Forensic Science and Criminal Justice MSc, by distance learning
27 months
From fingerprint visualisation to blood spatter, police investigations often hinge on the correct evaluation and interpretation of forensic evidence. In this degree, you’ll gain the advanced skills needed to make an impact out in the field.
Course information
UK fee £10,950
International fee £10,950
Taught by School of Chemistry
Admissions and course enquiries
+44 (0)116 252 5281
Submit a course enquiry
Course description
Course description
On this part-time, distance learning course you will learn how to evaluate and interpret different forms of forensic evidence and how to consider its relevance to police investigations. You will study the scientific principles and practical application of the many and varied techniques used to forensically examine different evidence types.
You will learn how to select the most appropriate techniques for different evidence types, how to interpret the results and how to apply critical analysis to determine what that means in terms of evidential value.
The skills and knowledge you will gain on this course will enable you to confidently argue the reasoning behind the interpretation and evaluation of forensic evidence and to demonstrate in a court of law that you are credible as an expert witness.
This course is offered in association with the University of Florida and the University of Canberra.
Diplomas and Certificates
If you complete all of the modules and a dissertation you will be awarded an MSc. However it is also possible to compete only the modules, without a dissertation, and receive a Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip), or to complete just the first year modules and receive a Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert). These are 'exit awards' which means that you cannot apply for them directly; you must apply for the MSc.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements
2:1 honours degree or international equivalent in a relevant subject area, e.g. Forensic Science, Chemistry or Biology.
We will also consider extensive and relevant work experience, e.g. in the forensic or criminal justice sector.
You will be expected to have at least a basic knowledge of physical sciences.
English Language Requirements
IELTS 6.0 or equivalent. If your first language is not English, you may need to provide evidence of your English language ability.
International Qualifications
Find your country in this list to check equivalent qualifications, scholarships and additional requirements.
Countries listFees and funding
Fees and funding
UK Students
Starting in October 2025
- £10,950
This fee does not include any visits to the University campus. If you come to Leicester, some meals and refreshments will be provided but you will otherwise be responsible for your own accommodation, travel and day-to-day expenses.
Find out more about how to pay.
Did you know you can apply for a Government Postgraduate Loan? Find out if you’re eligible.
International Students
Starting in October 2025
- £10,950
This fee does not include any visits to the University campus. If you come to Leicester, some meals and refreshments will be provided but you will otherwise be responsible for your own accommodation, travel and day-to-day expenses.
Find out more about how to pay.
Careers and employability
Careers and employability
A postgraduate qualification is an investment in your future. Like you, we are keen that your investment pays off. There is no doubt that studying for a postgraduate qualification can help your career prospects – you will gain the deeper knowledge and high end skills and that will set you apart. Studying with us gives a clear signal to employers. It demonstrates that you have the spark, ambition and commitment to take your career to the next level. Your employer will also benefit directly from your newly acquired understanding and capabilities.
This course will equip you with the ability to evaluate and interpret different forms of forensic evidence and to consider its relevance to police investigations. You will also acquire an understanding of the many and varied techniques used to forensically examine different evidence types and how to sequence multiple techniques. The breadth of modules will enable you to acquire this skill and knowledge in a wide range of disciplines. Such skill and knowledge is an essential part of being able to demonstrate to a court of law that you are credible as an expert witness and able, therefore, to give opinion to a jury.
We will offer guidance in skills evaluation at the start of the course, which may help when considering whether a specialist route is right for you. You will receive further guidance as you enter your dissertation.
Our Career Development Service is here to support you – by email, phone or skype – with advice on interviews, CVs, work experience and more. From registration to Graduation and beyond, they are here to help you reach your professional goals.
Course structure
Year 1
Year 1
The first year will equip you with the basics of understanding how forensic science is used to solve crime and how to analyse critically its use.
Modules
- Crime Scene Examination
- Trace Evidence Analysis
- Evidential Value and Interpretation
- Research Methods
Modules shown represent choices available to current students. The range of modules available and the content of any individual module may change in future years.
Year 2
Year 2
In your second year you can focus your degree, if you want to, around specialist themes that may be of particular interest to you or your sponsor.
Option modules
You will choose either six modules marked L or three modules marked L plus two modules marked F or C from:
Physical Evidence modules
- Fingerprint Corrosion of Metal (L)
- Arson Investigation (L)
- Forensic Engineering (L)
- Toxicology of Chemical Weapons (F)
- Blood Distribution and Spatter (F)
Biological Evidence modules
Human Remains modules
Management modules
Modules marked L are delivered by the University of Leicester. Modules marked F or C are taught by the University of Florida or the University of Canberra respectively.
Modules shown represent choices available to current students. The range of modules available and the content of any individual module may change in future years.
Dissertation
Dissertation
After completing your modules, you will complete a dissertation of approximately 15,000-20,000 words, which may be related to work-based issues you are facing.
Your dissertation topic will be chosen from a number of broad fields and should reflect an area of particular interest to you.
Your dissertation supervisor will offer regular virtual supervisory sessions, either by phone or online.
Modules shown represent choices available to current students. The range of modules available and the content of any individual module may change in future years.
Why Leicester?
The University of Leicester is part of the Global Forensics Network, which means that as part of your course you can take selected modules on the forensic science Masters courses at the universities of Florida and Canberra.
The University of Leicester was the birthplace of genetic fingerprinting, discovered here in 1985 by Professor Sir Alec Jeffreys.
This MSc draws heavily on Leicester’s world-wide reputation for innovation in forensic science in areas such as DNA profiling, fingerprint enhancement and forensic engineering. World renowned academics at the University contribute to the course.
Teaching and learning
All of your learning materials will be delivered to you electronically via the University’s virtual learning environment Blackboard (you will need regular access to a Broadband connection).
There is no need to visit the University of Leicester. There will be some specific opportunities for you to visit the campus for feedback and advice if you wish – but these are not mandatory. (Please note that the cost of any visit to Leicester is not included in the course fee. You will be responsible for your own accommodation, travel and day-to-day expenses.)
Each module comprises a range of different elements designed to make the learning experience enjoyable and easy for you to tailor to your own style. Podcasts that ‘set the scene’ for a particular topic will be reinforced by voice-over PowerPoint presentations. There are self-study activities and each module also has at least one discussion group activity, when you can exchange ideas with other students and comment on each other’s views. Generally, you will need to spend about 15 hours per week studying.
Each Leicester module will be assessed by two written assignments, and you will also be assessed on your participation in facilitated Blackboard discussion groups. In addition, each module includes at least two multiple choice quizzes which are not assessed but will let you check that you have understood the work as the module progresses. There are no exams on this course.
Florida and Canberra modules use continuous assessment.
Apply now
| Course | Qualification | Duration | Start Dates | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Course Forensic Science and Criminal Justice | Qualification MSc | Duration 27 months by distance learning | Start Dates October each year | Availability Apply Now |
My course has equipped me with the necessary skills to prepare me for a huge range of careers.