Forensic Science

Program Overview

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BSc (Hons) Forensic Science

Why study this course with LJMU?

• Opportunity to undertake a year's industrial placement
• 93% of students surveyed said the teaching staff were good at explaining things (National Student Survey 2024)
• Option to focus on biological or chemical aspects of analysis
• £6 million investment in teaching facilities, including specialist forensic analysis and scene-of-crime labs
• Opens up careers in the police, analytical laboratories, insurance or legal firms, independent forensic laboratories and the teaching sector
• Accredited by the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences
• This degree is available to study following a foundation year
• International Foundation Year course available offering direct progression onto this degree programme

About your course

You will spend a large proportion of your time in the lab, carrying out drug spot tests, analysing fingerprints, processing crime scenes and analysing DNA while studying the BSc (Hons) Forensic Science at Liverpool John Moores University.

Over the past 50 years the analytical methods employed by forensic scientists have become very powerful indeed and have made a significant impact on conviction rates. Forensic science is all about using the power of scientific analysis to resolve legal disputes. It requires a sound knowledge of the analytical methods of biology and chemistry combined with training in crime scene investigation, as well as a basic knowledge of law and how to assess the value of evidence. You will be expected to have an attention to detail that is second to none for the microscopic analysis of hairs and fibres, DNA profiling and drug analysis.

This is a practical, hands-on course in which you will spend a large proportion of your time in the lab, carrying out spot tests for drugs, fingerprint and footwear analysis, crime scene processing, DNA analysis and forensic microscopy.

Throughout this professionally-accredited course you will be supported by our team of experts, with additional input from external speakers from all areas of forensics. There will also be plenty of opportunities for you to gain experience through work-based learning and/or on an optional sandwich placement.

Course modules

Year 1

• Forensic Science Research Methods 1 (20 credits)
• Crime Scene Investigation (20 credits)
• Forensic Chemistry (20 credits)
• Forensic Science (20 credits)
• Molecular Bioscience for Forensic Sciences (20 credits)
• Forensic Field Skills (20 credits)

Year 2

• Forensic Science Research Methods 2 (20 credits)
• Trace Evidence Analysis (20 credits)
• Analytical Forensic Science (20 credits)
• Molecular Forensics (20 credits)
• Forensic Methods (20 credits)

Year 3

• Advanced Forensic Methods (20 credits)
• Expert Witness (20 credits)
• Forensic Science Research Project (40 credits)

Optional modules

• Conducting Investigations (20 credits)
• Study Year Abroad - Forensic Science (120 credits)
• Sandwich Year - Forensic Science (120 credits)
• Forensic Human Identification (20 credits)
• Drug Analysis and Toxicology (20 credits)
• Modern Technology in Forensic Science (20 credits)
• Forensic Bioscience (20 credits)
• Forensic Anthropological Genetics (20 credits)

Professional accreditation

The BSc (Hons) Forensic Science degree is accredited by the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences. Graduates are also eligible for associate membership of the Royal Society of Chemistry (AMRSC).

Your Learning Experience

• Teaching Support Assessment
• Excellent facilities and learning resources
• Work-related learning
• Dedicated personal tutor, plus study skills support

Career paths

Once you graduate with a BSc (Hons) in Forensic Science, you will be qualified to work in independent forensic analysis.

We have links with local police forces and forensic providers, which may provide work placements for LJMU students. Such connections ensure that the curriculum is constantly updated to meet the needs of employers. Graduates are qualified to work in forensic analysis, such as police scientific laboratories, independent forensic science providers, pharmaceutical companies, the chemical industry and hospital laboratories. You could be based in a variety of locations, such as a laboratory, office, in the field or on crime scenes. Trading standards, working for insurance companies, environmental monitoring and legal firms are other options.

Graduates from this course pursue careers in education at schools, colleges and universities and also progress to postgraduate study. Graduates are highly employable due to the transferable skills they acquire during their studies at LJMU.

Tuition fees and funding

• Home: £9,535
• International: £18,250
• Placement year: £1,905 (Home), £3,830 (International)

Entry requirements

• Grades/points required: BBC-ABB (112-128)
• GCSEs and equivalents: Grade 4 or grade C or above in English Language and Mathematics/Numeracy
• A levels: BBC-ABB
• BTECs: Extended Diploma: DMM-DDM
• Access awards: Pass overall with a minimum of 112 points
• International Baccalaureate: Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications
• OCR Cambridge Technical: Extended Diploma: DMM-DDM
• Irish awards: Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications
• T levels: Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications
• IELTS: 6.0 overall with no component below 5.5, taken within two years of the course start date.

Program Outline

It combines a strong foundation in biology and chemistry with training in crime scene investigation, law, and evidence assessment. The program is accredited by the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences and graduates are eligible for associate membership of the Royal Society of Chemistry (AMRSC).

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Objectives:

The program aims to equip students with:

• A comprehensive understanding of forensic science principles and techniques.
• Practical skills in crime scene investigation, evidence collection, and analysis.
• Knowledge of relevant legal frameworks and procedures.
• The ability to critically evaluate forensic evidence and present findings effectively.
• The skills and knowledge necessary for a successful career in forensic science.

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Outline:

The BSc (Hons) Forensic Science program is a 3-year full-time program with an optional placement year. The program is structured into three levels:

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Level 4:

• Core Modules:
• Forensic Science Research Methods 1
• Crime Scene Investigation
• Forensic Chemistry
• Forensic Science
• Molecular Bioscience for Forensic Sciences
• Forensic Field Skills

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Level 5:

• Core Modules:
• Forensic Science Research Methods 2
• Trace Evidence Analysis
• Analytical Forensic Science
• Molecular Forensics
• Forensic Methods
• Optional Modules:
• Conducting Investigations
• Study Year Abroad - Forensic Science
• Sandwich Year - Forensic Science
• Forensic Human Identification

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Level 6:

• Core Modules:
• Advanced Forensic Methods
• Expert Witness
• Forensic Science Research Project
• Optional Modules:
• Drug Analysis and Toxicology
• Modern Technology in Forensic Science
• Forensic Bioscience
• Forensic Anthropological Genetics

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Module Descriptions:

Detailed descriptions of each module are provided in the context, outlining the learning objectives, content, and assessment methods.

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Assessment:

Assessment methods vary depending on the module but typically include a combination of exams and coursework.

• Exams: Multiple choice, short answer, interpretative, problem-based learning, and essay questions.
• Coursework: Phase tests, fieldwork/practical reports, data handling, oral presentations, poster presentations, podcasts, online or real-time group discussions, essays, or practical skills evaluations.
Some assignments are done in groups. The final year research project is assessed by literature review, scientific report, and an oral presentation. Feedback is normally provided within three weeks of submission.

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Teaching:

• Teaching Methods:
• Lectures
• Interactive workshops
• Fieldwork
• Laboratory sessions
• Online activities
• Small-group tutorials
• Faculty:
• The program is led by experienced and qualified faculty members with expertise in various areas of forensic science.
• Unique Approaches:
• The program adopts an active blended learning approach, combining face-to-face and online learning.
• Students have opportunities for work-related learning through placements with local police forces and forensic providers.

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Careers:

Graduates of the BSc (Hons) Forensic Science program are qualified to work in a variety of forensic science roles, including:

• Police scientific laboratories
• Independent forensic science providers
• Pharmaceutical companies
• Chemical industry
• Hospital laboratories
• Trading standards
• Insurance companies
• Environmental monitoring
• Legal firms
Graduates may also pursue careers in education or progress to postgraduate study.

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Other:

• The program emphasizes the importance of developing transferable skills, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and teamwork.
• Students have access to excellent facilities and learning resources, including state-of-the-art laboratories and the Avril Robarts library.
• The program is designed to meet the needs of employers and keep pace with advancements in forensic science.
• LJMU offers a range of support services to students, including personal tutoring, study skills support, and disability support.
• The university encourages students to participate in extracurricular activities and go abroad for study or work placements.

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• Home full-time per year: £9,250
• International full-time per year: £18,250
• Placement year: £1,850
• Placement year international: £3,830
All figures are subject to yearly increases. Tuition fees are subject to parliamentary approval.