-time students. For example if the MSc/MA course takes one year, you can expect to study over two years, though for some courses this may vary.
Read profiles of teaching and research staff on this course.
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Dr Nathalie ZahraSenior Lecturer
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Dr Lata GautamAssociate Professor
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Georgina BelshamLecturer
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Dr Risha Jasmine NathanSenior Lecturer
Facilities
Based in our Science Centre in Cambridge campus, some of the facilities that are provided here include:
- authentic crime scene rooms
- specialist equipment such as gas chromatography and high-performance liquid chromatography (LC) instruments with different detection systems
- biological analysis instruments including a Nanodrop 1000 spectrophotometer, Qubit fluorometer and real-time PCR system
- comparison, polarizing light and confocal microscopes
- the opportunity to get hands-on experience of analytical techniques including Raman spectroscopy, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy, and microspectrophotometry.
You’ll also have the use of extensive library and IT resources, and careers support through our Employability Service. After you graduate, you’ll have lifelong access to our Alumni Career Centre.
You can also access support, should you need it, with study skills, health and wellbeing, and more.