This course is currently awaiting final validation. Applications will open once this has happened. Check back regularly for further updates.
Designed to enhance your employability and professional expertise, our MSc Forensic Science combines hands-on laboratory experience, real-world case analysis, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
You’ll learn from active researchers and experienced practitioners, working within our state-of-the-art, campus-based facilities. Through our strong industry partnerships and professional networks, you’ll gain invaluable insights and opportunities that prepare you to make a meaningful contribution to forensic science and the broader pursuit of justice.
About this course
This MSc equips you with the advanced knowledge and practical skills required for a successful career in forensic science. You'll develop expertise in evidence analysis, crime scene interpretation, and courtroom presentation through a curriculum that integrates core topics such as DNA profiling, toxicology, and trace evidence.
You’ll gain valuable insight into legal procedures and expert witness practice, while optional modules allow you to specialise in high-demand areas such as bloodstain pattern analysis and environmental forensics.
You'll join a supportive academic community that values integrity, innovation, and impact. You'll have access to cutting-edge facilities such as our crime scene houses and advanced analytical laboratories, where you can apply your learning to real-world scenarios. Teaching is delivered by experienced practitioners and active researchers, ensuring your studies reflect current industry standards and emerging practices.
Our strong industry links will further boost your career prospects in the field of Forensic Science, preparing you for roles in forensic laboratories, law enforcement, regulatory agencies, and consultancy.
Course overview
2 mins
Module options
For a full Masters degree, you'll study 180 credits over the duration of your course. Some programmes offer a Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) qualification or a Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) qualification. For a PGDip, you'll study 120 credits, and for a PGCert, you'll study 60 credits.
Filters
Crime Scene Science
This module will give you hands on practical experience of crime scene examination in our crime scene simulation suite. You will explore different approaches and how they can impact on criminal justice outcomes. You will gain a comprehensive understanding of anti-contamination procedures, and the importance of effective and contemporaneous recording of crime scenes, using digital techniques.
core
20 credits
Interpretation and Presentation of Evidence
In this module, you will learn how to contextualise forensic evidence in light of the case circumstances and how to present complex scientific information to the lay person, such as police officers, judges, lawyers, and the jury. You will learn how to present evidence orally and with confidence. We will provide you with management techniques to mitigate anxiety about presenting evidence. You will also gain a comprehensive understanding of the roles and responsibility of the expert witness.
core
20 credits
Current Topics
You will be offered a diverse range of topics that focus on a current topical aspect in Biomedical Sciences. You will discuss your chosen topic and formulate a workplan with your academic supervisor, who will support you to independently write an in-depth scientific review of your chosen topic. In addition, you will be supported by workshops facilitated by the module leader, and further supported by the Skills team.
core
20 credits
Forensic Biology and Toxicology
DNA profiling and toxicology are two of the largest forensic science disciplines used in the UK (in terms of case and the job market) and in this module you will gain a comprehensive understanding of both core disciplines, including the analytical processes and interpretation. You will gain hands on experience of practitioner relevant forensic science techniques and processes, ensuring that you are employer relevant upon graduation.
core
20 credits
Analytical Skills in Pharmacology
Gain experience of specific analytical laboratory techniques as a means of illustrating key techniques used within the process of drug development. The module will include specific detail relating to governance and ethics before considering contemporary analytical methods that are used currently in drug discovery.
core
20 credits
Research Project
You will lead on a forensic science project, one that will be chosen in a discussion between you and your project supervisor. The choice of project will depend on your strengths and your future aspirations. This project will be a full-time project and will usually be laboratory based.
core
60 credits
Environmental Forensic Science
This module covers topics such as pollution toxicology, wildlife crime, botany, palynology and forensic anthropology.
optional
20 credits
Specialist Forensic Science Techniques
You will gain a practical understanding of bloodstain pattern analysis and producing reports relating to BPA. You will also learn about clothing damage analysis and gain an overview of digital forensic investigations.
optional
20 credits
Our academics
You will be taught by internationally recognised academics and experienced forensic practitioners, engaging with advanced theoretical frameworks, research methodologies, and contemporary professional practices.
Professor Graham Williams
Professor of Forensic Science/Programme Director
Graham began his career with the Forensic Science Service in London, as a Reporting Officer and Forensic Biologist. His areas of expertise include DNA profiling, body fluid evidence, clothing damage analysis, and bloodstain pattern analysis.
Dr Kimberley Bexon
Lecturer in Forensic Science and Programme Director
Based at Hull York Medical School, Kimberley's teaching is practitioner-focused and experience-led, with a particular emphasis on the biological aspects of forensic analysis, including DNA profiling and body fluid identification.
Entry Requirements
What do I need?
When it comes to applying for this Postgraduate Taught degree, you'll need an Undergraduate degree (or equivalent). For this course, you'll need a 2:2 from a relevant bachelor's degree.
The programme is designed for graduates who have a studied a subject that is relevant to this course.
If you’re an undergraduate student at Hull, you’re guaranteed a fast-track route to this postgraduate degree, as long as you meet the entry requirements.
In order to ensure our students have a rich learning and student experience, most of our programmes have a mix of domestic and international students. We reserve the right to close applications early to either group if application volumes suggest that this blend cannot be achieved.
Fees & Funding
How much is it?
Scholarships
We offer a number of awards, bursaries and scholarships for eligible students. They’re awarded for a variety of reasons including academic achievement and/or to help those on lower incomes.
Scholarships and bursaries are separate to student loans. And the best bit is, you don’t pay a penny back.
Alumni Postgraduate Scholarship
University of Hull undergraduates progressing to a taught masters course may receive a 20% discount on the cost of their tuition fees.
Find out if you’re eligible by visiting the University of Hull Alumni Postgraduate Scholarship page.
See more Scholarships
We offer a range of scholarships and awards to students at the university to help with their financial load.
To view all of our scholarships and determine whether you're eligible, please visit our Scholarships and Awards page.
Our facilities
Future prospects
An MSc in Forensic Science from Hull opens the door to a wide range of exciting and rewarding career opportunities. The advanced knowledge, technical expertise, and professional experience you’ll gain are highly valued across the forensic and criminal justice sectors.
Graduates typically go on to work in roles such as Forensic Scientist (specialising in DNA, fingermarks, toxicology, or drug analysis), Reporting Officer or Manager, Expert Witness, Forensic Examiner, or Crime Scene Investigator. Opportunities also extend to positions within quality assurance, regulatory bodies, and research or consultancy organisations.
Whether you’re aiming to advance in a current forensic role or enter the profession for the first time, this MSc provides the practical skills, scientific insight, and professional confidence to take your career to the next level.
Take your career to the next level
Like what you’ve seen? Then it’s time to apply.
Make your application online now, and our admissions team will get back to you as soon as possible to make you an offer.
This course is currently awaiting final validation. Applications will open once this has happened. Check back regularly for further updates.
Not ready to apply yet?
We regularly deliver virtual and on-campus events to help you discover your perfect postgraduate course, whether it’s a subject you already love or something completely different. Our events are an opportunity for you to chat to tutors and current students and find out about the career options a postgraduate degree could lead to.
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All modules on this course page are subject to availability and this list may change at any time.