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).