Program Overview

Forensic Science BSc (Hons)

Overview

This BSc (Hons) Forensic Science degree course at Teesside University is multidisciplinary. In addition to learning the vital skills relevant to a forensic scientist, you develop an in-depth understanding of key biology and chemistry subjects such as biochemistry, cell biology, genetics, molecular biology, toxicology and analytical chemistry.

Course Details

Full-time and Part-time

• F412 BSc/FS
• Forensic & Crime Scene Sciences

Course Routes:

• Degree: 3 years (or 4 with a work placement)
• Plus foundation year: 4 years (or 5 with a work placement)

Entry Requirements

Year 1 Entry

• 96-112 UCAS tariff points
• You must have GCSE English and Mathematics at grade 4 (grade C) or equivalent and have studied at least one relevant subject at Level 3. Eligible subjects include:
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Applied Science
• Typical Level 3 qualifications include:
  • A levels (within a minimum of grade C from one relevant subject)
  • BTEC Extended Diploma
  • Access to HE Diploma

Direct Entry to Later Years

• If you have previously studied a relevant subject at a higher level (for example HNC, HND or one or more years of a degree at another institution) we can consider you for direct entry to Year 2 or Final Year of this course.

Employability

• You gain broad scientific knowledge and skills applicable to many career opportunities.
• Typical careers include:
  • Forensic laboratory officer
  • Forensic examiner
  • DNA analyst
  • Fingerprint officer
  • Forensic firearms scientist
  • Forensic submissions coordinator
  • Scientific research
  • Laboratory scientist
  • Management and senior administration

Professional Accreditation

• This course is accredited by The Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences.

Tuition Fees

Full-time

• £9,535 a year (UK applicants)
• £17,000 a year (international applicants)

Part-time

• £4,635 (120 credits) (UK applicants)

How You Learn

• You learn through a range of teaching and learning methods including:
  • lectures
  • tutorials
  • seminars and workshops (including oral presentations and poster sessions)
  • laboratory work
  • computer laboratory-based sessions
  • group projects
  • research projects

How You Are Assessed

• You may be assessed through:
  • formal exams including 'unseen' exams
  • court/case
  • reports
  • evidence portfolios
  • oral presentations and technical interviews
  • collaborative project work
  • preparation and display of posters
  • planning, conduct and reporting of project work

Course Structure

Year 1 Core Modules

• Anatomy and Physiology
• Biochemistry and Chemical Science
• Cell Biology
• Crime Scene Examination
• Forensic Case Studies and the Law
• Forensic Evidence and Recovery

Year 2 Core Modules

• Bioarcheology and Human Remains Recovery
• Forensic Analytical Investigations
• Forensic Biology Practice
• Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics
• Professional Practice and the Expert Witness
• Trace Evidence and Forensic Enhancement

Optional Work Placement Year

• Work placement

Final-year Core Modules

• Forensic Biology and Genomics
• Human Identification and Forensic Imaging
• Science Research Project
• Serious Crime Investigation
• Substances of Misuse

Other Course Routes

Foundation Year

• Study this course with a foundation year if you need additional preparation or if you don't have sufficient grades to join Year 1.

Work Placement

• Study this course with an optional work placement year, at no extra cost. Alongside this, you can gain valuable experience and engagement with the sector through our shorter work placements, internships and work experience opportunities.