18Jan
UndergraduateAnglia Ruskin University has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.
Open days
Course summary
If you’re fascinated by forensic science but don’t meet the entry requirements for our 3 year BSc (Hons) Forensic Science course, our extended four year course is for you. It is accredited by the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences and provides graduates with the skills to follow a range of careers in forensic science and other analytical science related fields. Criminal prosecutions depend on evidence which has been safely and appropriately collected, stored, examined, analysed and reported by forensic scientists. In your foundation year, you’ll cover key areas of chemistry, biology and mathematics. After that you will learn the fundamental principles of forensic science from crime scene to court. You will learn how to analyse and investigate a range of evidence at crime scenes and in the forensic laboratory. During your degree you will have the opportunity to analyse a range of ‘real’ samples including ignitable liquid residues, drugs of abuse, trace evidence such as paint and fibres and biological material. By the time you graduate, you will have an understanding of the UK legal system and your role in it as a forensic scientist. You will be able to present your observations and conclusions as evidence in a court of law. You will also have learnt how to conduct thorough, independent research, and feel confident about presenting comprehensive reports, both verbally and in writing. During your degree you will have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience of a range of analytical techniques including Raman spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission (ICP-OES) spectroscopy, Microspectrophotometry (MSP) and various Gas Chromatography (GC) and Liquid- Chromatography (LC) instruments with different detection systems. For biological analysis we have a range of instruments available including a Nanodrop 1000 spectrophotometer, Qubit fluorometer, Lightcycler 96 real-time PCR system and an AB 3130 genetic analyser. In addition, we have a variety of microscopes available including comparison, polarizing light and confocal, as well as a selection of specialised forensic equipment. Our lecturers are all research-active and have first-hand experience of crime scene examination or the analysis of forensic evidence. As well as benefitting from their knowledge, you’ll have guest lectures from visiting professionals and get an understanding of the workplace through visits to places such as the Magistrates Court, Crown Court, and other field trips. Studying this course qualifies you to become a member of the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences (CSFS) and the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC).
Modules
Year 1: Core modules Interactive Learning Skills and Communication Information and Communication Technology Critical Thinking Maths for Scientists Cellular Biology Biology – Physiology Chemistry Physics for Life Scientists Year 2: Core modules United Kingdom Legal Systems and Law for Forensic Scientists Applied Science for Forensic Investigators Introduction to Forensic Photography and Methodologies Personal and Professional Development - Level 4 Physical and Quantitative Chemistry for Forensic Scientists Physical Criminalistics Group Tutorials Year 3 Core modules Forensic Genetics Forensic Scene Examination Forensic Spectroscopy Techniques Chemical Criminalistics Forensic Analytical Chemistry Personal and Professional Development - Level 5 Group Tutorials Ruskin Module Year 4: Core modules Advanced Forensic Methodologies Forensic Analysis of Drugs and Poisons Forensic Pathology Advanced Fire and Explosion Investigation Forensic Anthropology Undergraduate Major Project
Assessment method
We’ll use a range of assessment methods to measure your progress. Our 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.
How to apply
31Jan
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:
- F41F
- 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
5 GCSEs at grade 3, or grade D, or above, (or equivalent) plus evidence of having attempted two years of post GCSE study at level 3. Students who have achieved a minimum of 1 A level (or equivalent), will be exempt from the two year post GCSE requirement (as stated above) but must still hold 5 GCSEs (as stated above). Students without English as their first language will be expected to demonstrate a certificated level of proficiency of at least IELTS 5.5 (Academic level with at least 5.5 in each of the four components) or equivalent English Language qualification, as recognized by Anglia Ruskin University.
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
| EU | £9250* | Year 1 |
| England | £9250* | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £9250* | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £9250* | Year 1 |
| Wales | £9250* | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £9250* | Year 1 |
*This is a provisional fee and subject to change.
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
https://aru.ac.uk/student-life/preparing-for-university/help-with-finances/uk-eu-undergraduate
2021 international fees are to be confirmed
Provider information
Anglia Ruskin University
East Road
Cambridge
CB1 1PT