MSci
Forensic Toxicology

Key Information


Duration

4 years

Typical Offer

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Campus

Brayford Pool

Validation Status

Subject to Validation

Academic Year

Course Overview

Forensic Toxicology is the analysis of biological samples for the presence of drugs, alcohol, and poisons, using modern analytical procedures to isolate, identify, and quantify these, as well as endogenous compounds.

This programme is designed to provide knowledge and specialism in the theory and practice of forensic toxicology, along with a solid set of analytical skills, taught by practicing and research-active academics, and practitioners with specialist expertise.

Students will expand their knowledge of key concepts in the science relating to forensic toxicology, develop an array of interdisciplinary practical skills, and be aware of advances and the latest research in the field. The programme will also teach skills such as presentation of evidence, quality management, and good laboratory practice.

Why Choose Lincoln

A focus on professional practice to improve career prospects

Taught by research-active academics and practitioners with specialist experti

Develop specialist skills and technical knowledge

Opportunities to engage with staff on research projects

Students taking part in a lab demonstration

How You Study

Students are taught by practising and research-active forensic toxicologists and the programme has been designed with input from relevant practitioners and the School of Chemistry's industry links.

The programme aims to develop students' practical skills including hands-on instrumentation skills, and provide a critical awareness of advances and the latest research in forensic toxicology. Students are also supported in designing, carrying out, and writing up an original research project related to forensic toxicology. The course aims to prepare students effectively for professional employment in forensic toxicology and related areas. Students are also supported in designing, carrying out, and writing up an original research project related to forensic toxicology. The course aims to prepare students effectively for professional employment in forensic toxicology through skills such as presentation of evidence, quality management, and good laboratory practice.

All students in the fourth year of the MSci programme currently have the opportunity to undertake a full-year industrial placement. You can choose your placement with one of the University's industry or overseas partners, or in one of our research groups. Placements are conducted alongside advanced academic study, focusing on research frontiers in chemistry and forensic toxicology.

Students are supported in finding their placement and when undertaking it. Salaried placements are competitive and students will be expected to complete an application process for such positions. In addition to paying their tuition fees, students will need to cover their own travel, accommodation, and general living costs throughout their placement.

Skills Development and Professional Practice

The programme offers a structured curriculum focusing on skill development, encompassing essential aspects such as crafting effective CVs and honing interview skills.

Placements

We use an innovative ‘end-on’ full-year industrial placement programme for all students at Stage 4 of the MChem/MSci courses. You can choose to focus on research through a placement in a research group at the University or another institution, or complete a full-year placement (usually salaried £15-20k). Salaried placements are competitive and students will be expected to undertake an application process for such positions.

In addition to paying their tuition fees, students will need to cover their own travel, accommodation, and general living costs throughout their placement. There are also opportunities for overseas placements with European, American, and Australian institutions through our International Intern Programme which takes place between the third and fourth year.

How you are assessed

The way students are assessed on this course may vary for each module. Examples of assessment methods that may be used include coursework, such as written assignments, reports or dissertations; practical exams and competency tests, such as presentations or observations; and written exams, such as formal examinations or in-class tests.

Entry Requirements 2025-26

United Kingdom

112 UCAS Tariff points from a minimum of 2 A Levels or equivalent qualifications including 40 points in Biology, Chemistry, or Physics.

BTEC Extended Diploma in Applied Science or Forensic Science*: Distinction, Merit, Merit.
(*dependent on modules studied. Please contact our Admissions team for further information admissions@lincoln.ac.uk)

T Level in Science: Merit.

Access to Higher Education Diploma: 45 Level 3 credits with a minimum of 112 UCAS Tariff points, including 40 points from 15 credits in Biology, Chemistry or Physics.

International Baccalaureate: 29 points overall to include a Higher Level 4 in Biology, Chemistry or Physics.

GCSEs: Minimum of three at grade 4 or above, which must include English, Maths and Science. Equivalent Level 2 qualifications may also be considered.


The University accepts a wide range of qualifications as the basis for entry and do accept a combination of qualifications which may include A Levels, BTECs, EPQ etc.

We may also consider applicants with extensive and relevant work experience and will give special individual consideration to those who do not meet the standard entry qualifications.

International

Non UK Qualifications:

If you have studied outside of the UK, and are unsure whether your qualification meets the above requirements, please visit our country pages for information on equivalent qualifications.

https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/entryrequirementsandyourcountry/

EU and Overseas students will be required to demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.0 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in each element. For information regarding other English language qualifications we accept, please visit the English Requirements page.

https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/englishlanguagerequirements/

If you do not meet the above IELTS requirements, you may be able to take part in one of our Pre-sessional English and Academic Study Skills courses.

https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/pre-sessionalenglishandacademicstudyskills/

If you would like further information about entry requirements, or would like to discuss whether the qualifications you are currently studying are acceptable, please contact the Admissions team on 01522 886097, or email admissions@lincoln.ac.uk

Contextual Offers

At Lincoln, we recognise that not everybody has had the same advice and support to help them get to higher education. Contextual offers are one of the ways we remove the barriers to higher education, ensuring that we have fair access for all students regardless of background and personal experiences. For more information, including eligibility criteria, visit our Offer Guide pages.

Fees and Scholarships

Going to university is a life-changing step and it's important to understand the costs involved and the funding options available before you start. A full breakdown of the fees associated with this programme can be found on our course fees pages.

Course Fees

For eligible undergraduate students going to university for the first time, scholarships and bursaries are available to help cover costs. To help support students from outside of the UK, we are also delighted to offer a number of international scholarships which range from £1,000 up to the value of 50 per cent of tuition fees. For full details and information about eligibility, visit our scholarships and bursaries pages.

What Can I Do with a Forensic Toxicology Degree?

This programme aims to prepare students for a career in Forensic Toxicology. The specialist skills and technical knowledge that students have the opportunity to acquire may be transferable to roles in laboratory research, clinical drug monitoring, clinical chemistry, law enforcement, border security, and investigatory agencies in the private sector. Students may also choose to pursue advanced study at doctoral level.

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The University intends to provide its courses as outlined in these pages, although the University may make changes in accordance with the Student Admissions Terms and Conditions.