Forensic Science PhD Projects, Programs & Scholarships in the UK

PhD Research Projects are advertised opportunities to examine a pre-defined topic or answer a stated research question. Some projects may also provide scope for you to propose your own ideas and approaches.

This project does not have funding attached. You will need to have your own means of paying fees and living costs and / or seek separate funding from student finance, charities or trusts.

Ignitable liquids (ILs), such as gasoline and petrol fuel, are common chemicals used in the initiation of arson attacks. Their detection and profiling from debris is, therefore, of strong interest in forensic science and could provide vital evidence to assist in criminal investigations.

Development of next-generation analytical and data treatment approaches for enhancing possibilities in forensic profiling of chemical residues (Ref: SF20/APP/GALLIDABINO)

Northumbria University
Faculty of Health and Life Sciences

Dr M Gallidabino

Applications accepted all year round

Funding Type

PhD Type

This project does not have funding attached. You will need to have your own means of paying fees and living costs and / or seek separate funding from student finance, charities or trusts.

Chemical traces, such as gunshot or arson accelerant residues, are common evidence types that can assist in the investigation of many serious crimes.

Microfibre release from textiles leading to environmental pollution (Ref: SF20/APP/SHERIDAN)

Northumbria University
Faculty of Health and Life Sciences

Dr KJ Sheridan

Applications accepted all year round

Funding Type

PhD Type

This project does not have funding attached. You will need to have your own means of paying fees and living costs and / or seek separate funding from student finance, charities or trusts.

Textile production is one of the world’s major polluters, and consumes vast water and energy resources. Fibre content of garments has been trending away from natural fibres towards synthetic fibres such as polyester and polyamide.

The Forensic Microbiome: Investigation Of The Human Microbiome For Time Since Death Estimations And Human Identifications (Ref: SF20/APP/PROCOPIO)

Northumbria University
Faculty of Health and Life Sciences

Dr N Procopio

Applications accepted all year round

Funding Type

PhD Type

This project does not have funding attached. You will need to have your own means of paying fees and living costs and / or seek separate funding from student finance, charities or trusts.

The analysis of the microbiome is gaining more interest in the forensic community, with applications going from post-mortem interval (PMI) estimation to human identification.

Scholarships available for SECReT: The International Training Centre for Security and Crime Related Research Degrees

University College London
UCL SECReT

Funding Type

PhD Type

EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training

EPSRC Centres for Doctoral Training conduct research and training in priority areas funded by the UK Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council. Potential PhD topics are usually defined in advance. Students may receive additional training and development opportunities as part of their programme.

Funded PhD Programme (UK Students Only)

Some or all of the PhD opportunities in this programme have funding attached. It is only available to UK citizens or those who have been resident in the UK for a period of 3 years or more. Some projects, which are funded by charities or by the universities themselves may have more stringent restrictions.

SECReT. The International Training Centre for Security and Crime Related Research Degrees.

Study History, Classics and Archaeology at the University of Edinburgh - funding opportunities available

University of Edinburgh
School of History, Classics and Archaeology

Funding Type

PhD Type

Humanities Research Programme

Humanities Research Programmes present a range of research opportunities, shaped by a university’s particular expertise, facilities and resources. You will usually identify a suitable topic for your PhD and propose your own project. Additional training and development opportunities may also be offered as part of your programme.

Funded PhD Programme (Students Worldwide)

Some or all of the PhD opportunities in this programme have funding attached. Applications for this programme are welcome from suitably qualified candidates worldwide. Funding may only be available to a limited set of nationalities and you should read the full programme details for further information.

Our School. The School of History, Classics and Archaeology at the University of Edinburgh is one of the great world centres for the study of the human past.