Research in Forensic Science

• Forensic toxicology
• Environmental analysis
• Thin-film sensors for toxic gas detection
• Nanomaterials, surfactants, antimicrobials and biomaterials
• Spectroscopic detection of illicit materials

Each year, the School has a number of definied research projects for the coming session in the domain of Physical Sciences which are available to self-funded students.

When the become available, details of these projects will be posted here and on FindaPhD.com.

Current PhD Projects

• Antimicrobial drug development 
• Nanomaterials in space 
• Nano-formulations for surface decontamination 
• Nano Surfactants for energy transfer 
• Ozone formulation tech 
  Microplastics
• Fluorescence quenching for explosives detection 

Forensic Science contributes directly to criminal justice and human rights which are integral to following United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (UN-SDGs);

• Goal 11 - Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable
• Goal 16 - Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels. 

Research projects involving our forensic science staff and students also contribute to the following UN-SDG goals

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
• SDG 6: Water and Sanitation  
• SDG 7: Energy
• SDG 14: Life Below Water
• SDG 15: Life on Land

In the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024, UWS was officially recognised in the top 400 universities worldwide as assessed against the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UWS was recognised as the 2nd most impactful university in Scotland, and 16th globally, for 'reducing inequalities' (UN SDG 10).

Find out more about UWS and UN SDGs

Forensic Science research staff at UWS are as follows:

Dr Ciaran Ewins

Dr Carrie Mullen

Dr Ann-Sophie Korb

Mr Sean Mallon

Other staff are involved are in chemical sciences research with close links to forensic science:

Dr Callum McHugh

Dr Mohammed Yaseen

Dr Iain McLellan

The minimum requirements for an applicant for registration for the degree of MRes or MPhil or for the degree of MRes/MPhil with the intention of transfer to PhD shall be a first or second class honours degree of a university in the United Kingdom, or of an equivalent qualification.

Applicants holding qualifications other than those specified in (above) shall be considered on their merits and in relation to the nature and scope of the programme of work proposed.

Direct registration for the degree of PhD may also be approved, at the discretion of the University if the applicant holds an MRes/MPhil degree of a United Kingdom University, or an MRes/MPhil degree of equivalent standard of a non-UK University, provided that the MRes/MPhil degree is in a subject area which is appropriate to the proposed programme of work.

Exceptionally, direct registration for the degree of PhD may also be approved, at the discretion of the University, even if the applicant is not the holder of an MRes/MPhil degree, but does hold an exceptionally high-quality honours degree or taught master’s degree (or equivalent) in an appropriate discipline, AND has appropriate research experience at postgraduate level which has resulted in significant peer-reviewed publications, and where verifiable evidence of accomplishment is supplied.

For applicants whose first language is not English, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level. The qualifications below must have been gained within two years of the start of your course.

General English language requirements at UWS: International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic module (not General Training)

For our research degrees (MRes, MPhil, PhD, DBA, DProf), applicants are required to have an IELTS score as follows:

• Overall score of 6.5
• No sub-test less than 6.0

ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS