You’ve got a keen, analytical mind and a need to get to the truth. Build on your respect for evidence and analytical sciences with our three year Forensic Science degree, accredited by the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences. Our Cambridge-based course gets you hands-on with specialist analytical equipment, authentic crime scene rooms and placement and internship opportunities with local police forces and forensic labs. You’ll graduate with the skills to start a career in forensic science and other analytical science-related fields.
This course will teach you the fundamental principles of forensic science from crime scene to court. You’ll learn how to analyse and investigate a range of evidence at crime scenes and in the forensic laboratory. In the first year of your degree, you will cover key forensic concepts including how to package evidence correctly and perform preliminary tests for body fluids and drugs of abuse. You will also gain knowledge in the scientific disciplines to equip you for the more advanced analytical modules you will encounter as the degree progresses. During your degree you will have the opportunity to analyse a range of ‘real’ samples including ignitable liquid residues, drugs of abuse, trace evidence such as paint and fibres and biological material. By the time you graduate, you will have developed an understanding of the UK legal system and your role in it as a forensic scientist. You will be able to present your observations and conclusions as evidence in a court of law. You will also have learnt how to conduct thorough, independent research, and feel confident about presenting comprehensive reports, both verbally and in writing.
You will have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience of a range of analytical techniques including Raman spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission (ICP-OES) spectroscopy, Microspectrophotometry (MSP) and various Gas Chromatography (GC) and Liquid- Chromatography (LC) instruments with different detection systems. For biological analysis we have a range of instruments available including a Nanodrop 1000 spectrophotometer, Qubit fluorometer, Lightcycler 96 real-time PCR system and an AB 3130 genetic analyser. In addition, we have a variety of microscopes available including comparison, polarizing light and confocal, as well as a selection of specialised forensic equipment.
Our lecturers are all research-active and have first-hand experience of crime scene examination or the analysis of forensic evidence. As well as benefitting from their knowledge, you’ll have guest lectures from visiting professionals and get an understanding of the workplace through visits to places such as the Magistrates Court, Crown Court, and other field trips.
Studying this course qualifies you to become a member of the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences (CSFS) and the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC).
Course Details - Modules
Year one, core modules
Introduction to Forensic Methodologies
Introduction to Biology and Forensic Chemistry
UK Law and Legal Systems
Physical Criminalistics
Introduction to Police and Forensic Photography
Physical and Quantitative Chemistry for Forensic Scientists
Year two, core modules
Forensic Spectroscopy Techniques
Scene and Laboratory Investigation
Forensic Analytical Chemistry
The Forensic Analysis of DNA
Project Preparation
Chemical Criminalistics
Work placement (optional placement year)
Year three, core modules
Forensic Anthropology
Forensic Pathology
Advanced Fire and Explosion Investigations
Advanced Forensic Methodologies
The Forensic Analysis of Drugs and Poisons
Undergraduate Major Project
Course Details – Assessment Method
Throughout the course, we’ll use a range of assessment methods to measure your progress. This course has a hands-on approach, so a lot of your assessment will be through practical work. You’ll also do exams, essays, portfolios, role plays and presentations.
Course Details – Professional Bodies
Professional Bodies are not listed for this Course.
How to Apply
26 January 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
Course code:
F411
Institution code:
A60
Campus Name:
Cambridge Campus
Campus code:
Points of Entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
Year 1
Entry Requirements for Advanced Entry (Year 2 and Beyond)
Entry Requirements for Advanced Entry are not listed for this Course.
International applicants
Standard Qualification Requirements
from a minimum of 2 A Levels (or equivalent), including grade C in Biology or Chemistry
2020 entry requirements are under review for the next cycle and have been published using the current cycle information. Please check back when Apply opens for the exact requirements.
If English is not your first language you will be expected to demonstrate a certificated level of proficiency of at least IELTS 6.0 (Academic Level - with no individual score being lower than 5.5) or equivalent English Language qualification, as recognised by Anglia Ruskin University.
Please click the following link to find out more about qualification requirements for this course
