Master of Science (MSc) in Forensic Science, orientation Chemical Criminalistics

The Master of Science in Forensic Science, orientation Chemical Criminalistics, aims to understand the contribution of analytical chemistry techniques to forensic science as well as to several other fields requiring instrumental analyses in order to solve problems.

The programme of the Master of Science in Forensic Science, orientation Chemical Criminalistics, includes a theoretical component supplemented by a large number of practical exercises involving analytical chemistry as well as the application of forensic science. In addition to courses taught by the School of Criminal Justice, the programme benefits from the collaboration of the Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Section (SCGC) of the Ecole polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) and of the University Centre of Legal Medicine Lausanne-Geneva (CURML). Some courses may be in English.

University studies develop, in addition to specific academic skills, a great many transverse skills such as: problem-solving abilities, communication, critical, analytical and summarising faculties, abilities in research, and so on. This panoply of skills, combined with specialist knowledge acquired in the course of studies, is excellent preparation for a wide range of employment opportunities such as:

• Forensic science laboratories in Switzerland or abroad
• Swiss or foreign scientific police laboratories
• Cantonal laboratories
• Institutes of legal medicine and toxicology
• Private or public laboratories active in analytical fields, quality control, the environment, hygiene
• Academic and research careers in the forensic and analytical chemistry fields
• Organisations that combat counterfeiting and illicit trafficking
• Insurance companies, loss control

Alumni move into a wide variety of roles, for example as a scientist in a biomedical material testing laboratory.

The School has agreements in place with several international universities. You may spend one semester (max. 30 credits) abroad as part of your course, during your second year. Semesters or projects successfully completed abroad are, in principle, recognised on the student’s return from the relevant study periods. Some dissertation work may be completed in a professional setting with one of our partners.