FORENSIC SCIENCEMSC

Canterbury

The UK’s European university

Graduatestudy

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INTRODUCTION

The Forensic ScienceMSc is an exciting taughtMaster’s programme,which prepares youfor a professional rolein forensic sciencewithin the criminal orcivil judicial systems,forensic practice, orresearch. It is specificallyfor graduates witha strong grounding inscience who wish to applytheir knowledge in aforensic context.

The Forensic Science MSc allowsyou to develop a wide range ofadvanced scientific skills andimmerse yourself in the very latestadvances in forensic science.You develop a deep knowledgeand understanding of advancedlaboratory analytical methods as

applied to forensic investigations.This enables you to select the mostappropriate analytical techniquesand to use a wide range ofadvanced analytic apparatusto a high standard.

After successfully completing theprogramme, you will have the skillsand knowledge to recognise andsolve forensic-related problemsat an advanced level. In additionto enhancing your employmentopportunities and career prospects,this programme helps you todevelop an integrated and criticalunderstanding of forensic scienceto prepare you to undertake a PhDin any associated disciplines.

Expert teachingThe School of Physical Sciences atKent offers postgraduate studentsthe opportunity to participate ingroundbreaking science, workingwith expert staff at the forefront of

their fields. Students on our forensicprogrammes are taught not only byour expert in-house lecturers, butalso by industry specialist lecturers.We also have strong collaborativelinks with forensic science providerssuch as Kent Police as well as localhealth authorities and biotechnology,chemical and pharmaceuticalcompanies in the UK and Europe.

Leading edge researchThe School of Physical Sciencesachieved excellent results in themost recent Research AssessmentExercise (2008). All of theprogrammes taught within theSchool are underpinned by a strong,active and cutting-edge researchenvironment.

The School has an innovativeresearch team in the ForensicImaging Group, which bringstogether physics and forensicscience. The Group is developing

Forensic Science

“This programme offers higherlevel training than is found inundergraduate forensic sciencedegrees, enabling its graduatesto undertake more seniorforensic roles. There is also astrong emphasis on researchmethodology, allowing you todevelop new forensicprocedures as well as embarkon a research career in avariety of scientific areas.”

Michael WentProfessor of Chemistry and Forensic Science

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Impressive careerprospectsKent has an excellent record forpostgraduate employment: over94% of our postgraduate studentswho graduated in 2013 found a jobor further study opportunity withinsix months. The MSc uses modulesfrom our MSci programme, which isaccredited by the Chartered Societyof Forensic Sciences and endorsedby Skillsmark under the Skills forJustice Programme.

We have a large number of closelinks with the forensic scienceprofession and the employabilityof our students is vitally importantto us. Over the years, we have hada good succession of graduateemployment in forensic scienceand associated disciplines.

Engagement with theprofessional bodyThe School of Physical Sciences isone of the few, and by far the largestacademic institution to offer all of itsstudents (both undergraduate andpostgraduate) free membership ofthe Chartered Society of ForensicSciences. This enables us tointegrate the webinar conferencematerials provided by the Societyinto our teaching materials. In thisway, our students are always ableto stay in touch with the very latestadvances in forensic scienceand maintain a close associationwith their professional bodyas student members.

We actively encourage all ourstudents to attend professionalconferences organised by theSociety and others in order tograduate not only with good classdegrees but also with a respectablemeasure of continuing professionaldevelopment credits whichdistinguish our graduates.

a computerised photo-fit system andnew methods for producing imagesin facial recognition.

Other areas of research includenew methods of fire debris analysisin collaboration with PrometheusForensic Services Ltd andspectroscopic analysis of forensicevidence in collaboration withAuthenticate Ltd.

Excellent facilitiesAs a student of this programme, youhave access to newly refurbishedstate-of-the-art laboratories as wellas access to first-class facilities.These facilities include a dedicatedfirearms and ballistics kit, forensicinvestigation equipment, FT-IRmicroscopy, NMR spectrometers,Raman spectrometers, X-rayfluorescence, atomic absorptionspectroscopy, GC-MS, HPLC, ionchromatography and scanningelectron microscopy.

www.kent.ac.uk/physical-sciences

WORLD-LEADINGRESEARCHIn the most recent ResearchAssessment Exercise(2008), Kent’s staff werefound to be engaged inresearch of world-classstanding.

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Course content • Advanced Forensic Project

Laboratory• Contemporary and Advanced

Issues in Forensic Science• DNA Analysis and Interpretation• Fires and Explosions• Major Incident Management• MSc Research Project• Physical Science Research

Planning• Substances of Abuse

AssessmentAssessment is by examination andcoursework.

This one-year Master’sprogramme in forensicscience offers academicrigour combined withpractical application andprofessional orientation.It consists of taughtmodules and a researchproject.

Forensic Science MScLocation: Canterbury.Attendance: One year full-time.Start: September.

Programme descriptionThe programme comprises twostages over the year. In Stage One,you undertake seven taughtmodules during the autumnand spring terms.

During the spring term, you areassigned an academic supervisorfor your dissertation project whichyou undertake during Stage Twoof the programme. The dissertationis completed over the summer.

To proceed to Stage Two, you arerequired to pass all modules witha minimum of 50%. Students whosuccessfully complete Stage One,but do not complete thedissertation, will be eligible for theaward of a postgraduate diploma.

PROGRAMME CONTENT

DID YOU KNOW?As a postgraduate studentat Kent, you not only havethe support of the GraduateSchool but also access to acareers service, counsellingsupport and other studentsupport services.

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ACADEMIC STAFF

The School of PhysicalSciences comprises 35academic staff whosupport teaching andresearch across a rangeof areas.

View detailed staff profiles on ourwebsite: www.kent.ac.uk/physical-sciences/staff

Programme staffDr Maria AlfredssonSenior Lecturer in TheoreticalMaterialsSupervises projects in areas suchas identification of heavy metals inpyrite ash waste, characterisationand analysis of gunpowder,determination of NOx and SOxdistribution from a legal perspective.

Dr Donna ArnoldSenior Lecturer in ForensicScienceTeaches Advanced Forensic ProjectLaboratory, in particular powder X-ray diffraction of inorganic solids.Supervises projects in areas suchas metal oxide materials as sensorsfor decomposition gases.

Dr Robert BenfieldSenior Lecturer in InorganicChemistryTeaches Fires and Explosions.Supervises projects in areas suchas chemical basis of colour spottests in forensic science and thecharacterisation of colour.

Dr Stefano BiaginiSenior Lecturer in OrganicChemistryTeaches Substances of Abuseand supervises projects inthe synthesis and isolationof substances of abuse.

Dr Anna CorriasReader in ChemistryTeaches Advanced Forensic ProjectLaboratory and researches intothe synthesis and characterisationof novel nanomaterials.

Dr Holly FrenchLaboratory Experimental OfficerTeaches Advanced LaboratoryTechniques and supports projectsinvolving the forensic applicationsof analytical techniques includingatomic absorption spectroscopy,high-performance chromatographyand gas chromatography.

Dr Stuart GibsonLecturer in Forensic ScienceConducts research into digitalimage processing with forensicapplications; machine learning;signal processing; computer vision;interactive evolutionary computation(IEC) and cognitive psychologyrelating to human facialappearance.

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The academic staff are supportedby guest lecturers with experiencefrom the former Forensic ScienceService and the Forensic ExplosivesLaboratory, part of the Defence,Science and Technology Laboratory.

www.kent.ac.uk/physical-sciences

Robert Green OBESenior Lecturer in ForensicScienceTeaches DNA Analysis andInterpretation. Supervisesprojects involved with the practicalapplications of forensic science tosolve both minor and major crimes.

Mark JohnsonSenior Lecturer in ForensicScienceTeaches Major IncidentManagement. Supervises projectsin trace evidence, firearms, ballisticsand collision analysis.

Dr Mark PriceSenior Lecturer in Space ScienceTeaches Advanced Forensic ProjectLaboratory, in particular the useof a scanning electron microscope(SEM) and energy dispersiveX-ray spectrometer (EDX) forelemental analyses.

Dr Silvia Ramos-PerezLecturer in Materials PhysicsTeaches Advanced ForensicProject Laboratory, in particularthe X-ray fluorescence (XRF)investigation of trace materials.

Dr Christopher ShepherdLecturer in Forensic ScienceSupervises research into ballisticswith a particular emphasis on theapplication of modern techniquesto interrogate the woundingpotential of different projectileson the human body for forensicapplications.

Professor Michael SmithProfessor of AstronomyTeaches Physical Science ResearchPlanning.

Dr Christopher SolomonReader in PhysicsSupervises research in digitalimage processing with forensicapplications; facial modelling andfacial composites, computer vision;interactive evolutionary and softcomputing and cognitive psychologyrelating to human facial appearance.

Professor Michael WentProfessor of Chemistry andForensic ScienceTeaches Contemporary andAdvanced Issues in ForensicScience. Supervises projectsin the forensic applicationsof Raman spectroscopy.

EXPERT STAFFYou work with expert staffwho are at the forefrontof their fields and amongleading research expertisesuch as our innovativeForensic Imaging Group,who are developing newmethods for producingimages in facial recognition.

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English languageThe University requires all non-native speakers of English to reacha minimum standard of proficiencyin written and spoken English beforebeginning a postgraduate degree.

Only English language tests takenup to a maximum of two years priorto the date of registration will beaccepted for admission to theUniversity.

Please note that if your universitystudies have been completedentirely in English, you may beexempt from providing an Englishtest certificate. Please contactInternational Developmentfor clarification, see www.kent.ac.uk/internationalstudent/contact-us/

For further information, seewww.kent.ac.uk/ems/eng-lang-reqs

General entryrequirements You should hold a good first degree(usually an upper second-classclassification or above or theequivalent) in a science disciplinesuch as forensic science, chemistry,biochemistry or forensic biology.

For information about therequirements for internationalqualifications from an internationallyrecognised institution, seewww.kent.ac.uk/internationalstudent/country

Making an application There is no fixed closing date forapplications although werecommend you make your formalapplication as early as possible andat least three months before yourintended start date. You can applyfor the MSc in Forensic Scienceprogramme online via our websiteat www.kent.ac.uk/courses/postgrad/apply

If you wish to apply for on-campusaccommodation, an applicationmust be made online by the endof July.

APPLYING TO KENT

Tuition fees and fundingFor the most up-to-date information on tuition fees andfunding, visit www.kent.ac.uk/pgfunding

Further informationFor further information, visitwww.kent.ac.uk/physical-sciences

For more specific enquiries, contact:Professor Michael Went,School of Physical Sciences,Ingram Building,University of Kent,Canterbury, Kent CT2 7NH, UK

T: +44 (0)1227 823540E: spsrecruit@kent.ac.ukwww.kent.ac.uk/physical-sciences

Admissions enquiriesT: +44 (0)1227 827272

COME AND VISIT USWe hold Open Daysand postgraduateevents throughout theyear. For more details, seewww.kent.ac.uk/opendays

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GENERAL INFORMATION

Kent: the UK’s EuropeanuniversityKent is known as the UK’s Europeanuniversity. Our two main UKcampuses, Canterbury andMedway, are located in the south-east of England, close to London,and we also have study locations inAthens, Brussels, Paris and Rome.

We have a diverse, cosmopolitanpopulation with 149 nationalitiesrepresented and 41% of ouracademic staff come fromoverseas. We also have strong linkswith universities in Europe, and fromKent, you are about two hours awayfrom Paris and Brussels by train.

World-leading researchA great deal of the University ofKent’s research has been rankedas world-leading in terms oforiginality, significance and rigour,according to the Government’smost recent Research AssessmentExercise (2008). Kent staff werefound to be engaged in researchof international and world-classstanding.

Strong academiccommunityAt Kent, our postgraduate studentsare part of a thriving intellectualcommunity that includes staffand students from all our locations.In addition to lectures, seminarsand one-to-one supervisions, ourstudents benefit from a rich andstimulating research culture.

A global outlookKent has a great internationalreputation, attracting academic staffand students from around the world.Our academic schools are engagedin collaborative research withuniversities worldwide and we offera range of opportunities to studyabroad and an approach that istruly global.

The Graduate SchoolAs a postgraduate student, you alsohave the support of the GraduateSchool, which promotes youracademic interests, co-ordinatesthe Researcher DevelopmentProgramme and the GlobalSkills Award, and facilitates cross-disciplinary interaction and socialnetworking.

CONTINUED OVERLEAF

GENERAL INFORMATION(CONT)

FundingKent provides a variety offinancial support opportunitiesfor postgraduate students. Theserange from research studentships,location-specific funding, sport andmusic scholarships, and fundingspecifically for overseas fee-payingstudents. For further information,see www.kent.ac.uk/pgfunding

Enhanced careerprospectsAt Kent, we want you to be in agood position to face the demandsof a tough economic environment.During your studies, you acquirea high level of academic knowledgeand specialist practical skills.We also help you to develop keytransferable skills that are essentialwithin the competitive world of work.

Further informationFor information about applyingto Kent, or to order a copyof the Graduate Prospectus,please contact:Recruitment and Admissions Office,The Registry, University of Kent, Canterbury,Kent CT2 7NZ, UKT: +44 (0)1227 827272F: +44 (0)1227 827077www.kent.ac.uk

The University also holds OpenDays and postgraduate recruitmentevents throughout the year. Pleasesee www.kent.ac.uk/opendays

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LocationCanterbury

FacultyFaculty of Sciences

School School of Physical Sciences

ContactSchool of Physical Sciences,Ingram Building,University of Kent,Canterbury, Kent CT2 7NH, UK

T: +44 (0)1227 823321E: spsrecruit@kent.ac.uk

ApplicationsOnline at www.kent.ac.uk/courses/postgrad/apply

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Terms and conditions: the Universityreserves the right to make variations to thecontent and delivery of courses and otherservices, or to discontinue courses andother services, if such action is reasonablyconsidered to be necessary. If theUniversity discontinues any course, it willendeavour to provide a suitable alternative.To register for a programme of study, allstudents must agree to abide by theUniversity Regulations (available online at:www.kent.ac.uk/regulations).

Data protection: for administrative,academic and health and safety reasons,the University needs to process informationabout its students. Full registration as astudent of the University is subject to yourconsent to process such information.

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COME ANDVISIT US

University of Kent, The Registry, Canterbury, Kent CT2 7NZ T: +44 (0)1227 764000 www.kent.ac.uk

To find out more about visiting theUniversity, see our website:

www.kent.ac.uk/visit

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