Forensic Science

This course 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 of forensic science before choosing an area of expertise in which to carry out a six month research project.

The theme of the course is 'crime scene to court', and the aim is to guide students through the processes involved in forensic science, whilst promoting and assessing their analytical problem-solving capacities and employability skills. The course aims to produce high calibre, versatile graduates who can analyse forensic evidence competently and interpret and present evidential findings through both oral and written testimony 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 chemical analysis of illicit drugs in body fluids and tissues.

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

Course modules

An indicative list of topics covered on this course are:

• Project-based dissertation
• Forensic principles: procedure from crime scene to court and research methods
• Crimes against the person: body fluid analysis, DNA profiling, pathology, entomology, odontology
• Terrorism: fire, explosions, biological and chemical warfare
• Drug crime: drugs, toxicology, instrumental methods
• Crimes against property: marks and traces, glass, paint gun shot residues
• Accidents and disasters: car accidents, train crashes, public disasters
• Crime laboratories: continual laboratory analysis of commonly encountered forensic exhibits

Career and progression opportunities

Employment and further study opportunities for graduates of the MSc/PgDip in Forensic Science are highly competitive, with successful students entering a range of course-relevant roles such as those in the forensic science providers (reporting officers or forensic examiners), the police force or other scientific 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).

Professional and 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.

Entry requirements

Students will have at least a 2:2 honours degree in chemistry, biology, biochemistry, biomedical sciences or related physical or biological science.

If you are interested in studying at LSBU, please refer to our Standard Entry Requirements.

How to apply

Application methods for undergraduate part-time and postgraduate study vary depending on the course you are applying for. When applying use the LSBU codes listed below.

LSBU - FullTime - 2428

LSBU - PartTime - 2427

Further information about how to apply for your course.