MChem Forensic & Analytical Chemistry

Study with us

The Centre for Forensic Science at Strathclyde has provided degrees in forensic science for longer than any other university in the UK.

You’ll be joining a global network of Strathclyde graduates; our forensic and analytical chemistry graduates are highly respected throughout the world.

This Integrated Masters degree provides you with a comprehensive education in both chemistry and forensic science. The degree qualifies you as an all-round analytical chemist, with thorough training in the applications of forensic science. Graduates of this course go on to careers in all areas of analytical chemistry including the forensic arena.

Why this course?

This is the only course in the UK to have dual professional accreditation from the Royal Society of Chemistry and the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences. It’s delivered in partnership with the Strathclyde Centre for Forensic Science.

Transferable skills are taught in all years and include IT, scientific writing, presentation skills, report writing and problem-solving. You can study at a European University for one year of your degree, and you can choose to spend your placement year abroad.

Transfer is possible between the other MChem courses and also the following shorter BSc degrees within the first three years:

• BSc (Hons) Chemistry
• BSc (Hons) Forensic and Analytical Chemistry
• BSc (Hons) Chemistry with Drug Discovery

What you’ll study

Year 1

You'll take foundation classes in chemistry and mathematics, and either physics or biology. In addition, you are given the opportunity to take elective classes including forensic science, drug discovery, chemical engineering, and subjects from other areas of the University.

Practical chemistry laboratory sessions help you to master basic preparative and analytical skills. You’ll spend one afternoon in the laboratory and the rest of your time will be in lectures and tutorials.

Years 2 & 3

You'll take classes in fundamental inorganic, organic, biological and physical chemistry, plus forensic trace analysis and analytical chemistry. You'll have a choice of electives as in Year 1.

Laboratory work increases to four afternoons per week and your practical skills are enhanced with computer modelling and group exercises to develop presentational skills.

Year 4

MChem students may undertake a 12-month industrial placement, specialising in either forensic or analytical chemistry. Academic research and knowledge exchange placements are also available.

Year 5

In the final year, you’ll specialise in the areas and applications that interest you most including DNA analysis, toxicology, process analytical chemistry, and atomic/nuclear spectroscopy. In addition, in a specialist topic of your choice, you will undertake a research project leading to the submission of a dissertation.

Overseas study

You can complete a year of your degree studying at a European university. As well as getting an in-depth knowledge of practising chemistry in another country, you’ll have the opportunity to become fluent in another language.

Major projects

You’ll complete a research project in one of our specialist research laboratories in Yera 5. You'll work with full-time researchers on real forensic and analytical chemistry challenges.

Facilities

Our high quality, bright and modern laboratories include a range of specialist equipment. You will gain hands-on experience of the state-of-the-art equipment used in industry and research.

Postgraduate study

Many graduates from this course go on to complete a PhD in Chemistry at Strathclyde and elsewhere. This course equips you for life after graduation, be that employment or further study.

Student competitions

Strathclyde chemistry students also compete successfully for national awards. In recent years, our students have won:

• Salters’ Graduate prize (£1,000)
• Low Carbon Undergraduate of the Year Award
• Carnegie Scholarship
• Most Meritorious Student award from the Forensic Science Society

The Dean of Science recognises exceptional performance each year through the Dean’s certificate for the best students in the faculty. Students can also win prizes including:

• P&G Bursary (£1,000 a year plus a one-year paid industrial placement)
• Chemistry International Alumni Ambassadors UG award for overseas travel (£1,000)
• Group third-year Poster Competition sponsored by GlaxoSmithKline
• The RSC Prize in Analytical Chemistry
• Andersonian Centenary Medal Prize
• Beilby and Huddleston Prize
• ICI Chemical and Polymers Group Andersonian Centenary Prize
• GlaxoSmithKline Prize
• Syngenta Prize

Accreditation

Accredited by the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences.

Accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry for the purpose of fully meeting the educational requirement for Chartered Chemist.

Work placement

You’ll undertake a paid 12-month placement in the pharmaceutical industry, either in the UK or abroad. Research and Knowledge Exchange placements within the Department's 'Chemistry Clinic' are also available. 

The Strathclyde chemistry industrial placement scheme is one of the longest-running in the UK, and more than 70 students are placed with companies each year.