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Posted Oct. 14, 2025
Top 10 Forensic Science Masters Degree Courses In The UK
Forensic science is the process of applying scientific techniques and methods to criminal and civil law issues.
It’s a very exciting area of study, combining biology, chemistry, physics and other scientific approaches to collect and interpret evidence to be used in a court of law.
Here’s our roundup of 10 of the best Forensic Science masters degree courses available to study at UK universities*.
MSc in Forensic Science – University of Strathclyde
Tuition fees: Home students – £15,300 / International students – £34,100.
What you will study: The MSc in Forensic Science at the University of Strathclyde is the longest running MSc in Forensic Science in the UK. Students on this course will participate in major practical crime scene and courtroom exercises, and they can choose to specialise in either forensic biology or forensic chemistry. The core aspects studied include the preservation and recovery of crime scene evidence; the assessment and analysis of various types of evidence; legal systems and ethical considerations of forensic science; and the interpretation and reporting of evidence. This course is accredited by the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences.
MSc in Forensic Science – University of Kent
Tuition fees: Home students – £10,000 / International students – £23,500.
What you will study: The MSc in Forensic Science at the University of Kent explores incident management, taphonomy and cutting-edge forensic research, providing students with a route into crime scene management and other forensic science roles. Core study modules include Substances of Abuse; Forensic Taphonomy; Contemporary Forensic Practice and the Expert Witness; and Modern Approached to Incident Management. This course is accredited by the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences.
MSc in Forensic Science – Nottingham Trent University
Tuition fees: Home students – £9,900 / International students – £17,850.
What you will study: The MSc in Forensic Science at Nottingham Trent University is ideal for students who want to specialise in forensic toxicology or bioarchaeology. It will also provide a deep understanding of current legislation, legal procedures and constraints surrounding this field. Core study modules include Bioarchaeology; Biometrics and Forensic Databases; Advanced Topics in Forensic Science; and Forensic Expert. This course is accredited by the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences. This course can be studied full time over one year or part time over two years.
MSc in Forensic Science – Northumbria University Newcastle
Tuition fees: Home students – £9,700 / International students – £20,950.
What you will study: The MSc in Forensic Science at Northumbria University has been designed for students who wish to enter a career in the analytical science industry. It involves a combination of forensic chemistry and forensic biology, covering topics such as trace evidence, DNA analysis and toxicology. Core study modules include Practices & Procedures in Forensic Science; Forensic Toxicology & Drugs of Abuse; Criminalistics; and Forensic Genetics. This course is accredited by the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences. This course can be studied full time over one year or part time over two or three years.
MSc in Forensic Science – Keele University
Tuition fees: Home students – £11,400 / International students – £17,700.
What you will study: The MSc in Forensic Science at Keele University enables students to explore forensic science investigation through a variety of different methods. Optional study modules include Environmental and Wildlife Forensics; Forensic Science Principles; Major Scene Investigation; and Digital Forensics. This course can be studied full time over one year or part time over two years.
MSc in Forensic Science – University of Lincoln
Tuition fees: Home students – £10,700 / International students – £18,800.
What you will study: Students on the MSc in Forensic Science at the University of Lincoln will undertake interdisciplinary research alongside academics with the goal of advancing forensic science techniques. Core study modules include Advanced Forensic Toxicology; Analytical Data Analysis; Bioanalytical Methods and Sensor Technologies; and Crime Scene to Court. This course can be studied full time over one year or part time over two years.
MSc in Forensic Science – University of Bradford
Tuition fees: Home students – £9,698 / International students – £25,389.
What you will study: The MSc in Forensic Science at the University of Bradford provides practical, interpretive and analytical skills in forensic biology and forensic chemistry. Students will develop a detailed understanding of crime scene management and skills in testing and interpretation of trace evidence. Core study modules include Advanced Forensic Biology; Advanced Forensic Chemistry; Law for Expert Witness; and Advanced Methods in Laboratory Forensics.
MSc in Forensic Science – UWE Bristol
Tuition fees: Home students – £11,500 / International students – £17,250.
What you will study: This MSc in Forensic Science at UWE Bristol has been designed to give students an understanding of how science is used to solve crime, providing them with the knowledge to enter a career in this field. Core study modules include Crime Scene Investigation; Advanced Forensic Analysis; and Interpretation, Evaluation and Presentation of Evidence. This course is accredited by the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences.
MSc in Forensic Science (Forensic Biology) – University of Huddersfield
Tuition fees: Home students – £9,900 / International students – £18,700.
What you will study: Students on MSc in Forensic Science (Forensic Biology) at the University of Huddersfield can specialise in a number of key areas of Forensic Biology including DNA/Body Fluids Identification; Entomology; and Taphonomy. Core study modules include Crime Scene Science Awareness; Forensic Science Awareness; Quality and Presentation of Evidence; and Advanced Forensic Skills.
MSc in Forensic Science – University of Derby
Tuition fees: Home students – £9,270 / International students – £16,900.
What you will study: This MSc in Forensic Science at the University of Derby has been designed to deepen the student’s knowledge of specialist forensics as well as to develop laboratory analysis skills. Study modules include Professional Forensic Scientist; Separation Sciences; Advanced Crime Scene and Evidence Analysis; and Spectroscopy and Structural Analysis. This course is accredited by the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences.
Looking for your perfect masters degree course? Use our course search to find your perfect postgrad program.
Editor’s note: this blog was originally published in December 2016. The tuition fees have been updated in October 2025 to reflect the latest tuition fees; and the rankings have been updated to reflect the rankings information in more recent sources.
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Postgrad Solutions Study Bursaries
31 comments
Charlotte King Jan. 5, 2017, 1:45 p.m.
Why don't you apply for one of our x15 Postgrad Solutions Study Bursaries worth £500 to help pay for your tuition fees:
https://www.postgrad.com/fees_and_funding/postgrad_solutions_study_bursaries/information/
Good luck!
Charlotte
Jason March 2, 2017, 4:39 p.m.
I can't decide between Kings College London and the University of Strathclyde. I've received offers from both to do an MSc in forensic science. Which one is better? Please help. Any suggestion is welcomed.
Charlotte King March 8, 2017, 11:13 a.m.
Hi Jason,
Congratulations - they are two fantastic universities to be offered places at - and both of their Forensic Science courses are excellent. I think you really need to work out whether you'd rather be based in London or in Glasgow - as this will probably be the biggest difference between the two. Do you have a strong support network in either of these two cities? As this could be useful whilst doing your masters studies. Another important consideration is costs - as the King's course is likely to cost you more money - and London living is more expensive than living in Scotland.
Our article on How To Choose can offer you some more advice: https://www.postgrad.com/advice/application_process/how_to_choose/
Good luck - please let me know what course you choose in the end.
Kind Regards,
Charlotte
Devendra April 18, 2017, 9:07 p.m.
Hi Charlotte
Thank you for all the information.
I reside in South Africa, and looking to do an online program in Forensic Science, preferably an MSC . I have already done a masters with the University of Liverpool and that cost me an arm and a leg I tell you !!!!! and because I am in the field of forensics I wish to pursue something that relates to this field. I am looking for something that is affordable and at a reputable university which also offers funding or bursaries. Any help or direction will be appreciated.
Thank you and Kind Regards
Devendra
Charlotte King April 19, 2017, 8:25 a.m.
Hi Devendra,
For your online options you can use our comprehensive course search facility to find out exactly what's on offer in your field of interest - simply make sure you check the 'online' section in the Attendance box:
https://www.postgrad.com/search/
As to funding - once you have selected a few courses that interest you I suggest you contact the relevant universities directly and see what funding opportunities they have on offer.
You can also of course apply for one of our Postgrad Solutions Study Bursaries worth £500 as soon as you have confirmed your place on a postgraduate course:
https://www.postgrad.com/fees_and_funding/postgrad_solutions_study_bursaries/information/
Good luck!
Charlotte
tomi Oct. 25, 2017, 9 p.m.
Hello,
I am in need of a good university that has Msc forensic science for january 2018 start
Charlotte King Oct. 30, 2017, 10:04 p.m.
Hi Tomi,
Here are all the Forensic Science courses available to study in the UK and Europe:
https://www.postgrad.com/courses/forensic-science/
January start dates are becoming increasingly popular and if you check the individual institutions you will be able to see which ones offer January start dates.
Good luck,
Charlotte
Zaidah Dec. 27, 2017, 4:49 p.m.
hello.
i am looking for a university with masters in Question Documents or a masters in Forensic Science but without biology or chemistry.
please suggest
Charlotte King Jan. 3, 2018, 2:55 a.m.
Hi Zaidah,
I'm not sure what a Masters in Question Documents is - can you elaborate?
As for Forensic Science - check the individual courses recommended in this blog for their level of biology/chemistry content. - Also here is our course search result to all the Forensic Science masters courses available:
https://www.postgrad.com/courses/forensic-science/
Charlotte
janya May 3, 2018, 5:20 p.m.
Hai... I am janya pursuing my B.Sc in forensic science in India. I will complete my under graduation in 2019. I am planning to do my masters in university of Amsterdam, Netherlands and university of Pennsylvania. Can you please suggest the best university for my masters in forensic science or any 1 among the above two , and also about funding and scholarships. Any suggestion please...?
Charlotte King May 9, 2018, 7:31 p.m.
Hi Janya,
Our comprehensive database has a listing of all of the Forensic Science courses:
https://www.postgrad.com/courses/forensic-science/
So you can use this to check that your chosen universities are included. They are both good universities so it will have to be a personal preference.
Once you have been accepted on a postgrad program you will be eligible to apply for one of our Postgrad Solutions Study Bursaries worth £500.
https://www.postgrad.com/fees_and_funding/postgrad_solutions_study_bursaries/information/
Good luck - let us know which course you opt for in the end.
NITIN ARORA July 12, 2018, 7:13 p.m.
Hi.
Looking at courses for masters in forensic sciences.I have shortlisted strathclyde and king's college London for the same.
I wanted to know the placement stats of these universities; Is the work visa easily granted after the completion of graduation, especially for Indians?.Which one would be a better option to study?
Charlotte King July 13, 2018, 12:48 p.m.
Hi Nitin,
Both of these courses are excellent - and should help you to find suitable employment once successfully completed. Both UK universities are extremely well regarded - and should an appropriate position be found post graduation I think a getting a work visa should be the same whichever one you opt for.
Good luck with your studies - and don't forget to apply for one of out Postgrad Solutions Study Visas once you are accepted on a masters program:
https://www.postgrad.com/fees_and_funding/postgrad_solutions_study_bursaries/information/
Charlotte
Chaitanya Vats July 21, 2018, 11:01 a.m.
Hi,
Currently m doing my masters in Forensic Science with specialization in Forensic Biotechnology, I want to enroll for a PhD course in same field/Forensic biology but everywhere application are invited for either bachelor or Masters course. Would u please suggest name of such universities in which I can apply??
Charlotte King July 22, 2018, 4:04 p.m.
Hello Chaitanya,
If you use our Course Search facility it gives a list of the universities offering Forensic Science courses on a research basis - use this link and take a look:
https://www.postgrad.com/courses/forensic-science/all/any-attendance/research/
Good luck,
Charlotte
Sam Aug. 14, 2018, 11:53 a.m.
Hi, m currently working in a forensic dna lab and am looking for masters in forensic science (with emphasis in biology) and exposure in the labs. Which Programme would you recommend?
Charlotte King Aug. 30, 2018, 9:11 p.m.
Hi Sam,
If you paste this URL into your browser you can see all the Forensic Science masters courses available to study in the UK and Europe. If you check with the different institutions you'll be able to find out which ones major in Biology,
Anil kumar Oct. 31, 2018, 2:37 p.m.
hi king,
I have read all your comments above and everything is very useful, but no where u mentioned about Cransfield university. I want to pursue M SC in Forensic Investigation from that university or the similar course from any university. please help me to get out of this..
Thank you
Charlotte King Nov. 2, 2018, 10:10 a.m.
Hi Anil - Cranfield University has a well regarded Forensic Institute offering some great Forensic Science programs. Check out what's on offer here >
https://www.cranfield.ac.uk/centres/cranfield-forensic-institute
Good luck finding the perfect program - Charlotte
minnu merson Jan. 2, 2019, 7:21 a.m.
Hi Charlotte,
I am M.Sc final semester student in Molecular biology and Genetic engineering.I will complete my graduation within March. Now, I am doing project work. i am very much interested in forensic science. Actually,i am seeking of training/workshops regarding forensic science. Can you please give me an advice on from where to start? I am an Indian. is there any research centres giving chance for workshops/training other than india?actually i am focusing on DNA fingerprinting analysis.can you help me to build a career in this field. kindly please help me with this to move forward in future. i am expecting your replies. kindly please update me.
Charlotte King Jan. 4, 2019, 9:17 a.m.
Hi Minnu - The best place for you to start is to ask your university supervisor for any advice or contacts within the forensics field - he or she will be able to point you in the right direction. Good luck - Charlotte
Ghassan Aug. 16, 2019, 7 p.m.
Hello Charlotte,
I have master degree in biotechnology engineering and I intend to do PhD in forensic genetics. Could you please suggest a good university in Europe offer a PhD in forensic genetics (UK, Norway , Spain)
Thank you in advance
Charlotte King Aug. 21, 2019, 5:31 p.m.
Hi Ghassan,
There are currently only 2 universities offering specific Forensic Genetics courses:
https://www.postgrad.com/search/postgraduate-programs/?q=forensic+genetics
However there are many more offering Generics Research programs and you should be able to specialise in Forensic Genetics with these:
https://www.postgrad.com/courses/genetics/all/any-attendance/research/
Good luck,
Charlotte
Christos Feb. 25, 2020, 10:47 p.m.
I am between Strathclyde's and king's master of forensic science , I would really appreciate an opinion from someone who knows !
Dr Minal Chadha March 11, 2021, 3:18 p.m.
Hello,
I have Dentistry background from India. Planning to do Masters in Healthcare from UK. Kindly tell which degree amongst following has good job prospects in terms of getting employability and good average salary package in UK/Europe: Forensic Medical science/ Forensic Toxicology / MSc In Public health??
Charlotte King March 22, 2021, 8:11 a.m.
Hello Dr Chadha – I think all of those PG options will provide great future career prospects. Use our course search tool to explore your options further > https://www.postgrad.com/search/
If you're still unsure what to study it might be worth considering that in light of the the current health crisis resulting from the Coronavirus Pandemic, Public Health could be a good option with plenty of job opportunities if this is an area that interests you.
Good luck!
Shanwil shaun dsouza July 2, 2021, 6:04 a.m.
I am currently pursuing my bsc in forensic science and I want pursue my masters in forensic toxicology or other specifications in forensic in germany or Canada can I know I University's which provide MS in the same
Charlotte King July 13, 2021, 9:27 a.m.
Hi Shanwil – I'm afraid I don't know of any courses in this field in Canada or Germany. I suggest you as your current supervisor if they can offer advise you. I hope they can help.
Pelorus Technology June 27, 2024, 12:51 p.m.
Fantastic list of forensic science master's programs! Your guide is incredibly helpful for prospective students. Thanks for the valuable information!
Charlotte King June 30, 2024, 9:21 a.m.
Thanks :)
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Monica Contreras Dec. 20, 2016, 7:47 a.m.
I'm funding to continue my masters education on a STEM related field. Any help is truly appreciated!
-Monica Contreras