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MSc/PgDip
Forensic Science

Location
Southwark

Duration
1 year (full-time)
2 years (part-time), plus dissertation

Start date
September

Number of places
35

How to apply
Direct to LSBU

LSBU code
Full-time: 2428
Part-time: 2427

Course contact
Sophie Park
parks4@lsbu.ac.uk – 020 7815 7979

Course units

Project-based dissertation

Year 1 (full-time) and Year 2 (part-time):

– Forensic Principles: Procedure from Crime Scene to Court and Research Methods

– Crimes Against the Person: Murder, Rape, Assault, GBH, Pathology

– Terrorism: Fire, Explosions, Biological and Chemical Warfare

– Drug Crime: Drugs, Toxicology, Instrumental Methods

– Crimes Against Property: Burglary, Fraud, Car Crime, Case Studies

– Accidents and Disasters: Car Accidents, Train Crashes, Public Disasters

– Crime Laboratories: Continual Laboratory Analysis of Typical Exhibits


Course description

This programme allows well-qualified graduates with a strong science background to attain a qualification in forensic science. It provides instruction and practical experience on an extended range of forensic science subjects. Our approach allows you to gain experience of the different areas before choosing an area of expertise and qualifying them as a court-going forensic scientist.

The theme of the course is ‘crime scene to court’, and its aim is to guide students through the processes involved in forensic science, whilst promoting and assessing their analytical thought, problem-solving capacities and employability skills. The course aims to produce high calibre, versatile graduates who can analyse competently and interpret evidence at any stage in the ‘crime scene to court’ pathway.

The emphasis is placed on crime scene analysis, planning and managing laboratory analyses, together with the presentation of findings in a court of law. You will have the opportunity to gain more expert knowledge of specialist areas of interest through assignments and your MSc research project. These practical projects range from forensic DNA profiling, fibres analysis to the NMR analysis of illicit drugs in biofluids and tissues.

Career opportunities

Employment and further study opportunities for graduates of the MSc/PgDip in Forensic Science are excellent, with successful students entering a range of course-relevant roles such as those in the Forensic Science Service (reporting officers or forensic examiners), the police force, or alternative forensically relevant employment. Moreover, selected students further their project-based research experience and expertise by taking up externally-funded PhD degree programs (based in London, UK or overseas institutes).

Typical background of applicant

The typical applicant will have at least a 2:2 Honours degree in chemistry, biology, biochemistry, biomedical sciences or related physical or biological science.

Professional contacts/industry links

External lecturers featured on the course include those from the City of London Police and the Forensic Science Service, LGC Forensics together with forensic pathologists, odontologists, anthropologists and further staff based at collaborating UK universities and/or medical schools.

Additional notes

This course offers the opportunity for students to achieve a highly relevant professional training qualification and status in the forensic science area (either full or part-time), together with an extremely wide range of dissertation research project options. It also serves as a highly-appropriate forensic ‘conversion’ course for students who have graduated in alternative scientific disciplines.