Curriculum Information

Document Version

QAA Benchmarks

Educational Aim

Learning Outcomes

Course Structure

Level 7 Modules

Teaching and Assessment

Learning and Teaching Methods

Employer Engagement

The MSc curriculum in Analytical and Forensic Science at the University of South Wales is firmly grounded in professional standards and shaped through collaboration with forensic practitioners, accredited laboratories, and law enforcement partners. These external contributors help ensure alignment with sector expectations and the competency frameworks outlined by professional and statutory regulatory bodies, including The Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences (CSFS). Industry input informs specialist teaching, scenario design, and assessment, maintaining the course’s currency, credibility, and relevance to professional practice.

The programme is fully aligned with the University’s 3Es: Employability, Enterprise and Entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurship[BN1]  is fostered through immersive learning opportunities including complex forensic simulations, laboratory-based analysis, and real-world case reconstructions. Students actively apply theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios that reflect the interdisciplinary and collaborative nature of modern forensic science. Employability is embedded through authentic assessments that mirror industry tasks, such as expert witness statements, laboratory reports, evidence evaluation, and simulated courtroom testimony. These support the development of skills central to forensic practice, including scientific integrity, communication, and ethical reasoning. Enterprise is encouraged through research-led learning and problem-solving tasks, enabling students to explore innovative approaches and critically evaluate forensic techniques in unfamiliar or challenging contexts.

While formal placements are not compulsory, students engage in extensive work-related learning through reflective practices, live-briefs, employer-linked projects, and simulated forensic investigations. These provide equivalent experiences to real workplace settings, supporting the development of technical expertise and professional behaviours.

Throughout the course, students develop a wide range of transferable skills aligned to the USW Graduate Attributes. By embedding employer engagement, authentic practice, and academic rigour, the programme prepares students to contribute confidently, ethically, and effectively to the evolving demands of the forensic science sector.

Means of Assessment

Formative Assessment: 
Formative activities such as peer-reviewed blog posts, debates, face-to-face questioning, and online quizzes foster critical thinking, collaborative learning, and digital fluency. Peer assessment encourages reflection and constructive dialogue, while quizzes offer instant feedback to reinforce understanding and promote self-assessment. These activities help students identify gaps in knowledge and build confidence ahead of summative assessments. 

Summative Assessment: 
Summative tasks replicate real-world forensic practice and challenge students to engage with complex professional scenarios and will include: 

• Professional Reports: These assessments develop analytical and communication skills aligned with industry standards. 

• Crime Scene Simulation and Briefing: This immersive task requires students to apply theory to practical problems and produce concise, professional documentation. 

• Group Presentations: Emphasising teamwork and communication, these mirror professional collaborations and test the synthesis of complex information. 

• Portfolio: Encourages long-term reflection and integration of theory with practice, supporting development as reflective practitioners. 

Assessment Design Principle: 
Assessments are aligned to learning outcomes and supported by clear marking criteria. Timing is carefully managed to reduce workload pressure. Feedback is timely and constructive, supporting student growth. A variety of assessment types ensures inclusivity, addresses different learning preferences, and promotes a broad skillset. This aligns with USW’s mission to deliver high-quality, student-focused education. 

Alignment with Learning Outcomes: 
Assessment tasks evaluate students’ ability to apply analytical techniques, assess forensic strategies, and maintain evidential integrity. Practical lab tasks and case studies require method validation, data interpretation, and professional reporting, ensuring alignment with academic and PSRB standards. 

Development of Professional Competencies: 
Reports and oral presentations, including simulated expert testimony, build students’ abilities to communicate forensic evidence clearly, meeting professional standards for written and verbal reporting. 

Support for Academic Integrity and Skills Development: 
Clear criteria and inclusive methods support fairness, transparency, and academic integrity. Reflective tasks and continuous feedback foster critical thinking, ethical awareness, and scientific rigour. 

Preparation for Professional Practice: 
Independent projects addressing emerging issues strengthen students’ ability to apply knowledge critically and ethically, preparing them for real-world forensic roles.

Learning Support

Course Exit Points

Progression Route

Entry Requirements

Admission to the course is typically through the following qualifications:

Inclusive Curriculum Statement

The University of South Wales operates a policy of inclusive learning, teaching and assessment to ensure that all students have an equal opportunity to fulfil their educational potential. Course teams will have considered ways of designing out any potentially disadvantageous element of courses during the course design process. However some specific needs may remain, details about how to apply to have your needs assessed can be found at: http://unilife.southwales.ac.uk/pages/3040-disability-and-dyslexia-service/

Addendum for Delivery at a Partner Institution

N/A