Programme Master of Science (MSc) in Forensic Biology
Our Master of Science (MSc) in Forensic Biology is specifically designed for students who wish to further consolidate their knowledge in this field, increasing their specific skills and professional capacity. The programme approaches the subject from different perspectives: the ethical-legal and the purely scientific and analytical. The course of study guarantees both theoretical training and a solid specialised education obtained by means of research activities and practical laboratory sessions.
The skills and preparation provided by this module will enable graduates to work in support of law enforcement agencies and the judiciary during forensic investigations; to work in private organisations in support of biological research, in particular in the field of handling biological material for DNA analysis. The results obtained in the field of forensic biology are constantly being developed through the introduction of new techniques, which is why the importance of this field is constantly growing.
Course main information
- Area: Forensic Biology
- Programme: Full-time 18-month postgraduate programme
- Final qualification: European Qualification Framework Level 7 | MQF Level 7
- Accreditation: Malta Further and Higher Education Authority (MFHEA) Licence No. 2018-014.
- Category: Higher Education Programme
- Credits: 90 ECTS; 30 ECTS per semester
- Delivery Method: Virtual Classroom – Blended Programme
- Hours: 450 hours of teaching
- Attendance: 90% compulsory for each module (theory and laboratory if applicable)
- Laboratory sessions: Online and in presence
- Written Assessments: Online
- Language of instruction: English
- Academic year: Commencing 1 November 2026
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The entry requirements for our Master of Science (MSc) in Forensic Biology are:
- An undergraduate degree at EQF Level 6 or international equivalent in Forensic Science, Biology, Applied Sciences, Biochemistry, Biomedical Science or equivalent (no specific grades are required).
- Certified True Copy of the Diploma or an Official Certification issued issued by the University or Institute.
- Language qualification with a minimum level of B2 (CEFR) in English.
Our application process is fully online and open to all. Applicants may submit their application through our Admission Portal, uploading the required documents (ID/passport, certificates if applicable, and any other relevant documents). If you are still completing your EQF Level 6 and will graduate by August, you can still apply now! Your qualification certificate and language qualification (if applicable) can be submitted later, as long as we receive them by October.
Our admission procedures guarantee fair and equitable treatment for all candidates. Once the Admissions Office has reviewed the application, eligible applicants will receive an official offer letter by email. To complete enrolment, candidates must accept or decline the offer. Upon acceptance, a non-refundable registration fee is required to secure a place in the course. Further information regarding payments and enrolment steps will be provided via email.
As our programmes have a limited number of places, we encourage applicants to apply as early as possible to avoid inconvenience.
Registration Fee:
€ 300 due upon acceptance of the offer for a place in our programme. This fee includes administrative cost associated with the enrolment process.
Tuition Fee, Academic year 2026/27:
€ 7,755 full Postgraduate programme Master of Science (MSc) in Forensic Biology
Undergraduate + Postgraduate Bundle Offer:
€ 350 off each Academic Year (Total discount of € 1,575 for 4.5 years). subject to terms and conditions.
Payment Options:
We offer flexible payment options, allowing you to pay your tuition fee in one, two, or three instalments on scheduled dates.
Further details will be provided once you register for one of our programmes.
European Forensic Institute, Awarded “Excellence in Forensic Science” at the World Police Summit Awards 2025, Dubai.
Hands-on Learning and Professional Expertise
What Marks This Course Apart?
The Master of Science in Forensic Biology has been designed to address demands of the job market in the Forensics field. Offering this detailed programme in the subject of Forensic Biology will ensure graduates equipped with such knowledge to permit them to support law enforcement, the judiciary systems, and private institutions in the ever-growing demand to discover and validate new ways in which evidentiary information may be recovered from the smallest entities present. This course also gives relevant foundation that allows the graduate to explore additional fields within Forensic Biology, some of which have not been exploited yet, locally.
Application-Based Teaching
At the European Forensic Institute, our teaching philosophy is built around a single goal: ensuring students can apply what they learn. Every part of the programme is designed to mirror the real demands of the Forensic Biology fields.
Job-Oriented Learning
Studying at the European Forensic Institute means gaining knowledge, skills, and competencies directly from active forensic professionals.
Our lecturers are not only academics, they are working forensic consultants and researchers who bring real cases, real challenges, and real expertise into the classroom. This gives you the unique opportunity to engage with instructors both academically and professionally. In other words, at EFI you’re not just learning about a career; you’re learning from the people who are already shaping it.
Career paths
The MSc in Forensic Biology provides students with a strong scientific foundation and hands-on training in biological and genetic analysis for forensic investigations. Through a multidisciplinary approach, the programme covers DNA profiling, molecular biology techniques, evidence interpretation, quality assurance, and courtroom reporting. Students develop both the theoretical knowledge and practical laboratory skills required to work effectively in forensic laboratories, research institutions, and judicial environments.
Forensic Biology & DNA Analysis Roles
- Forensic Geneticist
- Forensic Biologist
- DNA Analyst / DNA Profiling Specialist
- Forensic Serologist
- Crime Lab Biology Technician
Courtroom & Legal Forensic Roles
- Court Expert / Forensic Expert Witness
- Forensic Casework Reviewer
- Evidence Interpretation Specialist
- Quality Assurance & Accreditation Officer (Forensic Labs)
Genetics, Genealogy & Identification
- Forensic Genealogist
- Human Identification Specialist
- Missing Persons & Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) Analyst
- Kinship and Ancestry Analyst
Environmental, Wildlife & Specialised Forensics
- Wildlife Forensic Scientist
- Environmental Crime Biologist
- Biosecurity and Conservation Forensics Specialist
Research, Biotechnology & Applied Science
- Forensic Research Scientist
- Molecular Biology or Genomics Specialist
- Laboratory R&D Scientist (Biotech or Biomedical Sector)
- Scientific Officer in Public Health, Defence or Security
Student Feedback
See how our students have transformed their skills and advanced their careers. These are the journeys of people who sat exactly where you are today.
Join us and gain a competitive edge in exciting and rapidly evolving fields.
Studying at the European Forensic Institute has been one of the most transformative decisions of my academic and professional journey.
I completed my Bachelor’s in Forensic Sciences in 2023, with a thesis about fire investigation that was later on presented at the E-AFI Conference. Motivated to grow academically and achieve my dream, I started working as laboratory assistant at the Institute, and decided to pursue the Master of Science (MSc) in Forensic Biology, at European Forensic Institute.
Now, as I near the completion of my Master’s Degree, I am proudly working with the Malta Police Forensic Science Laboratory, immersing myself in an environment full of inspiration and opportunity.
This journey has shaped me into a confident, well-prepared forensic professional, deeply passionate about contributing to the field of forensic science.
Clara Pisano, Master of Science (MSc) in Forensic Biology
I can’t express enough gratitude to each and every person I met during these years, teachers, colleagues, and friends who made this experience unforgettable.
European Forensic Institute has truly changed my life. It has made me believe that I am ready to make a difference, to leave my mark, and to contribute to positive change in this world. More than anything, it has given me the confidence to believe in myself also in critical situations.
Sofia Maria Russo, our Master’s student and alumna of the BSc Criminology programme, has published also her article in Crime Science (Springer Nature), co-authored with our lecturers Gianfausto Bottini, Dino Quattrociocchi, and Michael Leitner. the research began as Sofia’s BSc dissertation and has now evolved into a scientific publication.
Sofia Maria Russo, BSc (Hons) in Investigative Criminology and Criminal Psychology
The EFI study programme provided me with a solid foundation in fundamental disciplines such as Computer Forensics and Open Source Intelligence (OSINT), adequately preparing me to confidently and competently tackle the next level represented by the Master’s programme I intend to undertake.
Chiara Lauriola, BSc (Hons) in Investigative Criminology and Criminal Psychology
I have completed a BSc (Hons) Forensic Sciences and Criminal Investigation at European Forensic Institute, in July 2021. In January 2022, I joined the Cisco Cybersecurity Scholarship programme, which offered the opportunity to participate in IT security pathways.
Federica Moggio, BSc (Hons) in Forensic Sciences and Criminal Investigation
Master the Science of DNA and Evidence
Secure your place in our specialized MSc in Forensic Biology and gain the advanced skills needed to support law enforcement and judicial systems. Applications for the next intake are now open, apply online today to learn from active forensic professionals in our state-of-the-art laboratories.
Apply nowFrequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about our Master of Science (MSc) in Forensic Biology. Find answers regarding our blended learning model, the 18-month duration, the required background in Applied Sciences, and the hands-on laboratory sessions held at the Malta Life Sciences Park for the 2026/27 academic year.
We are proud to offer programmes officially accredited by the Malta Further and Higher Education Authority (MFHEA). Our programmes follow the Maltese and European Qualification Framework, ensuring broad recognition across Europe and beyond.
Additionally, Malta is one of the 55 member countries of the ENIC-NARIC network, which facilitates the recognition of qualifications among participating countries. Our accreditation meets the quality standards of higher education, in line with both national and European frameworks.
Great news! You don’t need to relocate to Malta to complete our Master’s. This programme is delivered delivered through blended learning:
Online Learning: All theoretical modules are 100% online via our Digital Campus, study from anywhere with full access to materials, discussions, and academic support.
In-Person Practical Sessions: Practical sessions are held around once per semester at the Malta Life Sciences Park, Each session lasts around 2 weeks and includes hands-on forensic training and lab work. Attendance is essential to develop the required practical skills.
No. Our programme is delivered in a blended format, which means we cannot justify to the Maltese authorities the need for students to reside in Malta.
No. All our theory sessions are delivered online. However, we encourage students to participate in optional seminars organised by our Institute or by our professional partners.
Yes, but please note that attendance is mandatory. All our programmes are full-time programmes, and your full commitment is expected. Any work-related activity must be carried out outside of academic activities.
No. Students are responsible for arranging their own accommodation.
Our sessions are scheduled during the low or mid-season and take place over short periods, allowing students to benefit from the wide range of accommodation options available at those times.
You can use platforms such as Booking.com, Airbnb, Visit Malta, or Campus Hub to find suitable accommodation.
Access to the digital campus and related material, digital library, material used during the lab sessions, institutional email. This does NOT include travel, accommodation and costs associated with participation in our laboratory sessions.
Studying in Malta
Studying at the European Forensic Institute will transform your future and open doors to a world of opportunities.
For our blended programmes, including Bachelor’s degrees and the Master of Science (MSc) in Forensic Biology, students are required to complete practical laboratory sessions in Malta.
These in-person sessions take place at the Malta Life Sciences Park, where you will work with cutting-edge crime scene technology, including Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) tools.
Discover more about studying in Malta.
Learn moreStudying in MaltaContacts
European Forensic Institute
Malta Life Sciences Park
Sir Temi Zammit Buildings
San Gwann SGN 3000
Office Hours:
09:00 – 13:00 / 14:00 – 17:00
Licensed Higher Education Institution by the Malta Further and Higher Education Authority (MFHEA), Licence No. 2018-014.