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Forensic Sciences at Abertay University - UCAS

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Course summary

Go beyond the police tape with this fascinating and highly practical Forensic Sciences degree. Learn the techniques that underpin the recognition, identification, recovery, analysis and evaluation of information which can be used as evidence in court. Are you naturally inquisitive with a passion for chemistry and biology? Do you like to solve problems for fun? Put these traits to work on this Forensic Sciences degree that equips you with the valuable skills you need to help support the legal process. It's a hands-on degree, where you'll analyse crime scenes in our purpose-built facilities, and learn forensic analysis techniques in our state-of-the-art laboratories. You'll go on fact-finding field trips to places like the mortuary, and observe bomb disposal experts at work. Work placement options There are work placement opportunities, plus you’ll be taught by academics who’ve come directly from industry and forensic researchers at the cutting edge of their field. Along the way you’ll hear lectures from organisations including Scottish Police Authority, the Army Bomb Squad, an international Disaster Victim Identification expert, a global expert in scene examination training, and former students in working in this field. You'll learn about the forensic responses to some of the biggest disaster events in recent history, and the correct methods for identifying human remains. A hands-on and practical degree This vocational course consists of three main study areas: forensic science, chemistry and biology. It also includes psychology and law, designed to help prepare you for a variety of workplace situations. You'll cover topics such as:

  • Crime scene investigation.
  • Body fluid analysis.
  • DNA profiling.
  • Fingerprinting.
  • Substances of abuse and toxicology.
Abertay's Forensic Sciences degree is professionally accredited and commended by the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences (CSoFS), which means you're eligible to apply for associate membership on graduation. This degree is ranked top in the UK for teaching, academic support and resources (NSS 2023).

Modules

Year 1 core modules (subject to change over time) - FOR101 Foundations of Chemistry 1; FOR103 Introduction to Forensic Science, Practice and Techniques; LSC101 Biology 1: Biology Principles and Practice; FOR102 Foundations of Chemistry 2; LSC102 Human Physiology. You will also be required to select one elective module. For detailed module information please check our website.

Assessment method

We offer a broad range of learning environments, including traditional lecture and tutorial format, student-led learning, interactive class sessions, practical and a substantial element of laboratory work. We encourage independent study, meaning that you take responsibility for your own learning. Your study is assessed with a variety of methods enabling you to demonstrate progress in different ways. Coursework typically includes laboratory reports, essays and oral presentations. Formal exams typically include questions that require either short answers or essays coupled with problem-solving of forensic-related challenges. In your final dissertation you are individually supported by an experienced research active member of staff. Lab reports, essays, oral presentations and exams. Year 1 is approximately 50% exam and 50% coursework. Year 4 is approximately 100% exam in some instances - not including final year project, which is coursework based.


How to apply

Application codes

Course code:
F410
Institution code:
A30
Campus name:
Abertay Campus
Campus code:
-

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1
  • Year 2

Entry requirements for advanced entry (i.e. into Year 2 and beyond)

Year 2 - Higher National Certificate/Diploma or equivalent Please see website for accepted courses

Entry requirements

Standard Qualification Requirements

Applicants should have National 5/GCSE English and Maths at grade C/4 or equivalent - Lifeskill Maths and Application of Maths NOT accepted in lieu of Maths

Please click the following link to find out more about qualification requirements for this course

https://www.abertay.ac.uk/course-search/undergraduate/forensic-sciences/

Minimum Qualification Requirements

We may make you an offer at the minimum entry grades if you meet the criteria.

Please click the following link to find out more about minimum qualification requirements for this course

https://www.abertay.ac.uk/course-search/undergraduate/forensic-sciences/


English language requirements

We look for applicants to have achieved an overall IELTS score of 6.0 with no individual test lower than 5.5. Some degrees have higher requirements - refer to the 'entry routes' tab of each degree for more detail.

List of English Language Requirements

https://www.abertay.ac.uk/studying/informationforinternationalstudents/english-requirements/


Student Outcomes

Operated by the Office for Students
80%
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
100%
Go onto work and study

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

Scotland £1820 Year 1
England £9250 Year 1
Northern Ireland £9250 Year 1
Wales £9250 Year 1
Republic of Ireland £9250 Year 1
EU £15000 Year 1
International £15000 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

International/EU fees are £15,500 for the following courses:- BA (Hons) Computer Arts BSc (Hons) Computer Game Applications Development BSc (Hons) Computer Games Technology BSc (Hons) Computing BSc (Hons) Computer Science BSc (Hons) Computer Science with Cybersecurity BSc (Hons) Ethical Hacking BA (Hons) Game Design and Production
Forensic Sciences at Abertay University - UCAS