MSc

Analytical and Forensic Science

Enhance your analytical and scientific skills through immersive, practice-based learning led by our expert academics. Gain the advanced knowledge and experience employers are looking for to progress in a competitive and evolving professional landscape.

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Key Course Details

  • Start Date

    September

  • Location

    Pontypridd

  • Campus Code

    A

Fees

  • Home students

    £11,060*

  • International students

    £17,900*

  • Full-time fees are per year. Part-time fees are per 20 credits.

  • Start Date

    September

  • Location

    Pontypridd

  • Campus Code

    A

Fees

  • Home students

    £1,229*

  • Full-time fees are per year. Part-time fees are per 20 credits.
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From the crime scene to the courtroom, experience the full investigative process while using cutting-edge facilities and advanced laboratory technologies to analyse and interpret forensic evidence to professional standards.

DESIGNED FOR

Are you a scientist looking to develop advanced analytical and laboratory expertise in forensic science? This programme is tailored for graduates across forensic science, biology, chemistry, and related disciplines, as well as professionals with a keen eye for detail and a passion for the scientific elements of investigations.

Accredited by

  • The Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences

Career Paths

  • Forensic Scientist in areas like DNA or Toxicology
  • Analytical Chemist
  • Environment Scientist
  • Research Scientist
  • Further study, either in forensic science or other scientific areas

Skills taught

  • Advanced Analytical and Laboratory Skills
  • Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving
  • Leadership and Team Collaboration
  • Networking and Scientific Communication
  • Ethical and Professional Integrity

We make a difference in practice, not just on paper. Our courses are designed by people who offer jobs - and taught by people who have real work experience.

Students wearing lab coats and protective eyewear are working in a forensics lab.
A student in a white laboratory coat, protective glasses and white rubber gloves uses a pipet to complete an experiment in a science lab

Course Highlights

Laboratory Experience

Use our state-of-the-art laboratory facilities and develop advanced skills with industry-standard analytical equipment.

Hands-On Learning

Put theory into practice in real-world settings using our cutting-edge scientific facilities.

Industry Experience

Learn from leading professionals who bridge cutting-edge research with real-world industry expertise.

Immersive Learning

Take part in authentic investigative scenarios through advanced simulation facilities and our crime scene house.

Module Overview

Immerse yourself in forensic criminal investigations in a hands-on, challenging environment. Work on everything from crime scene examination and advanced laboratory analysis to expert evidence presentation in court. Enhance your expertise with specialised analytical equipment while developing your critical scientific skills that is essential for forensic investigation and the justice system.

Advanced Crime Scene Investigation
This module develops advanced skills in managing complex crime scenes, covering forensic strategies, decision-making, cognitive bias, evidence interpretation, and the psychological impact of investigations on crime scene professionals.

Forensic Evidence in Investigative Practice
Explore advanced forensic evidence types, including DNA, fingerprints, digital, and drugs. Learn to collect, interpret, and apply evidence within legal frameworks, emphasising quality assurance, regulation, and UK forensic accreditation.

Advanced Forensic Biology and DNA Analysis
Develop advanced technical skills in forensic biology and DNA analysis, with a strong focus on data interpretation. Emphasis is placed on legal, ethical, and quality standards, preparing students to effectively present their findings in both investigative and judicial settings.

Analytical and Forensic Toxicology
This module equips you with advanced technical skills for the analysis of toxic substances in biological matrices using current and emerging analytical techniques, integrating legal, ethical, and scientific standards.

Research and Development Project
Undertake an independent, interdisciplinary research project, developing and evaluating forensic methodologies. Gain skills in data analysis, scientific communication, and presenting professional-standard findings through written reports and presentations.

Course Highlights

How you'll learn

You can expect hands-on learning through a mixture of in-person workshops, groups sessions and laboratory work as well as via our virtual learning environment.

Modules are assessed with a combination of approaches including practical and laboratory skills assessments, written coursework, laboratory reports, simulated casework files, preparation of witness statements, mock court sessions, oral presentation, and dissertations. The assessments have been designed to prepare students for employment after study and many of the skills are transferable to the workplace but also build on key skills such as independent working and teamwork.

Teaching staff

You will be taught by a diverse team of experienced academics and industry practitioners, combining deep research expertise with practical forensic knowledge. Our team is skilled in student-focused teaching, ensuring an engaging learning experience.

Through strong professional networks, you’ll gain insights from external experts across forensic sectors, including DNA analysis, trace evidence, toxicology, and crime scene investigation. This unique blend of detailed learning and real-world experience equips you with the skills and understanding needed to excel in forensic science careers. Learn directly from specialists dedicated to advancing both science and justice.

Faciltiies

Our course offers hands-on training using specialist equipment across forensic fields. Engage with realistic crime scenes, including our dedicated Crime Scene House and simulation suite, and analyse evidence in our high-tech laboratories.

You’ll use advanced tools such as scanning Electron Microscopy, Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry, and Capillary Electrophoresis. From initial scene examination to courtroom testimony in our moot court, experience the full investigative process in facilities designed to mirror real-world practice. This thorough, practical approach equips you with the skills and confidence to excel in forensic and criminal investigation careers and beyond.

Accredited By

Careers and Employability

Graduate careers

Our graduates develop advanced skills in evidence collection, analysis, interpretation, and reporting, including presenting findings as expert witnesses. Their training fosters critical thinking, ethical decision-making, and professional communication, enabling them to navigate complex casework and apply evolving forensic technologies.

The course enhances leadership, collaboration, and problem-solving abilities, preparing graduates to contribute effectively within criminal justice agencies, forensic laboratories, and investigative teams. With a strong foundation in interdisciplinary investigation, graduates are well-equipped for advanced research, consultancy, or specialist roles that support justice and public safety at local, national, and international levels.

Careers Support

You’ll have access to advice from the Careers and Employability Service throughout your studies and after you graduate. This includes one-to-one appointments from a faculty-based career adviser and extensive online resources for help with considering career options and presenting yourself well to employers. Resources include psychometric tests, career assessments, a CV builder, interview simulator and application help. Our employer database has over 2,000 registered employers targeting USW students and students can receive weekly job email alerts.

Industry Partners

We have established strategic partnerships with top industry leaders who actively contribute to curriculum design, deliver expert guest lectures, and facilitate collaborative opportunities for students via their Research and Development Projects.

Our extensive network includes prominent forensic science providers across the UK, key police forces, and specialised DNA and toxicology laboratories, ensuring our programme remains aligned with cutting-edge professional standards and emerging sector needs.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Typical qualification requirements:

A 2:2 BSc (Hons) degree in a course accredited by the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences in forensic science, forensic chemistry, forensic biology, or, forensic investigation.

Applications from graduates of other subject areas with a 2:2 classification are welcome and considered on an individual basis, and candidates should be able to demonstrate an understanding of forensic practices, biology and chemistry or relevant forensic work experience within their personal statement.

The course welcomes international applicants and requires an English level of IELTS 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each component or equivalent.

Additional information:

Please note that whilst this course does not require a DBS Check for entry, some professions will not consider candidates who have certain types of criminal convictions.   

Therefore, if you have a criminal conviction and you are considering a particular career path we would recommend that you check with the relevant professional body or refer to their recruitment policy to make sure that your conviction will not disadvantage you.

International applications welcomed:

We welcome international applications with equivalent qualifications of our entry requirements. For more details related to your country of residence, please view our dedicated country pages.

English language requirements

International applicants will need to have achieved an overall of IELTS 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each component/TOEFL 4 overall and a minimum of 4 in each component or equivalent.

Equivalents can be located on our English Language pages.

If you have previously studied through the medium of English, IELTS might not be required, please visit our country specific page for further details. If your country is not featured, please contact us.

If you do not meet the English entry criteria, please visit our Pre-Sessional course pages.

Contextual offers

We may make you a lower offer based on a range of factors, including your background (where you live and the school or college that you attended, for example), your experiences and individual circumstances (as a care leaver, for example). This is referred to as a contextual offer, and we receive data from UCAS to support us in making these decisions.

USW prides itself on its student experience and we support our students to achieve their goals and become a successful graduate. This approach helps us to support students who have the potential to succeed and who may have faced barriers that make it more difficult to access university.

 

We're here to help

Whether you a have a question about your course, fees and funding, the application process or anything else, there are plenty of ways you can get in touch, and we'd love to talk to you. You can contact our friendly admissions team by phone, email or chat to us online.

 

Fees and Funding

UK Full-time Fee

£11,060

per year*
International Full-time Fee

£17,900

per year*
UK Part-time Fee

£1,229

per 20 credits*

Further Information

Studying at university is one of the most significant investments you'll ever make. Whilst you’re studying, you’ll have two main financial obligations – tuition fees and living costs. There’s lots of financial help available from the University of South Wales and external funding sources, that may provide loans (which have to be paid back) and grants, scholarships and bursaries (that don't).

*Full-time fees are per year. Part-time fees are per 20 credits. Once enrolled, the fee is anticipated to remain at the same rate throughout the duration of your study on this course except as described below.

Please be aware that we may increase the maximum fee for home students on full-time undergraduate courses only where the Welsh Government increases the permitted level of inflation of fees. Fees for all students (including part-time, postgraduate and international students) may be amended in accordance with our applicable Fees and Debt Management Policy.  We will ensure that students are given clear, intelligible, unambiguous and timely information about our courses and costs in good time, ahead of the next academic year.

 

Fees and Funding Scholarships and Busaries Alumni Discount

Additional Costs

As a student of USW, you’ll have access to lots of free resources to support your study and learning, such as textbooks, publications, online journals, laptops, and plenty of remote-access resources. Whilst in most cases these resources are more than sufficient in supporting you wit

Students are encouraged to equip themselves with a suitable cotton laboratory coat for working in a chemical laboratory, and a pair of personal protective laboratory goggles, although the Department does provide these PPE items. Students who are successful in securing an industry-based project may, in a small number of cases, be required to obtain additional personal protective equipment as specified by the specific organisation or company.

Cost: Variable

University Quality Assurance

At USW, we regularly review our courses in response to changing patterns of employment and skills demand to ensure we offer learning designed to reflect today’s student needs and tomorrow’s employer demands.

If during a review process course content is significantly changed, we’ll write to inform you and talk you through the changes for the coming year. But whatever the outcome, we aim to equip our students with the skillset and the mindset to succeed whatever tomorrow may bring. Your future, future-proofed.

Studying at USW

Our courses are designed with industry leaders and provide the practical skills and experiences industry demands. Our flexible courses reflect the need for life-long learning. If you value education in practice, not just in theory, then USW is for you.

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Postgraduate fees and funding
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Pontypridd Campus, Glyntaff
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Postgraduate Open Events

How to apply

There is an online application process for this course. Please choose the application form for your preferred start date and mode of study (i.e. full-time or part-time).

International admissions

Please see our international admissions advice for further information about how to apply as a prospective international student.

Next Steps

How to Apply
Book an Open Evening
Chat to Us