Forensic Science with Industrial Placement, BSc Hons

Program Overview

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Forensic Science with Industrial Placement, BSc Hons

Overview

This four-year Forensic Science degree with a placement year allows you to experience real-life forensic science and impress future employers in the workplace.

Course Details

UCAS points

104 (view full requirements)

Course/institution codes

F420 M BSc/FSWIP

Interested in a different year?

Select your preferred year of entry

School

Science

Location

Medway Campus

Duration

4 years sandwich

Start month

September

Fees information

For fee information related to this course, please see fees section below

What you should know about this course

• Use the placement year to get a head-start in your future career. Showcase your growing scientific skills to employers, as you work alongside industry professionals
• This course is taught at our Medway Campus in Chatham Maritime, Kent.

Accredited by the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences

Entry Requirements

UK citizens and permanent residents

• 104 UCAS Tariff points which include one of the following:
  • A Level: a relevant Science subject, such as, Biology, Chemistry or Physics, at grade C.
  • BTEC National: Extended Diploma in Applied Science.
  • A Level and BTEC National: Extended Certificate in Applied Science and an A Level in a relevant Science subject, such as, Biology, Chemistry or Physics, at grade C.
  • International Baccalaureate: 26 points overall including Higher Level Science at grade 5.
  • Access to Higher Education Diploma: Science.
  • T Level: Science (Laboratory Sciences) at grade Merit.

We make Contextual offers to this programme. Applicants that meet specific eligibility criteria will be made a contextual offer with a reduced tariff of up to 16 UCAS Tariff points. Other entry requirements such as GCSEs, Interview, etc., will still need to be met. For further information, please see our Contextual Admissions policy.

We also accept applications if you wish to transfer from another institution, and have already studied 1 or 2 years of a relevant course at level 4 or 5 and wish to continue your education at the University of Greenwich.

For more information, use our contact form or call us on .

You can also read our admissions policy.

International entry requirements

The University of Greenwich accepts a broad range of international qualifications for admission to our courses.

For detailed information on the academic and English language requirements, please find your country in our directory.

Alternatively, please contact us at .

The University of Greenwich accepts a broad range of international qualifications for admission to our courses. If you cannot find your country on this list, please contact .

Choose your country:

• Albania
• Algeria
• Argentina
• Australia
• Austria
• Bahrain
• Bangladesh
• Belarus
• Belgium
• Botswana
• Brazil
• Bulgaria
• Cambodia
• Cameroon
• Canada
• Chile
• China
• Colombia
• Cote d'Ivoire
• Croatia
• Cyprus
• Czech Republic
• Denmark
• Egypt
• Estonia
• Finland
• France
• Germany
• Ghana
• Greece
• Hong Kong
• Hungary
• India
• Indonesia
• Iran
• Iraq
• Ireland
• Italy
• Japan
• Jordan
• Kazakhstan
• Kenya
• Kuwait
• Laos
• Latvia
• Lebanon
• Libya
• Lithuania
• Luxembourg
• Malaysia
• Malta
• Mauritius
• Mexico
• Moldova, Republic of
• Morocco
• Myanmar
• Nepal
• Netherlands
• Nigeria
• Norway
• Oman
• Pakistan
• Peru
• Philippines
• Poland
• Portugal
• Qatar
• Romania
• Russia
• Saudi Arabia
• Senegal
• Singapore
• Slovakia
• Slovenia
• South Korea
• Spain
• Sri Lanka
• Sweden
• Switzerland
• Syria
• Taiwan
• Thailand
• Tunisia
• Turkey
• Uganda
• Ukraine
• United Arab Emirates
• USA
• Uzbekistan
• Venezuela
• Vietnam
• Yemen
• Zambia

How You Will Learn

Teaching

Learning takes place through a combination of timetabled learning and independent study.

You can view more information about how each module is taught within our 'What you will study' section.

Seminars and workshops enable you to discuss and develop your understanding of topics covered in lectures in smaller groups. You will also be able to meet your personal tutor. Timetabled learning may fall between 9am and 9pm depending on your courses and tutorials.

Class sizes

Our forensic science courses allow close student and staff interaction, we pride ourselves on this level of familiarity. Some of our more generic first year modules may have larger group sizes, for example up to 100 in lectures. However, it is more usual for our subject-specific modules in that year to be much smaller, with 30-40 students per class. In the second and third years there may still be some larger groups but as students start to specialise this figure is typically reduced to 15-25 students per class.

Independent learning

At university, you must develop the ability to work more independently than you have done before. In the early stages of the degree, you will receive a higher level of support from module leaders and personal tutors. In years 2 and 3, you will need to demonstrate an increasing ability to build upon material delivered in lectures and laboratories through independent reading. Greenwich graduates should be able to think and work independently, analytically and creatively to solve problems.

Overall workload

If you are studying full-time, you should expect the workload to be similar to a full-time job. For part-time students, this will reduce in proportion with the number of courses you are studying.

Assessment

You can view how each module is assessed within our 'What you will study' section.

Each course has formal assessments which count towards your grade. Some courses may also include 'practice' assignments, which help you monitor progress and do not count towards your final grade.

Feedback summary

University policy is to give feedback on assignments within 15 working days of the coursework submission date. Examination results will be available within 28 days.

Dates and timetables

The academic year runs from September to June.

Full teaching timetables are not usually available until term has started. For any queries, please use our contact form.

What You Will Study

Year 1

Students are required to study the following compulsory modules.

• ​​Exploring Forensic Science​ (30 credits)
• ​​Concepts in Science​ (30 credits)
• ​​Practical Skills for Science​ (30 credits)
• ​​Skills for Tomorrow’s Scientists​ (30 credits)

Year 2

Students are required to study the following compulsory modules.

• Metabolism and Disease (15 credits)
• Research and Professional Skills (15 credits)
• Intermediate Forensic Science (30 credits)
• Instrumental Analysis (15 credits)
• Skills in Crime Scene Examination, Evidence Recovery and Law (15 credits)
• Genetics (15 credits)
• Forensic Geoscience (15 credits)

Year 3

Students are required to study the following compulsory modules.

• Work Placement Science (30 credits)
• Work Placement Module (For students taking Sandwich Year option)

Year 4

Students are required to study the following compulsory modules.

• Project (Chemical Sciences) (30 credits)
• Advanced Topics in Forensic Science (15 credits)
• Science Internship Course (15 credits)
• Personal and Professional Development (15 credits)

Students are required to choose 60 credits from this list of options.

• Forensic Anthropology and Archaeology (15 credits)
• Chemometrics and Informatics (15 credits)
• Advanced Instrumental Analysis (15 credits)
• Forensic Identification and Investigation (15 credits)
• Food Crime (15 credits)
• Digital Forensics for Forensic Science (15 credits)

Fees and Funding

Tuition fees

Cohort | Full time | Part time | Distance learning
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Home* | £9,535 | N/A | N/A
International | £17,500 | N/A | N/A

University is a great investment in your future. English-domiciled graduate annual salaries were £10,500 more than non-graduates in 2023 - and the UK Government projects that 88% of new jobs by 2035 will be at graduate level.

(Source: DfE Graduate labour market statistics: 2023/DfE Labour market and skills projections: 2020 to 2035).

Fees information

• The Department for Education has indicated that it intends to raise the Home tuition fee limit from £9,250 to £9,535 for 2025/26.

Home tuition fee limits: Find out more

Other costs

• Safety equipment
  Science students are provided with lab coat and safety glasses free of charge. You'll be expected to pay for prescription safety glasses (approx. £90+) if you choose to purchase them.
• Field trips
  The cost of field trips is activity dependant. Some are free, while others may require a contribution. You are not obliged to pay for field trips in order to complete your course.
• Professional memberships
  The standard professional memberships attached to accredited courses are covered by your tuition fees. You are welcome to take up additional professional memberships at your own cost.
• Resources
  Course texts and other study resources are available from the Drill Hall Library. You may wish to purchase your own copies. You also receive an allowance for printing costs, which you can top up if required.

Scholarships and Bursaries

We offer a wide range of financial help including scholarships and bursaries.

The Greenwich Bursary

This bursary is worth £700 for new undergraduate students with a low household income, entering Year 0 or 1 who meet the eligibility criteria.

The Greenwich Bursary

EU Bursary

Following the UK's departure from the European Union, we are supporting new EU students by offering a substantial fee-reduction for studying.

The EU bursary

Careers and Placements

Will I have a work placement?

Students go to a range of companies and organisations of varying sizes for their placements, including large multi-national firms, government agencies, the NHS and small to medium sized companies engaged in research, analytical services and manufacturing (for Engineering include civil engineering and construction companies).

• Previous students have worked in: Eon, Dyson, ADEY, PS Analytical and E-liquids, GSK, NHS hospitals.
• IAESTE (British Council) placements to Brazil, Dubai and Poland.
• We have a dedicated team to search for and inform students about relevant opportunities and help students prepare for interviews.

How long is my placement?

Students can undertake a summer placement for between 6 weeks to a maximum of 3 months which can be related to a credit rated course at level 6, or can be undertaken for work experience, acknowledged by a Certificate of Industrial Experience. Students are also encouraged to apply for sandwich placements lasting between 9-12 months which sit between the second and third year of the degree.

What are the financial arrangements?

The Faculty expectation is that students are as far as possible treated like other employees of the company or organisation. It is expected that students on sandwich placements will be paid throughout their time with the company. In some cases, students on summer placements have had expenses only covered by the company. Students on sandwich placements are required to pay a reduced fee to the University for their placement year.

What sort of careers do graduates pursue?

This degree will equip you with the broad scientific training and transferable skills that will give you the maximum opportunity for choice in your career. Graduates may pursue roles in forensic science and criminal justice, but also in management, communications and the wider pharmaceutical, chemical and biological sectors.

Are internships available?

Interns can gain valuable employment experience within the faculty – subject to resources. Personal tutors will be able to advise students on where to access course internships.

Do you provide employability services?

We have a team dedicated to enhancing student employment outcomes. This includes an Employer Partnerships Manager, who works with companies to provide placement and employment opportunities.

Our team will also help you understand the jobs market, produce effective CVs, and prepare for a graduate job and placement applications in your final year.

More about Careers.

Accommodation

Medway campus in Kent

Our Medway halls of residence are all located on-campus, with facilities include an on-site café, launderette and bar. And the halls are located within minutes of the historic Chatham dockyard and Chatham and Gillingham town centres.

With student-run social events, modern ensuite rooms and communal shared spaces, you’ll find that living in halls of residence will be a highlight of your University of Greenwich experience.

Rooms start at £172.06/wk and include Wi-Fi, utility bills and 24-hour residential support. Our Medway accommodation boasts 350 rooms with 24/7 security, and resident car parking permits are available.

Accommodation pages

Support and Advice

Academic skills and study support

We are ambitious for all our students and we want you to make the most of your time with us. You can access support to improve your study skills through your tutor, our subject librarians and our online academic skills centre.

We have a Learning Skills Coordinator and a writing Fellow, both of whom support students in improving their writing skills. Additional Maths support is also available through the Drill Hall library. All students are allocated a personal tutor throughout the duration of their studies. The academic support available will enhance student performance.

Support from the department

Students within the Faculty of Engineering and Science have a Retention and Success Officer (RSO) whose role is to provide an additional layer of support for student engagement, and provision for extenuating circumstances, withdrawals and interruptions, Faculty level resit and Personal Development Planning enquiries.

The University wide STAART (AccessAbility Retention and Transition) course encourages and supports students with a disability, providing support for disabled students.

Do you provide employability services?

We have a team dedicated to enhancing student employment outcomes. This includes an Employer Partnerships Manager, who works with companies to provide placement and employment opportunities.

Our team will also help you understand the jobs market, produce effective CVs, and prepare for a graduate job and placement applications in your final year.

More about Careers.

Program Outline

You'll be taught by industry experts with years of hands-on experience and work alongside experts from Kent Fire Brigade, the Metropolitan and Kent Police, Counter Terrorism, and other organisations. The course is accredited by the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences (for which you'll receive free membership throughout your studies). Whether your passion is for homicide investigation, blood pattern analysis, molecular biology, fingerprints, toxicology, ballistics or beyond, we'll give you the training and skills to become a professional scientist.

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Outline:

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Year 1:

• Compulsory Modules:
• Biochemistry 1 (15 credits)
• Biochemistry 2 (15 credits)
• Fundamentals of Biology and Physiology (30 credits)
• Basic Chemistry for Life Science (15 credits)
• Introduction to Forensic Science (15 credits)
• Practical and Academic Skills (30 credits)

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Year 2:

• Compulsory Modules:
• Metabolism and Disease (15 credits)
• Research and Professional Skills (15 credits)
• Intermediate Forensic Science (30 credits)
• Instrumental Analysis (15 credits)
• Skills in Crime Scene Examination, Evidence Recovery and Law (15 credits)
• Genetics (15 credits)
• Forensic Geoscience (15 credits)

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Year 3:

• Compulsory Modules:
• Work Placement Science (30 credits)
• Work Placement Module (For students taking Sandwich Year option)

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Year 4:

• Compulsory Modules:
• Project (Chemical Sciences) (30 credits)
• Advanced Topics in Forensic Science (15 credits)
• Personal and Professional Development (15 credits)
• Work Placement Science (30 credits)
• Optional Modules (Choose 60 credits):
• Forensic Anthropology and Archaeology (15 credits)
• Chemometrics and Informatics (15 credits)
• Advanced Instrumental Analysis (15 credits)
• Forensic Identification and Investigation (15 credits)
• Food Crime (15 credits)
• Digital Forensics for Forensic Science (15 credits)
• Advanced Topics in Molecular Biology (15 credits)
• Advanced and Clinical Immunology (15 credits)
• Medical Microbiology (15 credits)
• Medical Biochemistry (15 credits)

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Assessment:

• Assessment methods vary depending on the module chosen.
• Each course has formal assessments that count towards your grade.
• Some courses may also include 'practice' assignments, which help you monitor progress and do not count towards your final grade.
• Feedback on assignments is provided within 15 working days of submission.
• Examination results are available within 28 days.

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Teaching:

• Learning takes place through a combination of timetabled learning and independent study.
• Timetabled learning may fall between 9am and 9pm depending on your courses and tutorials.
• Seminars and workshops enable you to discuss and develop your understanding of topics covered in lectures in smaller groups.
• You will also be able to meet your personal tutor.
• Class sizes vary, with some larger groups in generic first-year modules and smaller groups in subject-specific modules.
• In the second and third years, class sizes typically reduce to 15-25 students per class.
• The lecturing team has a wide range of expertise and field experience working with Kent, Sussex and the Metropolitan Police services and most recently Kent Fire and Rescue services.
• Our experts cover fields including family liaison, facial recognition, disaster victim investigation and counter terrorism, bringing real-life examples to give you a taste of working in these disciplines.
• Final-year students may receive training from qualified barristers for the mock-court assessments.

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Careers:

• This degree will equip you with the broad scientific training and transferable skills that will give you the maximum opportunity for choice in your career.
• Graduates may pursue roles in forensic science and criminal justice, but also in management, communications and the wider pharmaceutical, chemical and biological sectors.
• Previous students have worked in: Eon, Dyson, ADEY, PS Analytical and E-liquids, GSK, NHS hospitals, IAESTE (British Council) placements to Brazil, Dubai and Poland.

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Other:

• The course is taught at the Medway Campus in Chatham Maritime, Kent.
• Students are provided with lab coat and safety glasses free of charge.
£90+) if you choose to purchase them.
• The cost of field trips is activity dependant.
Some are free, while others may require a contribution.
• The standard professional memberships attached to accredited courses are covered by your tuition fees.
You are welcome to take up additional professional memberships at your own cost.
• Course texts and other study resources are available from the Drill Hall Library.
You may wish to purchase your own copies. You also receive an allowance for printing costs, which you can top up if required.

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|Fees|Tuition| |:-|-:| |Home|£9,250| |International |£17,000|