MRes (Forensic Science)
Why choose this course?
This course is subject to validation.
- The MRes in Forensic Science has been designed to provide you with an excellent opportunity to plan, execute and critically analyse your research to become a confident and independent research scientist.
- You will have the flexibility to choose a research subject area that is of interest to you, see course details for potential areas.
- You will have the opportunity to work alongside external organisations including Derbyshire Constabulary and Scientifics Environmental Ltd.
- It’s a flexible course to suit you. You can study full time or part time, combined with the opportunity to undertake parts of the degree online.
- If you are a University of Derby graduate, you are entitled to a 10% discount off the fees of this course.
Course code: MRYAC
Start date: September
Course length: full time: one year part time: two years
Campus: Kedleston Road site, Derby Campus and online
This course is available to international students
The forensic science sector has always strived to develop innovative technology including molecular techniques and DNA profiling. Recent developments within this sector have led the Forensic Science Regulator and Forensic Science Society requiring an increase in forensic science research and development.
This increased drive for more research within forensic sciences has led to the design of this masters level course which will give you the opportunity to undertake original research within your chosen area of forensics. You will propose, develop and conduct a research project which will provide you with invaluable experience and insight into how research is conducted.
Current student conducting independent research.
Throughout the course you will be supported by our excellent team who are internationally recognised researchers with outstanding learning and teaching credentials. Specialist research areas include forensic handwriting and document analysis, forensic entomology, drug stability, wildlife forensics, forensic drug analysis and finger print analysis.
The degree is designed to initially give you the essential information and skills to undertake independent research and then gives you the opportunity to implement this training by conducting original independent research into your chosen subject area within forensic science.
You will study the following modules:
Research Skills
You will develop the key skills used when conducting and communicating research such as research ethics, scientific writing and research publication. It will give you the relevant transferable skills, not only to conduct your own independent masters research project, but also for future research career opportunities.
Research Methods
This will introduce you to a range of different qualitative and quantitative applications to give you a clear insight into the type of analysis used for particular data sets within the context of forensic science.
Essential Skills for Scientists
To ensure you increase your knowledge of your chosen area of forensic science research this module will introduce you to the relevant literature, research methods and analytical skills relating to your research and will also prepare you for undertaking your independent research project.
Independent Research
For the independent research project, you will be required to select a research area that reflects your chosen field of interest and to conduct an original research project. You will plan, design, organise and conduct your own research and then write a report consisting of 10,000-15,000 words.
You will need a good honours degree (typically 2:2 or higher) in forensic science or a related discipline. If you have professional experience in forensic science, you may also be considered as eligible for this course. If you are selected for an interview, you will be asked to submit a one page proposal outlining the areas of interest for your potential research project. More details concerning this proposal will be provided when you are invited to interview.
Are you an international student?
You will need an honours degree (typically 2:2 or higher) in biological science or a related discipline. If English is not your first language, you will need to hold IELTS 7.0. All international students will have a Skype interview.
UK/EU students
- Students should apply directly to the University.
International students
- Students should apply directly to the University.
Our fees for 2013/14 are:
- £495 per 20 credits
The learning and teaching activities offered are a mixture of taught face to face and online. The Research Skills and Research Methods modules are both offered online with regular drop in sessions. Regular video conferences will also be arranged to support distance learners. The Essential Skills for Scientists module will be delivered on campus through face to face tutorials and will be tailored to your needs in order to support you in preparation for your Independent Research.
How you are assessed
You will be assessed through a variety of methods allowing you to show your individual strengths and abilities. These include essays, portfolios, a dissertation, blogs, presentations and a viva voce.
After completing this MRes, you will be in a greater position to secure a career within biological sciences and to put yourself ahead of your peers. This course will provide you with excellent preparation for further study towards a PhD. Other career opportunities could include a research associate or forensic consultant, an analytical consultant, a scientific writer, a support laboratory manager, senior scientific advisor or a serious crime advisor.