Forensic Science (With Foundation Year)

UCAS code: F4FY

Here's what University of Bedfordshire says about its Forensic Science (With Foundation Year) course.

Technological advances have made the role of the forensic scientist increasingly important in crime investigations and other fields such as archaeology. Our degree course provides you with a comprehensive understanding of the biological and chemical sciences involved as well as exploring the most recent advances in areas such as DNA analysis, toxicology, criminal psychology, and fire and explosive analysis.

Foundation Year In the Foundation year you will study three days per week. The focus will be on academic writing skills and numeracy, plus subject-specific content to fully prepare you for entry to an Undergraduate degree. It provides a balance between content related to your chosen subject and the range of wider skills required for undergraduate study. This is an integrated four-year degree, with the foundation year as a key part of the course. You will be required to pass the foundation year in order to progress to the first year of your degree. This course is ideal for those who do not meet our standard entry requirements or those with a non-standard educational background. It will allow you to graduate with a full undergraduate degree in your chosen subject in four years.

Course Accreditation/Industry Endorsement

• Our BSc (Hons) Forensic Science is accredited by The Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences (CSFS) so you can be sure its content and teaching are of a high, internationally recognised standard.

Facilities and Specialist Equipment

• Modern STEM building with high-tech labs and bespoke study spaces, providing you with a vibrant and supportive learning environment.

• Mock crime-scene flat designed as a typical residential home, allowing you to simulate crime scenarios and apply your learning to real-life situations.

• Specialist forensic laboratory with state-of-the-art microscopes and insectary.

• Practise for court appearances in the University’s Moot Court.

Partnerships and Collaborations

• Our Life Sciences Liaison Board works with industry professionals across the pharma-biotech, health and food sectors, including Glaxo Smith Kline, the NHS and Cellmark Forensics. Our collaboration within the sector help you establish links and gain valuable work experience.

Your Student Experience

• Prepare for future employment with our courses’ hands-on approach to learning.

• Put theory into practice in a real-world research project of your choosing.

• Our academic team are industry professionals in forensic science

• Study with academics who have world-leading research expertise in areas such as community safety, offending and youth justice; their experience shapes their teaching, keeping you up to date with the latest industry developments.

• Explore your prospects and connect with leading employers at our annual STEM Careers Expo.

• Learn from our regular masterclasses and interactive demonstrations by industry experts such as Paul Kingdon, former New Scotland Yard detective and police training manager for the Metropolitan Police Service Crime Academy.

• Take part in night-time, mock crime-scene investigations at our Putteridge Bury campus.

• Gain additional lab-work experience via the Student Skills Lab scheme where you can try out techniques for real-world applications, under the guidance of recent graduates.

Areas of study include:

• Chemistry and Molecular Genetics
• Essential Skills in Forensic Science
• Human Anatomy and Physiology
• Psychology and Criminal Behaviour
• Forensic Biology
• Interpretation and Presentation of Forensic Evidence
• Psychology and Criminal Justice
• Skills and Crimes Against Property
• Crime Scene to Court
• Fire Analysis
• Forensic Genetics
• Forensic Science Research Project
• Forensic Toxicology and Drug Analysis

Every effort is made to ensure this information is accurate at the point of publication on the UCAS website. For the most up-to-date information, please refer to our website.