Explore how to collect, analyse and interpret chemical and biological evidence from crime scenes and how to present your findings in court on our accredited BSc (Hons) Forensic Science degree. Why study Forensic Science at ARU?

Study on a course that’s accredited by The Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences.

Benefit from our staffs' expertise in analytical chemistry, forensic anthropology, toxicology, forensic genetics and crime scene examination.

Bring the world of work to life through Live Briefs; take on real-world challenges and present modern solutions that directly impact and benefit prospective employers.

Get hands-on in our crime scene rooms, 200-seater SuperLab, and mock court room.

Prepare for work in law enforcement, forensic science, and elsewhere in the scientific sector.

From day one you will be learning all about forensic science in our amazing facilities including a SuperLab and our authentic crime scene rooms. You’ll be learning how to collect, analyse, and interpret chemical and biological evidence from crime scenes, and present your findings in our onsite courtroom. You’ll will be taught by subject experts providing real life examples and hands on experience. We have a fantastic range of guest speakers and a number of field trips including going to the mortuary at the ARU Medical School. Our staff are active in their fields and through their links with professional organisations we run Live brief assessments, which are designed and developed with local police forces and Forensic Science organisations, giving you invaluable exposure to ‘real world’ problem-solving. We’ll start by introducing you to the fundamentals of crime scene management and forensic analysis, the biological and chemical principles that underpin forensic science, and the UK law and legal systems. In years 2 and 3, we’ll drill down into the investigation of specific types of evidence and crime, encompassing death, fire, drugs, and poisons. You’ll also learn how to present your findings in court as an expert witness. Finally, you’ll complete an independent research project – an opportunity to explore a relevant topic of your choice and demonstrate everything you’ve learned. As a forensic science graduate you’ll be ready to work in a range of careers including laboratory analysis, quality control analysis, crime scene investigation and policing. As a Forensic Science student at ARU, you’ll be eligible for student membership of the Royal Society of Chemistry and the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences.

Modules

Year 1: United Kingdom Legal Systems and Law for Forensic Scientists (15 credits) Applied Science for Forensic Investigators (30 credits) Introduction to Forensic Photography and Methodologies (30 credits) Professional and Personal Development - Level 4 Physical and Quantitative Chemistry for Analytical Scientists (15 credits) Biological and Trace Evidence Analysis (30 credits) Year 2: Introduction to Forensic Genetics (15 credits) Forensic Scene Examination (15 credits) Forensic Spectroscopy Techniques (15 credits) Forensic Analytical Chemistry (30 credits) Professional and Personal Development - Level 5 Forensic Biology (15 credits) Project Preparation (15 credits) Ruskin Module (15 credits) Year 3: Work Placement Year 4 Core Modules: Forensic Analysis of Drugs and Poisons (15 credits) Forensic Pathology (15 credits) Undergraduate Major Project (30 credits) Advanced Forensic Methodologies (30 credits) Year 4 Optional Modules: Advanced Fire and Explosion Investigation (15 credits) Advanced Forensic Genetics (15 credits) Forensic Anthropology (15 credits)

Assessment method

Throughout the course, we’ll use a range of assessment methods to measure your progress. This course has a hands-on approach, so a lot of your assessment will be through practical work. You’ll also do exams, essays, portfolios, role plays and presentations.

Professional bodies

Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.

The Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences

How to apply

29Jan

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application codes

Course code:: F41S

Institution code:: A60

Campus name:: Cambridge Campus

Campus code:: C

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

Year 1

International applicants

We welcome applications from international and EU students, and accept a range of international qualifications.

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

UCAS Tariff - 112 points

GCSE/National 4/National 5

2025 entry requirements have been published using the current cycle information however, due to a current review these are subject to change. Please check back here for updates.

Please click the following link to find out more about qualification requirements for this course

http://www.aru.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/forensic-science

Student Outcomes

Operated by the Office for Students

Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)

Go onto work and study

The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

England	£9535	Year 1
Northern Ireland	£9535	Year 1
Scotland	£9535	Year 1
Wales	£9535	Year 1
Channel Islands	£9535	Year 1
Republic of Ireland	£9535	Year 1

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .

Additional fee information

In the 2025/26 academic year, the placement year fee will be £1,500. https://www.aru.ac.uk/student-life/support-and-facilities/careers-and-employability/placements https://www.aru.ac.uk/study/tuition-fees https://www.aru.ac.uk/student-life/preparing-for-study/help-with-finances

Provider information

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Anglia Ruskin University
East Road
Cambridge
CB1 1PT

Course contact details

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Main Contact

[email protected]

01245 686868

Anglia Ruskin University, Admissions Customer Services