Course summary

Enter the fascinating world of Forensic Science at Kent to gain knowledge and practical skills in crime scene incident investigation, evidence recovery and analysis. Whether you’re looking for a change of career, or may not have the scientific background or entry requirements for a degree in Forensic Science, our Foundation Year offers the opportunity to fill in any knowledge gaps and build your confidence. This programme is designed for students who do not meet the requirements for direct entry to Stage 1 of our degree courses, and is an excellent conversion course for applicants who have shown academic ability in non-science subjects. We create simulated crime scenes and conduct major incident exercises where you react in real time to an unfolding event. You can even prepare a case for court and present it at a simulated trial in a realistic court environment. You’ll see how forensic skills can also be applied within archaeology and in the food and pharmaceutical industries. Reasons to study Forensic Science with a Foundation Year at Kent

• Our foundation year offers you the flexibility to progress to degrees across our Division of Natural Sciences. You many choose a degree in Forensic Science, but equally you could opt for a degree within Biosciences, Chemistry or Sport and Exercise Sciences.

• There may also be an opportunity to progress to a four-year MSci programme that includes a final-year research project.

• Forensic Science at Kent was ranked 3rd overall in the UK, and 2nd for graduate prospects in The Complete University Guide 2023.

• Regular investment in our facilities ensures you learn in a world-class environment.

• Our unique courses teach you the science behind the crime scenes, as well as criminal law and specialist modules such as ballistics, DNA analysis and digital forensics.

• Apply your knowledge and practical skills in our fantastic forensic investigation facilities, which include a crime scene house and vehicles along with industry-standard laboratories.

• Discover opportunities to spend a year in industry gaining valuable work experience or spend a year studying abroad.

• In your foundation year, you study compulsory modules in biology, chemistry and scientific methods, plus a choice of optional modules. On successful completion of the foundation year, you will have reached a standard above A level and so be fully equipped to tackle a BSc degree course.

• In the first year of your Forensic Science degree, you will start by getting to grips with the broad base of knowledge on which forensic science is built, including core chemistry, biochemistry, drug chemistry, and ballistics. You also develop solid investigative and laboratory skills.

• Next you build on this knowledge to cover analytical chemistry, forensic archaeology, digital forensics, fires and explosions, and firearms. You also are trained in forensic expert witness skills.

• Our crime scene house helps you to develop your approaches to evidence recording and preservation, and to appreciate the importance of persistence. Extensive use of these practical sessions helps to prepare you for the diverse nature of crime scenes you may encounter in your future career and to develop many transferable skills for the future.