Forensic Science - MSc
Enhance your technical capabilities, research skills and subject-level knowledge across various aspects of forensic science investigation. This programme enables you to build skills and knowledge in a specific specialism of your choice and explore forensic science investigation through advanced analytical methods. You'll become equipped with high-level skills, with innovative views and opinions as a creative and critical thinker, enhancing your career prospects and personal development.
Month of entry
- September
Mode of study
- Full time, Part time
Fees for 2024/25 academic year
- UK - Full time £11,000 per year. Part time £6,000 per year.
International - £20,700 per year.
Duration of study
- Full time - 1 year, Part time - 2 years
Why study Forensic Science at Keele University?
Course summary
Keele's MSc in Forensic Science provides a foundation of knowledge and master's-level skills to build upon your expertise, enabling you to explore forensic science investigation through various advanced analytical methods.
You will gain an in-depth understanding of research and technical skills across a range of disciplines within Forensic Science, whilst developing your own analytical and critical thinking skills. Throughout the programme, you will demonstrate your ability to apply knowledge and expertise, showcasing originality in your arguments and judgement of complex issues.
This will be demonstrated through reflective writing, discussions with peers, presentations and group sessions, all of which will contribute towards your personal and professional development, and graduate attributes for future employment. You will learn to communicate effectively to different audiences when reporting on findings, using analytical methods to support or challenge various theories and opinions, whilst developing your skills as an expert witness.
You will also have the opportunity to choose a specialism which will form the basis of your intensive research project/dissertation. You will identify your subject specialism during your application process on to the MSc and will choose from the following themes:
- Forensic Chemistry
- Forensic Investigation
- Forensic Anthropology and Archaeology
- Digital Forensics
- Forensic Search
- Wildfire Forensics
- Forensic Science Psychology
- Environmental Forensics
- Forensic Biology
Your independent project will equip you with advanced skills in research design, management and data analysis as well as communication skills, as you work with academic staff and have the possibility of liaising with external professionals on case work.
Next steps
Course structure
The MSc in Forensic Science comprises four compulsory modules (105 credits) and you will choose additional optional modules to the weighting of 75 credits.
The information below is based on the full time, 180 credit MSc programme, with a September start. The module list is indicative and may be subject to change.
Modules
The module details given below are indicative, they are intended to provide you with an idea of the range of subjects that are taught to our current students. The modules that will be available for you to study in future years are prone to change as we regularly review our teaching to ensure that it is up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods, as well as student voice. The information presented is therefore not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules available in any given year.
Compulsory modules
FSC-40009: Research Skills for Analytical Science (15 credits)
This module enables you to develop advanced core and subject-specific research skills, whilst working independently and with peers, in preparation for your research project. These transferable skills will be beneficial for your study on this programme and career prospects, demonstrating effective communication, project management and planning skills.
FSC-40035: Research Project Design & Management (15 credits)
You will engage with one-to-one meetings (with the project supervisor), independent research and self-learning techniques on this module, to encourage reflective practice in your learning and preparation for your career.
FSC-40027: Advanced Topics in Forensic Science (15 credits)
This module encourages you to explore and critically evaluate the cutting-edge research literature on forensic science in relation to its strengths and weaknesses, as well as its significance for the discipline and society. The module also helps to develop your scientific communication skills.
FSC-40013: Dissertation (60 credits)
For your dissertation module, you will demonstrate your enhanced knowledge and understanding of key research issues, along with a refined project design and advanced subject-specific skills.
Optional modules
FSC-40015: Literature Review (15 credits)
Through this module, we aim to develop your literacy and skills in preparation for your research dissertation. You will critically evaluate peer-reviewed, research literature through regular seminars and tutorials, identifying issues within both 'natural' and social science fields.
FSC-40007: Forensic Evidence: At the Crime Scene and In the Court (15 credits)
Exploring the two end-points of the forensic process - the crime scene and the court, this module aims to explain and illustrate how forensic science at the crime scene may be used to provide investigative leads as well as evidence leading to conviction in the court. It aims to provide a sound understanding of evidential value and the processes supporting both investigative and conviction forensics. You will critically evaluate the importance of the admissibility of evidence and the factors that may contribute to evidence being rejected by the court.
FSC-40033 Advanced Analytical Science (15 credits)
This module aims to prepare you in becoming skilled to work for organisations, regulated by frameworks, such as the Chartered Society of Forensic Science. This includes method development, data analysis, quality control and reporting skills, preparing you for your independent research project and career development.
FSC-40021: Advanced Topics in Skeletal Remains, Recovery & Analysis (15 credits)
Focusing on the examination of the human skeleton in a forensic context, you will build on the basic themes of forensic anthropology and taphonomy gained at the undergraduate level. You will study advanced osteology, making use of microscopy and analytical methods during the analysis of skeletal remains, as well as more specialist subjects related to victim search and recovery, such as forensic botany and entomology, commingling analysis and virtual anthropology. You will also gain hands-on fieldwork experience in the form of grave excavation (singular and mass graves), insect sampling, and body recovery, with a critical view of the methods used by anthropologists, both in the laboratory and out in the field.
FSC-40029 Environmental & Wildlife Forensics (15 credits)
This module explores the key theoretical and practical procedures of environmental and wildlife forensics which helps to enforce regulation to protect the environment and wildlife in the UK and internationally.
FSC-40031 Advanced Forensic Evidence Examination (15 credits)
This module aims to teach you key theoretical and practical issues of specialist areas of Forensic Science, exploring topic areas such as, advanced forensic trace evidence analysis. E.g. ballistics, paint, glass, fibres and their correct handling procedures.
FSC-30005: Interpretation, Evaluation and Presentation of Evidence (30 credits)
This module will help to develop your ability to carry out the forensic examination of a crime scene, then analyse and report on the evidence within the professional context. Particular attention will be paid to control, continuity and quality assurance, experimental design, interpretation using statistical tools and databases, report writing and oral presentation.
Please note, if you do not have an undergraduate degree accredited by 'The Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences', you will need to opt for this module.
Next steps
Entry requirements
Next steps
Entry requirements
The following section details our typical entry requirements for this course for a range of UK and international qualifications. If you don't see your qualifications listed, please contact us to find out if we can accept your qualifications.
Typical offer
Please ensure that you read the full entry requirements by selecting your qualifications from the dropdown menu below. This will include any subject specific, GCSE/Level 2 Maths, and English language requirements you may need.
Please select your country from the drop-down list below for the full entry requirement information
UK
2:2 degree in a computing, science, maths or engineering subject
or
demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Bangladesh
60% in a 4-year degree or 3-year degree with a 2-year Master's in a computing, science, maths or engineering subject from a public university
or
CGPA 2.8 in a 4-year degree or 3-year degree with a 2-year Master's in any computing, science, maths or engineering subject from a private university
or
demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
We don’t accept degrees from certain universities, please see our Bangladesh Country Page for more information
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Canada
70% or C or a GPA of 2.5 in a degree (Ordinary or Honours) in a computing, science, maths or engineering subject
OR
demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
China
70% in a degree in a computing, science, maths or engineering subject or 65% in a degree in any computing, science, maths or engineering subject from a '211' university
or
demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Ghana
Second class degree in a computing, science, maths or engineering subject
or
demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
India
55% or CGPA 6/10 in a degree of at least 3 years in a computing, engineering, maths, or science subject
or
demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Kenya
Second class degree in a computing, science, maths or engineering subject
or
demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Nepal
60% / 2.4 in a 4-year Bachelor's degree in a computing, science, maths or engineering subject
or
65% / CGPA 2.8 in a 3-year Bachelor's degree in a computing, science, maths or engineering subject
or
demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Nigeria
Second class degree in a computing, science, maths or engineering subject
or
demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Pakistan
We accept a range of qualifications from Pakistan. Please visit our Pakistan Country Page for more information
or we will consider demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need an English language qualification (see below)
South Africa
Second class division 2 / 60% in a Bachelor's degree with Honours in a computing, science, maths or engineering subject
or
Second class division 1 / 70% in an Ordinary Bachelor's degree in a computing, science, maths or engineering subject
or
demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Sri Lanka
55% in a Special Bachelor's degree in a computing, science, maths or engineering subject
or
demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Uganda
Second class degree in a computing, science, maths or engineering subject
or
demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Zimbabwe
Second class degree in a computing, science, maths or engineering subject
or
demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
English language requirements
All of our courses require an English language qualification or test. For most students, this requirement can be met with a 4 or C in GCSE English. Please see our English Language guidance pages for further details, including English language test information for international students. For those students who require an English language test, this course requires a test from Group C.
References
Normally, you will need to provide at least one academic reference to support your application unless you have been out of study longer than two years. If it has been more than two years since you last studied on a degree-level programme, you will normally need to provide an employment reference instead. For more information about Academic References, please see our Postgraduate how to apply web pages.
Personal Statement/Statement of Purpose
Please see our Postgraduate how to apply web pages for guidance on what to include in your personal statement.
Recognition of Prior Learning
The Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a process which enables applicants to receive recognition and formal credit for learning acquired in the past through formal study or work and life experiences.
RPL can also be requested for admission onto the start of a programme in lieu of the admission requirements. For more information, see our Recognition of Prior Learning web pages.
Professional qualifications and work experience
The majority of our courses will consider relevant work experience and/or professional qualifications at the appropriate level, as an alternative to an undergraduate degree for entry. The work experience should be for a sustained period and at a suitable level, based within a relevant sector to your chosen course.
Admissions staff will review your work experience and/or professional qualifications during the assessment of your application to ensure suitability in terms of relevancy, level and appropriate learning outcomes.
General information
The entry grades outlined in this section indicate the typical offer which would be made to candidates, along with any subject specific requirements. This is for general information only. Keele University reserves the right to vary offer conditions depending upon a candidate's application.
Funding
Please note, if your course offers a January start date, the January 2024 start date falls in the 2023/24 academic year. Please see the 2023/24 academic year fees for the relevant fees for starting this course in January 2024.
Planning your funding
It's important to plan carefully for your funding before you start your course. Please be aware that not all postgraduate courses and not all students are eligible for the UK government postgraduate loans and, in some cases, you would be expected to source alternative funding yourself. If you need support researching your funding options, please contact our Financial Support Team.
Scholarships
We are committed to rewarding excellence and potential. Please visit our scholarships and bursaries webpage for more information.
For continuing students, fees will increase annually by RPIX, with a maximum cap of 5% per year.
Next steps
Your career
Graduating with an MSc in Forensic Science will prepare you for a professional role in forensic science-related fields, within the criminal or civil judicial system, PhD study and beyond.
You will become equipped with high-level scientific and transferable skills that will enable you to excel in your personal and professional endeavours, broadening your horizons across various sectors including:
- Policing
- Forensic Practice
- Research
Graduates can undertake further study, join local, regional and national police forces, commercial forensic providers and other specialist laboratories for a host of related employment opportunities.
You may wish to pursue the following careers:
- Forensic Examiner/Investigator
- Analytical Chemist
- Microbiologist
- Toxicologist
- DNA Analyst
- Digital Forensics Investigator
- Forensic Imaging Officer
- Teacher/Lecturer
- Laboratory Technician
Next steps
Teaching, learning and assessment
How you'll be taught
Teaching on this programme will be delivered by staff in the School of Chemical and Physical Sciences, with research interests across a range of scientific disciplines.
You will be taught using various methods and will be required to engage with independent learning as well as lectures, seminars, workshops and tutorials, in addition to practical laboratory classes and problem-based learning. You will have the opportunity to work with peers and academics delivering the programme, through group discussions and presentations.
Teaching throughout the programme will equip you with advanced skills including data analysis, academic writing and how to undertake postgraduate-level literature reviews, which will prepare you for your assessments and dissertation/research project.
How you'll be assessed
You will engage with different assessment methods to challenge the knowledge and skills you attain and have developed on this programme. This will enable you to demonstrate original thinking, independent research and sound academic skills that are evident throughout your studies.
Assessment methods may include:
- Case reports
- Court presentations
- Literature review
- Poster presentations
- Reflective diary
- Group report
- Dissertation
Next steps
Keele Postgraduate Association
Keele University is one of a handful of universities in the UK to have a dedicated students' union for postgraduate students. A fully registered charity, Keele Postgraduate Association serves as a focal point for the social life and welfare needs of all postgraduate students during their time at Keele.
Hugely popular, the KPA Clubhouse (near Horwood Hall) provides a dedicated postgraduate social space and bar on campus, where you can grab a bite to eat and drink, sit quietly and read a book, or switch off from academic life at one of the many regular events organised throughout the year. The KPA also helps to host a variety of conferences, as well as other academic and career sessions, to give you and your fellow postgraduates the opportunities to come together to discuss your research, and develop your skills and networks.
Our expertise
Our MSc in Forensic Science is taught by staff in the School of Chemical and Physical Sciences, with research expertise in diverse areas, such as: Forensic Chemistry, Forensic Biology, Forensic Anthropology and Crime Scene Investigations.
Our expert academics in these areas attain practitioner experience with local, regional and national police forces, private consultancy companies and mass disaster secondments to assist forensic investigations worldwide.
Teaching staff on this programme, may include:
- Dr David Thompson, Programme Director, Senior Lecturer in Forensic and Analytical Chemistry - David's current research interests include the application of metabonomics to forensic analysis, particularly in the discovery of buried remains and determination of post-mortem interval.
- Dr Charlene Greenwood, Senior lecturer in Analytical Chemistry and Forensic Science - Charlene has become an established researcher working collaboratively with internationally known individuals from both academia and industry. Charlene has gained experience across a range of archaeological, biomedical and forensic disciplines with good theoretical knowledge and practical applications. Charlene joined Keele in 2018 and is a Senior Lecturer in Analytical Chemistry and Forensic Science, and is currently a Deputy Programme Director, acting in her role as Research Theme Lead.
- Dr Jamie Pringle, Reader in Forensic Geoscience - Jamie’s research includes the forensic search of land and water for a variety of objects for criminal and civil purposes, regularly undertaking forensic searches for Regional and National Police Services, the National Crime Agency and Environmental Agency, as well as wildlife crime.
- Dr Vivienne Heaton, Lecturer and Examinations Officer - Vivienne's research is in the area of forensic taphonomy and entomology. Currently focusing on factors influencing the decomposition process and post-mortem interval estimation, particularly for human remains recovered from water environments.
- Dr Falko Drijhout, Senior lecturer in Analytical Chemistry/Forensic Science - An active researcher for over 25 years in the analysis of natural products, such as semiochemicals from insects, using a wide range of analytical techniques. In all research, Falko's use of chromatographic instruments (GC and LC) and mass spectrometry is essential. In recent years, Falko has been specialising on using a range of multivariate analysis techniques in analysing complex chromatographic traces from insect derived samples, both with GC-MS and LC-MS.
- Georgina Handley, Lecturer in Crime Scene Investigation - Graduating from Staffordshire University in 2009 with a BSc (Hons) in Forensic Science, Georgina's career began as a Forensic Scene Investigator for West Midlands Police. With 10 years practical field experience, Georgina gained qualifications in Crime Scene Investigation and Practical Fire Investigation before moving to Keele as a Teaching Fellow in 2019 and then becoming a lecturer in 2020.
- Clare Smith, Lecturer in Crime Scene Examination - Upon completing higher education, Clare spent 18 months working as a Forest Ranger in Northampton, then left this role to become a front line Police Officer. In addition to standard training, Clare became a tutor constable, wildlife officer and trained to be a dog handler. In 2005, Clare then changed direction and became a Forensic Investigator with Staffordshire Police - gaining qualifications in Crime Scene Investigation. Moving to Keele in 2020 to fulfil the role of Lecturer in Crime Scene Examination, Clare has since gained qualifications in Level 2 Blood Pattern Analysis and Fire Investigation.
- Chris Aris, Lecturer in Forensic Anthropology/Archaeology - Chris' research focusses on two areas: dental anthropology and forensic pedagogy. Currently in dental anthropology Chris' research involves dental taphonomy, namely investigating how the breakdown of teeth after death may vary under different conditions. He is also continuing to investigate enamel growth patterns in humans within both the context of forensic and biology anthropology.
- Dr Natalie Capel, Lecturer - Natalie studied at Loughborough University from 2007-2015, firstly obtaining a BSc in Chemistry and Sports Science, then an MSc in Pharmaceutical Science and Medicinal Chemistry, and finally a PhD in organic chemistry entitled 'Novel synthetic routes towards the anti-inflammatory mediator resolvin E1, and methodology development'. From 2014-2016 Natalie worked as a University Teacher at Loughborough, mainly leading the undergraduate laboratories and then started at Keele in September 2016 as a Teaching Fellow and later translated to lecturer in 2019.
- Dr Amber Collings, Lecturer Forensic Anthropology - Amber is particularly interested in exploring the effective integration of 3D imaging and printing into forensic investigations, the application of Geometric Morphometrics in the identification of unknown remains, the use of Finite Element Analysis for understanding skeletal fracture patterns, and the disparity between identity and identification in biological profiling.
- Dr Richard J. Darton, Senior Lecturer in Physical Chemistry - Richards' research is in the area of materials chemistry with a specific focus on understanding the relationships between synthesis, structure and applications of a wide-range of functional inorganic and inorganic-organic hybrid materials.
- Kris Wisniewski, Lecturer in Forensic Science - Kris' research interests include wildlife crime, military and forensic geoscience. Having gained an MA in Teaching and Learning in HE from Keele in 2021, Kris is now exploring the use of virtual learning environments in HE.
- Dr Adam Jeffery, Technician - Adam manages the geochemistry laboratories in the School of Geography, Geology and the Environment, offering teaching and research support, as well as supervision and training in specialist methodologies and instrumentation. In recent years, Adam has become more involved in pedagogic pursuits and is conducting research into the potential benefits associated with the application of guided, interactive image-based teaching within the context of thin section petrography.
Next steps
Facilities
Crime Scene House
Keele's purpose-built Crime Scene House (equipped with CCTV, vehicles and blood pattern analysis room) provides you with a practical space for applied learning and is a typical environment encountered by forensic practitioners and scientists.
Having a simulated crime scene available enables you to gain hands-on experience in recovering evidence from a variety of realistic criminal settings. You will develop the skills to critically analyse the acquisition of forensic evidence with consideration of control, continuity and contamination as well as quality assurance and reporting.
Take a tour of our Crime Scene House
Crime Scene Facility
This bespoke building on campus, contains five crime scene scenarios including post offices, bars, nurseries and domestic property to illustrate the variety in crime locations as they are not restricted to private households only.
Central Science Laboratories
Keele's Central Science Laboratories house multiple analytical suites that include industry standard equipment used in the analysis of forensic evidence. You will benefit from transformational teaching in a space designed to encourage and enable collaborative and interdisciplinary working.
Equipment includes: Video Spectral Comparators, comparison microscope, AFIS, micro spectrophotometer, Raman spectrometer, NMR spectrometers, ICP-OES, GCs, GC-MS, UV Vis spectrometers, fluorimeters and FT-IR spectrometers.
Outdoor aquatic forensic projects
Academic staff have been involved in investigating aquatic cold cases using bespoke search equipment, assisting both local and National Crime Agency Police Forces.
Find out more about Forensic and Analytical Science at Keele.
Next steps
Costs
- Travel: There may be additional travel costs if an external project or collaboration is undertaken which will be discussed before projects are confirmed.
- Dissertation: Some dissertations may involve fieldwork for which you will be responsible for arranging any necessary transport and accommodation, as well as any other costs incurred during your dissertation work.
- Administrative: Please be aware of costs for printing, inter-library loans and overdue library fines.
Next steps