MSc by Research
Forensic Science

Key Information


Full-time

1 year

Part-time

2 years

Entry Requirements

See More

Campus

Brayford Pool

Start Dates in October and January

Programme Overview

Research students in Forensic Science have the opportunity to work alongside a multidisciplinary team in the School of Chemistry, and can benefit from strong links with industry practitioners.

Students have the opportunity to engage in the work to develop innovative methods and techniques to assist in solving crime and casework-related issues. Our team is currently engaged in high-profile studies including collaborative projects with the Centre for Applied Science and Technology at the UK Home Office.

Students have access to a range of training programmes to support them in their independent investigations, and an experienced supervisory team are on hand to offer advice and direction. Ongoing research projects in the School are focused on topics including the chemical analysis of legal highs, DNA analysis in forensic and archaeological contexts, and forensic toxicology.

Key Features

Conduct independent, original, and academically significant research

Benefit from training courses to develop key research skills

Supervision and support from academic staff

Present at talks and seminars to showcase your work

Enrol in January or October each year

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How You Study

Due to the nature of postgraduate research programmes, the vast majority of students' time will be spent in independent study and research. Students will have meetings with their academic supervisors, however the regularity of these will vary depending on their own individual requirements, subject area, staff availability, and the stage of programme.

Research Areas and Topics

Our main research areas currently include drug analysis, explosives analysis, fingerprinting science, dye and pigment analysis, forensic anthropology, spectroscopic techniques (including Raman) and separation science, and surface analysis.

Recent research projects have included chemical analysis of fingerprints, analysis of legal highs, development of sensors for forensic applications, and development of colloids and Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS).

The key to a successful research programme is to find a research subject that you are passionate about, and a supervisory team that have the expertise in this area. The first thing that all students should do is contact a member of staff who works in an area that you are interested in. Please visit the School of Chemistry pages to identify potential academic supervisors. You are invited to contact the supervisors that you feel are best suited to your research area to discuss the process further.

School of Chemistry

How you are assessed

A research degree is usually awarded based on the quality of a student's thesis and their ability in an oral examination (viva voce) to present and successfully defend their chosen research topic to a group of academics. Students are also expected to demonstrate how their research findings have contributed to knowledge or developed existing theory or understanding.

How to Apply

Postgraduate Research Application Support

Find out more about the application process for research degrees and what you'll need to complete on our How to Apply page, which also features contact details for dedicated support with your application.

How to Apply
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Enrolment

To support your experience within the postgraduate research community, new students are encouraged to enrol in October or January. However, applications are welcome at any point throughout the year, and enrolment can also take place at any relevant point.

In addition to meeting peers across the University who are starting their research programme at the same time, there is access to a central training programme designed around the first three months of study, and targeted support aligned to each stage of the postgraduate research journey. Alternative enrolment dates may be agreed with your supervisor on an individual basis.

Entry Requirements 2024-25

Entry Requirements

First or second class honours degree in a relevant subject.

Programme Fees

You will need to have funding in place for your studies before you arrive at the University. Our fees vary depending on the course, mode of study, and whether you are a UK or international student. You can view the breakdown of fees for this programme below. Research students may be required to pay additional fees in addition to cover the cost of specialist resources, equipment and access to any specialist collections that may be required to support their research project. These will be informed by your research proposal and will be calculated on an individual basis.

Programme Fees

Funding Your Research

Loans and Studentships

Find out more about the optional available to support your postgraduate research, from Master's and Doctoral Loans, to research studentship opportunities. You can also find out more about how to pay your fees and access support from our helpful advisors.

Explore Funding Options
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Career Development

A research programme provides the opportunity to become a true expert in your chosen field, while developing a range of valuable transferable skills than can support your career progression. A research-based degree is also the most direct pathway to an academic career. Research degrees are a great chance to expand your network and meet diverse people with similar interests, knowledge, and passion.

The University’s Doctoral School provides a focal point for Lincoln’s community of researchers, where ideas and experiences can be developed and shared across disciplines. It also offers support and training to help equip you for both academic and non-academic careers.

Doctoral School

Research at Lincoln

Through our research, we are striving to change society for the better. Working with regional, national, and international partners, our academics are engaged in groundbreaking studies that are challenging the status quo. We also understand the importance of providing the best possible environment for pursuing research that can support our communities, improve lives, and make a tangible difference to the world around us.

Explore Our Research
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The University intends to provide its courses as outlined in these pages, although the University may make changes in accordance with the Student Admissions Terms and Conditions.