| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2025-01-01 | - |
| 2025-09-01 | - |
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
Footer
- About our University
- Our campuses
- Faculties
- Research institutes
- Quick links
- Get in touch
- Accessibility
- Privacy and cookies
- Disclaimer
- Freedom of Information
- Charities Act
- Terms of use of the website
- Cookie options
- Copyright Anglia Ruskin University ARU 2025
Program Outline
Careers:
As a forensic science graduate you’ll be ready to work in a range of careers including laboratory analysis, quality control analysis, crime scene investigation and policing. In fact, having gained a number of transferable skills, you’ll find you can explore roles in broader scientific and analytical-based jobs. Or you can consider a career in areas such as research, teaching or further education. Some of our recent graduates are working in local police forces, and in lab settings for companies such as LGC, Chemtest, Treatt, Anglian Water and Cellmark. Graduation doesn’t need to be the end of your time with us. If you’d like to continue your studies we offer a range of postgraduate courses including MSc Forensic Science. Take advantage of our Alumni Scholarship and get 20% off your fees.
Tuition Fees and Payment Information:
UK students starting 2023/24 (full-time, per year)
£9,250
International students starting 2023/24 (full-time, per year)
£15,000
UK students starting 2024/25 (full-time, per year)
£9,250
International students starting 2024/25 (full-time, per year)
£16,700 You can pay your fees upfront, in full or in two instalments. We will ask for a deposit of £4,000 or a sponsorship letter Find out about paying your fees. For postgraduate courses, international ARU graduates are automatically considered for an International Alumni Scholarship, worth £3,000 off first-year fees.
Overview:
Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) is a global university with students from 185 countries. It is known for its innovative and entrepreneurial approach to education and research. ARU has been recognized as the Times Higher Education University of the Year 2023 and has received a Gold award for the quality of its education in the Teaching Excellence Framework.
Services Offered:
Student Life and Campus Experience:
The context mentions that ARU is committed to creating a vibrant and welcoming environment for students, staff, and communities. It also highlights the university's focus on providing outstanding facilities and opportunities for student growth.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Ambition:
ARU is academically ambitious for its students and strives to provide high-quality education.Excellence:
ARU is ranked in the top 15% of universities in the UK for graduate employment and has been recognized for its excellence in education, social work, and sports science.Collaboration:
ARU fosters collaboration between students, businesses, and partners, and its courses are recognized by industry and professionally accredited.Impact:
ARU conducts impactful research that addresses pressing issues and makes a difference in the community.Enterprise:
ARU encourages entrepreneurship and provides mentorship, support, and start-up funding through the Anglia Ruskin Enterprise Academy.Enthusiasm:
ARU's can-do attitude and infectious enthusiasm set it apart from other universities.Academic Programs:
The context mentions that ARU offers a wide range of courses, including undergraduate, postgraduate, postgraduate research, college courses, apprenticeships, short courses, and distance learning programs. It also highlights the university's commitment to providing career-ready graduates.
Other:
The context mentions that ARU has campuses in Cambridge, Chelmsford, Peterborough, and Writtle. It also highlights the university's commitment to sustainability, equality, diversity, and inclusion.
Entry Requirements:
112 UCAS Tariff points from a minimum of 2 A Levels (or equivalent), including grade C in Biology, Chemistry or Applied Science. 3 GCSEs at grade C, or grade 4, or above, including English and Maths. If English is not your first language you will be expected to demonstrate a certificated level of proficiency of at least IELTS 6.0 (Academic level) or equivalent English Language qualification, as recognised by Anglia Ruskin University.
Language Proficiency Requirements:
If English is not your first language, you will need to demonstrate a certificated level of proficiency of at least IELTS 6.0 (Academic level) or equivalent English Language qualification, as recognised by Anglia Ruskin University.
