Forensic Science at Staffordshire University - UCAS

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Course summary

On this course you will take your science or forensic science degree to the next level with a more detailed exploration of the evidence. You’ll put learning into practice at summer schools on campus. This MSc will build upon your previous experience of biological, chemical or forensic sciences. You’ll further hone your evidence-gathering skills, including biological evidence, finger marks, footwear marks, documents, fibres and glass. The emphasis of this award is on accuracy, accountability and thoroughness, with the aim of providing results and interpretation for use by a court of law. You’ll put theory into practice in our fully equipped crime scene house on two summer schools over one month. You’ll also gain valuable experience in our modern laboratories. You’ll learn from real case experience through staff expertise. They are involved in courts of law, case work and research with police forces. This course can be studied part-time which would require a 15 hour per week commitment. On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: MSc Forensic Science Course content You’ll take eight compulsory modules, including an independent research project. The postgraduate certificate and postgraduate diploma form the first two stages of the award. At certificate level, the focus is on the crime scene and the collection, packaging and analysis of evidence, such as finger marks, footwear marks, documents, hairs, fibres and glass. At diploma stage, you’ll study the chemical and biological analysis of evidence in forensic laboratories. For the MSc stage, you’ll carry out an independent research project in an area of interest or one chosen from a list of specialist topics aligned to industry needs.

Assessment method

There are two types of assessments: practice (also called formative) or formal (also called summative). Practice assessments do not count towards your final mark. These are your chance to test your understanding – and learn how to improve for the real thing. Assessment is by coursework assignments. Coursework takes various forms including essays, reports, analysis of evidence and role-play, including cross-examination in our mock courtroom. The practical support modules are assessed by submission of written reports based on experiments carried out. The independent research project assessment consists of the writing of a project proposal, a manuscript for submission to a journal and a literature review in addition to your laboratory notebook.


Entry requirements

Minimum 2:2 BSc (Hons) degree in a biological, chemical or forensic science discipline or equivalent and/or accredited professional qualifications or vocational experience in relevant areas. A good standard of English. A minimum score of IELTS 6.0 (with a minimum of 5.5 in all bands) or an equivalent qualification is required for this course. Accredited professional qualifications or vocational experience will be considered. If students do not have the required qualification but have professional experience, we would encourage you to apply as we consider all applications on their individual merit. Similarly, if you are unsure whether your degree would be appropriate, please contact our enquiries team who will be able to assist you.


Fees and funding

Tuition fees

No fee information has been provided for this course

Additional fee information

Course fees for each course can be found on the relevant course page on our website: https://www.staffs.ac.uk/. Further details about postgraduate fees and funding can be found here: https://www.staffs.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate/fees-and-funding.
Forensic Science at Staffordshire University - UCAS