Forensic Science Undergraduate Programmes 2020 2020 entry | Page 23

Undergraduate Programmes 2020 | 23 Postgraduate Opportunities MSc Analytical Science for Industry The MSc Analytical Science for Industry at Keele University provides the opportunity for you to acquire post-graduate- level research and employability skills within the Analytical Sciences sector, in an industrial context, hence providing a strong educational background for a research career in either academia or industry. As a student on the programme, you will benefit from our research expertise and our links with industries that provide the foundation for placement opportunities for our students. All students on the MSc Analytical Science will undertake 30 weeks in a placement with an industrial partner, either in Keele University’s laboratories or at the industrial partner’s premises, which will ultimately boost their employability skills. The focus of the MSc Analytical Science for Industry is learning through research and the substantial ‘hands on’ research training with industrial partnership makes this a distinctive course in the UK Higher Education Sector. The programme runs full-time over one full year with three semesters, Semester 1 starting in late September. It comprises six modules which are designed to develop a sound understanding of analytical science. Forensic science sector case study: Reporting Forensic Scientist, Cellmark I choose to study at Keele as I knew I wanted a career in Forensics, but I also enjoyed all science disciplines, so I wanted to study something that covered different aspects from each discipline as well taking me in the direction I wanted to go career wise. I was studying Chemistry, Human Biology, P.E and Physics A levels when I applied to Keele and continued to complete an undergraduate combined honours degree in Forensic Science and Neuroscience. I would describe my time at Keele as some of the best years of my life! I loved being at Keele, I met some amazing people, made lifelong friends and learnt so much. I was able to find a good balance of a great social life (through living on campus and playing hockey) and studying very interesting subjects that directly helped me pursue the career I’m in today. I became a Forensics Scientist (examiner) approximately six months after graduation. From there I gained sufficient experience and then applied to become a Reporting Forensic Scientist. Since then I have undertaken various training to obtain further skills and progress into my current management role. My job responsibilities include managing a case from start to finish, including giving evidence at court, interpreting DNA results and case findings and interaction with customers and forensic scientists (examiners), as well as operational management of a small team of forensic reporting scientists. If you would like to have a career in forensic science, then I would really recommend doing a course with a scientific background. A forensic course is a perfect opportunity for you to explore the different disciplines within forensic science and gain an understanding about which path is right for you. The facilities and knowledge available at Keele are excellent and would provide a great foundation for a career in this industry. Katherine Gorman keele.ac.uk/forensic