Forensic science is the application of science in support of the legal process. This degree will equip you with essential knowledge and skills in biological and chemical sciences necessary for a career in this field.
You will gain hands-on experience in our well-equipped laboratories and investigate typical crime scene scenarios in a realistic manner. The optional sandwich degree award offers the benefit of a paid industry placement. Study abroad opportunities are available
The police and customs and excise are obvious employers; however, work in environmental protection, accident investigation, drug research, the chemical industry and biomedical sciences is possible.
Graduates also continue studies in forensic science on taught MSc programmes and in postgraduate research.
BSc (Hons) Forensic Science graduates are eligible to apply for Associate Membership of the Royal Society of Chemistry (AMRSC) – conditions apply, see our website for full details.
Career prospects
The police and customs and excise are the obvious employers. However, work in environmental protection, accident investigation, drug research, the chemical industry and biomedical sciences is possible. Graduates also continue studies in forensic science on taught MSc programmes and in postgraduate research.
Placement/Work-based learning
For students interested in gaining practical experience, the optional sandwich degree award offers the benefit of a paid industry placement.
Study abroad
You may study abroad while gaining credit towards your degree at one of our 80 educational partner organisations.
Professional recognition
BSc (Hons) Forensic Science graduates are eligible to apply for Associate Membership of the Royal Society of Chemistry (AMRSC). Successful application is dependent on undergraduate module and project selection.
Useful Information
94% of students in work/further study six months after graduating (HESA performance indicator 2014/15)
Course Details - Modules
Course content
Recent advances in analytical sciences and genetics have greatly increased the power of forensic science, ensuring the scientist is central to solving many criminal cases.
Our well-equipped laboratories enable hands-on experience in techniques including gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and gel electrophoresis. The crime scene laboratory enables you to investigate typical crime scene scenarios in a realistic manner. Other teaching methods include site visits, workshops, role-play and presentations.
Year 1
Studies include fingerprint development and reviews of relevant high-profile cases. Transferable skills are fully integrated into the programme.
Year 2
Studies include classical and molecular genetics and analytical science. Science content is developed alongside programmes covering crime scene investigation and forensic probability
Year 3
Specialist modules are undertaken alongside extensive hands-on experience of instrumental techniques used routinely in forensic science investigations.
Optional Industrial Placement
You may undertake a year’s paid work experience between years 3 and 4 as part of the Honours sandwich programme.
Year 4
Specialist modules will deepen your understanding of analytical sciences, toxicology, criminalistics and physical evidence. An individual project in a related area is undertaken over two trimesters. The skills gained makes graduates attractive to the forensic science sector and also to many employers in the biotechnology, chemical and pharmaceutical industries.
Course Details – Assessment Method
Assessment Methods are not listed for this Course.
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:
F410
Institution code:
U40
Campus Name:
Paisley Campus
Campus code:
Points of Entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
Year 4
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
including Chemistry
Including Chemistry
Entry to Year 1 with a HNC with C in the Graded Unit in Applied Science.
Entry to Year 2 with a HNC with B in the Graded Unit in Applied Science.
Entry to Year 3 with a relevant HND.
Including Chemistry
For entry to Year 2 that must include 2 Sciences.
Must include 2 sciences.
Including Chemistry
Entry to Year 1 with SWAP (BBB) in Access to Science (must include Chemistry); Access to Life Sciences, and Access to Medicine.
Please click the following link to find out more about qualification requirements for this course
Minimum Qualification Requirements
Including Chemistry
Including Chemistry
Including Chemistry.
Please click the following link to find out more about qualification requirements for this course
English language requirements
Test
Grade
AdditionalDetails
English Language Entry Requirement Information are not listed for this Course.
Unistats information
Student satisfaction :
44%
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs):
64%
Go onto work and study:
77%
Fees and funding
England
9250.0
Year 1
Northern Ireland
9250.0
Year 1
Wales
9250.0
Year 1
Additional Fee Information
Additional Fee Information are not listed for this Course.
Provider information
Paisley Campus
High Street
Address3 are not listed for this Course.
Paisley
PA1 2BE
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