MSc DNA Profiling

Postgraduate Entry Requirement: 

• Academic Qualifications: Students should have a bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification with a minimum overall percentage of 60% or above in a relevant discipline.
• English Language Proficiency:
  • IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.5, with no individual component score below 6.
  • TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 80-95, with a minimum score of 20 in each component.
  • PTE: A minimum overall score of 51-61, with no individual score below 51.

Students must provide:

• academic marksheets & transcripts
• letters of recommendation
• a personal statement - SOP
• passport
• other supporting documents as required by the university.

Work experience: Some postgraduate courses may require relevant work experience in the field.

It is important to note that meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee admission, as the university considers factors such as availability of places and competition for the program. Additionally, some courses may have higher entry requirements or additional selection criteria, such as interviews or portfolio submissions.

Scholarships for International Students at the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan):

1. Vice-Chancellor's Scholarship: The Vice-Chancellor's Scholarship is a prestigious scholarship awarded to high-achieving international students. This scholarship provides a significant tuition fee reduction for the duration of the student's program. The selection is based on academic merit, and applicants are automatically considered when they apply for a full-time undergraduate or postgraduate program at UCLan.
2. International Excellence Scholarship: The International Excellence Scholarship is aimed at international students who demonstrate exceptional academic performance. This scholarship offers a tuition fee reduction for the first year of study and is available for both undergraduate and postgraduate programs. The selection criteria include academic achievements, personal statements, and references.
3. Country-Specific Scholarships: UCLan offers scholarships specifically tailored to students from certain countries or regions. These scholarships aim to promote cultural diversity and encourage international students from specific regions to study at UCLan. The eligibility criteria and award amounts vary depending on the specific scholarship.
4. Sports Scholarships: UCLan recognizes the achievements of talented student athletes and offers sports scholarships to support their academic and sporting pursuits. These scholarships are available for international students who demonstrate outstanding sporting ability and academic potential. The scholarships provide financial support, mentoring, and access to sports facilities and training programs.
5. Alumni Loyalty Discount: UCLan values its alumni and offers a tuition fee discount to international students who have previously completed a full degree program at UCLan and wish to pursue further studies at the university. The discount is applied to the tuition fees of eligible postgraduate programs.
6. External Scholarships and Funding: In addition to the scholarships offered by UCLan, international students can also explore external scholarship opportunities and funding options. Various organizations, foundations, and governments provide scholarships for international students studying in the UK. UCLan's International Office can provide guidance and information on external scholarship opportunities.

It is important to note that the availability, eligibility criteria, and application deadlines for scholarships may vary each year.

Graduates of the MSc DNA Profiling program from the University of Central Lancashire are well-prepared for a range of career opportunities in the field of forensic science and DNA analysis. 

1. Forensic DNA Analyst: Graduates can work as forensic DNA analysts, responsible for analyzing DNA evidence collected from crime scenes and providing expert testimony in court.

2. Forensic Scientist: Alumni may pursue careers as forensic scientists, specializing in DNA analysis while working in forensic laboratories.

3. Genetic Counselor: Some graduates may choose to become genetic counselors, assisting individuals in understanding their genetic information and making informed decisions about their health.

4. Research Scientist: Graduates interested in research can work as research scientists in academic institutions, government agencies, or private research organizations, contributing to advancements in genetic analysis techniques.

5. Law Enforcement: Alumni can join law enforcement agencies as forensic experts, helping solve crimes by analyzing DNA evidence.

6. Paternity Testing Specialist: Graduates may work in private laboratories specializing in paternity testing and genetic relationship analysis.

7. Quality Assurance Officer: Some alumni may pursue roles as quality assurance officers, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of DNA analysis procedures in forensic laboratories.

8. PhD and Academic Careers: Graduates interested in academia can pursue doctoral studies and academic careers, becoming professors or researchers in genetics and forensic science.