Program Overview

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Forensic Science

BSc (Hons)

Overview

This Forensic Science degree equips you with core forensic analytical and investigative skills, blending practical experience and theory.

What you'll learn

You'll gain an understanding of the science behind the meticulous gathering of evidence from a crime scene using our dedicated crime scene space, and work in our well-equipped labs to get hands-on experience in evidence processing and analysis.

You'll also gain an understanding of the role of forensic investigation and evidence within the legal system and how to present your findings in a professional context.

Course structure

Year one

In your first year, you'll start to develop your forensic skills and gain an understanding of the science behind forensic analysis. You'll also look at areas of crime and disorder which occur in everyday life, as well as have an introduction to criminal law, and digital evidence.

Year two

In your second year, you'll further develop your skills in forensic evidence analysis, delve deeper into the world of crime scene investigation and interpretation, and discover the workings of the British criminal justice system.

You'll develop essential research skills by undertaking an exciting supervised mini research project, building the foundation for your own independent research project in your final year.

You'll also have the opportunity to gain real-world experience through placements, to further enhance your understanding and practice of forensic science.

Year three

In your final year, you'll conduct your independent research project, undertake further studies in advanced topics with the opportunity to tailor your focus with further exploration of biology-based sciences, forensic psychology, or digital analysis, and demonstrate your understanding of forensic investigation in a practical-based module.

Assessment

Assessment is designed to reflect real-world forensic practice, using a combination of:

• Practical assessments and lab reports, developing core skills.
• Crime scene evaluations, where you'll demonstrate scene processing and evidence recovery, mirroring professional forensic investigations.
• Courtroom-style reports and presentations, simulating expert witness testimony.
• Research projects, essays and podcast-style presentations, allowing you to explore forensic topics in depth.

Teaching

Teaching will be delivered through interactive lectures and seminars, and you'll put your knowledge into practice through workshops, practical lab sessions, supervised projects and case studies. You'll also learn from guest speakers and lecturers who are experts and practitioners in the field.

Facilities and resources

You'll carry out practical sessions in our well-equipped labs, and have access to our Biology Resource Room. From your lectures, you'll be able to visit the library, the Students' Union, and access our student information and support teams, as well as many of our cutting edge facilities.

Professional placement year

The Professional Placement Year (PPY) provides you with the opportunity to identify, apply for, and secure professional experience, normally comprising one to three placements over a minimum of nine months. Successful completion of this module will demonstrate your ability to secure and sustain graduate-level employment.

Fees

2025 entry

• UK full time: £9,535
• International full time: £17,670

Additional course costs

You may need to pay additional course costs over and above your tuition fees, for example, for specialist equipment or trips and visits. Please check the course Programme Document for details of any additional costs.

Funding opportunities

Please visit our Funding pages for an overview of the funding options that may be available, including scholarships and bursaries.

Entry requirements

We accept a wide range of qualifications for entry to our undergraduate programmes. The main ones are listed below:

• A Level – grades BBB-BCC including a grade B in Biology, Human Biology or Chemistry.
• BTEC – Extended Diploma grades from Distinction Distinction Merit (DDM) to Distinction Merit Merit (DMM) in a related subject.
• T Levels – grade Merit preferred in a relevant subject.
• International Baccalaureate - a minimum of 32 points are required with a minimum of Grade 5 in Biology or a related subject at Higher Level.
• Access to HE courses - typical offers for applicants with Access to HE will be the Access to HE Diploma or Access to HE Certificate (60 credits, 45 of which must be Level 3, at Merit or higher) in a science or related subject.

English Language Requirements for International and EU Applicants

IELTS 6.5 - for visa nationals, with a minimum score of IELTS 6.0 in each element.

Related courses

• Criminology
• Biomedical Science
• Forensic Psychology
• Criminology and Psychology

Key facts

• Award: BSc (Hons) Forensic Science
• School/s: School of Sciences
• Campus or location: Newton Park
• Course length: Three years full time, or four years full time with professional placement year.
• UCAS codes: Institution Code: B20, Course Code: FS10 or FS11 (with professional placement year), Campus Code: A,BSU