About Msc Forensic Science in University of Strathclyde

Study with us

• longest running MSc Forensic Science course in the UK
• accredited by the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences
• participate in a major practical crime scene and courtroom exercise
• input by forensic practitioners and professional scientists
• choose to specialise in forensic biology or forensic chemistry in second semester

Why this course?

You’ll join a global network of Strathclyde forensic science graduates who are in highly-respected positions all over the world. In addition to preparing you for life as a forensic scientist, you’ll also graduate with a wide range of practical skills, problem-solving and investigative thinking relevant to a wide range of careers.

You'll benefit from the expertise of our enthusiastic teaching staff who also conduct forensic science research and casework. Studying in the Centre for Forensic Science offers a unique experience, combining ‘case-based’ learning with research-led teaching.

Teaching takes place in the Centre for Forensic Science – a modern purpose-built laboratory for practical forensic training. It's equipped with state-of-the-art instrumentation for analysis of a wide range of evidence types. Facilities includes a microscopy suite, DNA profiling laboratory, analytical chemistry laboratory, blood pattern analysis room, and a suite for setting up mock crime scenes.

What you'll study

The focal point of the course is our major crime scene exercise, in which you investigate your own mock outdoor crime scene, collect and analyse the evidence, and present this in Glasgow Sheriff Court in conjunction with students training in Strathclyde Law School.

You'll cover core aspects of forensic science in Semester 1 including:

• crime scene investigation
• legal procedures and the law
• evidence interpretation and statistical evaluation
• analysis of a range of evidence types including footwear marks, trace evidence, and questioned documents

Following the general introduction in semester 1, you can choose to specialise in either forensic biology or forensic chemistry. As a forensic biologist you’ll study a range of topics including:

• body fluid analysis
• blood pattern interpretation
• DNA profiling
• investigation of assaults and sexual offences

Careers

Most forensic scientists in Scotland are employed by the Scottish Police Authority.

In the rest of the UK, forensic scientists are employed by individual police forces, private forensic science providers such as LGC Forensics and Cellmark Forensic Services, or government bodies such as the Centre for Applied Science and Technology (CAST) and the Defence Science Technology Laboratory (DSTL).

Outside of the UK, forensic scientists may be employed by police forces, government bodies or private companies.

Forensic scientists can specialise in specific areas such as crime scene examination, DNA analysis, drug analysis, and fire investigation.

Most of the work is laboratory-based but experienced forensic scientists may have to attend crime scenes and give evidence in court.

Academic qualification equivalents

• For entry to Strathclyde postgraduate programmes, we'd look for a first-class undergraduate degree (approx 60%) from a
  recognised Indian institution.

English language requirements (one of the below):

• IELTS    :     6.5 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in each component
• TOEFL  :    80+ overall,with the following minimum scores in each component: Listening:17 Reading: 18 Speaking:20 Writing:19
• PTE      :     58+ overall, with a minimum of 51 in each component

University of Strathclyde Highlights

University of Strathclyde Average Tuition Fees And Other Expenses

Fee for various range of courses available at the university varies as per their duration, level and type of program. Some of the popular courses with their respective fees are as mentioned below.

Undergraduate Courses (2020-2021)

Graduate Courses (2020-2021)

Cost of Living

List of expenses apart from the basic tuition fee are as compiled below.

Note that candidates looking for their private rented accommodation will require 100 to 125 GBP, per week, for a room in a shared plus other expenses.