Master of Science (MSc) in Forensic Science, orientation Physical Identification

The Master of Science (MSc) in Forensic Science, orientation Identification offers in-depth training, both theoretical and practical, in the identification of people or objects. Transdisciplinary teaching covers the main areas of identification: fingerprinting, DNA analysis, biometrics, toolmarks, firearms and handwriting/signatures. It lays particular emphasis on probabilistic methods of interpretation.

The Master of Science in Forensic Science, orientation Identification, is designed to lay the foundations of legal expertise in the field of identification. Practical teaching is therefore strongly oriented towards the resolution of fictitious cases and case analysis. Students are encouraged to consider problems relating to research, detection and identification in investigative and evaluative mode and to conduct their research in the manner of an expert’s report intended for civil or criminal courts.

University studies develop, in addition to specific academic skills, a great many transverse skills such as: 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
• Technical and scientific police services in Switzerland or abroad
• Institutes of legal medicine in Switzerland or abroad
• Police services at the cantonal and federal levels
• Administrative services dealing with questions of identity
• Academic and research careers in the forensic field
• Service companies active in biometrics

Alumni move into a wide variety of roles, for example as a specialist in identification documents for the Federal Police.

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.