Please note
This document only provides information for the academic year selected and does not form part of the student contract
Awarding Institution
University of Huddersfield
Final Award
MSc Master of Science
Teaching Institution
University of Huddersfield
School
School of Applied Sciences
Department
Department of Chemical Sciences
Subject Benchmark Statement
Characteristic Statement - Master's Degree
Date of Programme Specification Approval
2025-04-03
Version Number
2024.02
Educational Aims of the Course
This suite of courses provides post-graduate education in Forensic Science, with the option of specialising in a particular discipline such as, Crime Scene Examination, Body Fluids/DNA, Toxicology, Document Evidence, Drugs and Chemical Analysis, Firearms Examination, Fire Investigations, Criminal Photography, Marks and Traces, Finger Marks Analysis, E-Forensics, Scientific Evidence to Combat … For more content click the Read More button below.
The United Kingdom is a global leader in the provisions of Forensic Science services and some of this expertise is present at the University of Huddersfield through its own staff and extensive contacts throughout the Forensic Science community.
These courses are available to good honours graduates (or equivalent) in an appropriate discipline and will be delivered to full-time students on a modular basis.
Forensic Science refers to the application of scientific techniques to criminal and civil legal cases. Whilst it embraces many disciplines, most practicing Forensic Scientists are experts in one discipline, which is reflected in the delivery of thirteen different specialisms indicated above.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion you will be able to:
1.
A systematic understanding of the principles of forensic analysis, including locating, recovery, recording and testing of samples and the significance of the findings within context of the case circumstances.
2.
A comprehensive understanding of the principles of quality control and assurance
3.
A comprehensive understanding in the use of case assessment and interpretation to maximise the effectiveness of conducting tests
4.
Able to think critically about and make informed choices between the proposed forensic science techniques, methods and instruments.
5.
Have familiarity with the current literature and in particular, to enable them to review, select, read and critically discusses the papers most relevant to a particular topic.
6.
Experience of case work in which they put their forensic science skills to use.
7.
Application of their knowledge to the practical solution of forensic case work
8.
Appreciation of the role of forensic scientists in specialisms other than their own
9.
Forensic science experience in a forensic science laboratory
10.
Interpretation of data on its own and within context of the case circumstances
11.
Communication of their findings through written reports such as witness statements, oral presentations and defend them in a court of law.
12.
Conducting independent study
Course Structure
Masters Level
Teaching, Learning and Assessment
This is a postgraduate course with emphasis on operational forensic science experience and it is taught in a different way to an undergraduate or a typical taught postgraduate course. Considerable emphasis is placed on guided but independent learning and gaining knowledge and experience of operational forensic science. Typically modules are … For more content click the Read More button below.
The Operational Forensic Science Placements (SMA0057 to SMA0069) is a key module on this course and will be assessed by the production of a portfolio marked by the university supervisor taking into consideration a report from the placement supervisor attesting to their satisfactory performance. This portfolio will contain a skills review, evidence of any training they received on placement and a record of the cases they worked upon. Depending on their specialism, the number of cases should cover a range of different types of case and should include a number of complex cases, depending on their chosen specialism. The portfolio should also include a critical discussion of their experience on placement. Both the student and the placement supervisor will be offered guidance on how to maximise the effectiveness of the placement.
The students are encouraged to hand in drafts of their assignments and reports for general feedback to enable them to improve their final reports prior to submission. Students gain significant laboratory experience, operational forensic science experience and confidence whilst they are studying on this course as they are exposed to many new instrumental and forensic science techniques and principles. They are also shown how to use computers, statistics and various computer packages. Students are also required to present posters and talks as part of the assessment programme for a number of modules on this course. They will also be required to defend their evidence in a mock court room scenario.
Criteria for Admission
- The course is modular and to obtain the MSc, four 15-credit M level modules, a 60-credit specialist placement and a 60-credit research project must all be passed.
- ‘Passed’ will be awarded to those who achieve an overall mark of 40-59%. ‘Passed with Merit’ will be awarded to those who achieve an overall mark of 60-69% and ‘Passed with Distinction’ will be awarded to those who achieve an overall mark of 70% or above.
- The four taught modules can be offered in four weeks blocks as independent short courses and may be taught one at a time on a full time basis, with approximately 12 hours of teaching per week in addition to the unsupervised study. Alternatively, it can be delivered in parallel sessions over a 16 week period. The method of delivery will be decided by the course committee, considering work load and contract requirements and in consultation with internal and external partners.
- The specialist placement module is a 15 weeks placement in a forensic laboratory. The nature of this placement will define the specialism of the degree.
- The research project can either be a continuation of the placement in industry (in which research is being conducted) or in the School of Applied Sciences at the University of Huddersfield.
- The course takes approximately one year full time and typically takes between two and four years part-time depending on how many modules are taken each year.
- A PgDip in Forensic Science (Specialism) may be awarded for 120 credit points at M level. Later conversion to the MSc would be possible. These 120 credits must consist of the four taught 15 credit modules and the specialist placements.
- A PgCert in Forensic Science may also be awarded for 60 credit points at level M. This may be of interest to students who wish to follow only a limited number of modules. Later conversion to PgDip or MSc would be possible. A student who wished to obtain a PgCert would be expected to follow a coherent course of modules such as the four taught 15 credit modules or an approved professional placement in a relevant industry. In the former case, the award of a PgCert would not indicate a specialism. However, in the latter case, a specialism maybe indicated.
Methods for evaluating and improving the quality and standards of teaching and learning
Module reviews (student evaluations and staff report)
- Annual course monitoring report prepared by the Course Leader and considered by Course Committee and School Annual Monitoring Committee
- Peer observation of teaching
- External examiner’s report after meeting all students and assessing their work.
- Personal development reviews of members of academic staff.
- Committees with responsibility for monitoring and evaluating quality and standards
- Student Panel
- Course Committee
- School of Applied Sciences Teaching and Learning Committee
- School of Applied Sciences Annual Evaluation Committee
- University Teaching and Learning Committee
Course Assessment Board
Please note
University awards are regulated by the Regulations for Awards (Taught Courses) on the University website.
Quick links to the Regulations for Taught Students, procedures and forms can be accessed on the University website.
Indicators of Quality and Standards
- Reports of validation panels
- Annual course reviews
- External examiners’ reports
- Qualifications and experience of staff
- Report on University Review of Chemical Sciences 2009
Please note: This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the Programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if he/she takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided. More detailed information on the learning outcomes, content and teaching, learning and assessment methods of each module can be found in the study module guide and course handbook. The accuracy of the information contained in this document is reviewed by the University and may be checked by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education.
Key sources of information about the course can be found in:
- Student Handbook