| University | University of Dundee |
| Duration | 12 months |
| Type | Full time |
| Tuition and fees | UK/EU/Overseas £12,500 |
| Program link |
Program information:
The course is full time and begins in mid-September, at the start of the University academic year. Teaching is through lectures, small group seminars, in which the students are required to make Power-point presentations, and case-based teaching on medico-legal autopsy cases. All of the teaching materials, including the course and module guides, the lecture schedules, the lecture notes and assignments are provided on a computer-based system (Blackboard). Each student has personal desk space with computer, printer and Internet access at all hours, seven days a week. There is also access to the Center library at all hours, seven days a week.
Other useful information:
The Center for Forensic & Legal Medicine is in a unique position of being one of only a few universities that are involved in the practice of forensic toxicology for the legal and justice system. Entrants will study three modules: Forensic Medicine, Forensic Science and Forensic Toxicology, in each of the first two semesters and if they are taking the masters they will complete their studies with a self-directed research project.
| University | Bournemouth University |
| Duration | 12 months; 24 months |
| Type | Full time; Part time |
| Tuition and fees | Between £4,500 and £11,000 |
| Program link |
Program information:
Toxicology, the study of drugs and poisons, is an expanding area of study that offers graduates a wide range of career options. Forensic toxicology is the application of the science and study of drugs and poisons to questions that arise in judicial proceedings and involves a wide range of case scenarios including drugs/alcohol and driving, drug facilitated sexual assault, and deliberate/malicious poisoning.
Forensics toxicology involves the study of the isolation and analysis of drugs and poisons from a wide variety of sources, including human tissues and the effects that these may have on the individual. The course will aim to provide students with a detailed knowledge concerning the selection and collection of case materials, as well as the analytical techniques used in forensic toxicology laboratories for the isolation and identification of drugs and poisons.
Other useful information:
For the students who already have a BU graduate, they could get up to 25% off their tuition fee. There is also the possibility of being eligible for a further £2,000 fee reduction (or £3,000 for the international students) on the condition of having a 2:1, with an overall mark of at least 65%.
| University | King’s College London |
| Duration | 12 months |
| Type | Full time |
| Tuition and fees | UK/EU: £10,500; Overseas: £19,570 |
| Program link |
Program information:
Analytical Toxicology enables students to gain detailed knowledge and understanding of the theory and practice of analytical toxicology and its application. Modules include: Principles of analytical toxicology; Laboratory techniques; Practical classes; Clinical toxicology; Forensic toxicology. Expected careers include analytical and supervisory roles within government and private institutions.
This program integrates theoretical and practical aspects of analytical science with clinical and forensic toxicology. It has been designed for scientists wishing to enter the field of clinical or forensic toxicology, or for clinical and forensic practitioners wishing to enhance their existing knowledge and professional experience.
Other useful information:
A unique program that integrates both clinical and forensic toxicology with analytical science. Program content has been developed in consultation with both national and international experts in the field of clinical and forensic toxicology. This course will be of particular benefit to international students who wish to return to their own country to develop or improve analytical facilities concerning clinical and forensic toxicology. It is also for students who wish to lecture in this field at undergraduate and postgraduate level; and is suitable for students who wish to develop a research interest, including potential PhD or MD program candidates.
| University | University of Huddersfield |
| Duration | 12 months |
| Type | Full time |
| Tuition and fees | UK/UE/Overseas £4,460 |
| Program link |
Program information:
The course is designed to train the students in the scientific methodology relating to forensic toxicology and extend their interest and knowledge in all areas of the subject. The taught part of the course consists of four general forensic science modules (covering fundamental and basic principles of forensic science). There is then a large module in the second term, which focuses on the subject specific aspects of the course; namely, Forensic Toxicology. The research project will be on based upon forensic toxicology and requires 50 days of laboratory work and takes place during the summer term. This may also be delivered through an industrial placement (subject to availability).
The modules are:
– Crime Scene Science Awareness
– Forensic Biology Awareness
– Forensic Chemistry Awareness
– Quality and Presentation of Evidence
– Operational Forensic toxicology Placement
– Project
Other useful information:
Graduates of the course can obtain forensic science positions in the UK with forensic science providers or with police services, which have their own in-house forensic provisions. There are also forensic opportunities overseas. In addition, the course provides transferable skills, meaning that the graduate is also employable in other sectors, particularly in those where a degree of quality control and assurance is required.
This course can also act as a precursor to a research position or a higher degree such as a PhD.
| University | Queen Mary, University of London |
| Duration | 12 months |
| Type | Full time |
| Tuition and fees | UK/UE/ £ 7,890 Overseas £15,400 |
| Program link |
Program information:
The students will learn about forensic pathology and will visit mortuaries to observe autopsies, attend court hearings, gaining knowledge of how injuries are interpreted and how cases are prepared for court. In clinical forensic medicine they will study the role of the doctor in assessing persons in custody, assault victims, child maltreatment, assessing torture victims, etc.
Other areas which are covered include drugs, alcohol and their misuse, and how these substances are detected and quantified. The students will also study the various methods that deceased and living persons can be identified by both as single cases and in mass disasters, including by DNA, dental and other methods. They will also learn the basic principles involved in carrying out research relevant to the forensic sciences.
Other useful information:
Core modules include:
Clinical aspects of forensic medicine (two modules)
Forensic pathology (two modules)
Optional modules include:
Legal and ethical issues relevant to forensic medicine and science
Forensic toxicology I and II
Forensic identification I and II
| University | University of South Wales |
| Duration | 24 months |
| Type | Full time |
| Tuition and fees | UK/UE/ £ 3,996 Overseas £10,000 |
| Program link |
Program information:
The MSc is building a reputation for producing excellent scientists and highly sought after graduates. The postgraduates have been offered employment in some of the most prestigious companies in the UK and Europe, in fields ranging from analytical toxicology to forensic DNA analysis.
On this course, the students can learn a range of specialist areas in analytical and forensic science. It focuses on cutting edge research, the latest analytical techniques, and transferable and professional skills that will prepare the students to practice as a professional analytical or forensic scientist. A 60 credit research project of the student’s choice allows customizing the MSc and specialize in their chosen field.
The core modules include:
Advanced DNA Analysis and Interpretation
Advanced Separation Science
Advanced Analytical and Forensic Toxicology
Legal Aspects and the Expert Witness for Forensic Scientists
Techniques and Technologies for Forensic Investigation
Evaluation, Interpretation and Presentation of Data and Evidence
Project Design and Management
Major Laboratory Research Project
Other useful information:
There are many exciting employment opportunities in the analytical and forensic science sector. Key recruitment areas are DNA profiling, analytical chemistry and toxicological analysis. In these competitive fields, a postgraduate qualification will really make the students stand out from the crowd. The university has had an excellent response to the MSc analytical and forensic science from science companies across the UK. Major national companies have even contacted the University specifically asking for their MSc Analytical and Forensic Science graduates to apply for positions with them.
