Everyone has heard of forensic science. They can watch it on CSI most nights! But what about the real world of forensics? In a way, ‘Forensics’ covers all sciences and more and, as a result, there is a bewildering range of forensic MSc courses offered by many universities. Some of these courses provide a broad coverage of many sciences but are therefore limited to a fairly basic level in each discipline. Others provide deeper training in a specialist subject but focus the subject on its application for forensic applications, both in techniques and their use within the legal framework. Since the legal profession prefers to rely on specialists in a particular discipline, finding the right MSc course can be difficult. In general, a good specialist forensic MSc will give students much better employment opportunities than the broader courses.

One of the branches of sciences used heavily in forensics is analytical chemistry? Many forensic MSc courses offered by good Chemistry Departments provide training in the forensic application of their specialism. The MSc in Forensic Materials at Heriot-Watt University, for example, gives students an excellent grounding in the analytical methods used by modern forensic scientists. In addition, it gives students the basics of pathology, toxicology, entomology and law as well as the mechanics of materials.

What degrees are accepted?

Typically, the specialist programmes, such as the MSc in Forensic Materials, accepts good Honours Degrees in their parent discipline or a similar subject. In the example of the MSc in Forensic Materials, this would be a BSc Honours (2.ii or better) in Chemistry as the parent discipline, or a BSc in Physics or Biology or BEng in Chemical Engineering as examples of related disciplines.

With thanks to:
Wolf Gerrit-Fruh
Director of Engineering & Physical Sciences Postgraduate Taught Programmes
Heriot-Watt University
www.graduateschool.eps.hw.ac.uk