Overview

The MPhil Forensic Medicine and Toxicology is a postgraduate research and academic program offered by the KMU Institute of Basic Medical Sciences (IBMS) under Khyber Medical University, Peshawar. This advanced degree is designed to equip medical professionals with in-depth expertise in forensic medical sciences, integrating medico-legal knowledge, toxicological analysis, and research methodology to contribute to criminal justice and public health systems.

Mission

The mission of the MPhil Forensic Medicine and Toxicology program is to address the critical shortage of professionally trained postgraduate experts in the field of forensic sciences, particularly in forensic research and academia. The program aims to develop highly competent researchers, educators, and medico-legal experts equipped with advanced scientific knowledge, analytical skills, and ethical judgment. By strengthening human resource capacity in forensic medicine and toxicology, the program seeks to contribute effectively to medical education, forensic research, and the criminal justice system, while supporting law enforcement and judicial agencies through scientifically sound medico-legal expertise and evidence-based casework.

This program is ideal for:

• Medical graduates (MBBS/Equivalent) registered with the Pakistan Medical & Dental Council (PM&DC) seeking specialization in forensic sciences.
• Clinicians and healthcare professionals aiming to strengthen their medico-legal competencies.
• Researchers and educators pursuing careers in academic institutions, forensic laboratories and forensic research.

Eligibility: Applicants must hold an MBBS or equivalent degree recognized by the PM&DC with valid registration and fulfill the KMU admission criteria. (pgadmissions.kmu.edu.pk)

Curriculum and Structure

The MPhil Forensic Medicine and Toxicology program comprises coursework, laboratory training, and an independent research thesis. Coursework areas include:

• General & Special Toxicology
• Thanatology and Traumatology
• Medicolegal Jurisprudence
• Forensic Genetics
• Fundamental of Forensic Sciences
• Medicolegal aspects of Sexual assaults and asphyxia

Whereas optional courses a wide range including:

• Analytical Toxicology and toxicology of Therapeutic agents 
• Drug Biotransformation & Molecular Mechanism of Toxicology 
• Forensic Anatomy and Odontology 
• DNA fingerprinting 
• General Forensic Tools and Techniques 
• Advances in Forensic Genetics 
• Biological Evidence and Serology 
• Crime Scene Management 
• Forensic Psychiatry 
• Forensic Pathology and more

Students will also undertake supervised research leading to an original thesis submission and defence, emphasizing practical skills and scholarly contribution to forensic sciences.

Institute & Delivery

This program is delivered at the KMU Institute of Basic Medical Sciences (IBMS)—a center committed to excellence in postgraduate medical education, research, and professional development. The institute provides modern facilities for laboratory work, seminars, and student research activities.

Career Prospects

Graduates of the MPhil Forensic Medicine and Toxicology program are well-positioned to pursue roles including:

• Forensic Medicine Specialist
• Medicolegal Officer
• Toxicologist in forensic laboratories
• Academic faculty
• Research associate
• Expert witness in courts and tribunals

The program prepares scholars for academic and research-oriented careers, as well as leadership roles in forensic science and legal medicine.