7Dec
UndergraduateCoventry University has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.
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Course summary
The course provides students with a foundation in chemical and biological sciences coupled with forensic science requirements such as crime scene evaluation, collection and preservation of evidence, and legal aspects. Forensic science is a critical part of the criminal justice system. A forensic scientist will work in a diverse team to help resolve crimes, and will need to manage crime scenes, analyse evidence, and present expert witness statements in court.
- Through a ‘crime scene to court’ approach, students will be guided through essential concepts such as crime scene evaluation and preservation through to analysis, interpretation, and presentation of collected evidence.
- You will gain a keen theoretical and practical understanding of how science underpin the analysis of forensic materials and how this must withstand legal challenges.
- You will consider a range of forensic evidence types from toxicology, DNA, anthropology, particulates such as glass, fire and explosive residues.
- Authentic application using expert knowledge of practitioners in the fields of biology, chemistry, pharmacology, forensic science and forensic investigation who bring research and practical experience into the classroom (staff subject to change).
- A ‘crime scene to court’ design that guides you from initially securing a scene through to analysing materials and presenting evidence in a court of law. This allows you to understand the entire forensic science process as well as the responsibilities of the people involved.
- The multidisciplinary nature of the course means that graduates will be able to apply their knowledge to a range of employment and entrepreneurship opportunities within or outside the forensic science area.
- Opportunities to examine complex scenes in internal, external and international contexts exploring the use of 3D modelling, photography, and anthropology as methods of gathering forensic data*.
- You will be able to assess simulated crime scenes in our crime scene houses, and other settings, and will then examine evidence in our biological and analytical laboratories applying relevant analytical and evaluation techniques*.
Modules
Year One Year one introduces you to the basic scientific principles and practices of chemical and biological analysis. Forensic science theory is introduced as well as criminal law and the role of individuals and crime scene specialists, where you will develop skills in team working, critical thinking, and entrepreneurship. Forensic protocols in crime scene examination and collection, preservation and subsequent analysis of both human and physical evidence is explored. You will be supported to become confident, competent, and safe in laboratory and crime scene environments as well as develop your writing, numerical, research and presentation skills in preparation for your subsequent years. Modules Criminal and Civil Law Crime Scene Examination Fundamental Science and Laboratory Techniques Human Evidence Forensic Science in Practice Physical Evidence Year Two In year two, you will build on your knowledge of forensic science, covering topics such as forensic genetics, analysis of trace, marks and impressions found within complex indoor and outdoor crime scenes. You will use more complex methods of evidence evaluation such as 3D modelling, virtual reality environments and digital photography. To complete your studies you will further explore areas such as toxicology and the examination of drugs, forensic ecology and taphonomy studies. Modules Forensic Genetics Trace, Marks and Impressions Complex Crime Scene Examination Evidence, Analysis and Interpretation 3D Forensic Modelling Forensic Anthropology and Ecology Principles of Toxicology and Drug Examination Placement Year On successful completion of years one and two, you may elect to apply for either a one-year work experience placement, or a year of study abroad. These opportunities offer highly valued opportunities to enhance learning and help gain a competitive advantage in the workplace after graduation. Students taking this option will take an additional year to complete their degree. Work experience placements are competitive and successful acceptance cannot be guaranteed. Our Talent Team offer support for students in the application process. You should note that some work placements may require additional health and professional suitability checks including DBS and enhanced DBS criminal record checks. If you are unable to meet the health and suitability requirements, then the choice of placement opportunities will be restricted. If you choose to do a work placement year, you will pay a reduced tuition fee of £1,250. For further information please check the course page on the Coventry University website. During this time you will receive guidance from your employer or partner institution, along with your assigned academic mentor who will ensure you have the support you need to complete your placement. Final Year The final year will build on your knowledge gained from years one and two by exploring the role of forensic science on a global and international scale. Current and future techniques will be considered in relation to a variety of industries to allow you wider opportunities for career development. You will further develop research skills by undertaking a research project and will also produce a prosecution file culminating in a mock trial thus providing a capstone experience to the course in a crime scene to court module. Modules Research Design for Forensic and Biological Sciences Independent Project in Forensic and Biological Sciences International Forensic Science Advances in Biological Analysis Case Studies in Industry Crime Scene to Courtroom We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated. For further information please check the course page on the Coventry University website
Assessment method
This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which will vary depending upon the module. Assessment methods include: Tests Essays Group work Presentations Reports Projects Coursework Individual Assignments Laboratory competency tests Portfolios The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.
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
Please select a course option – you will then see the application code you need to use to apply for the course.
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - 112 points
A level - BBC
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - DMM
Access to HE Diploma - D: 15 credits M: 30 credits
Scottish Higher - CCCCC
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 30 points
GCSE/National 4/National 5
All applications are considered on an individual basis and the whole application is reviewed which includes previous and predicted qualifications, experience, reference and your motivation to study the course. The University also accepts the BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate / BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma and BTEC Level 3 National Diploma / BTEC Level 3 Diploma for entry onto degree programmes, provided that they are studied in combination with other qualifications that total the equivalent of three A2 Levels. This may include subject specific requirements where necessary. If you are successful in receiving an offer, you will be invited to attend an Applicant Visit Day to discover more about the course and studying at Coventry University.
English language requirements
5 GCSEs at grade 4 / C or above to include English, Mathematics and two Sciences.
Student Outcomes
Operated by the Office for Students
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
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
| 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 |
*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
No additional fees or cost information has been supplied for this course, please contact the provider directly.
Provider information
Coventry University
Priory Street
Coventry
CV1 5FB