Forensic Science & Criminal Investigation

Program Overview

Forensic Science & Criminal Investigation

BSc (Hons)

Attendance

• Full-time
• Part-time

Campus

• Preston Campus

Start

• September 2025

Duration

• 3 years

UCAS Code

• FM42

Delivery

• In-person

Placement option

Discover the tools crucial to solving crime, with a degree built around the practical skills and scientific understanding of the collection and analysis of evidence.

Our Forensic Science & Criminal Investigation BSc (Hons) course offers the skills to recognise and recover all evidence types from crime scenes, and to analyse that evidence in the laboratory. With the guidance of former CSIs, you’ll develop a broad understanding of forensic science, covering areas like fingerprint recovery, crime scene photography and the analysis of trace evidence like hairs, fibres and body fluids.

Thanks to our close links with Lancashire and Greater Manchester constabularies, you could even find yourself working alongside police CSI and scientific support teams.

It’s a solid and well-respected programme of study accredited by the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences. As such, the modules you’ll take go beyond the basic vocational standards for CSI roles – ensuring you’ll have all you need to start a career in the competitive but rewarding world of forensic science and criminal investigation.

Why study with us

• 2nd in the UK for teaching (National Student Survey, Forensic and archaeological sciences, 2024)
• 3rd in the UK for overall score (Guardian University Guide, Forensic science, 2024)
• 4th in the UK for student satisfaction (Complete University Guide, Forensic Science, 2025)
• 94% of students highly rate our learning opportunities (National Student Survey, Forensic and archaeological sciences, 2024)

What you’ll do

• You’ll be taught by numerous experienced professionals with a range of specialisms, such as CSI, counter-terrorism, or fire investigation.
• In year 3 you can tailor your studies to your personal strengths and professional ambitions.
• You’ll get hands-on with state-of-the-art facilities, including our dedicated crime scene houses, vehicle examination bay, laboratories and a Hydra Minerva simulation suite.

Modules

Year 1

• Crime Scene Photography (FZ1036)
• Crime Scene Science (FZ1037)
• Academic Skills (FZ1038)
• Bodies of Evidence (FZ1039)
• Forensic Case Studies (FZ1051)

Year 2

• Forensic Casework (FZ2004)
• Professional Practice (FZ2005)
• Advanced Crime Scene Investigation (FZ2037)
• Research for Forensic Investigators (FZ2038)
• Major Crimes - The Evidence (FZ2039)
• Advanced Photography (FZ2053)

Year 3

• Crime Scene Management (FZ3038)
• Forensic Science Dissertation (FZ3501)
• The Interpretation of Forensic Evidence (FZ3003)
• Forensic Digital Imaging (FZ3007)
• Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) (PC3013)

Accreditations

• The Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences (CSFS)

Entry requirements

• UCAS: 104-112 points at A2
• BTEC Extended Diploma: DMM
• BTEC Diploma: DD-DD*
• Pass Access Course: 104-112 UCAS Points
• International Baccalaureate Diploma: Pass including 104-112 points from Higher Level Subjects
• T Level: M
• IELTS: 6.0 with no component lower than 5.5
• GCSEs: 5 at grade C/4 including Maths and English or equivalent

Fees and funding

• UK: £9,535 per year (full-time), £1,623 for the placement year, £1,587 per 20 credits (part-time)
• International: £17,325 per year (full-time)

Scholarships and bursaries

• Care Leaver Bursary
• Estranged student support
• Dependants Bursary
• Financial support package

Learning and assessment

• A broad mix of different learning methods, including tutorials, seminars, independent study, role play exercises, and hands-on experience with state-of-the-art analytical equipment.
• Assessments include written exams, presentations, crime scene examinations, photographic portfolios, human bone identification, and more.

Industry links

• Strong links with many other law enforcement agencies, including regular visits from high-profile speakers.