Forensic Science MSc
Subject and course type
- Biomedical Science, Cancer Biology and Microbiology
- Postgraduate
Take the next step on your journey with the Forensic Science MSc course from Kingston University accredited by The Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences, with a choice of two pathways available: Analysis or Toxicology.
You are reading:
Learn how to preserve and analyse evidence
You’ll gain practical experience by investigating evidence in our scene-of-crime house
You'll also present expert witness testimony in a mock courtroom trial in Kingston Crown Court, in collaboration with law students.
Kingston University is one of the few UK institutions with an accredited forensic casework laboratory on-site. Kingston Analytical Services Toxicology (KAST) is an ISO 17025 and FSR codes accredited laboratory specialising in the testing of toxicology samples for the criminal justice system. The development of KAST by Kingston University academics demonstrates our excellence in forensic and analytical sciences.
You’ll also have the opportunity to carry out a research project. This can be completed in our extensive laboratories, in industry (potential placements include forensic labs, analytical companies, contract pharmaceutical companies or hospital labs). Alternatively, it can be completed as collaborative research with other laboratories and external partners.
Students can benefit from a wide range of facilities for practical work at our Penrhyn Road campus, including:
- our £9.8 million Eadweard Muybridge building with state-of the art laboratories
- new work areas and dedicated laboratories for research
- specialist equipment, such as:
- chromatography instruments
- a breathalyser
- electrophoresis equipment
- electron microscopes
- electrochemical analysis
- nuclear science equipment
- thermal analysis
- x-ray diffractometers
- spectrometers, including mass spectrometers, infrared spectrometers and nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometers
- computing laboratories and a team of IT technicians to offer assistance
Why choose this course
Forensic Science (Analysis) examines the latest analytical, spectroscopic and separation techniques used in case studies.
Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LCMS/ MS) will be used in your toxicology analysis. You will also use Inductively-Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICPMS), commonly used for environmental analysis, such as air pollution and water samples.
You will learn to investigate and analyse drugs of abuse, fibres and firearms and conduct fire and explosive investigations.
Forensic Science (Toxicology) offers in-depth training in pharmacology and analytical chemistry. You will study the biological effects and therapeutic uses of drugs, focusing on criminal and road traffic toxicology, and on drug testing in sport.
You will be able to put your investigative skills into practice with our scene-of-crime house, located on site. This is a real semi-detached house with five rooms and a garden containing various types of mock crime scenes, including burglary, arson, assault and sexual crime. Students have to pick up evidence and transport it back to the labs for preservation and analysis. The crime scene house is also used extensively to teach Bloodstain Pattern Analysis (BPA).
In addition, you will have the option to do a placement year in industry to put your research skills into practice in the real world. You are responsible for finding and securing your own professional placement, which can be highly competitive but also incredibly rewarding.
You will be taught by lecturers with wide experience as forensic scientists, expert witnesses and forensic research. Staff research includes the following themes:
- Analysis of trace materials from vehicles involved in road traffic accidents
- Fire investigation
- Drugs of abuse analysis (recreational and in sport)
- Lipstick contact analysis and Blood Pattern Recognition
- Forensic Archaeology and Anthropology
- Near Infra-Red Analysis
In addition, you will benefit from visiting guest speakers and industry visits. Recent trips include:
- a tour of the forensic labs at the Laboratory of the Government Chemist (LGC)
- a visit to Kingston Crown Court to see a trial
Accreditation
The Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences provides an accreditation system for both undergraduate and postgraduate courses in forensic science and related topics. Accreditation is given provided the course content meets with the Society's component standards which provide a quality endorsement of the course.
This course is currently accredited and will be undergoing routine renewal in the 2024/25 academic year.
Course content
You will explore recent trends in forensic science and learn about the latest analytical devices used, such as atomic and molecular spectroscopic and separation techniques and DNA profiling.
You will look at the role of the forensic scientist and learn how to, for example, investigate and analyse drugs of abuse, fibres and firearms and conduct fire investigation. There is also the opportunity to present expert evidence at a mock courtroom trial in a magistrates' court, examined by Kingston's own trainee lawyers and/or their law lecturers.
In addition, you will have the opportunity to carry out your research project in industry (depending on your results and project availability) or in Kingston University's extensive forensic and analytical laboratories.
To go on placement, a student is required to pass every module first time with no reassessments. It is the responsibility of individual students to find a suitable paid placement. Students will be supported by our dedicated placement team in securing this opportunity.
Modules
Core modules
30 credits
This module introduces the main spectroscopic techniques used in industry such as UV/Vis, FTIR, Mass Spectrometry, NMR, AES, AAS and X -Ray methods. The module later progresses to the more advanced designs and applications such as MS/MS, FTMS, TOF, sector and quadrupole mass analysers, 2D NMR, LCMS, MALDI, Atomic Fluorescence and ICPMS/AES.
60 credits
This module involves a research- or industry-based in-depth research project. You will develop your ability to critically evaluate your own work as well as the work of others, using analytical and laboratory skills.
On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:
- Prepare a realistic and coherent project proposal, formulate aims and objectives and plan your own time to achieve stated objectives
- Critically evaluate the current literature
- Carry out appropriate experiements in a safe manner (applying COSHH) and generate reliable, data suitably analysed, and apply appropriate statistical test
- Communicate the results of the project in a coherent report and in oral and visual manner
30 credits
This module introduces students to the principles and theory of separation science and its application in the laboratory including solvent extraction, high performance liquid chromatography, gas/liquid chromatography, centrifugation, gel and capillary electrophoresis and hyphenated techniques.
30 credits
This module introduces you to the duties of the forensic scientist, the scene of crime officer and other specialists at a crime scene. It covers the principles of:
- evidence collection
- packaging/labelling
- preservation
- continuity of evidence
- quality assurance at a crime scene.
A mock trial will also help you develop the practical skills of expert witness testimony and report writing.
Optional modules
120 credits
The Professional Placement module is a core module if you're following a masters programme that incorporates an extended professional placement. It provides you with the opportunity to apply your knowledge and skills in an appropriate working environment, and develops and enhances key employability and subject specific skills in your chosen discipline. You may wish to use the placement experience as a platform for a major project or your future career.
It is your responsibility to find and secure a suitable placement opportunity; this should not normally involve more than two placements which must be completed over a minimum period of 10 months and within a maximum of 12 months. The placement must be approved by your Course Leader prior to commencement to ensure its suitability. You will have access to the standard placement preparation activities offered by the Student Engagement and Enhancement (SEE) group.
Read more about the postgraduate work placement scheme.
Forensic Science (Analysis) pathway
Core modules
30 credits
This module introduces students to the analytical and forensic techniques encountered in trace and contact evidence analysis. The module focuses on four areas of forensic casework; drugs of abuse, fibre analysis, fire investigation and ballistics.
Forensic Science (Toxicology) pathway
Core modules
30 credits
This module provides the student with an in-depth training into pharmacology, analytical chemistry, case law, expert witness and statement writing. These skills form the fundamental duties of a forensic toxicologist. The two major branches of forensic toxicology in the UK are criminal and road traffic toxicology. Both require the practitioners to possess a knowledge of the analytical techniques used to analyse drugs and the pharmacology of these drugs. This module will provide students with a clear understanding of the biological effects and therapeutic uses of drugs, before focusing exclusively on both criminal and road traffic toxicology. There will also be a focus on drug testing in sport and its confirmation.
Career opportunities
Recent graduates from this course have gone on to roles such as:
- Scene of Crimes Officer
- Forensic Scientist
- Pharmaceutical Scientist
- Quality Assurance Officer
- Medicinal and Scientific Researcher
Teaching and assessment
When not attending timetabled sessions, you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. Typically this will involve reading journal articles and books, working on individual and group projects, coursework assignments and presentations, and preparing for exams. Your independent learning is supported by a range of excellent facilities including online resources, the library and CANVAS, the online virtual learning platform.
As a student at Kingston University, we will make sure you have access to appropriate advice regarding your academic development. You will also be able to use the University's support services.
A course is made up of modules, and each module is worth a number of credits. You must pass a given number of credits in order to achieve the award you registered on, for example 360 credits for a typical undergraduate course or 180 credits for a typical postgraduate course. The number of credits you need for your award is detailed in the programme specification which you can access from the link at the bottom of this page.
One credit equates to 10 hours of study. Therefore 180 credits across a year (typical for a postgraduate course) would equate to 1,800 notional hours. These hours are split into scheduled and guided. On this course, the percentage of that time that will be scheduled learning and teaching activities is shown below. The remainder is made up of guided independent study.
- 58% scheduled learning and teaching
The exact balance between scheduled learning and teaching and guided independent study will be informed by the modules you take.
Your course will primarily be delivered in person. It may include delivery of some activities online, either in real time or recorded.
Assessment typically comprises exams (e.g. test or exam), practical (e.g. presentations, performance) and coursework (e.g. essays, reports, self-assessment, portfolios, dissertation). The approximate percentage for how you will be assessed on this course is as follows, though depends to some extent on the optional modules you choose.
Type of assessment
- Analysis pathway: coursework: 60%; exams: 34%; practical: 6%
- Toxicology pathway: coursework: 56%; exams: 24%; exams: 24%
We aim to provide feedback on assessments within 20 working days.
You will be part of an intimate cohort of 20-40 students which provides dedicated academic guidance and advice as well as the opportunity to build a life-long network of colleagues. Some modules are common across other postgraduate programmes; you may therefore be taught alongside postgraduates from other courses.
Fees and funding
| Fee Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| Home (UK students) | MSc full time £11,400 |
| International | MSc full time £19,300 |
| Fee Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| Home (UK students) | MSc full time £10,900 |
| International | MSc full time £18,500 |
Funding support for postgraduate students
If you are a UK student living in England and under 60, you can apply for a loan to study for a postgraduate degree on the government's website.
Scholarships and bursaries
For students interested in studying Forensic Science (Analysis/Toxicology) MSc at Kingston, there are several opportunities to seek funding support:
The Gangolli Scholarship is a fully-funded (100% of fees) scholarship for Kingston University graduates progressing to a taught MSc course in the School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy and Chemistry.
For more information on how to apply for this scholarship, visit the Gangolli Scholarship page.
The Inspire the Future Scholarship offers a 40% reduction in fees for taught masters or postgraduate diploma courses with September start dates. 20 scholarships are available for progressing Kingston University graduates.
For more information on how to apply for this scholarship, visit the Inspire the Future Scholarship page.
International postgraduate students could receive up to £5,000 towards tuition in their first year of study.
For more information on how to apply for these scholarships, visit the International Scholarship page.
If you are a Kingston University 2024/25 undergraduate progressing to a 2025/26 postgraduate degree (taught or research), you could get a 15% reduction in tuition fees.
For more information on how to apply for this scholarship, visit the Postgraduate Progression Scholarship page.
Kingston University offers a 10% discount on full and part-time postgraduate degree course tuition fees to our alumni.
For more information on how to apply for this discount, visit our alumni discount page.
Additional course costs
Some courses may require additional costs beyond tuition fees. When planning your studies, you’ll want to consider tuition fees, living costs, and any extra costs that might relate to your area of study.
Your tuition fees include costs for teaching, assessment and university facilities. So your access to libraries, shared IT resources and various student support services are all covered. Accommodation and general living expenses are not covered by these fees.
Where applicable, additional expenses for your course may include:
Our libraries have an extensive collection of books and journals, as well as open-access computers and laptops available to rent. However, you may want to buy your own computer or personal copies of key textbooks. Textbooks may range from £50 to £250 per year. And a personal computer can range from £100 to £3,000 depending on your course requirements.
While most coursework is submitted online, some modules may require printed copies. You may want to allocate up to £100 per year for hard-copies of your coursework. It’s worth noting that 3D printing is never compulsory. So if you choose to use our 3D printers, you’ll need to pay for the material. This ranges from 3p per gram to 40p per gram.
Kingston University will pay for all compulsory field trips. Fees for optional trips can range from £30 to £350 per trip.
Your tuition fees don’t cover travel costs. To save on travel costs, you can use our free intersite bus service. This route links the campuses and halls of residence with local train stations - Surbiton, Kingston upon Thames, and Norbiton.
If you choose to do a placement year, travel costs will vary depending on your location. These costs could be up to £2,000.
How to apply
Before you apply
Please read the entry criteria carefully to make sure you meet all requirements before applying.
How to apply online
Use the course selector drop down at the top of this page to choose your preferred course, start date and mode, then click 'Apply now'. You will be taken to our Online Student Information System (OSIS) where you will complete your application.
If you’re starting a new application, you’ll need to select ‘new user’ and set up a username and password. This will allow you to save and return to your application.
Application deadlines
We encourage you to apply as soon as possible. Applications will close when the course is full.
Information required to confirm your place
If English is not your first language, we will require proof of your proficiency to allow us to confirm your place on the course. This will generally be either an IELTS or TOEFL test certificate, which can be forwarded to us after you have submitted your application. If you do not hold a formal English language qualification, please indicate how you have acquired your proficiency in written and spoken English.
After you have applied
If the postgraduate admissions tutor requires further information or wishes to invite you to further assessment by interview they will contact you directly. You will then hear whether your application has been successful.
If you do not clearly meet the standard entry requirements and the admission tutor wishes to see a portfolio from you, you will be sent an email asking you to upload your portfolio to your Kingston University OSIS account. Further details on how to do this will be provided at the time.
Course changes and regulations
The information on this page reflects the currently intended course structure and module details. To improve your student experience and the quality of your degree, we may review and change the material information of this course. Course changes explained.
Programme Specifications for the course are published ahead of each academic year.
Regulations governing this course can be found on our website.
