The Forensic Science programme has a reputation as being the best of its type in the country. It will provide you with advanced knowledge of the forensic processes and analytical techniques (particularly chemistry and biology) used in crime investigation. It is run by King's Forensics staff whose research is at the cutting edge of innovation and advancement in the field.

Key benefits

• Programme fully accredited by The Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences
• A well-established and highly respected forensic science programme with contributions from leading forensic scientists both internal and external
• Strategic alliance with the Metropolitan Police Forensic Services Directorate and research partners with Eurofins forming the Met/ Eurofins/KCL managed forensic service provision.
• Strategic alliance with the City Police Forensic Services Directorate and currently housing their fingerprinting laboratory.
• Links with over 25 forensic laboratories and institutions worldwide provide research placement opportunities for students’ projects
• Exposure to cutting-edge technology and methodology at the forefront of forensic science research and development
• Flexible study pathway with the opportunity to extend your project to a 28-week project to gain an extra 60 Credits and the MRes qualification

“The contacts that King's has both in the UK and around the world provided me with the opportunity to do a 14 week industry placement working with cutting edge forensic technology. I was able to move into a job in Forensic Science straight after finishing the course.”

Jamie , Student, Forensic Science MScShow more

Course essentials

Accredited by The Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences, our Forensic Sciences course is the longest-running programme of its type in England, having been first established in 1985. You will benefit from an advanced and flexible study programme devised and delivered by internationally leading researchers, and recognised forensic providers including our accredited DNA analysis and Drug Control Centre testing laboratories. We also collaborate closely with the Forensic Directorates of the Metropolitan Police and City of London Police in both teaching and research. The course is made up of two 15 credit modules and three 30 credit modules followed by a 60 or 120 credit research module. You will complete the course in one year, from September to September.

Base campus

Waterloo Campus

Waterloo campus is home of the Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing & Midwifery and facilities for other faculties

Please note that locations are determined by where each module is taught and may vary depending on the modules you study.

Regulating bodies

King's is regulated by the Office for Students

Entry requirements

UK applicants

Standard requirements

A minimum 2:1 undergraduate Bachelor’s (honours) degree

If you have a lower degree classification, or a degree in an unrelated subject, your application may be considered if you can demonstrate significant relevant work experience, or offer a related graduate qualification (such as a Masters or PGDip).

Programme-Specific Requirements

Bachelors degree with 2:1 honours in Life Sciences or Chemistry. This would include, courses such as Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Pharmacology, Toxicology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Biomedical Sciences, Genetics, Forensic Science or similar. Chemistry and Biology qualifications equivalent to UK A-level will also be beneficial.

In order to meet the academic entry requirements for this programme you should have a minimum 2:1 undergraduate degree with a final mark of at least 60% or above in the UK marking scheme. If you are still studying you should be achieving an average of at least 60% or above in the UK marking scheme.

International applicants

Equivalent International qualifications

Select a countrySelect a country

English language requirements

English language band:

D

To study at King's, it is essential that you can communicate in English effectively in an academic environment. You are usually required to provide certification of your competence in English before starting your studies.

Nationals of majority English speaking countries (as defined by the UKVI) who have permanently resided in this country are not usually required to complete an additional English language test. This is also the case for applicants who have successfully completed an undergraduate degree (of at least three years duration), a postgraduate taught degree (of at least one year), or a PhD in a majority English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI) within five years of the course start date.

For information on our English language requirements and whether you need to complete an English language test, please see our English Language requirements page.

Selection process

Applications must be made online using King's Apply, the Admissions Portal. A non-refundable application fee of £85 applies.  

Applications will be processed upon receipt. Overseas applicants are advised to apply by March to allow sufficient time for visa application. Places are ascribed on a first come first served basis. 

Applicants are encouraged to attend the Departmental and University Postgraduate events.

Personal statement and supporting information

You will be asked to submit the following documents in order for your application to be considered:

Personal Statement	Yes	A personal statement is required. This can be entered directly into the online application form (maximum 4,000 characters) or uploaded as an attachment to the online application form (maximum 2 pages).
Previous Academic Study	Yes	A copy (or copies) of your official academic transcript(s), showing the subjects studied and marks obtained. If you have already completed your degree, copies of your official degree certificate will also be required. Applicants with academic documents issued in a language other than English, will need to submit both the original and official translation of their documents.
Reference	Yes	One reference is required, professional references will be accepted if you have completed your qualifications over five years ago.
Other	Optional	You may also wish to include a CV (Resume) or evidence of professional registration as part of your application.

Teaching & structure

Teaching methods - what to expect

Lectures

Laboratory-based Practicals

Small Group Discussions

Workshops

Independent study

Contact time includes lectures, laboratory practicals, workshops, group discussions and problem-based learning exercises.

Approximate total contact hours for the taught modules is 390 hours.

You are also expected to undertake 810 hours of team and individual study.

Taught modules total 120 credits. Typically, one credit equates to 10 hours of work.

Research modules are 60. Project selection is through student application and interview.

Assessment

• Coursework
• Exams

Your performance will be assessed through a combination of coursework (laboratory competency; presentations, courtroom assessment, strategy planning, critical thinking) and examinations (unseen written essays, use of specialist computer software for forensic genetic reports). Coursework contributes approximately 45% and examinations approximately 55% to your final mark.

 

The study time and assessment methods detailed above are typical and give you a good indication of what to expect. However, they are subject to change.

Structure

Required modules

Courses are divided into modules. You will normally take: Modules totalling 180 credits You are required to take:

Analytical Chemistry for Forensic Science and Toxicology (15 credits)

Forensic Genetics (15 credits)

The Forensic Process (30 credits)

The Chemistry of Drugs and Explosives (30 credits)

Forensic Biology (30 credits)

You are also required to complete a research module depending on your choice of pathway:

Forensic Project (60 credits; MSc pathway)

King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant programmes of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on the course finder on our website for updates.

Please note that modules with a practical component will be capped due to educational requirements, which may mean that we cannot guarantee a place to all students who elect to study this module.

Careers

Employability

Many Forensic Science graduates go on to work in the forensic science sector with forensic service providers within the UK, European and international fields. Others have taken employment with the Metropolitan Police or crime scene departments of other police forces.

The degree, with its mixture of analytical chemistry and cutting-edge molecular biology, is also highly regarded in medical laboratories. Some graduates choose to continue to study towards a PhD either at King’s College London or other universities across the country. 

 

Fees & Funding

Tuition Fees

UK:

Full time: £16,950 (2025/26)

International:

Full time: £35,800 ( 2025/26)

These tuition fees may be subject to additional increases in subsequent years of study, in line with King’s terms and conditions.

Deposit

If you receive an offer for this programme, you will be required to pay a non-refundable deposit to secure your place. Deposit payments are credited towards the total tuition fee payment.

The Home deposit is £500. The International deposit is £2000.

• If you receive an offer before March, payment is due by 20 March.
• If you receive an offer between 1 March and 20 May, payment is due within one month of receiving the offer.
• If you receive an offer between 21 May and 15 July, payment is due within two weeks of receiving the offer.
• If you receive an offer between 16 July and 10 August, payment is due within one week of receiving the offer.
• If you receive an offer from 11 August onwards, payment is due within three days of receiving the offer.

If you are a current undergraduate King’s student in receipt of the King's Living Bursary this academic year, you are not required to pay a deposit to secure your place on the programme. Please note, this will not change the total fees payable for your chosen programme.

Please visit our web pages on fees and funding for more information.

Additional Costs

In addition to your tuition costs, you can also expect to pay for:

• Books if you choose to buy your own copies
• Clothing for optional course related events and competitions
• Library fees and fines 
• Personal photocopies 
• Printing course handouts 
• Society membership fees
• Stationery 
• Travel costs for travel around London and between campuses 
• Graduation costs

Funding

To find out more about bursaries, scholarships, grants, tuition fees, living expenses, student loans, and other financial help available at King's please visit the Fees and Funding section.

• Course essentials
• Entry requirements
• Teaching & structure
• Careers
• Fees & Funding

Accredited by The Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences, our Forensic Sciences course is the longest-running programme of its type in England, having been first established in 1985. You will benefit from an advanced and flexible study programme devised and delivered by internationally leading researchers, and recognised forensic providers including our accredited DNA analysis and Drug Control Centre testing laboratories. We also collaborate closely with the Forensic Directorates of the Metropolitan Police and City of London Police in both teaching and research. The course is made up of two 15 credit modules and three 30 credit modules followed by a 60 or 120 credit research module. You will complete the course in one year, from September to September.

Base campus

Waterloo Campus

Waterloo campus is home of the Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing & Midwifery and facilities for other faculties

Please note that locations are determined by where each module is taught and may vary depending on the modules you study.

Regulating bodies

King's is regulated by the Office for Students

UK applicants

Standard requirements

A minimum 2:1 undergraduate Bachelor’s (honours) degree

If you have a lower degree classification, or a degree in an unrelated subject, your application may be considered if you can demonstrate significant relevant work experience, or offer a related graduate qualification (such as a Masters or PGDip).

Programme-Specific Requirements

Bachelors degree with 2:1 honours in Life Sciences or Chemistry. This would include, courses such as Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Pharmacology, Toxicology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Biomedical Sciences, Genetics, Forensic Science or similar. Chemistry and Biology qualifications equivalent to UK A-level will also be beneficial.

In order to meet the academic entry requirements for this programme you should have a minimum 2:1 undergraduate degree with a final mark of at least 60% or above in the UK marking scheme. If you are still studying you should be achieving an average of at least 60% or above in the UK marking scheme.

International applicants

Equivalent International qualifications

Select a countrySelect a country

English language requirements

English language band:

D

To study at King's, it is essential that you can communicate in English effectively in an academic environment. You are usually required to provide certification of your competence in English before starting your studies.

Nationals of majority English speaking countries (as defined by the UKVI) who have permanently resided in this country are not usually required to complete an additional English language test. This is also the case for applicants who have successfully completed an undergraduate degree (of at least three years duration), a postgraduate taught degree (of at least one year), or a PhD in a majority English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI) within five years of the course start date.

For information on our English language requirements and whether you need to complete an English language test, please see our English Language requirements page.

Selection process

Applications must be made online using King's Apply, the Admissions Portal. A non-refundable application fee of £85 applies.  

Applications will be processed upon receipt. Overseas applicants are advised to apply by March to allow sufficient time for visa application. Places are ascribed on a first come first served basis. 

Applicants are encouraged to attend the Departmental and University Postgraduate events.

Personal statement and supporting information

You will be asked to submit the following documents in order for your application to be considered:

Personal Statement	Yes	A personal statement is required. This can be entered directly into the online application form (maximum 4,000 characters) or uploaded as an attachment to the online application form (maximum 2 pages).
Previous Academic Study	Yes	A copy (or copies) of your official academic transcript(s), showing the subjects studied and marks obtained. If you have already completed your degree, copies of your official degree certificate will also be required. Applicants with academic documents issued in a language other than English, will need to submit both the original and official translation of their documents.
Reference	Yes	One reference is required, professional references will be accepted if you have completed your qualifications over five years ago.
Other	Optional	You may also wish to include a CV (Resume) or evidence of professional registration as part of your application.

Teaching methods - what to expect

Lectures

Laboratory-based Practicals

Small Group Discussions

Workshops

Independent study

Contact time includes lectures, laboratory practicals, workshops, group discussions and problem-based learning exercises.

Approximate total contact hours for the taught modules is 390 hours.

You are also expected to undertake 810 hours of team and individual study.

Taught modules total 120 credits. Typically, one credit equates to 10 hours of work.

Research modules are 60. Project selection is through student application and interview.

Assessment

• Coursework
• Exams

Your performance will be assessed through a combination of coursework (laboratory competency; presentations, courtroom assessment, strategy planning, critical thinking) and examinations (unseen written essays, use of specialist computer software for forensic genetic reports). Coursework contributes approximately 45% and examinations approximately 55% to your final mark.

 

The study time and assessment methods detailed above are typical and give you a good indication of what to expect. However, they are subject to change.

Structure

Required modules

Courses are divided into modules. You will normally take: Modules totalling 180 credits You are required to take:

Analytical Chemistry for Forensic Science and Toxicology (15 credits)

Forensic Genetics (15 credits)

The Forensic Process (30 credits)

The Chemistry of Drugs and Explosives (30 credits)

Forensic Biology (30 credits)

You are also required to complete a research module depending on your choice of pathway:

Forensic Project (60 credits; MSc pathway)

King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant programmes of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on the course finder on our website for updates.

Please note that modules with a practical component will be capped due to educational requirements, which may mean that we cannot guarantee a place to all students who elect to study this module.

Employability

Many Forensic Science graduates go on to work in the forensic science sector with forensic service providers within the UK, European and international fields. Others have taken employment with the Metropolitan Police or crime scene departments of other police forces.

The degree, with its mixture of analytical chemistry and cutting-edge molecular biology, is also highly regarded in medical laboratories. Some graduates choose to continue to study towards a PhD either at King’s College London or other universities across the country. 

 

Tuition Fees

UK:

Full time: £16,950 (2025/26)

International:

Full time: £35,800 ( 2025/26)

These tuition fees may be subject to additional increases in subsequent years of study, in line with King’s terms and conditions.

Deposit

If you receive an offer for this programme, you will be required to pay a non-refundable deposit to secure your place. Deposit payments are credited towards the total tuition fee payment.

The Home deposit is £500. The International deposit is £2000.

• If you receive an offer before March, payment is due by 20 March.
• If you receive an offer between 1 March and 20 May, payment is due within one month of receiving the offer.
• If you receive an offer between 21 May and 15 July, payment is due within two weeks of receiving the offer.
• If you receive an offer between 16 July and 10 August, payment is due within one week of receiving the offer.
• If you receive an offer from 11 August onwards, payment is due within three days of receiving the offer.

If you are a current undergraduate King’s student in receipt of the King's Living Bursary this academic year, you are not required to pay a deposit to secure your place on the programme. Please note, this will not change the total fees payable for your chosen programme.

Please visit our web pages on fees and funding for more information.

Additional Costs

In addition to your tuition costs, you can also expect to pay for:

• Books if you choose to buy your own copies
• Clothing for optional course related events and competitions
• Library fees and fines 
• Personal photocopies 
• Printing course handouts 
• Society membership fees
• Stationery 
• Travel costs for travel around London and between campuses 
• Graduation costs

Funding

To find out more about bursaries, scholarships, grants, tuition fees, living expenses, student loans, and other financial help available at King's please visit the Fees and Funding section.

Application closing date guidance

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