MSci (Hons) Forensic and Analytical Science with Industrial Experience · HuddersfieldIntegrated Master's degree · 4 years
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University of Huddersfield · Undergraduate

MSci (Hons) Forensic and Analytical Science with Industrial Experience Integrated Master's degree at Huddersfield

MSci (Hons) Forensic and Analytical Science with Industrial Experience at Huddersfield. You'll develop both the core theory and practical expertise needed to work in forensic and analytical settings, gaining hands-on experience through specialist options, research methods, and an independent project.

MSci (Hons)
Award
4
Years
Full-time
Study mode
70%
in work/study (15m)

About this course

placement year UCAS Tariff 120-104 points Recent Awards For Excellence Find out more about these awards About this course Overview Why choose Huddersfield for this course? From the provider’s course page.

MSci (Hons) Forensic and Analytical Science with Industrial Experience is an Integrated Master's degree (MSci (Hons)) at Huddersfield, based in Queensgate Campus. It runs 4 years, studied full-time.

For Physical sciences graduates from this provider, 70% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 70% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £28,500. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)

For the typical curriculum, specialisations, career paths and graduate earnings for Physics & Chemistry, see the sections below.

Course evidence score

The arithmetic mean of the official measures available for this course: NSS satisfaction, graduate activity and continuation.

8.4
/ 10
Excellent
3 of 3 official measures
Student satisfaction
What students say in the National Student Survey
Excellent88

Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)

Graduate outcomes
In work or further study 15 months after graduating
Strong70

Limited evidence Published sample: 10; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2022-23. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 70% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)

Continuation
Students who continue past their first year
Exceptional95

Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2022-23. Continuation 95% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)

Curriculum & modules

Real modules published for this course, grouped only where the source gives a year, stage or level.

Year 1 5 modules
  • Important Forensic ConceptsCore
    Module details

    Introduction to basic forensic techniques, the scientific principles underlying them, and the mathematics, statistics and computing tools used to present scientific findings. Techniques include fingerprint development, spot tests for blood stains, identification of glass fragments, microscopic examination of hairs and fibres and methods for determining alcohol and drugs in the blood.

  • Introduction to Analytical Science and SpectroscopyCore
    Module details

    Introduction to the range of skills required in modern analytical science and how analytical methodology underpins scientific investigation. Develops ability to obtain and interpret spectroscopic data in a systematic and logical fashion.

  • Structure: From Atoms to Molecules and MaterialsCore
    Module details

    Chemistry of the elements from their origin, structure and properties to the structure and bonding in chemical compounds. Covers constituents of the earth's crust and chemistry of the atmosphere.

  • The Reactivity and Properties of Carbon CompoundsCore
    Module details

    Recognition of functional groups and systematic naming of compounds. Covers structure and bonding in organic compounds, orbital hybridisation, formal charge, bond polarisation and resonance. Includes molecular geometry, conformation and stereochemistry.

  • States of Matter, Kinetics and ThermodynamicsCore
    Module details

    Covers units, conversions and properties of ideal and non-ideal gases; solution chemistry of acids, bases and salts; reaction kinetics and catalysis; and introductory thermodynamics.

Year 2 7 modules
  • Crime Scene and Forensic ExaminationsCore
    Module details

    Overview of evidence types at crime scenes including location, recovery, packaging and contamination. Covers crime scene management, preservation of evidence integrity, photography, introduction to the legal system, report production and defending witness statements. Includes introduction to Digital Forensics and Cyber Crime.

  • Forensic Biology AwarenessCore
    Module details

    Introduction to modern biology topics for forensic science and chemistry students. Covers structure and function of biological macromolecules, protein structure, enzyme structure and function, basic metabolism, cellular and molecular biology including gene cloning, PCR and DNA fingerprinting. Covers blood and cardiovascular system, gastrointestinal tract, liver and kidney.

  • Practical Forensic Science 2Core
    Module details

    Builds on concepts and techniques from Practical Forensic Science 1. Introduces further instrumental techniques including chromatography and mass spectrometry. Samples include poisons, restricted drugs and explosive residues.

  • Molecular Analysis & Instrumental MethodsCore
    Module details

    Consolidates interpretative skills from Analytical Science 1. Introduces analysis of complex organic molecules, chromatography applications, and instrumental analyses including atomic spectroscopy, thermal methods and electrochemical techniques.

  • Methods and Strategies in Organic SynthesisCore
    Module details

    Covers methods of forming carbon-carbon single and double bonds, advanced carbonyl chemistry, main-group elements in synthesis, retrosynthetic analysis and multistep syntheses. Includes heterocyclic compounds, carbohydrates and amino acids. Practical component focuses on preparation, isolation and analysis of target molecules.

  • Coordination Complexes and Inorganic MaterialsOptional
    Module details

    Builds on Inorganic Chemistry 1 covering transition metal elements, coordination chemistry, Crystal Field Theory, chelates, macrocycles, organometallic and supramolecular species. Covers solid materials, band theory, semiconductor properties and crystal structures.

  • Physical Chemistry: Principles of Chemical ChangeOptional
    Module details

    Covers equilibrium and dynamic electrochemistry, phase equilibria, colloids and colloidal suspensions, colligative properties, kinetics of composite reactions and quantum theory. Builds on Year 1 material.

Year 3 1 modules
  • Scientific CommunicationCore
    Module details

    Covers three aspects of communication of importance in science. Taken by students during Year 3 of an integrated Masters' degree.

Source: provider course page. Modules can change; required/optional status, credits, descriptions and assessment are shown only when explicitly published.

Course in depth

What this course covers, who it suits and where it leads.

What you'll study

You'll study the science underpinning forensic and analytical work, with a placement year embedded in your degree. A course like this typically moves from core physics and chemistry foundations, mechanics, matter, atomic structure and bonding, supported by mathematics for scientists and laboratory skills in Years 1 and 2. You'll then progress to quantum and thermal physics, organic and physical chemistry, advanced computing and mathematical methods. From Year 3 onwards, you'll specialise through options such as astrophysics, materials science, medicinal chemistry, quantum science, and computational methods, whilst completing research-level modules taught by active researchers and a supervised research project. The placement year provides hands-on professional experience within this framework.

Who it's for

You are interested in how science works in real investigative and laboratory settings, and you want to combine theoretical knowledge with applied problem-solving. You're drawn to forensic science or analytical chemistry, and the prospect of a placement year appeals to you as a way to test whether this field suits your working style before graduating. You're comfortable with rigorous study but want opportunities to get hands-on experience. Most students entering this course have come in with A-levels or equivalent; typical entrants had 112–127 UCAS tariff points. If you're already thinking about what comes after your degree, note that across Physics & Chemistry nationally, 75% of graduates work in highly skilled roles or pursue further study.

University & format

This is a 4-year full-time integrated Master's degree (MSci (Hons)) delivered at Huddersfield, a public university located at Queensgate Campus. The course is taught in English and includes a placement year. The University of Huddersfield is a recognised UK degree-awarding body, and holds Gold for teaching quality in the Office for Students' TEF 2023.

Student satisfaction

How students on this course answered the National Student Survey, by theme.

The teaching on my course
95%
Learning opportunities
87%
Assessment and feedback
85%
Academic Support
97%
Organisation and management
80%
Learning resources
87%
Student voice
82%

Share of students responding positively.

Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)

Applicant information

The next application dates for this course, followed by facts the provider publishes.

Application timelineWhat happens next
  1. 2027 entryCompleted applications can be submitted

    Your application needs a reference before you can send it.

  2. 2026 entryFinal date for 2026 applications

    Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.

  3. 2026 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice

    Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.

  4. 2027 entryEqual-consideration deadline

    18:00 UK time for most undergraduate courses.

Show 5 later dates
  1. 2027 entryUCAS Extra opens

    Applicants who used all five choices and hold no offer may be able to add another choice.

  2. 2027 entryLast day applications go directly to providers

    Applications received after 18:00 UK time are entered into Clearing.

  3. 2027 entryClearing opens

    Eligible applicants can see vacancies and release themselves into Clearing.

  4. 2027 entryFinal date for 2027 applications

    Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.

  5. 2027 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice

    Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.

Published entryBBB-BCC or 120-104 UCAS tariff points typical offer · including a grade B in Chemistry · English: IELTS 6.0 overall with no element lower than 5.5

Provider-published requirement; check the linked course page before applying.

PlacementPublished placement option

Placement year. Availability, selection and pay can vary.

Open daysOpen Days

See and book current events. Dates can fill or change.

Entry & how to get in

Typical offer (from the provider)The university’s course page lists a typical A-level offer of BBB and around 104 UCAS points. Always check the provider for the current offer and subject requirements.
English languageThis course lists IELTS 6.0 overall with no element lower than 5.5 (or equivalent). See the International students section below for the full picture.
Most entrants held A-levels or equivalent90% of accepted students came in with A-levels or equivalent (entrants over recent years).
Typical UCAS tariff: 112 - 127 pointsThe most common UCAS tariff band among accepted students. This is what entrants had, not a stated requirement.
Entry requirements are set by the universityGrades, subjects and contextual offers vary. Check Huddersfield's official course page for the current offer.

Who gets in

What recently admitted students actually held, official admissions data, not a stated requirement.

UCAS tariff of entrants

Grades are the A-level equivalent of each points band. Tap a band to check your own chances below.

Qualifications held on entry

QualificationShare
A-levels or equivalent90%
another higher-education qualification5%
an Access course5%

Entry & your chances

An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.

Offer-based entry

Entry is set by the university and based on your offer. Use your predicted grades to see how you compare, then check the university's stated requirements.

Will you get in? Plot your grades

Pick your predicted A-levels and watch your UCAS points land on the real spread of students admitted to this course.

Each bar is the share of admitted students in that UCAS-points band (lower → higher). Grades show the A-level equivalent.

Add your grades to see where you land

Your points will drop onto the distribution above, with an honest above / within / below read.

Based on the official admitted-student tariff distribution. Many universities make contextual (reduced-grade) offers, so a result below the range doesn’t rule you out.

How to apply

Undergraduate applications go through UCAS. Here’s what matters for this course, the right deadline, the grades to aim for, and the steps in order.

Apply by13 January 2027, 18:00 UK timefor this course
Typical gradesBBBA-level equivalent admitted students held
  1. 1
    Register on UCAS Hub

    Create your UCAS application and add this course. One application covers up to five choices.

  2. 2
    Write your personal statement

    A single statement covers all your choices, so keep it broad enough for similar courses while showing genuine interest in this subject.

  3. 3
    Submit by 13 January 2027, 18:00 UK time

    UCAS equal-consideration deadline for most undergraduate courses. Source: UCAS 2027 dates.

  4. 4
    Reply to your offers

    When decisions are in, pick a firm (first) choice and an insurance (back-up) choice with slightly lower grades.

  5. 5
    Results day & confirmation

    On results day (mid-August) your place is confirmed if you meet the offer. Just missed? Talk to the university, or find a place through Clearing.

💡 Many universities make a contextual (reduced-grade) offer, for example based on your school’s results, time in care, or where you live. Ask Huddersfield whether you’re eligible before you apply; it can lower the grades you need.

Fees & funding

What this course costs and how UK student finance covers it.

Tuition per year

Homeup to £9,790 / yr
International£17,600 / yr

Provider fee page (England 2026/27 cap where not stated).

Check fees at Huddersfield →

For students who normally live in England

illustrative Maintenance Loan per year
£9,790tuition used per year, illustrative full-time England fee-cap scenario
illustrative borrowing over 4 years

2026/27 Student Finance England figures. Maintenance support is means-tested and this two-point view is not an entitlement calculator. The course total uses its published length and home fee where both are available; a missing full-time fee uses the clearly labelled England-cap scenario, while part-time fees and unknown lengths are never guessed. Use the official calculator. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland use separate systems: SAAS, Student Finance Wales, and Student Finance NI.

Starting on or after 1 January 2027?

The Lifelong Learning Entitlement is a separate system. A new learner’s tuition entitlement is currently stated as £39,160 (about 480 credits at 2026/27 fee levels), subject to prior study and eligibility. Check the official LLE guide.

Paying for it

  • Tuition Fee Loan: can cover eligible tuition up to the applicable limit and is paid straight to the provider.
  • Maintenance Loan: up to £10,830/yr away from home outside London (England, 2026/27), means-tested on household income.
  • Repayment: 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below it; written off after 40 years.
  • Earn alongside: most students work part-time in term, part-time roles on the StudySmarter job board.

England figures shown; Scotland, Wales & NI run their own schemes, check gov.uk.

Funding matched to this course

Scholarships & bursaries you could qualify for

All Huddersfield funding →

Named awards published by the university. Compare the eligibility and application route before budgeting for one.

Amounts, exclusions and deadlines can change. An award is not guaranteed unless the university confirms it.

StudyKit · free

Still deciding what to study?

StudyKit brings course choice, applications and funding together in one place, with a personal AI assistant. Find what really fits you and start your UCAS application step by step.

Career quizApplication walkthroughSalary & CV check

Careers & earnings

What Physics & Chemistry graduates actually earn, from real outcome data, 15 months, 3 years and 5 years after graduating.

Graduate earnings: this course

WhenMedianTypical rangeGraduates
15 months after£28,500£25,000 – £30,00010
3 years after£23,000£20,000 – £28,000140
5 years after£28,000£22,500 – £34,000140

Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Limited evidence. Published sample: 10; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2022-23.

Graduate outcomes, 15 months on: this course

70%
in work or further study 15 months on
70%
in highly skilled work or study
95%
continue past their first year
80%
find their work meaningful
65%
say work fits their future plans
  1. 1Graduate roleFirst role after the degree · 0–2 yrs
  2. 2Specialist / PractitionerWorking in physics & chemistry · 2–5 yrs
  3. 3Senior / LeadLeading work and people · 5–10 yrs
  4. 4Head of / ExpertSenior leadership or deep expertise · 10+ yrs

How pay grows: this course vs Physics & Chemistry nationally

Starting (15 months) HESA GO
£28,500
£26,500 – £34,000
After 3 years LEO
£23,000
£24,650 – £34,800
After 5 years LEO
£28,000
£30,600 – £43,200
national rangethis course’s medianaxis £21,500 – £45,000

National figures for Physics & Chemistry graduates, HESA Graduate Outcomes (15 months) and the Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) dataset (3 & 5 years). These are national, not university-specific; actual pay varies by employer, region, role and experience. Different cohorts, so the bars are not one group over time.

Work out your pay

Headline figures hide a lot. Calculate realistic take-home pay for this field by role, region and experience, then check your CV before you apply.

What happened to 100 students?

Choose an outcome to translate the published percentage into a simple 100-person view. Each dot represents one percentage point, not an individual tracked student.

70 of 100

were in work or further study

15 months after graduation

55% working10% working and studying15% in further study70% in highly skilled work or study

Source: Discover Uni, using Graduate Outcomes and continuation data. Cohorts: 2022-23. Limited evidence. Published sample: 10; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2022-23. Each tab is a separate published measure; categories can overlap and should not be added together.

Value compared with similar courses

How this course’s 5-year median earnings compare with Physics & Chemistry courses at the same study level.

This course £28,000Peer median £36,000Middle 50% £32,000–£38,500
8th percentile

Compared with 886 courses with compatible official earnings data. This is a course-value comparison, not a quality ranking.

UK occupations graduates enter

Published graduate destinations, joined conservatively to UK SOC 2020, ONS pay and Skills England demand.

  • Natural and social science professionalsSOC 2020 211 · 25% of published destinations · ASHE median £44,243
  • Sales occupationsSOC 2020 71 · 15% of published destinations · ASHE median £15,975
  • Science, engineering and technology associate professionalsSOC 2020 31 · 15% of published destinations · ASHE median £34,828
  • Quality and Regulatory ProfessionalsSOC 2020 248 · 15% of published destinations · ASHE median £46,058
  • Process, plant and machine operativesDiscover Uni category · 10% of published destinations
  • Business and public service associate professionalsSOC 2020 35 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £38,760

Discover Uni JOBLIST/JOBTYPE; ONS ASHE 2025 provisional, all employee jobs; Skills England Occupations in Demand 2025. SOC is shown only for an exact normalised label match; demand is shown only at exact four-digit SOC. Published sample: 30; response rate: 65%. Pay describes the occupation across workers, not a guaranteed graduate salary.

Job market & outlook

How Physics & Chemistry graduates fare in the labour market, and how AI is reshaping the work.

85%
in work or further study 15 months after graduating, across Physics & Chemistry courses nationally.
Graduate Outcomes
75%
of working graduates are in highly skilled work or further study.
highly skilled
90%
of students continue past their first year (still enrolled or completed).
continuation

How AI is changing the work

AI doesn't replace the profession, it shifts it: routine tasks get automated, while judgement, working with people and using AI well become more valuable.

What AI takes off your plate

  • Routine information gathering
  • First-draft writing and summaries
  • Standard analysis and admin
  • Repetitive processing tasks

More human than ever

  • Judgement and original thinking
  • Working with and leading people
  • Owning and sense-checking AI output
  • Ethics and accountability

The strongest graduates pair subject depth with the ability to use AI tools critically.

Roles & employers

Where Physics & Chemistry graduates typically go, indicative destinations from graduate career data. Each role links to live openings on the StudySmarter job board.

Where they work

  • Research institutes
  • Energy & manufacturing
  • Universities
  • Government labs

Is this course right for you?

The essentials UK applicants ask about: finance, outcomes, entry and quality.

💷

Student finance

For comparison, the standard full-time England tuition cap is up to £9,790 per year in 2026/27; the actual fee varies by course and provider. If you normally live in England, eligible students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan, plus a Maintenance Loan for living costs. Under Plan 5 you repay 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below that, and the balance is written off after 40 years.

📈

Where graduates go

70% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with a median salary of £28,500. See the full breakdown in Careers & earnings above.

🎯

Your entry chances

Use the UCAS points calculator above to see how your predicted grades compare with admitted students, and whether a contextual offer could apply.

Official-data snapshot

Averaging the official measures published for it, this course scores 8.4 out of 10: NSS 87.6% · in work or study 70% · continued 95%.

Who studies here and in this subject?

Provider- and UK subject-level context.

The University of Huddersfield

All students16,360
International18.2%
Aged 25+28.6%

Physical sciences across the UK

Students64,325
Aged 25+17.8%

HESA student record 2024/25. Counts are rounded.

Local crime-data context

A neutral snapshot around the published teaching location.

Around Queensgate Campus

1,678 street-level reports returned within roughly one mile across 2026-04 to 2026-06.

Violent Crime 623Public Order 181Shoplifting 170Anti Social Behaviour 158Other Theft 105

Police.uk street-level API. Approximate locations, not confined to campus. England, Wales and Northern Ireland; not Scotland.

Is Physics & Chemistry right for you?

Tick what applies to you and see how good a fit it is.

International students

What applying to Huddersfield from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.

Tuition fees

International tuition is £17,600 / year for this course (from the provider’s fee page). You’re not eligible for UK Tuition Fee or Maintenance Loans, so plan for fees plus living costs upfront.

English language

This course lists IELTS 6.0 overall with no element lower than 5.5. If you’re just short, most universities run a pre-sessional English course that counts towards the requirement.

Student visa

You’ll usually need a Student visa (Student Route). After you accept an offer the university issues a CAS; you then show funds for fees plus about £1,023–£1,334/month living costs and pay the Immigration Health Surcharge for NHS access.

Scholarships & funding

Many universities offer international/global scholarships (often £2,000–£6,000/yr), check Huddersfield’s funding pages.

Living costs

Budget roughly £1,100–£1,400/month outside London and £1,400–£1,800/month in London for rent, food and travel; the figure also matters for your visa.

Working while you study

A Student visa usually allows up to 20 hours/week in term time and full-time in holidays, useful alongside study, though not something to rely on for fees.

Visa rules and fees change. Always confirm the current requirements with Huddersfield and gov.uk before you apply.

Common questions

Entry is offer-based and set by the university. The most common tariff band among recent entrants was 112 - 127 UCAS points. Use the calculator on this page to see where your predicted grades would put you; many universities also make lower contextual offers.
Set by Huddersfield. Most accepted students held A-levels or equivalent. Check the university's course page for the exact offer.
For Physical sciences graduates from this provider, 70% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 70% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £28,500. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)
For comparison, the standard full-time England tuition cap is up to £9,790 per year in 2026/27; the actual fee varies by course and provider. If you normally live in England, eligible students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan, plus a Maintenance Loan for living costs. Under Plan 5 you repay 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below that, and the balance is written off after 40 years. See Fees & funding on this page to work out your numbers.
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