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MSc Forensic Science

Master of Science

Forensic Science with Certification from ISACA

Overview

The MSc in Forensic Science at JAIN (Deemed-to-be University), Bangalore, is offered in both one-year and two-year postgraduate formats, designed to equip science graduates with the scientific expertise required to investigate and interpret criminal evidence. The programme integrates principles from biology, chemistry, physics, and digital sciences to support modern criminal justice systems through scientific investigation and evidence analysis.

Both programme pathways provide a strong foundation in key forensic domains such as forensic biology, chemistry, toxicology, fingerprints, questioned documents, ballistics, digital and cyber forensics, and crime scene investigation. Through laboratory training, simulated crime-scene analysis, and research-based learning, students develop the technical, analytical, and ethical competencies essential for professional forensic practice.

The one-year MSc Forensic Science provides a comprehensive overview of core forensic disciplines across two semesters, culminating in a project or capstone component. The two-year MSc Forensic Science offers deeper academic engagement across four semesters, allowing students to consolidate their foundational knowledge through advanced coursework, research projects, internships, and a dissertation.

Aligned with National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the programme integrates credit-based learning, interdisciplinary exposure, and research training to ensure academic flexibility and professional readiness. Students gain opportunities to interact with experts from organisations such as Central Forensic Science Laboratory, Defence Research and Development Organisation, and Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, providing valuable insights into real-world forensic practices.

The programme also emphasises ethical responsibility, scientific reasoning, and societal impact, encouraging students to apply scientific knowledge to real-world investigative challenges while contributing to justice delivery and national development.

Certifications Offered:

Certification Training in CRISC by ISACA Bangalore Chapter

 

Eligibility

A student who has passed a 3-year undergraduate degree (level 5.5, a total of 120 credits) shall be eligible for admission to 2-year MSc programmes.

Preference will be given to candidates who have secured at least 50% marks (45% marks in case of candidates belonging to reserved category) in the qualifying examination.

However, students who have not studied requisite courses from Science discipline related to the respective programmes will have to undertake the prescribed bridge course(s).

Duration:
1 Year Programme - 2 Semesters
2 Year Programme - 4 Semesters

No. of Credits:
1 Year Programme - 44 Credits (as per UGC CCFPP and NCrF framework)
2 Year Programme - 88 Credits (as per UGC CCFPP and NCrF framework)

Apply Now Brochure
Program code: 044
Course code : 4409
Course Commencement : Jul 2026
enquiry.pg@jainuniversity.ac.in

Study Campus

School of Sciences
#34, 1st Cross, J C Road
Bangalore – 560 027
P: +91 80 4343 0100

Admissions Office

JAIN Knowledge Campus
#44/4, District Fund Road
Jayanagar 9th Block Campus
Bangalore - 560 069
P : +91 73376 13222

Curriculum Structure

  • Indian Knowledge System in Forensic Science
  • Introduction to Cyber Forensics
  • Introduction to Cyber Forensics Lab
  • Criminology and Forensic Psychology
  • Criminology and Forensic Psychology Lab
  • Forensic Physics and Dactyloscopy
  • Forensic Physics and Dactyloscopy Lab
  • Forensic Serology and Pharmacotoxicology
  • Forensic Serology and Pharmacotoxicology Lab
  • Fraud Examination
  • Project
  • Forensic Document Analysis / Advancements in Forensic Anthropology and Odontology / File System and Artefact Forensics / Psychology of Criminal Behaviour Lab
  • Advancements in Forensic Physics / DNA Fingerprinting and Its Legal Aspects / Incident Response and Forensic Readiness / Contemporary Forms of Crime
  • Advancements in Forensic Physics / DNA Fingerprinting and Its Legal Aspects / Incident Response and Forensic Readiness / Contemporary Forms of Crime Lab
  • Fingerprints and Impression Analysis / Explosives Analysis / Advanced Multimedia Forensics / Advanced Forensic Psychology
  • Fingerprints and Impression Analysis / Explosives Analysis / Advanced Multimedia Forensics / Advanced Forensic Psychology Lab
  • Forensic Ballistics in Criminal Investigation / Advanced Forensic Chemistry and Extraction Techniques / Network and Mobile Forensics / Advanced Theories of Criminology
  • Forensic Ballistics in Criminal Investigation / Advanced Forensic Chemistry and Extraction Techniques / Network and Mobile Forensics / Advanced Theories of Criminology Lab
  • Project
  • Introduction to Forensic Science and Crime Scene Investigation
  • Introduction to Forensic Science and Crime Scene Investigation Lab
  • Fundamentals of Forensic Chemistry and Toxicology
  • Fundamentals of Forensic Chemistry and Toxicology Lab
  • Questioned Documents and Fingerprint Examination
  • Questioned Documents and Fingerprint Examination Lab
  • Fundamentals of Forensic Physics and Ballistics
  • Fundamentals of Forensic Physics and Ballistics Lab
  • Fundamentals of Forensic Biology
  • Fundamentals of Forensic Biology Lab
  • Research Methodology & Statistics
  • Generic Elective
  • Transdisciplinary Project Centric Learning I
  • Criminal Justice System and Criminal Law
  • Principles of Criminology and Psychology
  • Principles of Criminology and Psychology Lab
  • Introduction to Cyber Forensics
  • Introduction to Cyber Forensics Lab
  • Instrumental Techniques in Criminal Investigation
  • Fraud Examination and Investigation / Artificial Intelligence in Forensic Science
  • Transdisciplinary Project Centric Learning II
  • Generic Elective
  • Project
  • Forensic Medicine
  • Firearms, Ammunition and Evidentiary Clues / Forensic Pharmacotoxicology and Drug of Abuse / Advanced Digital Investigation in Multimedia / Correctional and Rehabilitation Psychology
  • Firearms, Ammunition and Evidentiary Clues / Forensic Pharmacotoxicology and Drug of Abuse / Advanced Digital Investigation in Multimedia Lab / Correctional and Rehabilitation Psychology Lab
  • Forensic Impression Analysis / Advanced Forensic Chemistry / Advanced Network and Mobile Forensics / Psychology of Criminal Behaviour
  • Forensic Impression Analysis / Forensic Pharmacotoxicology and Drug of Abuse / Advanced Network and Mobile Forensics Lab / Psychology of Criminal Behaviour Lab
  • QD Phy / Forensic Serology and Wildlife / Advanced Cloud and Email Forensics / Applied Criminology
  • QD Phy / Forensic Serology and Wildlife / Advanced Cloud and Email Forensics Lab / Applied Criminology Lab
  • Project
  • Transdisciplinary Project Centric Learning III
  • Forensic Document Analysis / Advancements in Forensic Anthropology and Odontology / File System & Artefact Forensics / Advanced Forensic Psychology
  • Forensic Document Analysis / Advancements in Forensic Anthropology and Odontology / File System & Artefact Forensics Lab / Advanced Forensic Psychology Lab
  • Advancements in Forensic Physics / DNA Fingerprinting and Its Legal Aspects / Incident Response & Forensic Readiness / Juvenile Delinquency and Psychological Intervention
  • Advancements in Forensic Physics / DNA Fingerprinting and Its Legal Aspects / Incident Response & Forensic Readiness Lab / Juvenile Delinquency and Psychological Intervention Lab
  • Transdisciplinary Project Centric Learning IV
  • Internship
  • Project

Course Highlights

Flexible Programme Duration: Offered in both one-year and two-year postgraduate formats to suit diverse academic backgrounds.

Interdisciplinary Forensic Curriculum: Covers forensic biology, chemistry, anthropology, toxicology, digital forensics, ballistics, fingerprint analysis, and questioned documents.

Laboratory-Based Training: Extensive hands-on exposure to forensic laboratory techniques and evidence examination.

Crime Scene Simulation: Practical training through simulated investigations and evidence handling exercises.

Research-Driven Learning: Opportunities to undertake projects, capstone research, or dissertations under faculty supervision.

Expert Interactions: Guest lectures and workshops conducted by scientists from national forensic and research organisations.

Technology Integration: Exposure to emerging forensic technologies, analytical instruments, and digital investigation tools.

Industry and Institutional Exposure: Visits to forensic laboratories, research facilities, and investigative institutions.

Academic Excellence: Guidance from an experienced faculty team contributing to research publications, conferences, and interdisciplinary collaborations.

 

Career Enhancement Programs

To strengthen academic and professional development, the programme offers several structured learning opportunities that enhance research capabilities, analytical skills, and industry exposure.

  • Research Accelerator Programme (RAP – PG Level): Structured mentorship for research projects and scientific inquiry.

  • Scientific Writing and Publication Workshops: Training in research documentation and academic publishing.

  • Laboratory and Observatory Visits: Exposure to professional forensic laboratories and scientific research environments.

  • Expert Talks and Guest Lectures: Sessions by scientists and professionals from organisations such as Central Forensic Science Laboratory, Defence Research and Development Organisation, Indian Institute of Science, and Council of Scientific and Industrial Research.

  • Competitive Exam Preparation: Guidance for examinations such as UGC-NET and other research eligibility tests.

  • National Conferences and Poster Presentations: Opportunities to present research work and engage with the forensic science community.

 

Career Outcomes

Graduates of the MSc in Forensic Science develop specialised scientific expertise to support criminal investigations, evidence analysis, and justice delivery systems. The programme prepares students for diverse professional pathways across forensic laboratories, investigative agencies, research institutions, and emerging digital investigation environments.

  • Forensic Investigation and Scientific Evidence Analysis
    Graduates contribute to criminal investigations by applying scientific techniques to analyse physical, biological, and chemical evidence. Working as Forensic Scientists, Forensic Biology or DNA Analysts, Toxicology Analysts, Fingerprint Examiners, or Forensic Document Examiners, they examine trace materials, biological samples, and questioned documents to support the interpretation of forensic evidence used in criminal justice processes.

  • Crime Scene Investigation and Evidence Management
    With training in crime scene documentation, evidence collection, and chain-of-custody procedures, graduates assist investigative teams in reconstructing events and preserving critical forensic evidence. In roles such as Crime Scene Investigators, Forensic Field Officers, Evidence Collection Specialists, or Investigation Assistants, they ensure that physical evidence is accurately recorded, preserved, and analysed in accordance with forensic protocols.

  • Digital, Cyber, and Technology-Enabled Forensics
    As digital evidence becomes increasingly important in criminal investigations, graduates are prepared to analyse electronic data, cybercrime patterns, and digital artefacts. Working as Digital Forensics Analysts, Cyber Forensics Investigators, Digital Evidence Examiners, or Cybercrime Investigation Specialists, they support cybersecurity teams, law enforcement units, and digital investigation laboratories.

  • Forensic Research, Academia, and Scientific Innovation
    Graduates with strong research and analytical capabilities contribute to the advancement of forensic methodologies through scientific research and interdisciplinary collaboration. In roles such as Research Associates, Laboratory Analysts, Academic Researchers, or Teaching Assistants, they support the development of new forensic technologies, analytical techniques, and evidence evaluation frameworks within research institutions and universities.

  • Legal, Policy, and Forensic Consultancy
    Graduates also contribute to the interpretation and communication of forensic evidence within legal contexts. Working as Forensic Consultants, Legal Evidence Analysts, or Expert Witness Assistants, they support legal professionals by translating complex scientific findings into clear forensic interpretations that inform investigations, judicial proceedings, and policy discussions.

  • Higher Studies and Specialisation Pathways
    Many graduates pursue advanced studies and specialised training to deepen their expertise in areas such as forensic toxicology, forensic biology, forensic chemistry, cyber forensics, or criminology through doctoral programmes, international postgraduate degrees, and professional certifications.

 

FAQ's

What is the eligibility for this programme?

For the two year MSc programme, candidates must have completed a three year undergraduate degree at Level 5.5 with a total of 120 credits. Preference is given to students who have secured at least 50 per cent marks, or 45 per cent for candidates from reserved categories. For the one year MSc programme, candidates must have completed a four year undergraduate degree at Level 6 with a total of 160 credits. Students who have not studied the required science subjects related to the programme may need to complete prescribed bridge courses.

What is the duration of the programme?

The one year MSc programme is completed in one academic year consisting of two semesters. The two year MSc programme is completed in two academic years consisting of four semesters.

Are specialisations mandatory?

Yes. Students are required to choose a specialisation offered within the programme. The department and university reserve the right to continue or withdraw a specialisation depending on the number of students opting for it.

When do students select their specialisation?

For the two year programme, students select their specialisation at the end of Semester 2 after academic counselling. For the one year programme, the specialisation is selected during Semester 2 after academic counselling.

What specialisations are offered in the programme?

Specialisation tracks include Forensic Chemistry and Toxicology, Forensic Biology and DNA Analysis, Forensic Physics and Ballistics, Questioned Documents and Fingerprint Examination, Cyber Forensics, and Forensic Psychology.

Does the programme include a dissertation?

Yes. In the two year programme, the dissertation begins in Semester 2 and continues until the end of Semester 4. In the one year programme, the dissertation is carried out across Semester 1 and Semester 2.

Can dissertation work be conducted outside the university?

Yes. Students may undertake their dissertation work outside the university with prior departmental approval and in accordance with supervisor guidelines.

Are internships compulsory?

Yes. The programme includes internship or field experience requirements. In the two year programme, students must complete a minimum four credit internship or field experience.

Are laboratory and practical components included in the programme?

Yes. All relevant courses include laboratory sessions and practical training to develop investigative and analytical skills in forensic science.

What career opportunities are available after completing MSc Forensic Science?

Graduates can pursue careers in government forensic laboratories, law enforcement and investigation agencies, hospitals and clinical settings, private forensic laboratories, corporate forensic consulting firms, academia and research institutions, and specialised areas such as crime scene investigation, digital forensics, and legal consultancy.