Program Overview

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Forensic Science BSc (Hons)

Overview

This Forensic Science degree focuses on the processing and analysis of physical evidence from crime scenes, and includes a placement sandwich year in industry.

The course emphasises the application of science - in particular analytical chemistry - and stresses the importance of quality assurance procedures in a forensic setting.

A characteristic of the University of Bradford's approach is the integration of practical skills training within a good theoretical framework – whether in terms of crime scene investigation, the collection, examination and interpretation of physical evidence, laboratory processing and analysis.

The course provides you with a sound knowledge of how scientific techniques can be used within forensic investigations, and allows you to explore a challenging area of applied science. You will develop into a professional with the scientific skills to work within areas such as crime scene investigation, forensic science and related laboratory areas.

Throughout your degree you will acquire skills that will be useful in whatever profession you choose to follow. These include project and time management, critical review and analytical thinking, presentational skills, computer and other applied IT skills and the management of data. These will be taught, practised and assessed.

Bradford was the first university in the UK to offer a forensics science degree, and we continue to develop the programme to ensure that it is up-to-date with the requirements of the forensics sector.

As such, we have refocused the forensics degree to offer a solid understanding of fundamental chemistry in stages 2 and 3, with a focused final year dedicated to the application of forensic science.

Crime scene techniques are taught in our dedicated crime scene facility, with analysis of evidence supported by a forensics laboratory and the University’s Centre for Chemical and Structural Analysis.

The interdisciplinary nature of our research at Bradford means we can call upon expertise from our colleagues in archaeology who use forensics science techniques to study human remains, such as the Llullaillaco Maiden, discovered in 1999.

Professional Accreditation

This course is accredited by the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences (CSFS) for laboratory analysis and the interpretation, evaluation and presentation of evidence. CSFS accreditation for these component standards means you'll have an industry-relevant and globally recognised degree to kick-start a career in the criminal justice system as a forensic lab scientist, incident analyst or crime scene investigator.

Rankings

The University of Bradford is ranked 11th in the UK in the Complete University Guide Forensic Science Subject League Table 2025.

Entry Requirements

• 112 UCAS points overall.
• A levels: BBC, to include at least one science A level at grade B from Biology, Physics or Chemistry.
• T levels: Merit - with subject specific requirement in Science.
• BTEC Extended Diploma: DMM - science subject required.
• Applicants on Access Programmes: 112 UCAS points - science subject required.
• International Baccalaureate Requirements: 112 UCAS tariff points to include at least 1 HL Science subject at grade 6, plus HL 3 or SL 4 in Maths and English Language and Literature A or English B.
• Plus minimum of GCSE English, Mathematics and a Science at grade C or 4 (equivalents accepted).
• English language requirements: Minimum IELTS at 6.0 or the equivalent.

Foundation Year Entry

If you are a UK student and do not meet the entry requirements for this course, our Foundation Year in Health and Life Sciences has a route to Forensic Science BSc (Hons)

Foundation Year Entry Requirements

• 64 UCAS points or equivalent plus an English Language and Science qualification equivalent to GCSE Grade 4.
• In addition to the relevant core modules, you must study introduction to chemistry.

Study and Progression Requirements

• Pass each module and achieve a progression average of at least 40%.

Transferring from Another University

If you are currently studying at another university and would like to transfer to the University of Bradford, this course accepts students into the second or third year. This is called advanced entry.

Applications for advanced entry will be considered on a case-by-case basis and must include an official transcript (not a screenshot of a portal), all module descriptors, and relevant qualifications. Module descriptors must include learning outcomes.

Applications must be submitted through UCAS and the required documents emailed along with your UCAS Personal ID no later than 31 August prior to the course starting in September.

Your Learning Journey

All module information is for 2025 entry, and is subject to change.

First Year

• Core:
  • Introduction to Crime and Criminal Justice
  • Biological Anthropology: From Human Evolution to Forensic Anthropology
  • Independent Study for Forensic Scientists
  • Principles of Forensic and Crime Scene Investigation
  • Field Recording Skills
  • Scientific Frameworks

Second Year

• Core:
  • Statistics and Databases for Forensic Scientists
  • Forensic Biology
  • Instrumental Analysis
  • Forensic Chemistry
  • Crime Scene Investigation
  • Forensic Examination and Analysis of Physical Evidence

Third Year

• Study abroad or placement year.

Final Year

• Optional:
  • Placement
  • Study Abroad Experience
• Core:
  • Interpretation and Presentation of Forensic Evidence for Forensic Science
  • Dissertation
  • Forensic Genetics
  • Analysis of Controlled Substances

Professional Placement

A placement year allows you to apply your academic learning within a wide range of industries, including private, public, and not-for-profit sectors. You will gain hands-on experience, develop skills such as communication, problem-solving, and entrepreneurship, and build a professional network that will benefit your future career.

We will support you throughout the process, offering:

• Access to a wide range of placement opportunities with top employers.
• Assistance with CV writing, applications, and interview preparation.
• Guidance on making the most of your placement experience.

Teaching, Learning and Assessment

You will learn through a mixture of lectures, seminars, laboratory practicals, workshops, case studies and directed study. Directed study will include directed reading of selected textbooks, specified source literature and open learning materials, directed web-based materials, report writing and other assignments. There will also be an individual project/dissertation.

You will be assessed by written closed-book examinations using constructed (essays, short answers) and selected response (MCQ) questions and a variety of coursework assignments, including laboratory reports, oral presentations and dissertations.

There will also be involvement in laboratory, small-group workshops, case-based work and projects (individual and small group). You will be assessed by critical appraisal, case analysis and critique, case presentations, laboratory reports and dissertations.

At Stage 3, essays, the journal critique and essay-based examinations provide a format to critically evaluate the key themes of the degree. Practical portfolios and worksheets allow you to demonstrate your understanding of forensic laboratory techniques.

The research dissertation develops your ability to undertake independent research and plan this research effectively. Presentations, the witness statement and the mock court exercise will develop your professional oral and written presentation skills.

Fees, Finance and Scholarships

Tuition Fee

• UK: £9,535 (sandwich year: £954)
• International: £24,456 (sandwich year: £2,446)

Additional Course Costs

As part of this course you will be required to purchase a lab coat worth £10.

You may also wish to apply for student membership of the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences.

Funding Your Studies

It can be hard to know what financial help is available to you as a student.

Further information about the variety of options that can help fund your studies and maximise the money available to you is available on our funding your studies section.

Scholarships

Every year we award numerous non-repayable scholarships to UK, EU and international students on the basis of academic excellence, personal circumstances or economic hardship. For full details, visit our scholarships section.

Career Prospects

There are wide-ranging career opportunities, including the health service, the forensic science or police scientific support laboratories, the Health and Safety Executive, and the public analysts’ laboratories, as well as opportunities in the chemical, petrochemical, pharmaceutical, food, drink and electronics industries.

The scientific skills, knowledge and methods you will acquire during the course can also be a useful basis for a career in teaching, technical and scientific writing, or other information services.

Study Abroad

A study abroad year is a fantastic opportunity to broaden your horizons, build connections with people from different backgrounds and cultures, and strengthen your skills and experience to make you stand out in the job market.

We have opportunities for students to study, work or volunteer in more than 150 countries across the world and will support you every step of the way.

Support for Your Studies

At Bradford, we’re committed to supporting your success, well-being and future ambitions.

We’re here to provide everything you need to make the most of your time with us, ensuring you not only excel in your studies, but also step confidently into the world of graduate employment.

In addition to the support you receive from your academic tutors, our Student Support Services are here for you throughout your journey - before, during, and after your studies.

84% say staff value students views and opinions about the course

Data for courses in Forensic and archaeological sciences at The University of Bradford

91% of students say teaching staff have supported their learning well.

Data for courses in Forensic and archaeological sciences at The University of Bradford

80% in work or doing further study 15 months after the course.

Data for courses in Forensic and archaeological sciences at The University of Bradford

For more official course information visit Discover Uni

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How to Apply

Applications for courses starting in September 2025 are not yet open.

You can begin to apply for this course with UCAS from 14 May 2024.

Learn about how to apply, UCAS and the application process

See key dates on the UCAS website