Forensic Science

Forensic Science at the University of Amsterdam offers an interdisciplinary program designed to prepare students for a career in crime investigation, forensic analysis, and judicial processes. The program combines principles from chemistry, biology, law, and criminalistics to equip students with the skills necessary to analyze evidence, interpret data, and provide expert testimony in criminal cases. Students will gain practical experience through laboratory work, case studies, and internships, allowing for a comprehensive understanding of forensic methods and techniques. The curriculum covers a wide range of topics including criminal law, forensic toxicology, DNA analysis, fingerprint analysis, digital forensics, and crime scene investigation. Emphasis is placed on developing critical thinking and scientific reasoning to accurately evaluate evidence and contribute to the justice system. The university’s state-of-the-art laboratories provide an ideal environment for hands-on training, utilizing modern forensic technology. Additionally, students have opportunities to collaborate with law enforcement agencies and forensic laboratories, gaining real-world insights and networking opportunities. The Forensic Science program at the University of Amsterdam aims to produce graduates who are not only technically skilled but also ethically responsible and capable of working under pressure in complex situations. Graduates will be prepared for careers in forensic laboratories, police departments, judicial institutions, or further research and specialization. The program is ideal for students passionate about science and justice, looking to make a positive impact on society through the pursuit of truth and justice. With a strong foundation in scientific excellence and legal awareness, students will be well-equipped to navigate the evolving landscape of forensic science in the 21st century.

First year

The programme of the first year provides students with the theoretical foundation of forensic science: the forensic process from crime scene to court, including the players and their roles, the judicial context and the quality requirements within the process. Attention is paid to the statistical foundation for the interpretation of evidence, criminalistics reasoning and the importance and underlying principles of hypothesis formulation and validation.

Furthermore, students will learn about the most common traces found on a crime scene and the scientific principles of the main techniques used to analyze those traces. As such, students will learn to apply the theoretical knowledge to forensic cases, e.g. in a crime scene setting and as an expert in a moot court. In most of the courses, experts from the field, e.g. from the Netherlands Forensic Institute (NFI) and the Dutch Police Force, participate through giving lectures about the practice in the forensic field.

Within the different courses, attention will be paid to critical reflection skills as well as to problem solving skills. Students will learn about the role of forensic science in society and the standards required for scientific research. The personal and professional development of each student is addressed in the courses and supported by a portfolio, which students fill up during the year.

Interdisciplinarity throughout the programme

Another important aspect within the programme is the interdisciplinary nature of forensic science. Students will work in groups and will be stimulated to address interdisciplinary issues contribute to group work by putting their own specialistic knowledge from their bachelors programme into use.

Practical casework

At the end of the first year, everything that has been dealt with up to that point will come together in the casework offered in the course Chain of Evidence. This course allows students to work through a simulated case, beginning with practical forensic examination - e.g. the collection and analysis of traces - then providing interpretations of the data obtained and concluding with a written and oral defense of the expert opinion in a moot court, complete with prosecutor, defense lawyer, judge and counter-expert.

Study trip in the first year

Every year our students organize a study trip for the new first year students. The study trip takes place halfway the first block usually early October. During the study trip we visit several forensic institutes and/or universities and in addition visit the city. It is a great opportunity to extend your forensic network and get to know each other.

Second year

In the second year students deepen their knowledge in their bachelor’s discipline by following advanced forensic courses and courses from other master ‘s programmes at the Faculty of Science as part of a specialisation.

Within the programme, special attention is paid to the link with scientific research. All students have to write a literature thesis and conduct a research project. In preparation students attend ‘Frontiers of Forensic science’ seminars organized in cooperation with the Research Centre for Forensic Science and Medicine (Co van Ledden Hulsebosch Centre).

Research projects

Students finish the programme by carrying out a research project to expand their scientific and forensic knowledge and to prove their professional skills. This research can be done in the Netherlands or abroad, within or outside the university, a Dutch or foreign forensic institute, a police department or with other organizations in which forensics play a role. The topics span a wide range of forensic areas, from epigenetics to fire investigation to cybercrime and more.​

Degree requirements

A Master of Science degree in Forensic Science is awarded upon successful completion of all the core and specialization courses in the curriculum and a written Master's thesis based on an independent research project. This translates into a total of 120 ECTS credits.

• Applicants must hold a Bachelor's degree in the field of exact sciences, computer sciences or life sciences.
• Applicants with Bachelor's degrees in other fields may also be admitted. Eligibility depends on the nature of the programme and curriculum.

Please note that Statistics must be part of your Bachelor’s programme

Please note that admission is not automatically granted to all candidates fulfilling the above criteria. In former years, about 60 % of the candidates have finally been admitted to the Master’s programme.

Grade Point Average

Applicants are expected to have an overall grade point average (GPA) equivalent to at least:

• 7.0 (Dutch BSc)
• 7.0 (Dutch Bachelor of Higher professional education)
• 3.0 (American system)
• 2.1 (a second class upper/division one degree in the British system)
• C (ECTS-system)

Admission will not be granted based on a sufficient grade point average alone. Applicants are also assessed on the basis of their motivation and the content of their prior coursework.

Additional remarks

The second year of the Master's programme involves a professional internship in an organisation in which forensics plays a role. A Certificate of Good Conduct (Verklaring Omtrent Gedrag) is required for the majority of these internships, in particular for projects with the Dutch police force or the Netherlands Forensic Institute.

Online application and required documents  

After registering in Studielink, within 48 hours you will receive an email with your UvA student number (UvA-net ID) and an email with instructions for the next step of the application process. You need your UvA-net ID to submit your online application via Datanose.

In Datanose, we expect you to upload the following documents:

1. A motivation letter
2. Your Curriculum Vitae
3. A copy of your high school grade list and diploma
4. A list of courses of your final year (if you have not yet finished your current academic programme)
5. A copy of your Bachelor transcript and diploma, including an explanation of your University’s grading system
6. A description of your Bachelor thesis/project
7. Two academic reference letters
8. Proof of English proficiency

English language requirements

All our international programmes are conducted in English, therefore, applicants must show their ability to write and speak in English on an academic level. Students with a Bachelor’s degree from a Dutch university and students who successfully finished a full academic programme at an esteemed institute in one of the following countries are exempt: UK, Ireland, USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

Please note we only accept the TOEFL Test, the test of the International English Language Testing Service (Academic IELTS) or a Cambridge Examination Score. For Non-EU/EEA students the required English test result should be received on or before 1 February in the year of application by the International Team at the Faculty of Science. If this in any case is not possible, contact the International Team first, before applying. For EU/EEA students the deadline of submitting the test results is 1 July.

TOEFL Test

The minimum scores required on the TOEFL Test are:

• Internet-based test (iBT): 92 with a minimum of 20 on each subject
  
  Exceptions:
• Artificial Intelligence, Brain and Cognitive Sciences and Information Studies: 98, with a minimum of 22 for reading and listining and 24 for writing and speaking
• Software Engineering: 98 with a minimum of 22 on each subject

Please note the TOEFL-code for the Faculty of Science of the University of Amsterdam is: 8628. 

 IELTS Test (only Academic IELTS is accepted)

• Minimum score 6.5, at least 6.0 on sub-scores (listening/reading/writing/speaking). 

Exceptions

• Artificial Intelligence,  Brain and Cognitive Sciences and Information Studies> minimum score 7.0, sub-scores on writing and speaking at least 7.0, sub-scores on listening and reading at least 6.5 
• Software Engineering > minimum score 7.0, at least 6.5 on each sub-score (listening/reading/writing/speaking)
• The UvA offers the IELTS test for free to current UvA students to assess their English language proficiency.    

Cambridge Examination Score

A Cambridge Examination Score with a minimum test result of C1 Advanced (CAE) A or B will also be accepted. For the C2 Proficiency test (CPE) a minimal score of C is required.

Nuffic Certificate for Chinese students

Chinese applicants are required to take an IELTS test or the TOEFL (Internet-based test only). These are the only two tests accepted by the Nuffic, which provides certificates to all Chinese students who wish to study in the Netherlands.

Please note there are some differences between the TOEFL and IELTS test. Available practice material, test dates, prices and locations differ per country.

• Amsterdam Excellence Scholarship, Faculty of Science
• Amsterdam Merit Scholarship, Faculty of Science

The Forensic Science programme at the University of Amsterdam offers various financing options to support students throughout their studies. International and domestic students can apply for government-funded grants and loans, including Dutch student loans, which are available through the Dutch government’s Studiefinanciering scheme for Dutch residents. These loans typically cover tuition fees and living expenses and are contingent upon the student’s eligibility criteria, such as income and residency status.

For EU/EEA students, the university provides an overview of financial support options, including scholarships and part-time work opportunities. Many students fund their education through personal savings or family support. The university also offers a limited number of scholarships based on academic excellence, financial need, or specific fields of study. These scholarships are often competitive and have specific eligibility criteria, so students are advised to review the university’s scholarship portal for detailed information.

Non-EU/EEA international students should consider additional funding sources such as external scholarships, government sponsorships from their home country, or international organizations that support students studying abroad. The University of Amsterdam maintains partnerships with several organizations that provide such funding opportunities.

Students are encouraged to explore financial planning early and consult the university’s financial aid office for personalized assistance. The university also provides guidance on applying for external scholarships, internships, and part-time employment opportunities on or near campus. Overall, while there are various avenues for financial support, students should plan their finances carefully to cover tuition, accommodation, study materials, and living costs throughout the duration of the Forensic Science programme.

As a graduate of the Master’s Forensic Science, you have obtained what can be called ‘forensic awareness’ and you are equipped to support the process of criminal investigation. No matter what your position in the chain of evidence is, as a forensic scientist you are working at the service of the judicial system, in an interdisciplinary field which develops rapidly and where the stakes are high.