- This course is accredited by the Forensic Science Society and is also recognised by the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC). Graduates of this course will be eligible for admission to Associate Member of the RSC (AMRSC) upon graduation.
- The Forensic Science Society have recognised this course for its record in positioning forensics students in paid, relevant work placements, and have approved the course content in the areas of crime scene investigation, laboratory analysis, interpretation, evaluation and presentation of evidence.
- The development of practical skills is a key theme of our forensic science courses. Students will take part in crime scene investigation workshops in our Crime Scene House and learn how to process crime scene evidence in the laboratory.
- Study follows a crime-scene-to-court approach to forensic analysis.
- Students on this course have the option to undertake a 12-month work placement.
Related courses: BSc (Hons) Forensic Biology and BSc (Hons) Forensic Science (Physical).
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Please note the following information for applicants
Modules
- The English Legal System
- Forensic Chemistry
- Introduction to Forensic Science
- Introductory Biology for Forensic Science
- Microscopy
Year Two
- Biological Techniques in Forensic Science
- Crime Scene Investigation
- Criminalistics
- Forensic Analytical Science
- Legal Issues in the Criminal Justice System
- Photography and Forensic Image Processing
Year Three
Optional year-long work placements are available
Final Year
- Drugs of Abuse
- Final Year Project
- Genetics for Identification
- Research Methods
- Ballistics and Firearms
- Forensic Archaeology and Palaeopathology
Assessment
Assessment is by a variety of methods including practicals, written assignments, multiple completion tests and formal examinations. In the final year, students carry out a research project which makes a major contribution to the overall assessment.
Facilities
Crime Scene House
This is a typical residential property based on-campus, with a garage, outbuildings and gardens used exclusively as a crime scene investigation training facility. The rooms are set up to replicate a range of realistic crime scene scenarios, ranging from burglaries and assaults to searches for illegal substances. You will learn how to take on the role of Crime Scene Examiner and develop your investigation, collection and analysis techniques.
Ballistics Laboratory
A large reference collection of spent and inert shotgun, rifle, pistol and revolver ammunition is held for training students in ammunition recognition. The focal point of the Ballistics Laboratory is the comparison microscope used to identify the characteristics of spent cartridge cases and bullets recovered from crime scenes.
Students working in this laboratory can also access ammunition and firearms identification databases which are held electronically. These databases are the same as the ones used by UK ballistics experts and firearms examiners.
Document Examination Laboratory
A video spectral comparator (VSC) is used to determine the authenticity of security documents such as passports, identity cards and currency. Students can recover indented writing evidence from documents using the electrostatic detection apparatus (ESDA). A wide of photographic stands and specialist light sources are available for use in photographing a range of evidence types that have been recovered from crime scenes. All forensic science students are trained in digital photography and image processing.
As one of our graduates you will possess a wide range of academic and transferable skills.
These skills are invaluable for careers in:
- Forensic Science
- law enforcement (e.g. the police, Customs and Excise, immigration and fraud investigation)
- industry
- academic research.
Previous graduates work for companies such as Forensic Science Service, Quotient, the NHS and the Scottish Police. Typical job titles include scientist, forensic analyst and particle physicist.
Graduates with a strong background in scientific investigation, the reconstruction of events, and the presentation of findings will find that such abilities are valued highly by employers in the fields of chemistry, biology and physics as well as forensic science.
Length of placement
One year
Placements on this course
After the second year, you will have the opportunity to undertake a placement in industry, including overseas options. If taken, this will give you the chance to gain vital experience and put your knowledge into practice. Recent placement salaries have ranged from £10,000 to £35,000. Many students impress their employers on placement and are offered jobs at the end of their course.
The School has an excellent record of placing students and has good contacts with both local and national industry. A number of placements are available in Europe and worldwide. On completion of a successful placement, you will be eligible for a Placement Diploma in Industrial Studies.
Find out more about placements.
You can apply for this course through the UCAS website.
