Advanced Forensic Analysis - MSc/Postgraduate Diploma/PG Certificate

All students study the following core modules:

• Advanced Crime Scene Science - A study of complex crime scenes using UWE Bristol's very own Crime Scene House and vehicle examination area. You can also examine a crime scene following a simulated arson incident.
• Forensic Biology and Genetics - Considering a wide range of types of biological evidence with an emphasis on DNA profiling, including advanced topics such as the interpretation of mixed profiles.
• Forensic Analysis and Toxicology - A study of advanced issues in analytical science that relate to the main chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques with a particular focus on sampling and sample preparation, and interpretation of results. This is especially important in the field of Forensic Toxicology, which features prominently in this module.
• Research Methods and Practical Skills - Preparation for planning and carrying out your research project, including statistical analysis techniques.
• Research Project - An independent laboratory-based project in an area linked to the core areas of the taught course.

The research project is undertaken for the MSc award. Students carry out the project supervised by specialist subject tutors at UWE Bristol, or on placement with one of our partner forensic providers.

Students who complete all taught modules successfully, but do not undertake the research project, achieve a Postgraduate Diploma.

Students who complete the Forensic Biology and Genetics module successfully, plus any one of the other modules on the course, achieve a Postgraduate Certificate.

The University continually enhances our offer by responding to feedback from our students and other stakeholders, ensuring the curriculum is kept up to date and our graduates are equipped with the knowledge and skills they need for the real world. This may result in changes to the course. If changes to your course are approved we will inform you.

One year full time.

We assess each taught module through written examinations and coursework. Coursework may be in the form of a case study, practical report, poster or oral presentation. One assessment involves collecting evidence from a mock crime scene, examining it in the laboratory, and providing a written report as you would for a court, plus examination-in-chief and cross examination in a mock courtroom.

For more details see our full glossary of assessment terms.