Program Overview

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Introduction to Forensic Science BSc (Hons)

The Forensic Science BSc (Hons) program at Northumbria University is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the principles and practices of forensic science. This program combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills, enabling students to tackle complex scientific problems with confidence, skill, and maturity.

Program Overview

The Forensic Science BSc (Hons) program is a three-year full-time course, with an optional placement year or study abroad. The program is accredited by the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences and is ranked 4th in the UK by the Complete University Guide 2026.

Entry Requirements

To be eligible for the program, students must have:

• 96 to 112 Tariff Points from a combination of acceptable Level 3 qualifications
• Grade B in A-Level Biology, Chemistry, or Applied Science, or recognized equivalents
• Maths and English Language at minimum grade 4/C, or an equivalent
• International applicants must have a minimum overall IELTS (Academic) score of 6.0 with 5.5 in each component

Program Structure

The program consists of four years, with the option to take a placement year or study abroad in the third year. The modules are designed to provide students with a solid foundation in forensic science, including:

• Practical Skills in Forensic Science
• Process and Practices in Forensic Science
• Fundamentals of Analytical Chemistry
• Principles of Chemical Structure
• Cell Biology and Genetics
• Scientific Support

Year One Modules

• AP0400: Practical Skills in Forensic Science (Core, 20 Credits)
• AP0401: Process and Practices in Forensic Science (Core, 20 Credits)
• AP0402: Fundamentals of Analytical Chemistry (Core, 20 Credits)
• AP0403: Principles of Chemical Structure (Core, 20 Credits)
• AP0404: Cell Biology and Genetics (Core, 20 Credits)
• AP0405: Scientific Support (Core, 20 Credits)
• JE5001: Academic Language Skills for Applied Sciences (Core – for International and EU students only, 0 Credits)

Year Two Modules

• AP0501: Research Methods (Core, 20 Credits)
• AP0502: Trace Analysis (Core, 20 Credits)
• AP0503: Body Fluids and Blood Pattern Analysis (Core, 20 Credits)
• AP0504: Drugs and Toxicology (Core, 20 Credits)
• AP0505: Specialist Applications in Criminal Investigation (Core, 20 Credits)
• AP0551: DNA Profiling (Core, 20 Credits)

Year Three Modules

• AP0536: Study Abroad (Optional, 120 Credits)
• AP0550: Academic Exchange Semester Study Abroad (Optional, 60 Credits)
• AP0552: Industrial Placement Year (Optional, 120 Credits)

Year Four Modules

• AP0600: Forensic Science Research Project (Core, 40 Credits)
• AP0601: Complex Casework (Core, 20 Credits)
• AP0602: Contemporary Issues in Forensic Science (Optional, 20 Credits)
• AP0603: Advanced Forensic Investigation (Core, 20 Credits)
• AP0604: Advanced Analytical Chemistry (Optional, 20 Credits)
• AP0642: Forensic Biology (Optional, 20 Credits)
• ML6001: Unilang - Languages for All - Level 6 Placeholder (Optional, 20 Credits)

Fees and Funding

The tuition fees for the program are:

• UK Fee in Year 1: TBC
• International Fee in Year 1: £21,500
• Additional costs may include laboratory equipment, printing, and travel expenses

Research Areas

The forensic teaching team undertakes research and consultancy in diverse and wide-ranging areas, including:

• Evidence interpretation
• Discrimination of textile fibers using analytical techniques and chemometric methods
• Transfer and persistence properties of textile fibers
• Microplastics in the environment
• Chemical criminalistics and forensic profiling of chemical traces
• Source attribution of chemical evidence
• Environmental forensics
• Analytical toxicology
• The reliability and communication of expert evidence
• Development and Evaluation of forensic biometrics policy
• Evaluation of the impact of time, temperature, and other environmental factors on the quantity and quality of DNA extracted from biological samples

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the Forensic Science BSc (Hons) program can pursue careers in:

• Forensic science laboratories
• Analytical chemistry laboratories
• Police and law enforcement agencies
• Further postgraduate studies

Conclusion

The Forensic Science BSc (Hons) program at Northumbria University provides students with a comprehensive education in forensic science, combining theoretical knowledge with practical skills. The program is accredited by the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences and is ranked 4th in the UK by the Complete University Guide 2026. With a strong focus on research and career development, graduates of this program are well-equipped to pursue careers in forensic science and related fields.