This Masters programme will provide you with a strong foundation in the full range of skills required by a forensic toxicologist. It is of particular interest if you are keen to pursue or further a career in the field of forensic toxicology, including laboratory managers, court-reporting scientists and academics.

Programme overview

• MSc (MedSci): 12 months full-time;

Courses

• Principles of forensic toxicology
• Laboratory techniques in forensic toxicology
• Advanced instrumentation
• Case review and interpretation
• Research and laboratory management
• Project.

Career prospects

The major strength of this programme is that students will be studying within a working environment of one of the leading ISO/IEC 17025 accredited forensic toxicology laboratories worldwide. This programme provides much needed training in the field of forensic toxicology. The UK Home Office Forensic Science Regulator has identified a shortage of suitably qualified forensic toxicologists in the UK. In addition, this programme will enable graduates to gain experience in research before subsequent application to a doctoral degree programme.

Academic entry requirements

You should have an Honours degree in chemistry, biochemistry, forensic science or other suitable chemical science. Applicants with appropriate skills and experience in the field of forensic toxicology will also be considered.

You are required to provide two references and full degree transcript plus a personal statement indicating why you wish to study this programme at the University of Glasgow.

International students with academic qualifications below those required should contact our partner institution, Glasgow International College, who offer a range of foundation courses.

English language requirements

For applicants whose first language is not English, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level.

International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic module (not General Training):

• overall score 6.5
• no sub-test less than 6.0
• or equivalent scores in another recognised qualification (see below)
   

Common equivalent English language qualifications:

• ibTOEFL: 92; no sub-test less than 20
• CAE (Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English): B minimum
• CPE (Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English): C minimum
• PTE Academic (Person Test of English, Academic test): 60; no sub-test less than 59

Pre-sessional courses
The University of Glasgow accepts evidence of the required language level from the Language Centre Pre-sessional courses. We also consider other BALEAP accredited pre-sessional courses:

• Language Centre, University of Glasgow
• BALEAP guide to accredited courses 

FAQs

Visa requirements and proof of English language level

It is a visa requirement to provide information on your level of English based on an internationally recognised and secure English language test. All test reports must be no more than 2 years old. A list of these can be found on the UK Border Agency website. If you have never taken one of these tests before, you can get an initial idea of your level by using the Common European Framework self-assessment grid which gives you a level for each skill (e.g. listening B1/writing B2 etc.) However, please note that this is not a secure English language test and it is not sufficient evidence of your level of English for visa requirements.

If you require a Tier 4 student visa, your qualification must be one of the secure English language tests accepted by UK Border Agency:

• UK Border Agency Tier 4 English Language requirements
• UKBA list of approved English language tests [pdf]

For further information about English language requirements, please contact the Recruitment and International Office: pgadmissions@glasgow.ac.uk

Apply now

For 2013-14

MSc (Med Sci)