About this course
LJMU's Forensic Bioscience MSc is ideal for forensic science practitioners and science graduates with its state-of-the-art facilities and research-informed curriculum.
- Accredited by the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences
- Enrol on this course which is taught by leading experts in the field and informed by research and excellent industry links
- Enjoy access to state-of-the-art laboratories, crime scene facilities and a moot room
- Learn from forensic anthropologists, biologists, crime scene and fire investigation specialists and leading in-house academics
- Benefit from a local, national or international work placement
- Develop transferrable skills in legal matters and research methods and specialise in your chosen area
Forensic bioscience involves the understanding and application of many diverse techniques and this programme aims to enhance your depth and breadth of knowledge, understanding and practical skills via a stimulating and challenging curriculum.
Unique in the North West, the course is led by experts in the field and focuses on the biological aspects of forensics. Key topics include decomposition, entomology, microbiology, histology and DNA analysis. You will also study forensic medicine and issues such as post mortem interval determination and identification. You will explore the criminal justice system as a setting in which a forensic scientist might work and discover how to apply appropriate techniques to complex forensic cases, critically evaluating current crime scene techniques.
The course attracts graduates from disciplines including biology, zoology, biochemistry and forensic science, as well as those working in DNA Analysis, forensic biology, anthropology and the environmental sector. Indeed, anyone interested in the molecular and biological aspects of forensics will appreciate this programme.
You will explore emerging and specialist disciplines as well as extending your understanding of current and biological techniques and practice. Developing analytical, critical and problem solving skills, you will become a creative problem solver. You will also enhance your independent research skills, going on to enjoy excellent career development opportunities in forensic and analytical biosciences.
Husna's story
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Course modules
Discover the building blocks of your programme
Your programme is made up of a number of core and option modules and a research project.
Further guidance on modules
Modules are designated core or optional in accordance with professional body requirements, as applicable, and LJMU’s Academic Framework Regulations. Whilst you are required to study core modules, optional modules provide you with an element of choice. Their availability may vary and will be subject to meeting minimum student numbers.
Where changes to modules are necessary these will be communicated as appropriate.
Core modules
Bioanalytical Techniques
20 credits
20 credits
This module examines state-of-the-art biomolecular techniques, including DNA and protein analysis. Commonly used techniques in the forensic field will be critically analysed and performed along with emerging techniques which can form the basis of the dissertation or further postgraduate study.
Forensic Bioscience
20 credits
20 credits
This module combines theory and practical work in post mortem interval determination, entomology, microbiology and pathology.
Law and Court Room Skills
20 credits
20 credits
This module discusses the criminal justice systems under which a Forensic Scientist may work and examines expert witness testimony. Aspects of regulation and quality assurance are touched upon.
Forensic Research Methods
20 credits
20 credits
This module covers grant application, critical appraisal of leading research and data interpretation and evaluation - leading naturally into the dissertation.
Optional Modules
Trace Evidence Analysis
20 credits
20 credits
This module teaches you to identify, differentiate and analyse different types of trace evidence using advanced techniques. Microscopy, including SEM (EDX) and atomic force, form the basis of the practical analysis performed, along with other techniques.
Taphonomy and Trauma Analysis
20 credits
20 credits
In this module, you will examine decomposition processes and trauma analysis.
Wildlife Forensic Science
20 credits
20 credits
This module will primarily run as two five day field trips and provide students with the opportunity to interact with a range of interested groups. Mock crime scenes and other practical activities will form an important part of the module to provide students with a thorough understanding of the subject, including relevant legislation and the difficulties with investigating such crimes.
Research Project
60 credits
60 credits
This module will provide you with the opportunity to conduct an independent, in-depth study of an agreed topic of research, carried out in an appropriate manner.
Placement Project
60 credits
60 credits
This module will provide you with the opportunity to conduct an independent, in-depth study of an agreed topic of research, carried out in an appropriate manner at an external placement provider.
Your Learning Experience
An insight into teaching on your course
Teaching hours
There will be some week-to-week differences in the exact time and location of the scheduled teaching for each module, depending on whether the sessions involve lectures, practicals or other forms of teaching. You should spend the remaining time in private and independent study, preparing assignments, revising for tests and exams and, very importantly, reading around your subject. The total amount of private study time that you should spend in a particular module will be provided when you start the course. For the research project (May-August) you will be expected to attend full-time, i.e. 9.00am-5.00pm, Monday-Friday.
Teaching methods
There is a 50/50 split between theoretical and practical content and you will learn via a mix of seminars, workshops, case studies, external visits, lectures, practical sessions and e-learning.
Applied learning
With regular lectures from professional practitioners, the curriculum is directly informed by the latest developments and entirely relevant to the needs of todays employers. The programme has been praised by external bodies for its "modules designed around national standards" and the "realistic environments created to facilitate learning and assessment".
How learning is monitored on your programme
To cater for the wide-ranging content of our courses and the varied learning preferences of our students, we offer a range of assessment methods on each programme.
Where you will study
What you can expect from your School
You will study at the Byrom Street site in the University's City Campus. With an ongoing £12 million investment in laboratory facilities here and state-of-the-art research facilities in the newly developed Life Sciences building, you'll enjoy a first class study environment. Legal aspects of the course are taught in the Moot Room in the multi-million pound Redmonds building on Brownlow Hill.
Course tutors
Our staff are committed to the highest standards of teaching and learning
David Lamont
Programme Leader
I immensely enjoyed working as a Forensic Scientist in the criminal justice system. Now I get to pass on that knowledge and hopefully enthusiasm to the next generation.
I immensely enjoyed working as a Forensic Scientist in the criminal justice system. Now I get to pass on that knowledge and hopefully enthusiasm to the next generation.
Dr Lamont worked as a practitioner in the field of Forensic Science for a decade, before joining LJMU to teach on the Forensic Science programmes and undertake research in the field. He previously worked for the Metropolitan Police Service’s Forensic Services department in their Biology and Trace unit, covering serious crimes in London. This included firearms incidents, murders, sexual assaults and even terrorist incidents. His expertise lies predominantly in evidence recovery and the examination of evidence in a lab environment. Particularly case assessment and interpreting and evaluating the significance of DNA findings in the context of a case, as well as the attribution of DNA to bodily fluids. David's research interests include body fluids/DNA, Y-STR profiling, case assessment and interpretation, novel DNA recovery methods and the subsequent analysis.
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Lecturer/Senior Lecturer -
Lecturer/Senior Lecturer
Career paths
Further your career prospects
LJMU has an excellent employability record with 96% (HESA 2018) of our postgraduates in work or further study six months after graduation. Our applied learning techniques and strong industry connections ensure our students are fully prepared for the workplace on graduation and understand how to apply their knowledge in a real world context.
The Forensic Bioscience department has an impressive range of national and international industry contacts and works closely with local police forces.
Numerous career paths are available including forensic practice, working in biology-based industries, the NHS, trading standards and teaching and lecturing in schools, colleges and universities. Further possibilities include roles working with diagnostic products, proficiency testing, quality assurance, reference standards and genomics.
Alternatively, you may choose to further your research career, concentrating on specific areas of forensic science, such as DNA analysis or entomology.
Professional accreditation/links
MSc Forensic Bioscience is accredited by the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences.
Fees and funding
Tuition Fees:
There are many ways to fund postgraduate study for home and international students
Fees
The fees quoted at the top of this page cover registration, tuition, supervision, assessment and examinations as well as:
- library membership with access to printed, multimedia and digital resources
- access to programme-appropriate software
- library and student IT support
- free on-campus wifi via eduroam
Additional costs
Although not all of the following are compulsory/relevant, you should keep in mind the costs of:
- accommodation and living expenditure
- books (should you wish to have your own copies)
- printing, photocopying and stationery
- PC/laptop (should you prefer to purchase your own for independent study and online learning activities)
- mobile phone/tablet (to access online services)
- field trips (travel and activity costs)
- placements (travel expenses and living costs)
- student visas (international students only)
- study abroad opportunities (travel costs, accommodation, visas and immunisations)
- academic conferences (travel costs)
- professional-body membership
- graduation (gown hire etc)
Funding
There are many ways to fund postgraduate study for home and international students. From loans to International Scholarships and subject-specific funding, you’ll find all of the information you need on our specialist postgraduate funding pages.
Please be aware that the UK’s departure from the EU may affect your tuition fees. Learn more about your fee status and which tuition fees are relevant to you.
- International fee:
- £18,250
International Scholarships and payment plans
Liverpool John Moores University is committed to supporting international students by providing a range of scholarships and flexible payment plans to help students manage their tuition fees.
Scholarships
LJMU provides a variety of scholarships to support international students. Scholarships are available to self-funded students who have accepted their offer and met all the conditions outlined in their offer letter. Students must also demonstrate that they can cover living costs, travel, and other expenses associated to studying at the university. Postgraduate scholarships include tuition fee reductions and are often offered in partnership with external funding organisations.
All self-funded international students are eligible for an automatic scholarship worth up to £4,000. For more details and to view our full list of scholarships, visit the international scholarship webpages.
Deposit
All students must pay a £5,000 deposit before they can receive their CAS letter.
For more information view our deposit page.
Tuition Fee Payment Plan
After paying their £5,000 deposit, students have the option to pay their fees in full or in three equal instalments minus any internal scholarships and discounts. There are two payment options available for international students. You can either pay your tuition fees in full before enrolment or opt for a payment plan. With the payment plan, you can pay your fees in three instalments after making your £5,000 deposit. The first instalment is due before enrolment.
All payments should be made through Flywire. Full details can be found in the How to Pay Guide.
Early Bird Tuition Fee discount
We are excited to introduce a £500 Early Payment Discount to all self-funded international students. Eligible self-funded students who pay their fees by the required deadlines will get a discount which will be automatically deducted from the 1st year of tuition fees.
To see the required deadlines please visit the webpage
Entry requirements
You will need:
Qualification requirements
Undergraduate degree
- a minimum 2:2 honours degree in a relevant science, including forensic science
Further information
- Extra Requirements
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RPL
- RPL is accepted on this course
International requirements
IELTS
- IELTS requirements 6.5 (minimum of 5.5 in each component)
Other international requirements
- If you have applied to study a full-time taught Masters, MRes, MPhil or PhD at LJMU, you should check if you require an Academic Technology Approval Scheme or ATAS certificate. Please contact LJMU’s International Admissions Team for further details
How to apply
Securing your place at LJMU
To apply for this programme, you are required to complete an LJMU online application form. You will need to provide details of previous qualifications and a personal statement outlining why you wish to study this programme.
Your student experience
There's so much more to university than just studying for a degree.
Postgraduate life at LJMU
See the amazing support you will get from the university, the academic expertise of the staff here, the first-class learning environment, fabulous libraries, excellent career guidance and their ongoing love affair with the city of Liverpool.
Accommodation
As a new student at LJMU, we guarantee accommodation right in the heart of the dynamic city centre, with easy access to the main University campuses.
You can view our approved accommodation to see the halls that we offer to new students.
Your campus
We’re very proud of our campuses. Not only because they provide a modern and inspiring learning space for all our students but also because they’re a place people really want to be.
Living in Liverpool
Liverpool is one of Europe's most dynamic and cultured cities. Come find out why it's a great city to study in.
Go abroad
LJMU aims to make international opportunities available to every student. You may be able to study abroad as part of your degree at one of our 100+ partner universities across the world. You could also complete a work placement or apply for one of our prestigious worldwide internship programmes.
Sports, societies and lifestyle
Getting involved in sports, clubs and societies at Liverpool John Moores University is a great way to challenge yourself, meet people who share your interests, and feel more connected to the University community.
Talk to our students
Connect with a current LJMU student through Unibuddy for insights and advice on university life, courses, and more.
See what our students are saying
At LJMU we want you to know you’re making the right choice by studying with us. You can see what our students are saying about their experience with us through their reviews on the following websites:
News and views
Browse through the latest stories and updates from the University and beyond
The University reserves the right to withdraw or make alterations to a course and facilities if necessary; this may be because such changes are deemed to be beneficial to students, are minor in nature and unlikely to impact negatively upon students or become necessary due to circumstances beyond the control of the University. Where this does happen, the University operates a policy of consultation, advice and support to all enrolled students affected by the proposed change to their course or module.