Program Overview

Forensic Science

Explore how to collect, analyse and interpret chemical and biological evidence from crime scenes and how to present your findings in court.

Course Options

• 3 years
• 4 years with foundation year
• 4 years with placement

Key Facts

• STUDY OPTIONS: 3 years
• START DATES: January
• LOCATION: Cambridge
• ENTRY: UCAS code: F411
• FEES:
  • £9,535 UK students starting 2025/26 (full-time, per year)
  • £17,500 International students starting 2025/26 (full-time, per year)

Teaching and Assessment

Year 1

• United Kingdom Legal Systems and Law for Forensic Scientists (15 credits)
• Applied Science for Forensic Investigators (30 credits)
• Introduction to Forensic Photography and Methodologies (30 credits)
• Professional and Personal Development - Level 4
• Physical and Quantitative Chemistry for Analytical Scientists (15 credits)
• Biological and Trace Evidence Analysis (30 credits)
• Group Tutorial
• Into ARU

Year 2

• Introduction to Forensic Genetics (15 credits)
• Forensic Scene Examination (15 credits)
• Forensic Spectroscopy Techniques (15 credits)
• Forensic Analytical Chemistry (30 credits)
• Professional and Personal Development - Level 5
• Forensic Biology (15 credits)
• Project Preparation (15 credits)
• Group Tutorial
• Ruskin Module (15 credits)

Year 3

• Forensic Analysis of Drugs and Poisons (15 credits)
• Forensic Pathology (15 credits)
• Undergraduate Major Project (30 credits)
• Advanced Forensic Methodologies (30 credits)
• Group Tutorial
• Advanced Fire and Explosion Investigation (15 credits) *
• Advanced Forensic Genetics (15 credits) *
• Forensic Anthropology (15 credits) *

Student Experience

• Analyse - explore chemical forensics and 'everyday' evidence in our dedicated labs.
• Identify - apply your knowledge of biology to forensic casework.
• Investigate - collect and analyse evidence from authentic crime scene rooms.
• Collaborate - work with Cambridgeshire Police or a forensic laboratory on your dissertation.
• Study - learn in our £45m Science Centre in the heart of Cambridge.

Facilities

• Authentic crime scene rooms
• Forensic anthropology collection
• Specialist chromatography and spectroscopy equipment
• Biological analysis instruments
• Comparison, polarising light and confocal microscopes

Careers

• Laboratory analysis
• Quality control analysis
• Crime scene investigation
• Policing
• Research
• Teaching
• Further education

Entry Requirements

• 112 UCAS Tariff points
• A level grade C or above in Biology, Chemistry or Applied Science
• 3 GCSEs at grade C, or grade 4, or above, including English and Maths
• IELTS 6.0 (Academic level) or equivalent English Language qualification

Fees and Paying for University

• Tuition fees: £9,535 UK students starting 2025/26 (full-time, per year)
• Tuition fees: £17,500 International students starting 2025/26 (full-time, per year)
• Living costs: £7,000-£9,000 per year
• Maintenance Loan available for UK students
• Scholarships and bursaries available

Apply Now

• UK students: Apply through UCAS
• International students: Apply direct

Volunteering Opportunities

• Locate International's Cold Case Unit
• Gain valuable workplace experience and develop transferable skills

Life in Cambridge

• Our friendly, bustling campus is a stone’s throw from the centre of Cambridge
• Explore Cambridge and discover its perfect student city atmosphere

@ARU_FSE on X

• Follow @ARU_FSE on X for the latest research and announcements

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