About

Study with us

longest running MSc Forensic Science course in the UK

accredited by the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences

participate in a major practical crime scene and courtroom exercise

input by forensic practitioners and professional scientists

choose to specialise in forensic biology or forensic chemistry in second semester

You may also be interested in:

Fundamentals in Forensic Science (PgCert)

Why this course?

You’ll join a global network of Strathclyde forensic science graduates who are in highly respected positions all over the world. In addition to preparing you for life as a forensic scientist, you’ll also graduate with a wide range of practical skills, problem-solving skills, and investigative thinking, relevant to a wide range of careers.

You'll benefit from the expertise of our enthusiastic teaching staff who also conduct forensic science research and casework. Studying in the Centre for Forensic Science offers a unique experience, combining ‘case-based’ learning with research-led teaching.

Course video

Hear from the course coordinator and students about our MSc in Forensic Science.

Requirements

Entry Requirements

Academic requirements/experience

Minimum second-class (2:2) Honours degree, or international equivalent, in a relevant science subject such as:

chemistry
biology
biochemistry
pharmacy
zoology
botany

Prospective students with relevant industry/practitioner experience are also welcome to apply.

English language requirements

IELTS 6.5 is required for all non-English speakers for entry to the MSc programme, with a minimum of IELTS 5.5 for all components including speaking, listening, reading and writing.

As a university, we now accept many more English language tests in addition to IELTS for overseas applicants, for example, TOEFL and PTE Cambridge. View the full list of accepted English language tests here.

Other information

In the course of forensic examinations, there's a potential for exposure to body fluids from hepatitis sufferers and prospective students should consider hepatitis B immunisation (this takes from four to six months to be effective).

Undergraduate

Students who have studied the Tawjihiyya/Thanawiya General School Certificate are eligible for entry via a foundation programme from the ISC. Students that have studied an International Qualification such as A Levels, IB Diploma, French Bac or the American High School system should check the relevant country.

Postgraduate

A good degree from a recognised Higher Education Institution is acceptable for postgraduate study at Strathclyde. Our applications are judged on a case-by-case basis and can vary depending on the course. As a guide, we normally consider a GPA of 2.8 out of 4 and 3.8 out of 5.

English Program Requirements

IELTS 6.5 is required for all non-English speakers for entry to the MSc programme, with a minimum of IELTS 5.5 for all components including speaking, listening, reading and writing.

As a university, we now accept many more English language tests in addition to IELTS for overseas applicants, for example, TOEFL and PTE Cambridge. View the full list of accepted English language tests here.

Career

Careers

Most forensic scientists in Scotland are employed by the Scottish Police Authority Forensic Services.

In the rest of the UK, forensic scientists are employed by individual police forces, private forensic science providers such as Eurofins Forensic Services, Cellmark Forensic Services, Key Forensics, or government bodies such as the Defence Science Technology Laboratory (DSTL).

Outside of the UK, forensic scientists may be employed by police forces, government bodies or private companies.

Forensic scientists generally specialise in specific areas such as biology, chemistry, crime scene examination, DNA analysis, drug analysis, fire investigation.

Most of the work is laboratory-based but crime scene examiners/managers and experienced forensic scientists will also attend crime scenes and give evidence in court.

Graduates of the programme also follow a wide variety of careers in related fields, including analytical chemistry and molecular biology, as well as going on to do PhDs and pursuing research careers.

Glasgow is Scotland's biggest & most cosmopolitan city

Our campus is based right in the very heart of Glasgow. We're in the city centre, next to the Merchant City, both of which are great locations for sightseeing, shopping and socialising alongside your studies.

Life in Glasgow

Life at Strathclyde

Our students Maria and Tina tell us about their experience of studying the MSc in Forensic Science at Strathclyde.

From the moment I stepped foot in Glasgow I felt everyone welcome me with open arms...

I think the resources here are incredible. You will learn so many things...

Fee Information

Fees & funding

All fees quoted are for full-time courses and per academic year unless stated otherwise.

Fees may be subject to updates to maintain accuracy. Tuition fees will be notified in your offer letter.

All fees are in £ sterling, unless otherwise stated, and may be subject to revision.

Annual revision of fees

Students on programmes of study of more than one year (or studying standalone modules) should be aware that tuition fees are revised annually and may increase in subsequent years of study. Annual increases will generally reflect UK inflation rates and increases to programme delivery costs.

Tuition Fee

45,858 / year