Course summary
Benefit from a team of research-active academics and experts who work at the forefront of the field and who use interactive and practical teaching approaches to bring theory and practice to life Gain a specialist degree in a rapidly growing field with a current skills shortage in the marketplace Learn how to successfully present your evidence in written format and orally within a mock trial Enhance your employability with the opportunity to complete a work placement year with a relevant organisation Access a wide range of specialist software and tools including a range of laboratories, a dedicated crime scene house and a taphonomic facility with a licence to carry out decomposition studies Are you a keen scientist with an eye for detail? The latest addition to the University of Winchester’s Forensics’ portfolio is a fascinating degree in the fast-evolving environment of Forensic Science. It joins existing programmes in Forensic Investigation, and Cyber Crime and Forensic Investigation. Like the other programmes, the Forensic Science degree will offer modules that give you a firm grounding in the theoretical and practical aspects of crime scene investigation, evidence analysis and expert witness skills. But in addition, you will be offered specific modules in chemistry, molecular biology and toxicology. The multidisciplinary nature of the subject is further explored through aspects of physics, mathematics and statistics, and you will be exposed to a number of specialist topics, such as anthropology, archaeology, entomology and linguistics. During your three years studying Forensic Science, you will have the opportunity to attend mock crime scenes, to recover and analyse forensic evidence, and to present your results in a variety of ways, such as expert witness reports and oral and poster presentations. You will encounter a large variety of evidence types and learn from real forensic practitioners how to examine and interpret the evidence. The programme will include a significant amount of laboratory work in order to ensure you gain competence in the selection and use of a range of methods used in the location, identification, recovery, examination, comparison, extraction and scientific analysis of commonly encountered physical, chemical and biological materials. Teaching takes place through a variety of methods, including small group seminars, field work and laboratory practicals. You will gain valuable practical skills and develop your independent thinking by working under crime scene conditions and undertaking evidence collection using the universities facilities such as new laboratory, taphonomic facility and a proposed crime scene house. In Year 1, you study key issues in forensic investigation and begin to develop your own research and analytical skills. Core modules include History of Forensic Science, Introduction to Forensic Evidence, Non-Biological Evidence, Biological Evidence, Contemporary Issues, Introduction to Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Academic and Employment Skills. In Year 2, you explore modules on Forensic Medicine, Research Methods, Practical Skills, Forensic DNA Evidence, Forensic Ecology, Geoforensics and Forensic Toxicology. In your final year, you will study modules in Crime Scene Investigation and Court Room Skills, and carry out an extended research project of your own design. This enables you to specialise in your chosen field of research, under the guidance of your supervisor. Key transferable skills are gained throughout the course, which are important for employability and those entering further education. These include the ability to communicate findings through oral and poster presentations, to write detailed and clear laboratory logs and expert witness reports, and to present evidence orally under cross-examination.
How to apply
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:
- F430
- Institution code:
- W76
- Campus name:
- Main Site
- Campus code:
- -
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
Applicants are required to hold a minimum of 2 x A-level or equivalent qualifications (e.g. 2 x BTEC National Subsidiary Diplomas) and we accept all A-level subjects, including Critical Thinking, General Studies and own-language A-levels. We welcome applicants who have completed the Extended Project (EP/EPQ) and points obtained from this qualification will be included in any offer. In addition, we accept a maximum of 32 points from level 3 qualifications below A2 that are included in the tariff (e.g. AS-levels not studied at A-level, music or dance qualifications). If you are a mature student, your application will be considered on its individual merits and work or other professional experience may be taken into consideration in lieu of other published requirements.
English language requirements
Test | Grade | Additional details |
---|---|---|
IELTS (Academic) | 6 | An overall score of 6.0, including 5.5 in writing is required. If you require Tier 4 sponsorship, you will require a minimum of 5.5 in all 4 components. |
Unistats information
The student satisfaction data is from students surveyed during the Covid-19 pandemic. 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 | £9250 | Year 1 |
Northern Ireland | £9250 | Year 1 |
Scotland | £9250 | Year 1 |
Wales | £9250 | Year 1 |
Channel Islands | £9250 | Year 1 |
Republic of Ireland | £9250 | Year 1 |
EU | £14700 | Year 1 |
International | £14700 | Year 1 |
Additional fee information
Provider information
University of Winchester
Sparkford Road
Winchester
Hampshire
SO22 4NR