Curious about studying Forensic Science MScat Kingston University? We've gathered all the key details—entry requirements, modules, fees, and more. Hear from real students by checking out reviews, or take the next step by booking an open day to explore it for yourself.
MSc - Master of Science
Penrhyn Road Campus
Full Time
Sep 2026
1 Year
Take the next step on your journey with the Forensic Science MSc course from Kingston University, accredited by The Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences, with a choice of two pathways: Analysis or Toxicology.Forensic Science (Analysis) examines the latest analytical, spectroscopic and separation techniques used in case studies.Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LCMS/ MS) will be used in your toxicology analysis. You will also use Inductively-Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICPMS), commonly used for environmental analysis, such as air pollution and water samples.You will learn to investigate and analyse drugs of abuse, fibres and firearms and conduct fire and explosive investigations.Forensic Science (Toxicology) offers in-depth training in pharmacology and analytical chemistry. You will study the biological effects and therapeutic uses of drugs, focusing on criminal and road traffic toxicology, and on drug testing in sport.You will be able to put your investigative skills into practice with our scene-of-crime house, located on site. This is a real semi-detached house with five rooms and a garden containing various types of mock crime scenes, including burglary, arson, assault and sexual crime. Students have to pick up evidence and transport it back to the labs for preservation and analysis. The crime scene house is also used extensively to teach Bloodstain Pattern Analysis (BPA).In addition, you will have the option to do a placement year in industry to put your research skills into practice in the real world. You are responsible for finding and securing your own professional placement, which can be highly competitive but also incredibly rewarding.You will be taught by lecturers with wide experience as forensic scientists, expert witnesses and forensic research. Staff research includes the following themes:Analysis of trace materials from vehicles involved in road traffic accidentsFire investigationDrugs of abuse analysis (recreational and in sport)Lipstick contact analysis and Blood Pattern RecognitionForensic Archaeology and AnthropologyNear Infra-Red AnalysisIn addition, you will benefit from visiting guest speakers and industry visits.
This module introduces students to the principles and theory of separation science and its application in the laboratory including solvent extraction, high performance liquid chromatography, gas/liquid chromatography, centrifugation, gel and capillary electrophoresis and hyphenated techniques.
This module introduces the main spectroscopic techniques used in industry such as UV/Vis, FTIR, Mass Spectrometry, NMR, AES, AAS and X -Ray methods. The module later progresses to the more advanced designs and applications such as MS/MS, FTMS, TOF, sector and quadrupole mass analysers, 2D NMR, LCMS, MALDI, Atomic Fluorescence and ICPMS/AES.
This module involves a research- or industry-based, in-depth research project. You will develop your ability to critically evaluate your own work as well as the work of others, using analytical and laboratory skills.
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; quality assurance at a crime scene. A mock trial will also help you develop the practical skills of expert witness testimony and report writing.
This module introduces students to the analytical and forensic techniques encountered in trace and contact evidence analysis. The module focuses on four areas of forensic casework; drugs of abuse, fibre analysis, fire investigation and ballistics.
This module provides the student with an in-depth training into pharmacology, analytical chemistry, case law, expert witness and statement writing. These skills form the fundamental duties of a forensic toxicologist. The two major branches of forensic toxicology in the UK are criminal and road traffic toxicology. Both require the practitioners to possess a knowledge of the analytical techniques used to analyse drugs and the pharmacology of these drugs. This module will provide students with a clear understanding of the biological effects and therapeutic uses of drugs, before focusing exclusively on both criminal and road traffic toxicology. There will also be a focus on drug testing in sport and its confirmation.
4.1Kingston University is superbly placed for students to take advantage of London's many activities and attractions, as we...
