About this course
- Entry year: 2012/13
- Course code: F41A1
- Applications: University
- Level: Postgraduate
- Department: Applied Sciences
- Campus: Frenchay
- Duration: One year full time or two years part time
- Delivery: Full time and part time
- Programme leader: Helen Robson
Introduction
The University of the West of England is recognised nationally and internationally as one of the leading centres for education in forensic science. The MSc Advanced Forensic Analysis is a one year full time, or two year part time, postgraduate programme designed to provide students with an advanced understanding of the main areas of forensic science. This programme offers students with an existing qualification in forensic science, the opportunity to build on the knowledge gained at undergraduate level and acquire an advanced knowledge of all main aspects of forensic science. This course offers modules in all three key areas of forensic science i.e. biology, chemistry and crime scene science and also a module covering more advanced aspects of research and statistics as well as conducting a research project, either based at the university or on placement with one of the forensic providers.
The programme is available as a full-time or part-time route. The part-time route is suitable for students in relevant employment.
Structure
Content
All students study the core modules:
- Advanced Crime Scene Science
- Forensic Biology and Genetics
- Forensic Analysis and Toxicology
- Research Methods
A research project is undertaken for the award of MSc. Part-time students perform the research project over two terms of the second year in the laboratory at their place of work. Full-time students carry out the project under the supervision of specialist subject tutors either at the University or on placement with one of the forensic providers.
A Postgraduate Diploma will be awarded to students who successfully complete all taught modules but do not undertake the research project. A Postgraduate Certificate will be awarded to students who successfully complete the Forensic Biology and Genetics module plus any one of the other modules on the programme.
Assessment
Each taught module is assessed by a written examination and coursework. Coursework may be in the form of a case study, practical report, poster or oral presentation. One assessment involves the collection of evidence from a mock crime scene, its examination in the laboratory, a written report as for court and examination in chief and cross examination in a mock courtroom.
Entry
Entry requirements
Students who have graduated with a minimum of a lower second class honours degree from a programme accredited by the Forensic Science Society (FSSoc) in the three relevant component standards (Interpretation, Evaluation and Presentation of Evidence, Crime Scene Investigation and Laboratory Analysis) may apply for direct entry to the course.
Students with a minimum of a lower second class honours degree in a relevant subject, on a programme not accredited by the FSSoc as above, including overseas students, will also be eligible to apply for the course but entry will be dependent on completion of appropriate study in a summer school at UWE. Attendance at this summer school would incur an additional fee. Students must also meet the minimum English Language requirements of the University for postgraduate study.
The full summer school will be of 4 weeks duration of which 1 week will address the Crime Scene Investigation component standard, 2 will address the Laboratory Analysis standard (one week each for Biological and Chemical evidence and techniques) and 1 week the Interpretation, Evaluation and Presentation of Evidence standard.
In addition, two weeks of introductory study will be required for overseas students whose previous instruction has not been primarily in English, and offered to those not familiar with the pedagogic style employed in the UK.
Applicants will be interviewed (either in person or by video conference or telephone) to confirm the nature of any study required prior to enrolling on the MSc programme.
Fees
Full details of fees for this course can be found on our postgraduate fees pages.
For funding options, please see our funding and scholarships information.
For further information
Page last updated 14 December 2011