Master's Programme in Forensic Science

During the first year, you will attend five courses that give you a broad knowledge of forensic work, from when a crime has been committed until a verdict is reached in court. In the first semester, you will learn about medical genetics, crime scene investigations, forensic analyses, forensic genetics, and forensic medicine. During semester two, you will learn about the legal system, the evaluation of evidence in criminal cases, and chemical analysis methods of evidence. The courses are organised by researchers with expertise in their respective fields, with many lecturers invited from the Police Authority, the National Forensic Center, and the National Board of Forensic Medicine.

In parallel with the courses throughout the first semester, you will participate in a lecture series in professional training, which includes presentation techniques, research ethics, cultural intelligence, and many more topics.

Year two begins with further in-depth studies of analytical chemistry, followed by an elective period. During this period, you can either take a 15-credit elective course or extend your degree project from 30 to 45 credits. You can carry out the degree project at, for example, a forensic laboratory, a company, a university, or a government agency. It can also be done abroad and in many different subject areas (the subject is not limited to forensic science).

Courses within the programme

Semester 1

• Medical Genetics, 7.5 credits
• Forensic Science and Criminalistics, 7.5 credits
• Forensic Genetics and Medicine, 15 credits

Semester 2

• Law, Psychology, and Forensic Expertise, 15 credits
• Forensic Chemistry, 15 credits

Semester 3

• Analytical Methods in Forensic Science, 15 credits
• Elective period, 15 credits or Degree Project, 45 credits

Semester 4

• Degree Project, 30 credits

The Master's Programme in Forensic Science is given in a small international group (approximately 20 students), and the instruction includes lectures, individual work with projects, laboratory work, group work and demonstrations.

Lectures are mixed with laborations, and you will work with compilation of information from laboratory work, evaluation of scientific articles, and critical review of scientific texts and results. Your achievements will be assessed by examinations, seminars, and projects.

Attendance is compulsory at all scheduled sessions, including demonstrations, group instructions, seminars, laboratory work, and an autopsy demonstration.

The programme is given entirely in English and requires full-time studies in Uppsala.

The programme prepares you for forensic work within the police authority or at forensic laboratories. For example, you can work with analysis of DNA, fingerprints, shoeprints, tool marks, or toxic compounds.

With broad and deep knowledge of biology and chemistry, you are prepared to work in many other areas, such as academia, the food industry, environmental monitoring, and pharmaceutical or biotechnology industries. Our alumni work, for example, as laboratory engineers, chemists, quality assurance officers, and life science consultants. Many students also choose to pursue a Ph.D. after graduation.

About a third of our alumni students work at Swedish or foreign authorities within forensic science as, for example, forensic experts or crime scene investigators, and one-third work in academic research or in the private sector. A majority of the students find their first job before or within six months after graduation.

Career support

During your time as a student, UU Careersoffers support and guidance. You have the opportunity to take part in a variety of activities and events that will prepare you for your future career.