Course summary
Why choose this course? Ready to take a deep dive into the scientific principles that underpin forensic investigations? Our course equips you to examine crime scenes, analyse evidence and present results in court as an expert witness. From sharp force trauma to spectra, bones to bugs, get ready to develop your practical skills for an exciting scientific career. You will:
- Get hands-on practical experience to ensure you develop the skills needed in the industry, using our state-of-the-art teaching laboratories, crime scene house and decomposition research facility.
- Choose from three distinct areas of specialisation in forensic chemistry, forensic biology or postmortem investigation with comprehensive facilities and equipment dedicated to each field.
- Have the chance to study bilingually as we embed Welsh language skills across the programme, giving you a competitive edge in the job market.
- Benefit from our excellent connections with local and international organisations, including specialist laboratories, local police forces and experts in areas such as drone technology and disaster victim identification.
- Receive teaching and support from a team of highly qualified staff with a range of expertise and interests.
- Have the opportunity to take part in a wide variety of extra-curricular activities to enhance your main study programme such as guest lectures, short courses, local excursions, and residential trips
- Build academic confidence with our Forensic Science Foundation Year for those returning to study or wanting more time and support to develop their scientific knowledge
- This course allows students to pursue their strengths and interests with key pathways in forensic chemistry, forensic biology and postmortem investigation.
- Take advantage of our newly renovated science laboratories with state-of-the-art AV systems and teaching equipment allowing hands-on practical experience of modern laboratory equipment including a broad range of analytical instruments.
- You will have access to specialist facilities such as our crime scene house and vehicles allowing the replication of a range of scenarios. We also have the first and only Decomposition Research Facility in Wales, an osteology work room with access to both human and animal remains, a purpose-built court room for mock trials and the FAST 3D Lab.
- Work-related learning opportunities for all students as well as a dedicated placement year for students electing this pathway as well as opportunities to collaborate and network with researchers and practitioners from a variety of specialisms.
- Small teaching groups with low student to staff ratio supporting individualised support with studies, including the opportunity to begin learning or progress current Welsh Language skills. This includes carefully curated Welsh content during each academic year and the option for tutorials in Welsh.
- Opportunities to join several professional bodies as a student member, including the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences, the Royal Society of Biology, the Royal Society of Chemistry and the Institute for Archaeologists.
Modules
What you will study Year 1 (Level 4) Maths & Statistics for Science (Core) Introduction to Chemistry (Core) Crime Scene Investigation (Core) Criminal Justice (Core) Essential Laboratory Skills (Core) Cell Biology, Biochemistry & Genetics (Core) Year 2 (Level 5) Forensic Evidence & Quality Management (Core) Forensic Ecology (Core) Analytical Methods in Applied Science (Core) Research Methods (Core) Taphonomy (Option) Anatomy & Pathology (Option) Forensic Instrumental Analysis (Option) Laboratory Instrumental Analysis (Option) Cell & Molecular Biology (Option) Applied & Medical Microbiology (Option) Year 3 (Level 6) Research Project (Core) Emerging Technologies & Digital Forensics (Core) Drugs & Toxicology (Option) Drugs & the Human Body (Option) Forensic Archaeology (Option) Case Studies in Forensic Science (Core) Professional Practice & the Expert Witness (Core)
Assessment method
Teaching & Assessment A broad range of assessment methods are used; these include task-based exercises, crime scene and courtroom scenarios, oral and poster presentations, essays and laboratory reports, and written exams. Each module is assessed by a variety of methods, enabling students to display their full potential. A project dissertation will form one of the final parts of your assessment. TEACHING AND LEARNING Wrexham University is committed to supporting our students to maximise their academic potential. We offer workshops and support sessions in areas such as academic writing, effective note-making and preparing for assignments. Students can book appointments with academic skills tutors dedicated to helping deal with the practicalities of university work. Our student support section has more information on the help available. In terms of particular needs, the University’s Inclusion Services can provide appropriate guidance and support should any students require reasonable adjustments to be made because of a recognised prevailing disability, medical condition, or specific learning difference.
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:
- F412
- Institution code:
- G53
- Campus name:
- Wrexham
- Campus code:
- -
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
- Year 2
- Year 3
International applicants
If you require a Student Visa (formerly referred to as Tier 4 visa) to study in the UK, please apply through Centurus at https://centurusone.com/apply/1111. Please note if you do require a student visa and you do not proceed to submit your application via the correct application portal, we cannot guarantee that an application via UCAS will be processed.
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - 96 - 112 points
A level - CCC - BBC
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - MMM - DMM
Access to HE Diploma - D: 0 credits M: 45 credits P: 0 credits
Scottish Higher - CDDDDD
AS
Scottish Advanced Higher - DDD
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (last awarded Summer 2024)
Extended Project
Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017)
Leaving Certificate - Ordinary Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017)
Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal
Wrexham University takes into account a variety of qualifications and experience when considering applications to our programmes. If you are unsure if the qualifications you currently hold will be accepted for entry, or if you're not sure you'll achieve the required UCAS Tariff points, please contact us at [email protected] for further advice and guidance.
Student Outcomes
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 |
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
Provider information
Wrexham University
Plas Coch
Mold Road
Wrexham
LL11 2AW