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Faculty of Science and Engineering

MSc in Analytical and Forensic Chemistry

Postgraduate - Taught MSc

Open for admission in 2023/24

Start in September

Qualification Full time
MSc 1 year

About the course

The MSc in Analytical and Forensic Chemistry is aimed at those with a strong interest in modern instrumentation and in novel methods of chemical and forensic analysis.

A revolution in forensic, environmental and pharmaceutical science has been borne through advances in analytical science. We are now seeing a strong, worldwide demand for imaginative, skilled analysts who have knowledge and hands-on experience of modern analytical instrumentation.

Forensic science is a multidisciplinary activity that relies on chemical and analytical techniques to provide invaluable evidence from investigations of disasters, accidents and criminal activities. It may involve the detection of tiny amounts of explosives, poisons and drugs or the identification of fibres, paints, combustion residues, glass fragments, or counterfeit currency. Forensic work is also of a biological nature, with crime detection techniques such as DNA fingerprinting requiring an understanding of the underlying biochemistry.

The University’s Analytical Science Group has an international reputation for its innovative approach to analytical and forensic chemistry. We are one of the UK’s premier analytical groups, with a range of state-of-the-art facilities and instrumentation.

What you'll study

In Semester 1 you take three core modules. These are designed to give a broad and balanced understanding of the most important developments in modern analytical and forensic chemistry.

In Semester 2 you use key research tools – such as online information retrieval – to learn about the background and the planning behind your chosen research project. You will also develop specialist knowledge of analytical and forensic chemistry.

In Semester 3 you complete an advanced analytical and forensic chemistry research project culminating in a Masters-level thesis and an oral presentation of your research successes.

Your learning will be diverse and varied. It will include interactive lectures, workshops, laboratory practicals, and computer lab sessions. You will explore the theoretical, practical and investigative aspects of analytical chemistry and forensic science, and develop invaluable professional skills, including the application of quality assurance and health safety, oral and written communication skills, problem solving, data handling and working in teams.

Compulsory modules

All modules are subject to availability and this list may change at any time.


  • Advanced Research Topics in Analytical and Forensic Chemistry

    This module gives you the opportunity to present complex scientific material both orally and in written form which are vital skills for future employment. Your knowledge of the subject and problem-solving abilities will be assessed in a three hour exam and a written assignment.

  • Preparation for Research

    Training for the research project begins in the first term, with literature searching and reviews on a short topic supervised by one of the academic staff within Chemistry.

  • Advanced Research Topics in Analytical and Forensic Chemistry

    This module gives you the opportunity to present complex scientific material both orally and in written form which are vital skills for future employment. Your knowledge of the subject and problem-solving abilities will be assessed in a three hour exam and a written assignment.

  • Literature Review and Preparation for Project

    Preparation for the research project continues with a selection of a research topic supervised by a member of the academic staff and continues with preparing literature searches, project planning, safety and ethical assessments.

  • MSc Research Project

    This module allows you to perform a detailed literature search, write a substantive literature review and carry out an extended research project in an area of relevance to your degree. You'll gain valuable experience of working in a state-of-the-art research environment at the cutting edge of your discipline.

Where you'll study

The location below may not be the exact location of all modules on your timetable. The buildings you'll be taught in can vary each year and depend on the modules you study.

Click to view on Google Maps
Hull Campus

Click to view directions on Google Maps

“The supervisors at the University of Hull are excellent, always making time for students. There are plenty of opportunities to present your work here as well as at other universities, which helps grow your professional network."

David Miller-Shakesby, PhD Chemistry, MChem Chemistry
Chemistry David Miller-Shakesby Synthetic Inorganic Chemistry PHD DSC01899

Fees and funding

  • Home £11,550

UK students can take out a Masters Loan to help with tuition fees and living costs. For 2023 entry, they provide up to £12,167 for full-time and part-time taught and research Masters courses in all subject areas. Find out more about Postgraduate Loans.

  • International £12,000

Please see the terms and conditions for International fees 2022/23

Graduate PGT Scholarship

The University of Hull is pleased to offer graduates progressing from undergraduate to postgraduate taught study a £1,000 scholarship towards the cost of their tuition fees.

Find out if you’re eligible by visiting the University of Hull Graduate PGT Scholarship page.

International Scholarships and Bursaries

For a list of all scholarships and bursaries for international students, please visit the International Scholarships and Bursaries page.

Scholarships and Bursaries

The University offers a range of scholarships to help you with your studies.

For more information, please visit the Scholarships and Bursaries page.

Be inspired by leaders in the field including members of the team that gave the world LCD displays.

Cutting-edge facilities include synthesis laboratories, a state-of-the-art microscopy suite, NMR, microfluidic fabrication facilities and mass spectrometry facilities.

Industry links include projects with AstraZeneca, GlaxoSmithKline, Pfizer, RB (formerly Reckitt-Benckiser), Schlumberger and Unilever.

In the latest national assessment of research, 79% of our outputs were classed as ‘world leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’.

Entry requirements

Minimum 2.2 Bachelor Honours (or international equivalent) in chemistry or related subjects.


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. In addition, existing undergraduate students at the University of Hull have a guaranteed ‘Fast Track’ route to any postgraduate programme, subject to meeting the entry criteria (excluding Social Work).

International students

Language requirements

If you require a student visa to study or if your first language is not English you must provide acceptable evidence of your English language proficiency level.

This course requires academic IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 5.5 in each skill. See other accepted English language proficiency qualifications.

If your English currently does not reach the required standard, you may be interested in our pre-sessional English Language programmes.

Visit your country page to find out more about entry requirements.

Future prospects

We teach a modern curriculum covering key areas of analytical chemistry of importance to industry, including process analysis, quality assurance, spectrometry and chromatography; and cutting-edge interdisciplinary research topics in areas such as lab-on-a-chip.

The knowledge and skills you will learn on this MSc will prepare you for a career in forensic science providing invaluable evidence from investigations of disasters, accidents and criminal activities.

We undertake world-class research in many scientific areas and are famous for our pioneering work on liquid crystals. Many of our Masters students choose to progress on to PhD-level study.

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