Forensic science research degrees

An overview of our postgraduate research in forensic science and entry requirements for PhDs and other research degrees.

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The Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic Science is designed to disrupt positively the forensic science ecosystem. Our aims are broad and wide, striving to restore, revise and recharge the validity and credibility of the science in our court rooms.  

Forensic science is the application of science within the forum of the court, however there has been a growing concern that the science underpinning some of the forensic evidence lacks a robust foundation. The work undertaken by LRCFS aims to highlight and address the scientific deficiencies where they exist, and to develop new knowledge and innovative solutions to the challenges forensic science and the Criminal Justice system is facing into the future. 

We have brought together an interdisciplinary team of scientists and non-scientists to develop innovative ways of looking at the challenges facing forensic evidence as it is currently used within our courts. 

Our current research areas include:

  • Transfer and persistence of evidence
  • The future of DNA analysis
  • Education and training in forensic science
  • Enhancing the detection of illicit drugs, explosives and bodily fluids
  • Capturing, communicating and collaborating with Virtual Reality in forensic science
  • Generating information about the background abundance of materials.

Propose your own PhD topic

If you want to propose your PhD topic, you can use the contact details below to contact a staff member to discuss your proposal.

How to write your best postgraduate research proposal

Entry requirements

You should have an honours degree at 2.1 or above, and/or a Masters degree in a relevant discipline.

English language requirements

IELTS (overall) Reading Listening Speaking Writing
6.5 5.5 5.5 5.5 6.0

We also accept other English language qualifications

You do not need to prove your knowledge of English if you are a national of certain countries.

Don't meet the English language requirements?

English language programmes

Prepare for university study and benefit from extra English tuition with an English language programme.

Forensic Science PhD tuition fees

Academic year of entry Scottish/Rest of UK fee status International fee status
2023/24
Band 1 £4,712
per year of study		 £20,895
per year of study
Band 2 N/A £25,305
per year of study
Band 3 N/A £34,605
per year of study
2024/25
Band 1 £4,786
per year of study		 £21,940
per year of study
Band 2 N/A £26,570
per year of study
Band 3 N/A £36,335
per year of study

Tuition fee per year of study (subject to a 3% annual increase for Scottish/Rest of UK students and a 5% annual increase for International students).

Part time study, where available, is charged on a pro-rata basis.

Scottish/Rest of UK fee status annual increase

Each year, UKRI sets a recommended fee and stipend level for Scottish/Rest of UK students, which we use as the basis for fees charged to this group.

UKRI usually increases its fee and stipend levels in line with inflation, based on the Treasury GDP deflator. 

Therefore, the Scottish/Rest of UK fees detailed in this table for 2025/26 (and beyond) can only be estimated according to the typical increase. 

The fee charged to you may differ, though only slightly, from the figure given.

Apply for a research degree

You can apply for a PhD or other postgraduate research degree using our Direct Application System.

We have three start dates per academic year.

PhD Forensic Science (Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic Science) (3 years)

PhD Forensic Science (Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic Science) (4 years)

MSc by Research Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic Science

MSc by Research Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic Science (part time)

Science & Engineering (non-graduating) (research)

The University of Dundee welcomes applications from disabled students.