Forensic Science with Foundation Year
University of West London
UCAS Code: F412 | Bachelor of Science (with Honours) - BSc (Hons)
University of West London
UCAS Code: F412 | Bachelor of Science (with Honours) - BSc (Hons)
Entry requirements
A level
Pass Access to HE Diploma (Minimum of 45 credits at level 3)
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
UCAS Tariff
About this course
Would you like to develop your knowledge of biological and chemical sciences to support crime scene investigations? Technological advances in crime detection are increasing the demand for qualified experts and this course will prepare you to start an exciting career as a sought-after forensic scientist.
From studying this BSc (Hons) Forensic Science course, you will learn how to investigate a crime scene from the perspective of the forensic crime scene examiner and expert witness.
Using case studies based on actual crimes and under the guidance of tutors who are experts in their fields, you will explore evidence retrieval and processing, how to evaluate information derived from forensic evidence, follow-up procedures, and other core forensic skills.
Our cutting-edge facilities, which include a suite of Crime Scene Rooms and a dedicated Blood Spatter Research Room, will enable you to develop essential investigative and research abilities in a practical context.
These skills combined with hands-on, work-based learning will help you stand out to future employers who often look for applicants with practical experience.
This course has been accredited by the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences.
What you'll study
This Forensic Science degree course gives you the exciting opportunity to develop a valuable specialism. Throughout the course, we emphasise the practical application of what you will learn in your theory modules.
Our advanced facilities and equipment are integral parts of the course. Here you will apply scientific theories and evidence-gathering techniques in practical contexts – both in crime scene rooms and a laboratory.
You will also develop your analytical skills for assessing blood spatter, DNA evidence and the investigative process.
In addition to laboratory work, you will benefit from many innovative teaching methods, including:
• simulated case-work activities
• crime scene practical situations
• court presentation scenarios.
You will also gain essential transferable skills that are attractive to employers in a range of fields. We will help you to:
• enhance your problem-solving skills
• develop your analytical thinking and an investigative approach
• develop lateral thinking skills
• adapt to changing requirements
• develop the ability to communicate information clearly.
As a student of this course, you will be eligible to apply for student membership of The Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences, as well as other professional organisations.
The foundation year course is designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge you need to continue onto your Honours degree. You will study a range of subjects that will underpin your future study and also gain valuable experience of university life, with full access to campus facilities. Successful completion of the year allows you to progress straight onto Level 4 of this course.
Tuition fees
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The Uni
Main site - West London
School of Human and Social Sciences
What students say
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How do students rate their degree experience?
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Forensic and archaeological sciences
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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
What about your long term prospects?
Looking further ahead, below is a rough guide for what graduates went on to earn.
Forensic and archaeological sciences
The graph shows median earnings of graduates who achieved a degree in this subject area one, three and five years after graduating from here.
£23k
£25k
£25k
Note: this data only looks at employees (and not those who are self-employed or also studying) and covers a broad sample of graduates and the various paths they've taken, which might not always be a direct result of their degree.
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Post-six month graduation stats:
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It offers a snapshot of what grads went on to do six months later, what they were earning on average, and whether they felt their degree helped them obtain a 'graduate role'. We calculate a mean rating to indicate if this is high, medium or low compared to other universities.
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Graduate field commentary:
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The Longitudinal Educational Outcomes dataset combines HRMC earnings data with student records from the Higher Education Statistics Agency.
While there are lots of factors at play when it comes to your future earnings, use this as a rough timeline of what graduates in this subject area were earning on average one, three and five years later. Can you see a steady increase in salary, or did grads need some experience under their belt before seeing a nice bump up in their pay packet?
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