Forensic Science and Criminal Justice MSc

This is for you if... you want to study forensic science at an advanced level.

• To provide you with detailed, specialised knowledge and understanding of a wide range of the latest analytical techniques used in forensic science.
• To enable you to analyse critically different techniques and to apply these in the forensic workplace.
• To develop independent thinking and learning, enabling you to apply these to select the most appropriate techniques for a particular case and subsequently analysing and interpreting the resulting forensic evidence.
• To help to extend and develop your career as a professional in forensic science and criminal justice.

Course structure

Each 60 credit year of taught study comprises a number of modules that you have to take and pass in order to proceed to the next year.

The first year comprises four compulsory 15 credit modules that will equip you with the basics of understanding how forensic science is used to solve crime and how to critically analyse its use.

The second year comprises elective modules. You will select your modules from a wide list offered by the Universities of Leicester, Florida and Canberra. You have choices across a number of topics but, if you wish, you can focus your choices around specialist themes that may be of particular interest to you or your sponsor. Your dissertation topic will be chosen from a number of broad fields and should reflect an area of particular interest to you.

You will have the choice of studying for the general MSc or opting to follow one of our specialist routes. The specialist routes include:

• Physical Evidence
• Biological Evidence
• Human Remains

Teaching and assessment methods

All of the material required for this programme will be delivered to you electronically, irrespective of the providing institution within the Global Forensics Network.

Each module comprises a number of different elements designed to make the learning experience enjoyable and easy for you to tailor to your own style. Podcasts that ‘set the scene’ for a particular topic are reinforced by voice over PowerPoint presentations to equip you with the basic scientific skills and understanding required.

A number of self study activities supplement this learning. These are designed to enable you to expand your knowledge of a topic and to encourage you to think about what you have learned and how to apply it in the real world of forensic science.

2014/15 Fees

Payment options

You will have the option to pay:

1. Your full tuition fee course on initial registration or
2. Half of your course fee on initial registration (the final half of your course fee will be due on the anniversary of your initial registration) or
3. Over six instalments over your registration period

The University accepts a range of payment methods.

Each module also has at least one activity designed around a discussion group where you will have an opportunity to engage with other students, to exchange ideas and to comment on each other’s views.

Generally, you will need to spend about 15 hours per week studying.

Applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis and we welcome them from students from a range of backgrounds and educational experiences. If you do not hold an academic qualification, we may be able to consider you on the basis of extensive and relevant work experience.

Suitable candidates for the MSc Forensic Science and Criminal Justice will normally have:

• A good UK honours degree or its overseas equivalent (2.1 and above)
• Or extensive and relevant work experience in the field of Forensics