This forensic science degree is ideal for those with an enquiring mind, a deep interest in science and a curiosity about how and why things happen. You will develop the ability to judge the importance of physical evidence based on incident scene observation and the results of laboratory tests.
On this course you will develop the ability to judge the importance of physical evidence based on incident scene observations and the results of laboratory analysis.
Studying Forensic Science will enable you to:
- understand crime scene science
- use case studies to highlight the range of approaches required in forensic investigations as well as analytical instruments, microscopy and the English legal system
- find out how the acquisition of crime scene evidence is studied as well as genetic identification.
Why choose this course?
- It is accredited by the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences.
- You will be eligible for admission as an Associate Member of the RSC (AMRSC) when you graduate.
- Studying Forensic Science will give you key practical skills. You will take part in crime scene investigation workshops and learn how to process crime scene evidence in the laboratory.
- Your study will follow a crime-scene-to-court approach to forensic analysis.
- You'll have the option to do a 12-month work placement. We are first for the number of Forensic Science students. on year-long work placements (HESA 2018/19).
- You can gain an international perspective on forensics by taking an exchange with our partner University in Canada.
International Exchange
Fancy getting a different perspective on forensics? We have a partner university in Canada where our students can spend a year experiencing a different culture and alternative aspects of forensic science and law. Going on an exchange can broaden your career horizons, and enhance your employability both in the UK and internationally.
Student profiles
What you'll study
Who will teach me?
The Forensics team is comprised of academic and support staff that are subject experts in forensic science, legal issues and crime scene investigation. Many of our staff have had relevant industrial and other external forensics experience and training.
Visit our academic team pages to find out more about our approach to teaching, our partners and research interests.
Industry links
Our Forensics team work with a wide range of organisations including:
- East Midlands Special Operations Unit - Forensic Services (EMSOU - FS)
- The Home Office
- HMRC (Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs)
- Dutch Police and Fire Service
- Forensic Focus
- Foster and Freeman
- Nottinghamshire Police
What our students say
"NTU was my first choice because the course covers a wide range of topics, runs guest lectures / talks and has an emphasis on practical experience. This included the use of the crime scene house and the opportunity to include a placement year. I was lucky enough to be the first person to go to the Forensic Institute in Krakow, Poland for my placement.
"Upon graduating in 2008 with a first in Forensic Science, I was immediately employed by Scottish Police Services Authority's (SPSA) Forensic Services in Edinburgh as a forensic technician. Two years later I became a forensic examiner (drugs) and then for the last year and a half I've been in my current role."
Joni Walker, BSc (Hons) Forensic Science
Now working as a Forensic / Reporting Scientist (toxicology)
Learn a new language
Alongside your study you also have the opportunity to learn a new language. The University Language Programme (ULP) is available to all students and gives you the option of learning a totally new language or improving the skills you already have.
Learning a new language can:
- enhance your communication skills
- enrich your experience when travelling abroad
- boost your career prospects.
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Year One
Introduction to Forensic Biology
Gain an introduction to the key areas that underpin the complex biological aspects of forensic science. You’ll write scientific reports and carry out oral presentations, both of which are important skills required of a forensic scientist.
Technical Skills for Forensic ScienceThis module will develop your understanding of professional standards in forensic science, with particular emphasis on the development of your technical and digital skills, including use of an e-portfolio to demonstrate your competency in these areas.
The Forensic ProcessDevelop your professional awareness of forensic science and the English legal system. Examine the role of the forensic scientist and law enforcement agencies, and even experience live trials.
Introduction to Forensic AnalysisLearn basic chemical principles including chromatography, applied spectroscopy, statistical tests, electroanalytical techniques, and appropriate specialist methods.
Forensic ChemistryStudy theoretical and practical chemistry in relation to forensic science, including concepts of periodicity, bonding and structure, functional group chemistry, thermodynamics, and kinetics.
Professional Skills for Forensic ScienceDevelop your skills in mathematical sciences. This module will help to train you, as a forensic scientist, in the essential calculated and logical thought processes needed to solve problems.
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Year Two
Crime Scene Investigation and Forensic Photography
Learn about crime scene investigation and its role within the forensic process, leading onto forensic image processing and the procedures and legislation attached to these areas.
Biological Techniques in Forensic ScienceThis module will form a platform of knowledge, conceptual understanding and skills in the application of bioscience techniques and their relevance to forensic science.
Ethics and Law for Forensic Science
Gain a professional awareness of the law governing police powers, the substantive criminal law and the law of evidence, including an analysis of law and the European Convention on Human Rights.
Forensic Casework ExaminationDevelop an awareness of the application of laboratory examination methods in forensic science, enabling practical application of relevant techniques to casework problems.
Forensic AnalysisBuilding on Year One, you will focus on interfering sample matrices, quantitative and qualitative identification of multicomponent samples, and measurements under non-ideal conditions.
Choose one optional module from:
Introduction to Suspicious Death Investigation
Microbial Structure, ID and Distribution
Forensic Image processing -
Year Three
Optional year-long work placements are available.
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Final year
Drugs of Abuse
This module focuses on drugs of abuse and illustrates the forensic applications of a range of analytical techniques. Learn about
the legislation covering substances and their classifications.Research Project
You will develop research skills required for independent final year study: formulating a research question, conducting a literature
review and making a critical appraisal of published research work.Molecular Techniques for Identification
You will develop an understanding of the role of DNA-based analysis, looking at the various techniques and issues relating to the successful recovery and analysis of DNA samples.
Choose one from the following optional modules:
Advanced Crime Scene Investigation
Forensic Microbiology
Environmental Forensic AssessmentChoose one from the following optional modules:
Communicating Science and Technology
Ballistics and Firearms
Forensic Archaeology and Anthropology
Course specification
View the full course specification
Please note that course specifications may be subject to change
Ranked 5th for Forensic Science in the Complete University Guide 2020
How you’re taught
You will be assessed on a variety of components, including:
coursework and practical
- assignments
- dissertation
- group projects
- case studies
- oral presentations
- laboratory assessments
- reports
written
- exams
- written tests
Assessment methods
Year 1 - coursework (56%), written (37%), and practical (7%)
Year 2 - coursework (67%) and written (33%)
Year 3 - coursework (58%), written (40%), and practical (2%)
A placement year may be taken between year 2 and year 3 of study
Contact hours
A full-time student on average can expect to spend 1200 hours a year learning which will typically be broken down as follows:
Year 1 - lectures/seminars/workshops (28%) and independent study 72(%)
Year 2 - lectures/seminars/workshops (31%) and independent study (69%)
Year 3 - lectures/seminars/workshops (33%) and independent study 67(%)
A placement year may be taken between year 2 and year 3 of study
Staff profiles
Careers and employability
Your career development
Employers in the fields of chemistry, biology and physics as well as forensic science highly value graduates with a strong background in:
- scientific investigation
- the reconstruction of events
- the presentation of findings.
These skills are invaluable for careers in:
- forensic science
- law enforcement (for example, the police, Customs and Excise, immigration and fraud investigation)
- academic research.
Our recent graduates have achieved the following careers:
- Derbyshire Constabulary – forensic services assistant
- De Montfort University – microbiology lab technician
- Reckett Benckiser – analytical assistant
- Nottinghamshire Police – police constable
- Harlan Sera Limited – laboratory technician
- Boots – pharmacy development analyst
- Premier Analytical Services – microscopist
- Surrey Police – intelligence processing assistant
- Nanosight – particle physicist.
Many graduates also choose to undertake further study on one of our Masters-level courses or MPhil and PhD research degrees.
Excellent placement opportunities
You will have the opportunity to undertake a year's work placement in industry in the second year. 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 and many students impress their placement employers so much they are offered jobs upon graduation.
Recent Forensic Science students have secured placements in companies including:
- Derbyshire Constabulary – Forensic Case Management Unit
- Minton, Treharne and Davies Ltd – placement technician
- Anthony Nolan Trust – blood bank lab trainee
- Avans Hogeschool, Holland – product development and testing
- Southampton General Hospital – pathology lab technician.
Fifteen Forensic Science students opted to do a placement between 2011 and 2012.
At the end of my second year of study I was lucky enough to be awarded a prestigious internship with Interpol, the world’s largest international police organisation.
Interpol facilitates cross-border police co-operation, and supports and assists all organisations, authorities and services whose mission is to prevent or combat international crime. My placement consisted of a six month internship at the DNA and Identification Unit based in Lyon, France.
I was really excited about my placement and the experience gained from working life and living in a foreign country.
Claire Dennis, BSc (Hons) Forensic Science
Placement: Interpol
Facilities
You will have access to a range of first-class facilities and will develop the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in the graduate employment market.
Crime Scene Training Facility
This is a typical residential property based on-campus and 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:
- take on the role of crime scene examiner
- develop your investigation, collection and analysis techniques.
Ballistics Laboratory
You will have access to a large reference collection of spent and inert shotgun, rifle, pistol and revolver ammunition to train in ammunition recognition.
The focal point of the Ballistics Laboratory is the comparison microscope, which you will use to identify the characteristics of spent cartridge cases and bullets recovered from crime scenes.
You will have access to ammunition and firearms identification databases, which are the same as those used by UK ballistics experts and firearms examiners.
Document Examination Laboratory
You will learn how to use the video spectral comparator (VSC) to determine the authenticity of security documents such as:
- passports
- identity cards
- currency.
You will also learn how to 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.
Entry requirements
What are we looking for?
- A-levels – BBB, including chemistry and another science or numerate subject*; or
- BTEC Extended Diploma – DDM, including relevant chemistry and another science or numerate modules; or
- 120 UCAS Tariff points from three A-levels or equivalent qualifications, including an A-level grade B equivalent in chemistry and another science or numerate subject; and
- GCSEs – English, Maths and Science grade C / 4
* we will accept biology / human biology, physics, maths / further maths, core maths, use of maths, environmental science, physical education and sport science.
Applicants without A-levels will have their qualifications assessed for subject compatibility. We also consider equivalent qualifications and combinations. Please see UCAS Course Search for more details.
NTU may admit a student with advanced standing beyond the beginning of a course, through an assessment of that student's prior learning, whether it is certificated or uncertificated. Our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy outlines the process and options available to these prospective students, such as recognising experiential learning or transferring to a similar course at another institution, otherwise known as credit transfer.
All prospective students who wish to apply via Recognition of Prior Learning should initially contact the central Admissions and Enquiries Team who will be able to support you through the process.
What are we looking for?
- A-levels – BBB, including chemistry and another science or numerate subject*; or
- BTEC Extended Diploma – DDM, including relevant chemistry and another science or numerate modules; or
- 120 UCAS Tariff points from three A-levels or equivalent qualifications, including an A-level grade B equivalent in chemistry and another science or numerate subject; and
- GCSEs – English, Maths and Science grade C / 4
* we will accept biology / human biology, physics, maths / further maths, core maths, use of maths, environmental science, physical education and sport science.
Applicants without A-levels will have their qualifications assessed for subject compatibility. We also consider equivalent qualifications and combinations. Please see UCAS Course Search for more details.
NTU may admit a student with advanced standing beyond the beginning of a course, through an assessment of that student's prior learning, whether it is certificated or uncertificated. Our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy outlines the process and options available to these prospective students, such as recognising experiential learning or transferring to a similar course at another institution, otherwise known as credit transfer.
All prospective students who wish to apply via Recognition of Prior Learning should initially contact the central Admissions and Enquiries Team who will be able to support you through the process.
International qualifications
We accept qualifications from schools, colleges and universities all over the world for entry onto our UG and PG degrees. If you’re not sure how your international qualification matches our course requirements please visit our international qualifications page.
English language entry requirements
If English is not your first language you need to show us that your language skills are strong enough for intensive academic study. We usually ask for an IELTS test and we accept some alternative English language tests.
- For a list of our language requirements please visit our English language page.
- If you need to do a pre-sessional English language course to meet the English requirements please visit our pre-sessional English course page.
Help and support
If you have any questions about your qualifications or about making an application to the University please contact our International Team for advice.
How to apply
Ready to join us? Then apply as soon as you can. Just click the Apply button at the top of the page and follow the instructions for applying. Make sure you check the entry requirements above carefully before you do.
Writing your application and personal statement
Be honest, thorough and persuasive in your application. Remember, we can only make a decision based on what you tell us. So include all of your qualifications and grades, including resits or predicted grades.
Your personal statement is a really important part of your application. It’s your chance to convince us why we should offer you a place! You’ve got 4,000 characters to impress us. Make sure you use them to show how your skills and qualities are relevant to the course(s) you’re applying for. For more hints and tips, take a look at our page on how to write a good personal statement.
Keeping up-to-date
After you’ve applied, we’ll be sending you important emails throughout the application process so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.
You can get more information and advice about applying to NTU on our Your Application page. Good luck with your application!
Please read our notes on the University's commitment to delivering the educational services advertised.
You can apply directly to the University for an undergraduate course if you’re not applying to any other UK university in the same year. If you are applying to more than one UK university you must apply through UCAS.
Apply as early as you can so that you have time to prepare for your studies. If you need a visa to study here you need to plan this into your application.
- For a step-by-step guide on making an application to the University please visit our how to apply page.
- For advice on applying for a visa please visit our visa information page.
- For advice on how to write a good personal statement please visit our personal statement page.
Keeping up-to-date
After you’ve applied, we’ll be sending you important emails throughout the application process so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.
Good luck with your application!
Please read our notes on the University's commitment to delivering the educational services advertised.
Fees and funding
Preparing for the financial side of student life is important, but there’s no need to feel anxious and confused about it. We hope that our fees and funding pages will answer all your questions.
Getting in touch
For more advice and guidance, you can contact our Student Financial Support Service.
Tel: +44 (0)115 848 2494
What do the course fees cover?
Your course fees cover the cost of studies, and include loads of great benefits, such as the use of our library, support from our expert Employability team, and free use of the IT equipment across our campuses.
Library books
Most study modules will recommend one or more core text books, which most students choose to purchase. Book costs vary and further information is available in the University’s bookshop. Our libraries provide a good supply of essential text books, journals and materials (many of which you can access online) – meaning you may not need to purchase as many books as you might think! There may also be a supply of second-hand books available for purchase from previous year students.
Field trips
All essential field trip costs will be included in your course fees. There may be the opportunity to take part in optional field trips, which do incur additional costs.
Placements
If you're undertaking a placement year, you'll need to budget for accommodation and any travel costs you may incur whilst on placement. Many of our placement students do earn a salary whilst on placement which can help to cover these living costs.
Print and copy costs
The University allocates an annual printing and copying allowance of £20 depending on the course you are studying. For more details about costs for additional print and copying required over and above the annual allowance please see the Printing, photocopying and scanning information on the Library website.
Students will also be required to pay additional costs for printing, poster preparation and final dissertation copies in their final year - estimated costs approximately £20 - £30.
A deposit is required for laboratory lockers (approximately £5)
We offer prestigious scholarships to new international students holding offers to study at the University.
- For more information on these and other opportunities for funding please visit our international scholarships page.
- For information on how to pay your fees to the University please visit our international fee payment page.
What do the course fees cover?
Your course fees cover the cost of studies, and include loads of great benefits, such as the use of our library, support from our expert Employability team, and free use of the IT equipment across our campuses.
Library books
Most study modules will recommend one or more core text books, which most students choose to purchase. Book costs vary and further information is available in the University’s bookshop. Our libraries provide a good supply of essential text books, journals and materials (many of which you can access online) – meaning you may not need to purchase as many books as you might think! There may also be a supply of second-hand books available for purchase from previous year students.
Field trips
All essential field trip costs will be included in your course fees. There may be the opportunity to take part in optional field trips, which do incur additional costs.
Placements
If you're undertaking a placement year, you'll need to budget for accommodation and any travel costs you may incur whilst on placement. Many of our placement students do earn a salary whilst on placement which can help to cover these living costs.
Print and copy costs
The University allocates an annual printing and copying allowance of £20 depending on the course you are studying. For more details about costs for additional print and copying required over and above the annual allowance please see the Printing, photocopying and scanning information on the Library website.
Students will also be required to pay additional costs for printing, poster preparation and final dissertation copies in their final year - estimated costs approximately £20 - £30.
A deposit is required for laboratory lockers (approximately £5)