University of Staffordshire has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.
Course summary
If you want to develop scientific expertise and advanced problem solving, applying it to very practical demands, our Forensic Science degree may be for you. Our Forensic Science degrees have been designed to develop scientific expertise, advanced analytical problem solving and transferable skills. The course is ideal for those who are interested in the application of science within the criminal justice system. You will benefit from our highly practical approach to learning. You will gain hands-on experience using a range of instruments and techniques used in forensic science, such as Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS), DNA profiling, blood splatter analysis, drug profiling and scanning electron microscopy. Our industry standard facilities include a crime scene house and specialist laboratories. The Foundation Year option is available for those who may not have the academic profile for direct entry onto the 3 year degree. It will prepare you for the Forensic Science degree by enhancing your skills and capabilities in Chemistry, Biology and Mathematics. The Foundation Year is taught by Stoke on Trent College, then you will be on Staffordshire University Stoke on Trent Campus from your second year. On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: BSc (Hons) Forensic Science
Modules
Foundation Year: Academic and Digital Skills; Applied Science; Biology; Chemistry; Communicating Science Project; Maths and Data Handling Year One Core: Case Studies in Criminal Justice; Crime Scene Processing; Introduction to Forensic Biology; Introduction to Forensic Chemistry; Practical Forensic Scientific Techniques Year One Optional: Detection and Analysis of Drugs; Fraud and Forgeries; Digital Evidence Processing Year Two Core: Analytical Methods in Forensic Science; Biological Methods in Forensic Science; Designing Research Projects; Marks and Traces Year Two Optional: Chemical and Biological Interactions in Forensics; Firearm Investigations; Forensic Anthropology in the 21st Century; Forensic Archaeology; Vehicle Collision Investigation Year Three Core: Collection and Analysis of Scene Evidence; Expert Witness and the Legal System; Forensic Research Project; Modern Forensics Year Three Optional: Forensic Field School; Synthetic Chemistry for Forensic Science; Techniques in the Identification of Human Remains
Assessment method
Your course will provide you with opportunities to test your understanding of your subject informally before you complete the formal assessments that count towards your final mark. Each module normally includes practice or ‘formative’ assessments, for which you receive feedback from your tutor. Practice assessments are developmental and any grades you receive for them do not count towards your module mark. There is a formal or ‘summative’ assessment at the end of each module. This includes a range of coursework assessments, such as essays, reports, portfolios, performance, presentations, final year, independent project and written examinations. The grades from formal assessments count towards your module mark.
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:
- F413
- Institution code:
- S72
- Campus name:
- Stoke-on-Trent College
- Campus code:
- A
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Foundation
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - 48 points
A level - AE
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - PPP
Access to HE Diploma
AS - AE
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - D*D* - PP
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - D* - P
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016) - D* - P
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Certificate (first teaching from September 2016) - D* - P
Extended Project - A* - E
Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017) - H5, H6, H6, H6, H6
OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma - PPP
OCR Cambridge Technical Diploma - D*D* - PP
OCR Cambridge Technical Subsidiary Diploma - D*D*, PP
OCR Cambridge Technical Foundation Diploma - D*D*, PP
OCR Cambridge Technical Introductory Diploma - D* - P
OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Certificate - D* - P
OCR Cambridge Technical Certificate - D* - P
Student Outcomes
Operated by the Office for Students
There is no data available for this course. For further information visit the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| England | £6550 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £6550 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £6550 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £6550 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £6550 | 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
Indicative fees are for the foundation year of the course and will increase to the standard fee of £9250 for each year of the course thereafter.
For further details of what is and is not included in your tuition fees please visit www.staffs.ac.uk/fees
Provider information
University of Staffordshire
College Road
Stoke on Trent
ST4 2DE