MSc Forensic Bioscience
- Entry year:
- 2026/27
- Start date:
- September
- Study mode:
- Full-time
- Course duration:
- 1 year
- Campus:
- City
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. This programme aims to enhance your depth and breadth of knowledge, understanding, and practical skills through 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
Go on a tour of the School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences
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 today's 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.
Assessment methods for this programme include: paper analysis, scientific reports, dissertations, courtroom presentations and expert witness statements.
Where you will study
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.
Postgraduate research opportunities
At LJMU, you can take the next step in your academic journey with a PhD or MPhil, available on a full-time or part-time basis. International students also have the option to study remotely.
- PhD duration: Up to 4 years full-time, or up to 7 years part-time
- Funding options: Choose between funded projects (with supervisors already in place) or self-funded study
Our Doctoral Academy is here to support you every step of the way—from your first enquiry through to successful completion—working closely with Schools, Faculties, and Professional Services.
For more details on postgraduate research and full details on how to apply, visit the Doctoral Academy website.
Career paths
Further your career prospects
LJMU has an excellent employability record with 94% (HESA 2022) of our postgraduates in work or further study fifteen 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.
Tuition fees and funding
- Fee:
- £11,150
Fees
The fees quoted above cover registration, tuition, supervision, assessment and examinations as well as library membership and student IT support with access to printed, multimedia and digital resources including programme-appropriate software and on campus wifi.
Financial Support
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. The University offers a range of financial support for students. You'll find all the information you need on our specialist financial support pages including details of the Student Support Fund and other activities to support with the cost of living.
Additional Costs
In addition to fees, students should also keep in mind the cost of:
- Accommodation
- Travel costs and field trips unless paid for by LJMU
- Stationery, IT equipment, professional body membership and graduation gown hire
- Full-time per year:
- £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 postgraduate 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 such as the British Council and Chevening.
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.
Entry requirements
You will need:
Qualification requirements
Undergraduate degree
- A minimum 2:2 honours degree in a relevant science, including Forensic Science, Biology, Biomedical Science, or Genetics. Degrees in other science-related disciplines may be considered on a case-by-case basis, particularly where applicants can demonstrate relevant laboratory or analytical experience.
Further information
- Extra Requirements
-
RPL
- RPL is accepted on this course
International requirements
IELTS
- IELTS requirements 6.5 (minimum of 5.5 in each component) or equivalent. View country specific entry requirements
Other international requirements
Please note: All international qualifications are subject to a qualification equivalency check via ECCTIS.
View country specific entry requirements
Contact LJMU's International Admissions Team for guidance on visa information. Further information is also available from our international web pages.
Further information
- Extra Requirements
-
RPL
- RPL is accepted on this course
Please Note: All international qualifications are subject to a qualification equivalency check.
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.
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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.