Delivered by internationally leading researchers, this is the longest running programme of its type in England. Gain knowledge and understanding of the forensic process and of the analytical techniques used in crime investigation. Leads to further study for a PhD or careers in forensic science.
KEY BENEFITS
- A well established and highly respected forensic science programme with contributions from practising forensic scientists who are experts in their field
- The Department has formal associations with the Forensic Science Service and the Metropolitan Police Forensic Services Directorate and links to many Forensic Science and Drug testing laboratories in the UK, EU and worldwide.
- Opportunities for integrated training placements in forensic laboratories mentioned above.
- Exposure to cutting edge technology and methodology at the forefront of forensic science research and development
- Students wishing to pursue a career in research have an opportunity to take an extended, 28 week project to gain the MRes qualification.
KEY FACTS
Student destinations
Most of our students go on to work in the forensic science sector with LGC Forensics and Orchid-Cellmark being the major employers. Others have taken employment with the Metropolitan Police or crime scene departments of other police forces. Many of our Canadian graduates now work for the RCMP or the Toronto Centre for Forensic Sciences. Some of our students go on to do a PhD either at King's College London or other universities across the country.
Programme leader/s
Dr Barbara Daniel
Accreditation
Forensic Science Society Accredited course
Awarding Institution
King's College London
Credit value (UK/ECTS equivalent)
UK 180/ECTS 90 UK 240/ECTS 180
Duration
MSc, one year FT, September to September. MRes, 15 months, September to February.
Location
Waterloo Campus for the first two terms, the third term usually outside the College.
Year of entry 2012
Offered by
School of Biomedical Sciences
Department of Forensic Science and Drug Monitoring
Closing date
30 June 2012. Early application is encouraged as places fill up quickly.
Intake
35 FT.
Fees
FT Home: £5950 (MSc, 2012)
FT Overseas: £18000 (MSc, 2012)
CONTACTS
Contact information
Postgraduate Admisisons at Guy's Campus, tel 020 7848 8390.
Email
Website
PURPOSE
To provide knowledge and understanding of the forensic process and of the analytical techniques (particularly chemistry and biology) used in the investigation of crime. For those wishing to pursue a career in forensic science or a related subject.
DESCRIPTION
Forensic science covers a wide range of disciplines, most of which are based on chemistry and biology. As their careers progress, forensic scientists often develop specialisms but a broad knowledge of forensic science is a prerequisite.
The programme was established in 1985, making it the longest running programme of its type in England. Studying here you will benefit from a programme devised and delivered by internationally leading researchers. A particular strength of the programme is the contribution from many forensic practitioners, enabling you to share in their expertise and experience. We also collaborate closely with the Metropolitan Police Forensic Services Directorate in both teaching and research. The course at King’s College London is aimed at those wishing to pursue careers in forensic science; it is not intended for those wishing to pursue careers in forensic pathology or forensic odontology. These professions require training in medicine or dentistry.
Taught modules cover: Separation science, DNA profiling, population genetics, trace evidence analysis, court procedures, drugs and toxicology etc. Plus 14-week (or 28 week extended) research project in a forensic (or related) laboratory, in the UK, the EU or further afield.
EXTRA PROGRAMME INFORMATION
Students may need security clearance for their summer placements and are advised to get a criminal records check from their local police station before arrival on the course. This is especially important for overseas students. You will also need to have either started or completed a course of Hepatitis B vaccinations.
STRUCTURE OVERVIEW
Core programme content
Please see the modules list.
Indicative non-core content
- Principles of Forensic Science
- Forensic Process
- Drugs & Toxicology
- Forensic Biology
- Research Project 14 week or
- Research Project 28 week
FORMAT AND ASSESSMENT
Lectures; workshops and practical classes; each module assessed by examination, MCQ assessment and a piece of coursework; project assessed by literature review, journal article, poster presentation and mini-viva. extended project assessed by literature review, poster presentation and seminar.
MODULES
More information on typical programme modules.
NB it cannot be guaranteed that all modules are offered in any particular academic year.
Module code: 7BBFM127
Credit level: 7
Topic covered include:
- Forensic toxicology, pharmacokinetics, metabolism
- Forensic spectroscopy
- Drink driving/drug driving
- Drugs in sport
- Identification, analysis and characterisation of drugs of abuse.
Module code: 7BBFM128
Credit level: 7
Applications of the science:
- DNA profiling from crime scene samples
- The Y –chromosome, haplotypes and haplogroups
- The mitochondria , their genomes and usefulness to forensic science
- Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms; ancestry and phenotypic markers
- Paternity testing.
Plus:
- The estimation of the post mortem interval using forensic entomology
- Forensic archaeology
- A review of future technologies.
Module code: 7BBFM126
Credit level: 7
The chain of events involved from the time a crime has been committed to the presentation of evidence in court:
- Examination of the crime scene and collection of evidence
- The personnel involved at each stage of the process and their roles
- Specialists at the crime scene - marks and traces, blood pattern analysis, glass shatter analysis etc.
- The statistical interpretation of data
- The role of the expert witness
- The importance of quality assurance and chain of custody
Module code: 7BBFM129
Credit level: 7
Placements are carried out in the following types of organisation/laboratory: forensic science, forensic toxicology, university research, paternity testing. Other institutions include Police scientific support units and training colleges. Most projects are carried out in the UK but there are opportunities for students to travel to laboratories in the EU, or further afield. The 16 week placement runs from May to late August.
Module code: 7BBFM125
Credit level: 7
Analytical chemistry (including the major chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques used in forensic science), an understanding of the principles and the instrumentation with examples taken from the disciplines of pharmaceutical and forensic science
Molecular genetics, with an emphasis on population genetics and variation and how it relates to forensic science. Practical classes on DNA handling and forensic DNA profiling.
Teaching staff: Co-ordinators:
Dr Leon Barron
Dr Barbara Daniel
Module code: 7BBFM130
Credit level: 7
Credit value: 120
Assessment:
coursework; oral examination/s; presentation/s;
Literature Review due 4 weeks after start
Experimental Plan due 4 weeks after start
Poster Presentation (via video-link if abroad) at 14 weeks
Journal Article submitted at 28 weeks after start
Seminar Presentation
Students contemplating a career in research may be interested in taking up an extended project of 28 weeks. Forensic Science placement laboratories (30 contributing laboratories world-wide) submit research proposals for consideration by the department. Selection of placement and student will in consultaion with your personal tutor.
Projects will start mid May and continue until December making the degree fifteen months in total.
ACADEMIC ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
General entry advice
Minimum 2:1 first degree (or approved equivalent qualification) in chemistry, analytical chemistry, pharmacology, toxicology, biochemistry, molecular biology, or a combination
thereof. A-level passes in chemistry and biology are required. Overseas applicants require equivalent qualifications.
APPLYING TO KING'S
To apply for graduate study at King's you will need to complete our graduate online application form. Applying online makes applying easier and quicker for you, and means we can receive your application faster and more securely.
King's does not normally accept paper copies of the graduate application form as applications must be made online. However, if you are unable to access the online graduate application form, please contact the relevant admissions/School Office at King's for advice.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
Applications will be processed upon receipt. Places are offered after successful completion of an online test (to test basic chemistry and molecular biology knowledge); some applicants may be called for interview.
Overseas applicants are advised to apply by March to allow sufficient time for visa application.
Closing date for applications is 30th June
Applicants are encouraged to attend the College Postgraduate Open Days
http://www.kcl.ac.uk/study/pg/openday/index.aspx
PERSONAL STATEMENT & SUPPORTING INFORMATION
Applicants with degrees in chemistry, analytical chemistry, pharmacology or toxicology are required to provide evidence of at least one course unit in biochemistry. Applicants with degrees in biochemistry or molecular biology are required to provide evidence of at least one course unit in chemistry.
FUNDING
Self-funded.
Student profiles
Forensic Science MSc/MRes
I wanted to do the MSc Forensic Science programme at King's as it is one of the most renowned forensic courses available in the UK, and King's has one of the most impressive science departments in the country. The course encompasses forensic biology and chemistry as well as lectures in the forensic process by experts in their field (eg light sources, blood splatter analysis, fibres, court proceedings etc.).
The outside lecturers come from the Metropolitan Police, the Forensic Science Service and LGC and are considered to be some of the best registered forensic practitioners in the UK. All in all the course is well-run, organised and has application to any form of forensic job.
If you have watched forensic TV programmes and think this course is for you based on that, then forget it! The course is not easy, but support is always there if you do run into problems. If you are considering doing this degree, you should be methodical, have a good understanding of biochemistry, good lab skills and plenty of drive to want to get into a very competitive field.
Staff profiles
Forensic Science MSc/MRes
I feel very lucky to have become involved with the MSc in Forensic Science. My background is in immunology and I was working as a post-doctoral scientist in King's when in 1991, I was asked to help run immunoassay and blood typing practicals for the course. As I became more involved, my interest increased until in 1999 I became the programme co-ordinator.
This King's MSc has been running since 1985 making it the longest running Forensic Science programme in England. Its strengths include its links with the forensic community and over 30 forensic experts contribute to the course. I make full use of these contacts to inform and direct the course and my own teaching. For instance I run a five day mock casework practical devised and set up with help from serious crime scene managers from the Metropolitan Police and scientists from the Forensic Science Service. Our links with the Metropolitan Police have recently been formalised through a 'Memorandum of Understanding' and about 13 students a year will carry out their summer projects undertaking research with them, which I co-supervise with a former student who has moved on to become their Research Officer. Other research includes investigating the DNA of forensically important flies; Y-chromosome markers and recently a Research Council grant into DNA detection.