Forensic Analysis MSc

If you would like to gain a strong background in the theory of analytical and forensic techniques, and how to apply to them to complex problems such as scenes of crime, this course is ideal. It emphasises the key skills required in this specialised area of science, including good measurement and scientific practice, sample collection and chain of custody, evaluation and interpretation of data, expert witness reports and presentation of evidence in court.

Kingston University has its own 'scene of crime' house, which is used to recreate crime scenes and enables you to put your investigative skills into practice.

What will you study?

You will study and explore recent trends in forensic science and learn about the latest analytical techniques used, such as atomic and molecular spectrometry and separation techniques. You will look at the role of the forensic scientist and how they interpret, evaluate and present evidence. You will also learn how to investigate and analyse fibres, firearms and fires.

In addition, you will have the opportunity to carry out your research project in industry or as collaborative research with other laboratories.

Find out more about the teaching on this course by watching a video of James Barker, Reader in Analytical Science:

Many of the staff in the Faculty of Science, Engineering and Computing are research active. This ensures they are in touch with the latest thinking and bring best practice to your studies.

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Please note that this is an indicative list of modules and is not intended as a definitive list.

Available modules

• The Role of the Professional Forensic Scientist: Interpretation, Evaluation and Presentation of Evidence

• The Role of the Professional Forensic Scientist: Interpretation, Evaluation and Presentation of Evidence

  This module introduces you to the duties of the forensic scientist, the scene of crime officer and other specialists at a crime scene. It covers the principles of:

  • evidence collection;
  • packaging/labelling;
  • preservation;
  • continuity of evidence; and
  • quality assurance at a crime scene.

  A mock trial will also help you develop the practical skills of expert witness testimony and report writing.

  
   
• Drugs of Abuse

• Drugs of Abuse

  This module introduces forensic analysis. You gain the relevant practical skills alongside an appreciation of the techniques used in the analysis of drugs of abuse. The module also covers:

  • the advantages and limitations of forensic instrumentation in this field;
  • the relevant legislation; and
  • a basic knowledge of sampling and storage protocols in the analysis of drugs of abuse.
  
   
• Separation Science I

• Separation Science I

  This module will:

  • describe the fundamental principles and typical applications of modern separation techniques;
  • extend this to more advanced practical aspects of separation techniques;
  • allow you to study modern Liquid Chromatography instrumentation in detail - including interfacing of Liquid Chromatography separation techniques to other analytical systems;
  • allow you to study modern instrumentation relative to the appropriate techniques in depth;
  • give you an appreciation of the interfacing of Gas Chromatography to other analytical systems; and
  • discuss the practices of Gel Electrophoresis and Capillary Electrophoresis.
  
   
• Separation Science II

• Separation Science II

  This module extends your knowledge of the more advanced practical aspects of separation techniques. You will:

  • study modern instrumentation relative to the appropriate techniques in depth;
  • develop an appreciation of the interfacing of gas chromatography to other analytical systems; and
  • discuss the practices of gel electrophoresis and capillary electrophoresis.
  
   
• Molecular and Atomic Spectroscopy I

• Molecular and Atomic Spectroscopy I

  This module will:

  • show the principles, advantages and limitations of atomic spectroscopic techniques, instrumentation and applications;
  • enhance your understanding of the bases for quantitative spectroscopic measurements;
  • allow you to practice the interpretation of simple molecular spectra to deduce chemical structures; and
  • provide an in-depth knowledge of the modern analytical methods and instrumentation used in:
    • atomic fluorescence;
    • uv/visible and infra-red spectroscopy;
    • nuclear magnetic resonance;
    • mass spectrometry;and
    • their applications.
  
   
• Molecular and Atomic Spectroscopy II

• Molecular and Atomic Spectroscopy II

  This module provides an in-depth knowledge of modern analytical methods and instrumentation used in the following techniques and their applications:

  • atomic fluorescence;
  • UV/visible and infra-red spectroscopy;
  • nuclear magnetic resonance; and
  • mass spectrometry.

  It also develops your ability to interpret advanced spectral data.

  
   
• Fibres, Firearms and Fire

• Fibres, Firearms and Fire

  This module provides an in-depth knowledge and practice of the techniques encountered in trace and contact evidence analysis. You also cover:

  • the advantages and limitations of forensic instrumentation in this field;
  • the relevant legislation; and
  • a basic knowledge of sampling and storage protocols in trace/contact evidence analysis.
  
   
• Specialised Analytical Techniques, Applications and Problem Solving

• Specialised Analytical Techniques, Applications and Problem Solving

  This module will:

  • introduce various specialised situations and techniques (eg clinical, environmental and materials science) in which the analyst will have to provide analytical solutions; and
  • illustrate the solution of complex analytical problems using an integrated approach.
  
   
• Research Project

• Research Project

  This module provides experience of planning, designing and executing a sustained piece of independent research appropriate to forensic analysis. It aims to develop:

  • your ability to critically evaluate your own and others' work; and
  • the analytical and laboratory skills introduced during the taught element of the course
  
   

The Faculty of Science, Engineering and Computing holds a number of open day events throughout the year. These are a great opportunity to find out more about this course, the Faculty itself, and the facilities we offer.

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Learn more about the facilities available to you as a student of this course.

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Our links with industry provide a practical base for our courses. They also help us to ensure your studies are kept up to date and relevant to the working environment.

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