Forensic Science
Entry requirements
A level
Total of 60 credits (45 credits at Level 3 and 15 credits at Level 2) from an Access to Higher Education Diploma in a related subject with passes in Level 2 Maths and Communication units. QAA accredited course required.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
MMM in a science-related subject.
Scottish Higher
A minimum of 112 UCAS points from three passes at Higher level, including biology or human biology, and English and Maths at Standard level.
UCAS Tariff
a minimum of 112 points from A levels including a C in Biology or Human Biology, or a minimum of 112 UCAS points from an equivalent Level 3 qualification eg BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma/Diploma, Advanced Diploma, Progression Diploma or Access to HE Diploma with 60 credits
About this course
This course has alternative study modes. Contact the university to find out how the information below might vary.
**Why study this course?**
Skilled forensic scientists are able to form an unbiased, technical understanding of any crime scene and defend their findings in court. On this fascinating degree course, you'll develop your analytical skills through problem solving exercises and hands-on lab work. You'll examine applications of bio-analysis in the modern world, such as poison and drug analysis, fingerprints and DNA profiling.
In the most recent (2015-16) Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education (DLHE) survey, 100% of graduates from this course were in work or further study within six months.
**More about this course**
This degree will prepare you to meet the growing demand for analytical expertise as you learn to tackle the problems encountered in forensic science. You’ll gain a solid foundation in general subjects that underpin forensic science including chemistry, molecular and cell biology, and genetics.
You'll carry out a range of biological, chemical and criminalistic procedures in a safe, competent and reliable way, and get the chance to put your skills to the test with hands-on laboratory sessions taught in our £30 million Science Centre. You’ll find yourself interpreting blood patterns, processing crime scenes, identifying firearms and tracing evidence.
Your normal lectures will be supported by guest lectures led by specialist practitioners from a variety of forensic science disciplines. Not only will you gain valuable insight into today’s industry, you’ll also have the opportunity to network with potential employers, colleagues and mentors.
**What our students say**
"I felt the course in general was very informative and very detailed. The lecturers were able to answer questions and relate to their work experience on the field. The library facilities along with the late opening hours were excellent. I also found that the online access to journals and library catalogues was very helpful."
National Student Survey (NSS) 2016
Modules
Module details below are subject to change. Please see the university website course page for full module details.
Year 1 modules include:
Professional Studies (core, 15 credits);
Anatomy and Physiology 1 (core, 15 credits);
Anatomy and Physiology 2 (core, 15 credits);
General Chemistry (core, 15 credits);
Cell Biology (core, 15 credits);
Biochemistry (core, 15 credits);
Fundamentals of Molecular Biology (core, 15 credits);
General Microbiology (core, 15 credits)
Year 2 modules include:
Criminalistics 1 (core, 15 credits);
Criminalistics 2 (core, 15 credits);
Quantitative Analysis (core, 5 credits);
Molecular Biology (core, 15 credits);
Human Immunity (core, 15 credits);
Spectroscopic methods (core, 15 credits);
Microbiology (core, 15 credits)
Year 3 modules include:
Project (core, 30 credits);
Toxicology (core, 15 credits);
Inference for Biological Remains (core, 30 credits);
Biochemical Pathology (core, 15 credits);
Advanced Bioanalytical Science (core, 15 credits);
Medical Genetics (option, 15 credits);
Work Placement (for Life Sciences) (option, 15 credits);
Virology (option, 15 credits);
Applied Immunology (option, 15 credits)
Assessment methods
Your practical skills will be assessed through coursework assignments, including your final project, and your data handling skills will be assessed through practical reports, problem-solving exercises, information abstracting and reviewing exercises, poster presentations and seminar presentations.
Tuition fees
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What students say
We've crunched the numbers to see if overall student satisfaction here is high, medium or low compared to students studying this subject(s) at other universities.
How do students rate their degree experience?
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Forensic and archaeological sciences
Teaching and learning
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Who studies this subject and how do they get on?
Most popular A-Levels studied (and grade achieved)
After graduation
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Forensic and archaeological sciences
What are graduates doing after six months?
This is what graduates told us they were doing (and earning), shortly after completing their course. We've crunched the numbers to show you if these immediate prospects are high, medium or low, compared to those studying this subject/s at other universities.
Top job areas of graduates
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