Forensic & Investigative Sciences MPhil, PhD

Research ( full-time, part-time)

Cambridge

January, April, September

Apply online

For application deadlines visit our how to apply page.

Overview

Pursue your research studies with a pioneering group in analysis-based research and make a valuable contribution to scientific understanding and techniques in the forensics field. PhD candidates are encouraged to take an active role in the School's research community in areas of crime scene and evidence, forensic analysis and genetics.

Full description

Supervision and support

Our supervisory staff are recognised experts in their field. Their research expertise includes:

  • Dr Leesa Ferguson - Chemical analysis of finger marks
  • Dr Lata Gautam - Drugs analysis and forensic toxicology
  • Dr Kyprianos Georgiou - Chemical enhancement of latent finger marks using wet powder suspensions
  • Joanne Morrissey - Recovery of fingermarks from ballistic evidence, use of drone at crime scenes
  • Dr Rahul Pathak - Body fluid analysis, blood pattern analysis, forensic DNA analysis, entomotoxicology
  • Dr Nathalie Zahra - DNA profiling, fingerprint comparison, and human identification methods

Where you'll research

Your faculty

The Faculty of Science & Engineering is one of the largest of the four faculties at ARU. Whether you choose to study with us full-time or part-time, on campus or at a distance, there’s an option whatever your level – from a foundation degree, BSc, MSc, PhD or professional doctorate.

Whichever course you pick, you’ll gain the theory and practical skills needed to progress with confidence. Join us and you could find yourself learning in the very latest laboratories or on field trips or work placements with well-known and respected companies. You may even have the opportunity to study abroad.

Everything we do in the faculty has a singular purpose: to provide a world-class environment to create, share and advance knowledge in science, technology and engineering fields. This is key to all of our futures.

Where can I study?

Cambridge
Lord Ashcroft Building on our Cambridge campus

Our campus is close to the centre of Cambridge, often described as the perfect student city.

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Fees & funding

Course fees

UK students, 2024/25 (per year)

£4,786

UK students, 2024/25 (part-time, per year)

£2,392

International students, 2024/25 (per year)

£15,900

International students, 2024/25 (part-time, per year)

£7,950

Bench fees

In some cases extra costs known as bench fees will be charged for a postgraduate research degree. These are to cover additional/exceptional costs directly related to a specific research project.

Some examples of these costs are (the list is not exhaustive): equipment hire, access costs to specialist equipment/workshops, volunteer expenses, specialist tissue/cell culture, specialist reagents or materials, specialist software, access to specialist databases, data collection costs, specialist media, recording or digital storage needs.

We charge bench fees in bands. They may apply for every year of your course. These bands are the same for full- and part-time students.

If you have to pay bench fees this will be made clear at your interview, and stated in your offer letter.

For 2024/25 the bench fee bands are:

  1. £500
  2. £1,200
  3. £2,200
  4. £4,500
  5. £8,900

PhD by Published Work

Initial registration: £1,500
Full registration: £4,500

Writing up fees 2024/25

£1,200

How do I pay my fees?

You can pay your fees upfront, in full or in instalments – though you won't need to pay until you've accepted an offer to study with us. Find out more about paying your fees.

Funding

For advice on the Doctoral Loan and other sources of funding, including ARU scholarships, visit our finance guide for postgraduate researchers.

You might also find The Alternative Guide to Postgraduate Funding helpful.

ARU research

ARU's academic excellence was recognised in 2021, as part of the Research Excellence Framework (REF), an exercise which assesses the quality of academic research. Sixteen areas of our work were classed as generating world-leading research. The results showed that we're making a significant impact on the societies we live in.

Careers

Research and professional training will be part of your programme, with courses including scientific writing and publishing, research methods, subject updates and conference presentation.

Contact details

If you're interested in finding out more about research study opportunities, please email [email protected]

Entry requirements

MPhil or PhD with progression from MPhil: You’ll need a Bachelors degree or equivalent with first or upper second class honours, in a related subject area.

PhD: You’ll need a Masters degree or equivalent in a related subject area.

Please note we consider candidates for PhD with progression from MPhil in the first instance. If you want to be considered for direct entry to the PhD route then this can be discussed at interview if you are shortlisted. Please note you’ll also need to provide academic justification for this request. 

If English is not your first language, you'll require a minimum IELTS score of 6.5, with a minimum of 5.5 in each component (or equivalent test). If you don't meet our English language requirements, we offer a range of courses which could help you achieve the level required for entry.

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Important additional notes

Our published entry requirements are a guide only and our decision will be based on your overall suitability for the programme as well as whether you meet the minimum entry requirements. Contact our postgraduate research degree team for more information about studying a PhD, MPhil or Professional Doctorate at ARU.

You'll need a computer and reliable internet access to successfully engage with your research programme.

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Get more information

UK applicants

01245 686868

Enquire online

International applicants

+44 1245 683680

Enquire online