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.

Organiser
School of Criminal Justice
Faculty of Law, Criminal Justice and Public Administration

Degree awarded
Master of Science (MSc) in Forensic Science, orientation Identification

ECTS credits
120

Duration
4 semesters

Teaching language
French. Recommended level : C1. A good understanding of English is necessary since most of the literature is published in English and a few courses may be taught in English.

Admission requirements
The candidate must be a holder of a Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science affiliated to the “Forensic Science” study branch (swissuniversities).
Another degree or university title may be judged to be equivalent and give access to this Master’s degree course, with or without further conditions. The School of Criminal Justice is competent for the final decision on equivalence (info.esc@unil.ch), subject to the candidate’s formal admissibility to the Master’s degree course.

Enrolment and final dates
The degree course begins in the autumn semester only.
Applications must be submitted to the Admissions Department before the deadline.
Final enrolment date: 30 April. Candidates needing a visa to study in Switzerland: 28 February.

More information
​​​​​​​Course description

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.