Entry requirementsEntry requirements • normally students must have an undergraduate degree in a relevant field. If you don’t have a degree you may be considered if you have at least five years professional experience. • you need two appropriate references • you need a high level of English language competence to successfully complete the course. If the language your first degree was taught in was not English, then typically IELTS 6.5 , TOEFL 620. • places are limited but there is no discrimination against any group or individual on the grounds of ethnic origin, nationality, gender, disability, marital status, sexuality, political or religious belief • international applicants, and applicants with disabilities are particularly welcomed onto the programme. For all applicants a good level of English is essential and it is important that international applicants have the level of English required to cope with the demands of the course. If you are concerned, you can attend the TESOL centre’s pre-session induction course. This may be recommended or required. • we normally interview students before admissions are finalised. International students may be interviewed by telephone or e-mail.
Academic titleMSc/PgDip/PgCert Forensic Science
Course descriptionForensic study is increasingly popular in universities and a forensic approach is often used in the workplace. This course gives you science skills and knowledge related to forensic investigation.
You gain an understanding of the legal issues in forensic study. A third of your study involves improving your knowledge of the legal system. Science is always studied in a legal context. And through your laboratory work you develop a sophisticated understanding of various analytical techniques.
You can choose which areas of forensic science you wish to develop with option modules that look at various areas of investigation and associated techniques.
One option module is called drugs of abuse, which looks at how to identify elicit drugs in various contexts. Another is fire arms and explosives, where you study ballistics and how explosion damage is used to gain an understanding of the type of explosive used.
You do a dissertation research project which develops your analytical skills under the supervision of an academic tutor.
There are four other forensic courses available. They are all designed to meet a wide range of individual needs and expectations. Each course complements your degree study or previous work experience.
Associated careers
You can find careers in forensic analysis laboratories. You may work by providing information for the police or crown prosecution in relation to evidence found at the scene of a crime.
You can also use the course to help your career development if you are in the police, legal and penal professions.
Course content
Modules
• criminal law • legal methodology • law of evidence • drugs of abuse • DNA in forensic science • scenes and crime techniques • fire arms and explosives • research project