Forensic Science, PhD/MSc by Research at University of Lancashire

Forensic Science PhD/MSc by Research covers Forensic Science, Forensic Anthropology and Forensic Taphonomy at the Preston Campus (full-time or part-time). Students work with two supervisors and use the TRACES 13-acre taphonomy research site, a forensic taphonomy laboratory, blood pattern analysis suite and biomolecular and genetics laboratories.

Faculty: School of Law and Policing  |  Duration: 1-3 years (MSc by Research 1 year full-time/2 part-time; PhD via MPhil 3 years full-time/6 part-time)  |  Intake: September 2026, January 2027, March 2027, September 2027, January 2028, March 2028  |  Location: Preston, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

A self-chosen research project: MSc by Research dissertation up to 20,000 words with a viva, or PhD via MPhil (registered for MPhil, transfer report after 18 months full-time, thesis up to 80,000 words depending on subject). Students can attend taught master's and final-year undergraduate modules.

Career pathways

Careers in academia, research, the police, coroner or medical examiner offices, forensic or analytical labs, museums, archaeological units, NGOs and charities, and forensic investigation of human rights violations.

Official programme page