Program Overview

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Program Overview

The University of Strathclyde offers a BSc (Hons) and MChem in Forensic & Analytical Chemistry. This program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in both chemistry and forensic science, qualifying them as all-round analytical chemists with thorough training in the applications of forensic science.

Key Facts

• UCAS Code: FF41, FC02
• Accreditation: Royal Society of Chemistry, Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences
• Ranked: 1st in the UK for Chemistry (Guardian University Guide 2026), 1st in the UK for Forensic Science (Complete University Guide 2026)
• Second year entry: available
• Work placement: For MChem, a 12-month placement - UK or abroad

Study with Us

The Centre for Forensic Science at Strathclyde has provided degrees in forensic science for longer than any other university in the UK. Students join a global network of Strathclyde graduates, with forensic and analytical chemistry graduates highly respected throughout the world. This degree provides a comprehensive education in both chemistry and forensic science.

Why this Course?

The course is delivered in partnership with the globally recognised Strathclyde Centre for Forensic Science. Both the BSc (Hons) and MChem are accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry. The MChem is the only course in the UK to have dual professional accreditation from the Royal Society of Chemistry and the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences. Transferable skills are taught in all years and include IT, scientific writing, presentation skills, report writing, and problem-solving.

What You’ll Study

The program covers a wide range of topics, including:

• Year 1: Foundation classes in chemistry and mathematics, and either physics or biology. Elective classes include forensic science, drug discovery, chemical engineering, and subjects from other areas of the University.
• Years 2 & 3: Classes in fundamental inorganic, organic, biological, and physical chemistry, plus forensic trace analysis and analytical chemistry.
• Year 4 MChem: A 12-month industrial placement specialising in either forensic or analytical chemistry. Research and knowledge exchange placements are also available.
• Year 4 BSc (Hons) and Year 5 MChem: Specialisation in areas such as DNA analysis, toxicology, process analytical chemistry, and atomic
  uclear spectroscopy. A research project leading to the submission of a dissertation.

Study Abroad

As part of the course, students have the option to spend one year studying at a university abroad. This exchange typically takes place in the third year, and students will study a curriculum similar to the one they would have taken at Strathclyde.

Major Projects

Students complete a research project in one of the specialist research laboratories in Year 5, working with full-time researchers on real forensic and analytical chemistry challenges.

Postgraduate Study

Many graduates from this course go on to complete a PhD in Chemistry at Strathclyde and elsewhere. This course equips students for life after graduation, whether that be employment or further study.

Student Competitions

The Dean of Science recognises exceptional performance each year through the Dean’s certificate for the best students in the faculty. Students can also win prizes, including the Andersonian Centenary Medal Prize, Sir George Beilby Memorial Medal, and others.

Accreditation

Accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry for the purpose of fully meeting the educational requirement for Chartered Chemist. For MChem only, accredited by the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences.

Facilities

Students benefit from excellent teaching in theory modules, complemented by hands-on experience in supportive practical teaching laboratories. The skills and confidence developed over the first three years prepare students for their industrial placement year, where they are highly regarded by employers.

Learning & Teaching

Each year contains compulsory classes and some years contain either optional classes which relate to different areas of chemistry and/or elective classes from other subject areas in the University. In Years 1 to 3, lectures deliver the essential knowledge and understanding required by all chemistry graduates, supported by small and large group tutorials.

Assessment

Assessment methods include short-answer class tests, multiple-choice tests, end-of-year examinations, oral presentation, and group project work.

Entry Requirements

• Highers: AABB/AAAC (Chemistry B, Maths B) for standard entry, ABBB/AABC (Chemistry B and Maths B) for minimum entry.
• Advanced Highers: ABB (Chemistry, Maths, Physics or Biology) for Year 2 entry.
• A Levels: ABB (Chemistry, and one of Maths, Physics or Biology) for standard entry, ABB (Chemistry, Maths, Physics or Biology) for Year 2 entry.
• International Baccalaureate: 34 (Chemistry, Maths, Physics or Biology all at HL) for Year 2 entry, 34 (Chemistry at HL and one of Maths, Physics or Biology at HL) for Year 1 entry.
• HNC/HND: Relevant HNC, A in Graded Unit for Year 1 entry, relevant HND, AAA in Graded Units for Year 2 entry.

Fees & Funding

• Scotland: £1,820
• England, Wales & Northern Ireland: £9,535
• Republic of Ireland: Same as England, Wales & Northern Ireland
• International: £27,800
• Additional costs include lab coats, safety goggles, and molecular modelling kits.

Careers

A degree in chemistry opens doors to a wide variety of employment opportunities. Graduates compete successfully for jobs in the chemical industry, and their chances of employment are substantially increased by having completed training in an industrial placement. Career opportunities include analytical chemist, biotechnologist, clinical scientist, colour technologist, crime scene investigator, forensic scientist, medicinal chemist, nanotechnologist, operating department practitioner, palaeontologist, pharmacologist, research scientist, and toxicologist. Jobs where the degree would be useful include civil service fast streamer, environmental consultant, higher education lecturer, nuclear engineer, patent attorney, product/process development scientist, radiation protection practitioner, science writer, and secondary school teacher.