MSc Forensic Genetics and Human Identification

Module: 7FS001

Credits: 20

Period: 1

Type: Core

Locations: Wolverhampton City Campus

This module aims to provide the postgraduate student with an in dept understanding of the methodology and theoretical background required for the anthropological analysis of skeletal human remains with the aim to identify the deceased. This will include human osteology and facial reconstruction as well as aspects of molecular anthropology, histlogical analysis of permanent tissues and the processes of post-mortem decomposition / taphonomy. Theoretical background and methodology will be introduced in a series of lectures, while associated practical sessions will provide opportunity for application of methodology and the development of topic relevant practical skills.

Module: 7FS002

Credits: 20

Period: 1

Type: Core

Locations: Wolverhampton City Campus

This module aims to provide the postgraduate student with an in dept understanding of the methodology and theoretical background required for the genetic analysis of biological samples in the Forensic context. This will include topics as sampling and preservation of sample material, DNA analysis methodology, the different marker loci applied, concepts in human and population genetics, DNA analysis statistics and stochastics, Bayes’ theorem and its application, Human and non-human DNA analysis. Theoretical background and methodology will be introduced in a series of lectures, while associated practical sessions will provide opportunity for application of methodology and the development of topic relevant practical skills.

Module: 7FS003

Credits: 20

Period: 1

Type: Core

Locations: Wolverhampton City Campus

This module serves as an introduction to the identification of persons from physical characteristics with a particular emphasis on the techniques that are used in mass victim identification. These will include use of dental records, fingerprints, prosthetic implants, medical interventions, tattoos, scars and brands, as well as secondary information such as jewellery, clothing, and personal items. This will be set in the context of the standard Interpol procedures for he recording of such information and matching that to derived ante mortem information

Module: 7AB005

Credits: 60

Period: 1

Type: Core

Locations: Wolverhampton City Campus

This is a research-based project that provides the opportunity to demonstrate an ability to plan and conduct an independent research investigation related to the overall programme of study. This will involve identification of research aims and objectives based on the literature followed by data collection, critical analysis and interpretation of results in relation to relevant literature.

Module: 7BC002

Credits: 20

Period: 1

Type: Core

Locations: Wolverhampton City Campus

This module is designed to ensure that the student has a basic understanding of molecular genetics, gene structure and genomics, and then is provided with the opportunity to develop this understanding to a sophisticated level. Techniques of gene manipulation such as sequencing, cloning, PCR, microarrays, transformation and transgenics will be explained. The module is designed to ensure that students have a thorough understanding of the principles of gene manipulation and genomic investigation and how these processes can be used for understanding disease inheritance and diagnosis. This module will involve a tailored report on genome analysis.

Module: 7FS004

Credits: 20

Period: 1

Type: Core

Locations: Wolverhampton City Campus

This module covers core professional requirements in forensic science including quality assurance in forensic science; the management of scenes of mass fatalities; the role of the forensic scientist as expert witness; preparation of case files and court reports; and courtroom skills for forensic scientists.

Module: 7AB007

Credits: 20

Period: 1

Type: Core

Locations: Wolverhampton City Campus

This is a module directed to postgraduate students which develops tools and methodologies required for advanced research study. This includes project planning, data analysis and choice of statistical packages, time, project and data management, technology transfer and setting up collaborations, data presentation, information retrieval and report writing including selection of methods. This module is designed such that the student builds up a portfolio of expertise, which sets the ground and provides specific information for their research project. This module is designed such that the student can also benefit by undertaking this module in a self-study mode.

The Masters in Forensic Genetics and Human Identification is a comprehensive course on Human Identification and Mass Fatality Incident Analysis incorporating the full methodological repertoire of Forensic Genetics and DNA Analysis, Physical Anthropology and Human Identification based on biometric assessment of physical characteristics incorporated with advanced research techniques and associated professional skills.

With reference to its structure and combination of key topics, this course is quite unique in the national as well as international market, while being designed to generate a postgraduate level of competence in an important as well as exciting area of Forensic Science.

Location Mode Fee Year Home/EU Full-time £10650 per year 2020-21 Home/EU Part-time £5325 per year 2020-21 Home Full-time £10900 per year 2021-22 Home Part-time £5450 per year 2021-22 International Full-time £13350 per year 2020-21 International Full-time £14450 per year 2021-22

These fees relate to new entrants only for the academic year indicated for entry onto the course, any subsequent years study may be subject to an annual increase, usually in line with inflation.

Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree at 2.2 or above (BSc or equivalent) in Forensic Science or a related subject including Biosciences (Molecular Biology, Genetics, Human Genetics), Physical Anthropology, Archaeology and Criminalistics.

International Applicants

Your qualifications need to be deemed equivalent to the above entry requirements.

• English Language requirements are normally IELTS 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each area (unless otherwise stated) or equivalent accepted qualification
• Please use the following link to see the range of English Language Pre-Sessional courses and related Pre-Masters courses offered by the University of Wolverhampton International Academy.
• For further information relating to overseas qualification please use the following link

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Postgraduate Loan (Home Fee Status):

You may be able to get a postgraduate student loan from Student Finance England of up to £11,750 to help pay for a Master’s degree. Applications are made through Student Finance England and more information on the regulations and eligibility criteria can be found at Masters Loans gov.uk.

* Any RPL will invalidate your eligibility as you must study a minimum of 180 credits

Changes for EU students:

The UK government has confirmed that EU students starting courses from 1 August 2021 will normally be classified as Overseas (International) students for fee purposes. More information about the change is available at UKCISA:

EU citizens living in the UK with 'settled' status, and Irish nationals living in the UK or Ireland, will still be classified as Home students, providing they meet the usual residency requirements, for more information about EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) click here.

Postgraduate Loyalty Discount:

You can get 20% discount on a taught on-site postgraduate course if you’re a University of Wolverhampton Graduate.

The University offers a generous 20% Loyalty Discount to students progressing from an undergraduate programme to a taught postgraduate programme, where both courses are University of Wolverhampton Awards.

There is no time limit on how long ago you completed your degree as long as this is your first Masters level qualification.

The discount applies to the first year of enrolment only. Students who receive a loyalty discount are not entitled to any further tuition discount or bursary. For full terms and conditions click here.

Self-funded:

If you are paying for the fees yourself then the fees can be paid in 3 instalments: November, January and April. More information can be found by clicking here.

Sponsored - Your employer, embassy or organisation can pay for your Tuition fees:

Your employer, embassy or organisation agrees to pay all or part of your tuition fees; the University will refer to them as your sponsor and will invoice them for the appropriate amount.

We must receive notification of sponsorship in writing as soon as possible, and before enrolment, confirming that the sponsor will pay your tuition fees