BSc (Hons) Forensic Science with Foundation Year

Program Overview

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BSc (Hons) Forensic Science with Foundation Year

Overview

This course will equip you with the ability to use forensic science techniques as investigative tools to assist the police and legal professions.

Award

BSc (Hons)

Start date(s)

15 September 2025

UCAS Code

F411

Course specifications

View course spec

Course length

Full-time (4 years), Part-time (8 years)

Campus location

University: City Campus

School

School of Life Sciences

UCAS points calculator

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Why choose this course?

• Accredited by The Chartered Institute of Forensic Sciences
• University of Wolverhampton and West Midlands Police Forensic Science Partnership
• Teaching Innovation Award winners 2022

What's unique about this course?

• Uncover the truth with our cutting-edge Forensic Science program - ranked 33rd nationwide!

What happens on the course?

Year 1

• This exciting course introduces you to the world of the forensic scientist and crime scene investigator as well as providing the science that you will need to become a practising forensic analyst.
• These include key topics in genetics, biochemistry and cell biology together with an introduction to the legal system within which forensic scientists work.
• The course will deliver introductory modules in methods of forensic analysis and the role of forensic science in modern society.

Year 2

• You will engage with the major subject areas within forensic science, including the considerations of evidence gathering at crime scenes.
• The use of DNA and insects in forensic work will be covered, as will the examination of chemicals as evidence.
• The information that bones and gravesites can tell us are also important aspects covered by the course.
• In addition, you will be introduced to methods for analysing handwriting, soil, weapons and bullets and bloodstains found at scenes of crime.
• You will have regular opportunities to put theory to practise in an extensive range of practical sessions, including crime scene investigation.

Year 3

• If you choose not to opt for a work placement in , you move directly to your final year where you will study the science behind the work of forensic pathologists and toxicologists, examine in more detail many of the analytical techniques used by forensic scientists and experience the application of your knowledge and skills in the court room environment.
• We prepare you for working in a laboratory environment and for management roles in that sector by considering issues associated with laboratory management.
• Your Honours project will consist of a thorough piece of scientific research investigating an important area of forensic science.

Course Modules

Year 1

• Chemistry for Foundation Sciences
• Communication and study skills
• Foundation Mathematics I
• Foundation Mathematics II
• Fundamentals of Bioscience
• Problem Solving in Science and Technology

Year 2

• Cell Biology and Genetics
• Chemistry for Forensic and Molecular Science
• Fundamentals of Forensic Science
• Introduction to Forensic Analysis
• Introduction to Forensic Toxicology
• Methods in Forensic Science

Year 3

• Crime Scene Investigation
• Crime Scene Practice
• Forensic Analysis and Toxicology
• Forensic Biology & Anthropology
• Physical Evidence
• Trace Evidence

Year 4

• Advanced Forensic Biology and Pathology
• Advanced Forensic Chemical Analysis
• Honours Project (Forensic Science)
• Quality Assurance in Forensic Science
• The Expert Witness

Potential Career Paths

• Forensic Science graduates have excellent job prospects.
• According to unistats.com, 85% of our graduates are in employment within 6 months of leaving, placing us in the top 10 universities for employability.
• Employment opportunities exist for you with the Forensic Science Sector both with independent providers of forensic analysis and police scientific work, insurance companies, legal firms and independent forensic laboratories.
• Examples of possible future careers include scene of crime work, quality assurance in food and pharmaceutical manufacturing, trading standards, public and industrial health and safety, and accident investigation.
• You could also train to become a science teacher or continue your studies as a postgraduate either on a Masters course or PhD.

Additional Information

• Everything you need to know about this course!

Why Wolverhampton?

• BSc Forensic Science is one of the first three courses in the U.K. to receive endorsement from forensic Skillsmark
• Wolverhampton was the first University in the West Midlands to receive full accreditation from the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences (CSFS) for BSc Forensic Science.
• Forensic Science graduates have excellent job prospects.
• According to unistats.com, 85% of our graduates are in employment or further study within 6 months of leaving, placing us in the top 10 universities for employability.
• Practical work takes place in our state of the art Rosalind Franklin Science Building and Locard House - Crime Scene Suite.
• Additionally, the University of Wolverhampton and West Midlands Police Forensic Science Partnership formed in 2023, provides an enhanced student experience and important employability opportunities, including policing and forensic science professional practice guest lecturers, opportunities for professional practice research projects and work experience placements, and access to West Midlands Police careers events as well as important networking and employability links with West Midlands Police and their Forensic Services department.
• There are also opportunities to study at EU Universities as part of the Erasmus Programme.

What skills will you gain?

• You will have studied one of the most exciting areas within science.
• You will be a highly articulate individual capable of explaining science in non-specialist language.
• You will also be literate, numerate and have a high level of IT skills making you well equipped for today’s workplace.
• You will be able to carry out laboratory analysis and will have the ability to enter any type of laboratory work and achieve within that employment sector.
• You will have gained a broad scientific knowledge in both Biology and Chemistry and so are able to deal with both subject areas.

Course Fees and Finance

• Location | Mode | Fee | Year
• Home | Full-time | £9250 per year |
• Home | Full-time | £9535 per year |
• Home | Part-time | £4625 per year# |
• International | Full-time | £14950 per year |
• International | Full-time | £15995 per year |

Entry Requirements

• Prepare for Foundation Pathway:- We will consider applicants who have not achieved 48 UCAS points (equivalence) from prior level 3 qualifications, if you have a keen interest in this subject area or hold relevant experience.
• You will be required to attend and pass a compulsory Prepare For Foundation assessment day where you will take part in a variety of activities which will assess your suitability for the course.
• If you would like more advise and guidance about this admissions pathway, please contact the Gateway team to discuss and support you in making an application to us.

What our students say

• "During my degree I had the opportunity to study a Forensic Anthropology module, which ignited an unquenchable interest in ‘bones and bodies.’ Because of this, I went on to study for a Masters in Forensic and Biological Anthropology. I am now back at the University completing my Ph.D. research on post mortem decomposition."
• "During the course I found that all of the lecturers were very knowledgeable, approachable and caring. I was quite ill during my last year but allowances were made which helped me cope. I always felt there was someone to turn to when I needed help."
• "Last year, I landed a dream job! As a Criminal Intelligence Analyst with the West Midlands Police I help to reduce crime, disorder and antisocial behaviour. To get the job, I had to show that I had both the ability to work analytically and a logical way of thinking. The Forensic Science degree at Wolverhampton was the perfect preparation for this! The final year project was especially useful, because it helped me to develop the analytical skills I need for the job and gave me the confidence to present my work, which are both important aspects of my new job."

Who accredits this course?

• Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences

Funding

• Tuition Fees Loan(Home Fee Status):
• Most students will be able to apply for a loans to pay for these subject to eligibility.
• To find out more information please refer to the government Student Finance website.
• Changes for EU students:
• The UK government has confirmed that EU students starting courses from 1 August 2021 will normally be classified as having Overseas Fee status.
• More information about the change is available at UKCISA:
• EU citizens living in the UK with 'settled' status, and Irish nationals living in the UK or Ireland, will still be classified as Home students, providing they meet the usual residency requirements, for more information about EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• Self-funding:
• If you don’t want to take out a loan to pay your fees or if you aren’t eligible to receive a loan, you might want to take advantage of the University’s scheme to pay by instalments: See How to pay.
• For more information please contact the Gateway.
• Your employer, embassy or organisation can pay for your Tuition fees:
• If your employer, embassy or organisation agrees to pay all or part of your tuition fees; the University will refer to them as your sponsor and will invoice them for the appropriate amount.
• We must receive notification of sponsorship in writing as soon as possible, and before enrolment , confirming that the sponsor will pay your tuition fees.

How We Compare

• Find out how our course is rated on Discover Uni, the official website for comparing UK higher education courses
• Full-time Course
• 63%say staff value students views and opinions about the course
• Data for courses in Forensic and archaeological sciences at University of Wolverhampton
• 92%of students say teaching staff have supported their learning well.
• Data for courses in Forensic and archaeological sciences at University of Wolverhampton
• 80%in work or doing further study 15 months after the course.
• Data for courses in Forensic and archaeological sciences at University of Wolverhampton
• For more official course information visit Discover Uni

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