Postgraduate MSc

Forensic Science

Forensic Science is a truly multidisciplinary field that is crucial to the investigation of crime, the analysis of evidential samples and the generation of intelligence in support of the criminal justice sector. Gain advanced skills in practical incident investigation and scene management, and the core scientific skills in analytical chemistry to go on to a range of careers in the judicial systems, the police, or as a scientist or researcher.

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Overview

Our one-year taught Master’s course in Forensic Science develops an integrated and critical understanding of forensic science and prepares you for a professional role in a range of related areas. Our students go on to important and exciting careers within the criminal or civil judicial system, the police or forensic practice, as well as broader scientific areas and further research.

Reasons to study Forensic Science at Kent

  • Forensic Science at Kent is ranked 2nd in the UK in The Complete University Guide 2025.
  • Our Forensic Science MSc is accredited by The Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences.
  • Choose from a large range of exciting and interesting optional modules to enable further specialisation in your chosen areas of expertise, including DNA analysis and interpretation, fires and explosions, and forensic taphonomy.
  • Build on your knowledge and understanding of advanced laboratory analytical methods, essential to forensic investigation.
  • Our state-of-the-art facilities allow you to gain hands-on practical experience of advanced laboratory analytical techniques and incident management, including in our optional modules in crime scene investigation and forensic taphonomy.
  • Develop the command, control and management skills that will enable you to present expert evidential incident reports to the highest standard.
  • Expert training in a range of research skills modules to prepare you for independent research, including a summer-long practical research project.
  • Small-class teaching with academic staff who have extensive experience in their fields.
  • A highly supportive community of forensic science and chemistry postgraduate students and staff.

Everything you need to know about our Forensic Science course

Entry requirements

The University will consider applications from students holding a wide range of qualifications.

Course structure

Postgraduate taught modules are designed to give you advanced study skills, a deeper knowledge of the subject, and the confidence to achieve your ambitions.

How you'll study

Our expert teaching staff are leaders in their field who use innovative teaching methods to bring the subject to life. Programme aims and learning outcomes are set to ensure you get the most from your study.
We're modernising the way you learn at Kent.

In September 2025, we're launching a new curriculum and a progressive approach to assessment, timetabling and employability.

Time to plan.

Your timetables will be communicated well before the start of term. This means you can balance your studies with work and other commitments.

Teaching throughout the year.

Teaching is spread over three teaching terms for undergraduates and four for postgraduates. You'll typically take two modules per term, so you can explore topics in depth.

Assessments within each term.

You'll be tested on what you've just learned as you learn it - not everything at once at the end of the year.

Enhanced employability skills.

You'll make real-world connections and gain career-relevant knowledge and skills. We don't create graduates for job roles, we create graduates who are ready to make a real impact.

Frequent, ongoing feedback.

You'll receive continuous feedback as you study. This helps you to build on your knowledge as you learn and improve the experience during your degree.

Your future

You're given the tools you need to conduct research, solve problems, communicate effectively and transfer skills to the workplace, which means our graduates are always in high demand. Our links with industry not only provide you with the opportunity to gain work experience during your degree, but also equip you with the general and specialist skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the workplace.

Typical employment destinations for graduates from our forensic science and chemistry programmes include government agencies, consultancies, emergency services, laboratories, research or academia.

Career support
Whether you want to get ahead in your current career, change lanes, or kickstart a new one – we are here to help you realise your ambition.
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Fees and funding

The 2025/26 annual tuition fees for this course are:

Full-time

  • UK
  • International

For details of when and how to pay fees and charges, please see our Student Finance Guide.

Tuition fees may be increased in the second and subsequent years of your course. Detailed information on possible future increases in tuition fees is contained in the Tuition Fees Increase Policy. If you are uncertain about your fee status please contact information@kent.ac.uk.

Your fee status

The University will assess your fee status as part of the application process. If you are uncertain about your fee status you may wish to seek advice from UKCISA before applying.

For details of when and how to pay fees and charges, please see our Student Finance Guide.

Tuition fees may be increased in the second and subsequent years of your course. Detailed information on possible future increases in tuition fees is contained in the Tuition Fees Increase Policy. If you are uncertain about your fee status please contact information@kent.ac.uk.

There are no direct additional costs associated with this course.

It is, however, expected that all students have appropriate professional clothing (suit or equivalent) to undertake court and tribunal exercises throughout the course.

Through our Student Forensic Science Society, there are various trips that may take place each year, for which additional costs would apply. These trips are not compulsory and have no direct relation to the course or final degree outcomes.

You'll need regular access to a desktop computer/laptop with an internet connection to use the University of Kent’s online resources and systems. We've listed some guidelines for the technology and software you'll need for your studies.

General additional costs

Find out more about accommodation and living costs, as well as general additional costs that you may pay when studying at Kent.

Search our scholarships finder for possible funding opportunities. You may find it helpful to look at both:

Scholarships

We have a range of subject-specific awards and scholarships for academic, sporting and musical achievement.

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Next steps

Ready to apply?

Learn more about the application process or begin your application by clicking on a link below.

You will be able to choose your preferred year of entry once you have started your application. You can also save and return to your application at any time.

Need help deciding?

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We are here to support your postgraduate journey.

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Top 40

Kent ranked top 40 in The Times Good University Guide 2025.

Fees and funding

Support for funding so you can focus on your studies.

Fees and funding

Research excellence

Kent has risen 11 places in THE’s REF 2021 ranking, confirming us as a leading research university.

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It’s easy to study on or off campus at Kent – discover what is right for you.

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