Forensic Science

Program Overview

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

Program Outline

Forensic Science BSc (Hons) - Bath Spa University

Degree Overview:

This Forensic Science degree provides students with the knowledge and practical skills needed to become crime scene investigators. The program aims to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of the science behind crime scene investigations, evidence gathering, analysis, interpretation, and presentation to the criminal justice system.

Objectives:

• Understand the science behind crime scene investigations.
• Learn to gather, analyze, and interpret evidence.
• Develop skills in presenting evidence to court.
• Gain a solid understanding of the criminal justice system.

Outline:

Year One (Level 4):

• Forensic Science Techniques: Introduces students to the fundamental techniques used in forensic science.
• Introduction to Biochemistry: Covers the basic principles of biochemistry relevant to forensic science.
• Crime and Disorder in Everyday Life: Explores the nature and causes of crime and disorder in society.
• Criminal Law; case and matter analysis: Provides an introduction to criminal law and its application in forensic investigations.
• Digital Forensics: Introduces students to the principles and techniques of digital forensics.

Year Two (Level 5):

• Research Skills for Forensic Science: Develops students' research skills, preparing them for their final year dissertation.
• Policing; Crime Control and Prevention: Explores the role of policing in crime control and prevention.
• Criminal Justice: Theory, Policy and Practice: Examines the theoretical and practical aspects of the criminal justice system.
• Pharmacology and Toxicology: Covers the principles of pharmacology and toxicology relevant to forensic investigations.
• Forensic Casework and Analysis: Provides practical experience in analyzing crime scene evidence.
• The Psychology of Criminal Investigations: Explores the psychological aspects of criminal investigations.
• Microbial Applications and Biotech: Introduces students to the applications of microbiology and biotechnology in forensic science.
• Professional Placement Year (Optional): Students can choose to undertake a professional placement year between their second and final year, gaining real-world experience in forensic science.

Year Three (Level 6):

• Dissertation Planning for Forensic Science: Guides students in planning and conducting their independent research project.
• Dissertation Publication for Forensic Science: Provides support in preparing and publishing their dissertation.
• Contemporary Topics in Forensic Science: Explores current developments and emerging trends in forensic science.
• Mechanisms of Disease: Covers the mechanisms of disease relevant to forensic investigations.
• Advanced Criminal and Forensic Psychology: Delves deeper into the psychological aspects of criminal behavior and investigations.
• Clinical Biochemistry: Provides an advanced understanding of clinical biochemistry relevant to forensic science.
• Forensic Science Work Placement: Offers further practical experience in forensic science settings.
• Cybersecurity: Introduces students to the principles and practices of cybersecurity.
• Cyber Crime, Law and Ethics: Explores the legal and ethical issues surrounding cybercrime.

Assessment:

Students are assessed through a combination of:

• Report writing
• Laboratory reports
• Presentations
• Group work
• In-class tests
• Dissertations

Teaching:

Teaching methods include:

• Interactive lectures and seminars
• Workshops
• Practical lab sessions
• Supervised projects
• Case studies
• Guest speakers and lecturers who are experts and practitioners in the field.

Careers:

• Forensic Scientist
• Crime Scene Investigator
• Analytical Chemist
• Forensic Toxicologist
• Forensic Anthropologist
• Forensic Ballistics Expert
• Forensic Pathologist

Other:

• Students have access to well-equipped labs containing modern equipment, including high-precision instrumentation, genetic and cell culture facilities, microscopy, physiological data acquisition systems, and physiology equipment.
• The University Library offers a wealth of learning resources, including books, journals, DVDs, and electronic services.
• The Writing and Learning Centre provides support for academic work, including feedback on written drafts and help with academic writing.
• The Virtual Learning Environment provides online access to learning materials, such as lecture slides, assessment information, discussion boards, and other resources.
• The Careers team runs networking events and advisory workshops, helping students secure work placements, paid part-time jobs, and graduate-level employment.
• Students have free access to thousands of business, design, and tech courses online via LinkedIn Learning.
• The English Language Unit provides support for international students to improve their English skills.
• Student Wellbeing Services are available to support students throughout their studies.

2024 entry Student Annual tuition fee UK full time £9,250 International full time £16,905 Professional Placement Year During the placement year, the fee is reduced to 20% of the full time fee. This applies to UK and EU/International students. UK: £1,850 International: £3,381