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MSc

Forensic Science & Crime Scene Investigation

Attendance

Campus

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Duration

1 Year

Start

September 2023

Delivery

Campus Taught

Delve into Forensic Science and Crime Scene Investigation in our state-of-the-art facilities. Learn the fundamentals of forensic biology and chemistry and step inside new laboratories and crime scene houses.

Our Forensic Science & Criminal Investigation MSc is designed for both graduate students and forensic practitioners. You’ll develop theoretical knowledge and practical application of the key aspects of the subject.

You’ll study the recovery and processing of a variety of evidence types found at crime scenes in detail, as well as the evaluation and presentation of that evidence in a legal context.

After completing six taught modules you’ll undertake a three module research project to develop your research skills. A diverse range of projects are available, both within the University and through external placements. 

Why study with us

Access extensive modern facilities including crime scene houses, forensic, chemistry and biology laboratories.
Our course is taught by internationally-acclaimed academics and former senior practitioners.
Join a ground-breaking partnership with the University and Lancashire Constabulary – the Lancashire Forensic Science Academy, believed to be the first of its kind in the UK.

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What you'll do

Placements are possible with forensic providers, both in the UK and overseas, as well as specialist placement opportunities through our pioneering Lancashire Forensic Science Academy (LFSA).
Just some of our topics include: Forensic Science, Criminal Investigation, Forensic DNA Profiling, Fire Investigation, Forensic Anthropology, Forensic and Conservation Genetics and Forensic Toxicology.
By the time you graduate from our Forensic Science and Criminal Investigation programme, you will be well placed to start an exciting career in areas of forensic science, biological sciences or chemical analysis.

The Hydra Minerva Suite at the University of Central Lancashire

Module overview

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of our published course information. However, our programmes are subject to ongoing review and development. Changing circumstances may cause alteration to, or the cancellation of, courses. Changes may be necessary to comply with the requirements of accrediting bodies or revisions to subject benchmarks statements. As well as to keep courses updated and contemporary, or as a result of student feedback. We reserve the right to make variations if we consider such action to be necessary or in the best interests of students.

Lancashire Forensic Science Academy

This ground-breaking partnership gives you the opportunity to shadow real CSI's and gain industry placement experience.

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Academic expertise

Looking to start your postgraduate journey?

Our range of subjects and study modes can support your goals, take your next step with a postgraduate degree.

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Accreditations

This course is accredited by the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences, demonstrating that it provides a solid, widely respected route into the highly competitive field of forensic and criminal investigation.

Lancashire Constabulary and the University’s School of Forensic and Applied Sciences have joined forces to create the Lancashire Forensic Science Academy. CSIs, forensic science experts, academics and students work alongside each other in purpose-built facilities to research, investigate and deliver forensic science services in Lancashire.

This ground-breaking partnership gives you access to an operational environment.

Future careers

By the time you graduate from our Forensic Science and Criminal Investigation programme, you will be well placed to start an exciting career in areas of forensic science, criminal investigation, biological sciences or chemical analysis.

Our course provides an excellent starting point for a career in the competitive sector of forensic science. Today, you’ll find our former students working in all sorts of forensic science settings – as crime scene investigators, police officers, scientific support personnel and intelligence analysts, at home and overseas. You’ll also learn the transferrable scientific skills that can open doors to government, education, the NHS, biotechnology firms, nuclear industries, pharmaceutical companies and other scientific companies.

Fees and funding

2022/23

Full-time£7800 per year

Part-time£867 per 20 credits

International

Full-time£14500 per year

2023/24

Full-time£8,400 per year

Part-time£933 per 20 credits

International

Full-time£15,500 per year

Scholarships and bursaries

We have a wide range of scholarships, bursaries and funds available to help support you whilst studying with us.

Select your country and see eligibility information and how to apply by selecting more info on the cards below.

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Our facilities include the £12.5million JB Firth Building to support our capability in chemistry and fire safety and engineering. In addition, our state-of-the-art resources include three crime scene houses, a vehicle examination area, a blood spatter pattern analysis suite, dedicated laboratories for the search and recovery of evidential materials, forensic anthropology, forensic biology and genetics and forensic entomology, together with a moot court room.

This course is assessed through preparation of case notes, essays, reports, practical reports, group and individual presentations and written and practical exams.