Program Overview

The BSc (Hons) Forensic Science degree has been designed to develop scientific expertise, advanced analytical problem solving and transferable skills. The course is ideal for those who are interested in the application of science within the criminal justice system. The MSci course combines Bachelors-level and Masters-level study in one integrated programme. Whichever degree you choose to complete, you will benefit from our highly practical approach to learning. You will gain hands-on experience using a range of instruments and techniques used in forensic science, such as Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS), DNA profiling, blood splatter analysis, drug profiling and scanning electron microscopy. Our industry standard facilities include a crime scene house and specialist laboratories. On successful completion of study, we will issue one of the following awards dependent on your chosen pathway: BSc (Hons) Forensic Science, MSci Forensic Science. If you choose to complete one of our sandwich courses with a work placement between the second and final years of the course, our placement staff will work with you to identify a suitable location for your work placement. In Year 1, you’ll learn about crime scene investigation and the importance of preserving evidence. You’ll cover relevant biological and chemical principles, as well as photography and other crime scene documenting techniques. In Year 2, you’ll focus on analysis and measurement. You’ll expand on the principles of criminalistic methods, forensic chemistry, forensic biology and DNA profiling. For our BSc (Hons) students, there is an opportunity to undertake a 12-month placement. You may choose to work with Staffordshire Police Forensic Department or with other forensic providers and laboratory based employers. In Year 3, our BSc (Hons) students put forensic knowledge into practice by working on simulated crime scenes. You’ll also complete an independent research project in a current forensic field. In your fourth year as an MSci student, you will have the opportunity to work more independently through either a professional placement or a research assistantship. By this stage, you’ll have the laboratory skills needed to function autonomously to demonstrate a wide variety of skills expected at Masters-level study. Graduates from our Forensic Science degrees have secured roles as forensic scientists at national providers, including Key Forensics and LGC. Other destinations include crime scene officers for various police constabularies, forensic technicians, fingerprint analysts, public service organisations, and teaching whilst others move on to postgraduate study.