inline-defaultCreated with Sketch.

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website.

Students
Tuition Fee
GBP 16,700
Per year
Start Date
2025-09-01
Medium of studying
On campus
Duration
3 years
Program Facts
Program Details
Degree
Bachelors
Major
Biotechnology | Chemistry | Forensic Science
Area of study
Natural Science
Education type
On campus
Timing
Full time
Course Language
English
Tuition Fee
Average International Tuition Fee
GBP 16,700
Intakes
Program start dateApplication deadline
2025-09-01-
About Program

Program Overview


BSc (Hons) Forensic Science

Course Overview

The Forensic Science degree at the University of Winchester offers a fascinating and fast-evolving environment for students to explore the theoretical and practical aspects of crime scene investigation, evidence analysis, and expert witness skills. This multidisciplinary subject is further explored through aspects of physics, mathematics, and statistics, with students exposed to specialist topics such as anthropology, archaeology, entomology, and linguistics.


During the three-year program, students will have the opportunity to attend mock crime scenes, recover and analyze forensic evidence, and present their results in various formats, including expert witness reports and oral and poster presentations. The program includes a significant amount of laboratory work to ensure students gain competence in the selection and use of methods used in the location, identification, recovery, examination, comparison, extraction, and scientific analysis of physical, chemical, and biological materials.


Teaching takes place through a variety of methods, including small group seminars, field work, and laboratory practicals. Students will gain valuable practical skills and develop their independent thinking by working under crime scene conditions and undertaking evidence collection using the university's facilities, such as the new laboratory, taphonomic facility, and dedicated crime scene house.


Course Features

  • Benefit from a team of research-active academics and experts who work at the forefront of the field and use interactive and practical teaching approaches to bring theory and practice to life.
  • Gain a specialist degree in a rapidly growing field with a current skills shortage in the marketplace.
  • Learn how to successfully present evidence in written format and orally within a mock trial.
  • Access a wide range of specialist software and tools, including a range of laboratories, a dedicated crime scene house, and a taphonomic facility with a license to carry out decomposition studies.

Course Details

Our aim is to shape 'confident learners' by enabling students to develop the skills needed to excel in their studies and beyond. Students are taught through a combination of practical sessions in labs and other settings, lectures, and seminars, allowing opportunities to discuss and develop their understanding of topics covered in lectures in smaller groups.


In addition to formally scheduled contact time, students are encouraged to access academic support from staff within the course team and the wide range of services available within the university.


Independent Learning

Over the duration of the course, students will be expected to develop independent and critical learning, progressively building confidence and expertise through independent and collaborative research, problem-solving, and analysis with the support of staff. Students take responsibility for their own learning and are encouraged to make use of the wide range of available learning resources.


Overall Workload

The overall workload consists of class contact hours, independent learning, and assessment activity.


  • Year 1 (Level 4): Timetabled teaching and learning activity (288 hours), independent learning (912 hours)
  • Year 2 (Level 5): Timetabled teaching and learning activity (288 hours), independent learning (912 hours)
  • Year 3 (Level 6): Timetabled teaching and learning activity (240 hours), independent learning (960 hours)

Assessment

Our validated courses may adopt a range of means of assessing learning. An indicative, and not necessarily comprehensive, list of assessment types includes essays, portfolios, supervised independent work, presentations, written exams, or practical performances.


The assessment balance between examination and coursework depends to some extent on the optional modules chosen. The approximate percentage of the course assessed by different assessment modes is as follows:


  • Year 1 (Level 4): 68% coursework, 0% written exams, 32% practical assessment
  • Year 2 (Level 5): 78% coursework, 0% written exams, 22% practical assessment
  • Year 3 (Level 6): 70% coursework, 0% written exams, 30% practical assessment

Modules

Year 1

  • Skills for Forensic Practitioners (30 credits)
  • Fundamentals of Forensic Investigation (30 credits)
  • Introduction to Forensic Evidence (30 credits)
  • Analytical and Biochemistry (30 credits)

Year 2

  • Forensic Toxicology (30 credits)
  • Evidence-Based Approaches to Forensics (30 credits)
  • Crime Scene Investigation (30 credits)
  • Optional modules (15 credits)

Year 3

  • Independent Research Project (30 credits)
  • Advanced Forensic Chemical Analysis (30 credits)
  • Evidence Analysis and Interpretation (30 credits)
  • Optional modules (15 credits)

Entry Requirements

  • UK: 112-120 points (A-Levels, BTEC/CTEC, International Baccalaureate, T Level)
  • International: 300-320 points
  • English language requirements: IELTS Academic at 6.0 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in all four components (for year 1 entry)

Tuition Fees

  • UK: £9,535 (2025/26 academic year)
  • International: £16,700 (2025/26 academic year)

Additional Costs

  • Optional trips: £20 per academic year
  • Core texts: £100 per academic year
  • Equipment: costs vary
  • Crime scene suit: one provided, additional suits may be purchased (£3-£8)
  • Clothing: smart attire for final oral assessment (£0-£50)
  • Travel to placements: dependent on location (£0-£50)

Scholarships, Bursaries, and Awards

We have a variety of scholarship and bursaries available to support students financially with the cost of their course.


Career Prospects

Graduates find work in a variety of Criminal Justice agencies and related employment fields, including the police service, prison service, youth and probation work, and Government research units.


Pre-Approved for a Masters

If you study a Bachelors Honours degree with us, you will be pre-approved to start a Masters degree at Winchester. To be eligible, you will need to apply by the end of March in the final year of your degree and meet the entry requirements of your chosen Masters degree.


SHOW MORE
How can I help you today?