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Dr Hilary Hamnett - Programme Leader
Hilary received her MChem and DPhil degrees from the University of Oxford, followed by an MSc in Forensic Science from the University of Strathclyde. She has years of experience analysing and reporting forensic toxicology cases in England, Scotland, and New Zealand, and has written journal articles and book chapters related to drugs and toxicology, including drugs and driving, new psychoactive substances, and carbon monoxide poisoning. She is also a member of the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs.
Academic Staff List Make an EnquiryWelcome to MSc Forensic Toxicology
Forensic toxicologists use modern analytical procedures to isolate, identify, and quantify drugs, endogenous compounds, and poisonous substances in biological samples.
This programme is designed to provide extensive training in the theory and practice of forensic toxicology and is taught by research-active academics and practitioners with specialist expertise. The content of the course is aligned to guidance from the United Kingdom and Ireland Association of Forensic Toxicologists on best practice in professional training and development in the field.
Teaching aims to put the theory of forensic toxicology into the context of different case types, including criminal, workplace drug testing, sports doping, family law, and death investigation. Students have the opportunity to learn about the processes involved in providing high-quality forensic toxicology evidence, starting from the chain of custody through to the case strategy, preparation of biological samples and advanced instrumental analysis, to interpretation and presentation of evidence.
The specialist skills and technical knowledge that students can acquire may be transferable to roles in laboratory research, clinical drug monitoring, clinical chemistry, law enforcement, border security, and investigatory agencies in the private sector.
How You Study
The composition and delivery of the programme is different for each module and may include lectures, seminars, workshops, independent study, laboratory practicals, research, and one-to-one learning. Following the taught element of the programme, students will be expected to complete a research project in an area related to forensic toxicology.
Postgraduate study involves a significant proportion of independent study, exploring the material covered in lectures and seminars. As a general guide, for every hour spent in class, students are expected to spend at least two to three hours on independent study.
How you are assessed
Assessment methods used on this course may include coursework, examinations, presentations, and practical sessions. Details of the methods used will be provided in a handbook given to students at the beginning of the academic year.
The University of Lincoln's policy on assessment feedback aims to ensure that academics return in-course assessments to students promptly - usually within 15 working days of the submission date.
An Introduction to Your Modules
† Some courses may offer optional modules. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed. Optional module selection may also be affected by staff availability.
Entry Requirements 2023-24
First or second class honours degree in chemistry or a closely related discipline (forensic chemistry, pharmaceutical science, pharmacy, forensic science, biochemistry) or substantive equivalent experience.
If you have studied outside of the UK, and are unsure whether your qualification meets the above requirements, please visit our country pages:
https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/entryrequirementsandyourcountry/
Overseas students will be required to demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.0 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in each element. For information regarding other English language qualifications we accept, please visit the English Requirements page:
https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/englishlanguagerequirements/
If you do not meet the above IELTS requirements, you may be able to take part in one of our Pre-session English and Academic Study Skills courses. These specialist courses are designed to help students meet the English language requirements for their intended programme of study:
https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/pre-sessionalenglishandacademicstudyskills/
"Having completed an undergraduate degree in Forensic Science, studying for an MSc in Forensic Toxicology at the University of Lincoln was the perfect progression towards my career goals. The course provided both hands-on experience and the knowledge required for a future in toxicology. I am most grateful for the support I received while at Lincoln as it was invaluable in helping persue my chosen career."
Ciara Tyrell, MSc Forensic Toxicology graduateFees and Funding
For eligible students, there are more ways than ever before to fund your postgraduate study, whether you want to do a taught or research course. For those wishing to undertake a Master's course, UK students can apply for a loan as a contribution towards the course and living costs. Loans are also available to those who wish to undertake doctoral study. The University offers a number of scholarships and funded studentships for those interested in postgraduate study. Learn how Master's and PhD loans, scholarships, and studentships can help you fund your studies on our Postgraduate Fees and Funding pages.
Programme-Specific Additional Costs
For each programme you may find that there are additional costs. These may be with regard to the specific clothing, materials or equipment required. Some programmes provide opportunities for you to undertake field work or field trips. Where these are compulsory, the cost for travel and accommodation will be covered by the University and so is included in your fee. Where these are optional, you will normally be required to pay your own transport, accommodation, and general living costs.
With regards to textbooks, the University provides students who enrol with a comprehensive reading list and you will find that our extensive library holds either material or online versions of the core texts that you are required to read. However, you may prefer to purchase some of these for yourself and you will be responsible for this cost.
Research Project and Specialisms
Students on this course will have the opportunity to complete a research project in an area related to forensic toxicology.
Research in the School of Chemistry includes four relevant themes, although collaboration and cross-disciplinary research between these occurs at all levels. These themes are forensic chemistry, analytical chemistry, biological chemistry, and environmental chemistry.
Find out more at:
Career Opportunities
This programme aims to prepare students for a career in forensic toxicology. The specialist skills and technical knowledge that students have the opportunity to acquire may be transferable to roles in laboratory research, clinical drug monitoring, clinical chemistry, law enforcement, border security, and investigatory agencies in the private sector. Students may also choose to pursue advanced study at doctoral level.
Postgraduate Events
Find out more about how postgraduate study can help further your career, develop your knowledge, or even prepare you to start your own business at one of our postgraduate events.
Find out More