This Forensic Science degree focuses on the processing and analysis of physical evidence from crime scenes.
The course emphasises the application of science - in particular analytical chemistry - and stresses the importance of quality assurance procedures in a forensic setting.
A characteristic of the University of Bradford's approach is the integration of practical skills training within a good theoretical framework – whether in terms of crime scene investigation, the collection, examination and interpretation of physical evidence, laboratory processing and analysis.
The course provides you with a sound knowledge of how scientific techniques can be used within forensic investigations, and allows you to explore a challenging area of applied science. You will develop into a professional with the scientific skills to work within areas such as crime scene investigation, forensic science and related laboratory areas.
Throughout your degree, you will acquire skills that will be useful in whatever profession they choose to follow. These include project and time management, critical review and analytical thinking, presentational skills, computer and other applied IT skills and the management of data. These will be taught, practised and assessed.
Bradford was the first university in the UK to offer a forensics science degree, and we continue to develop the programme to ensure that it is up-to-date with the requirements of the forensics sector.
As such, we have refocused the forensics degree to offer a solid understanding of fundamental chemistry in stages 2 and 3, with a focused final year dedicated to the application of forensic science.
Crime scene techniques are taught in our dedicated crime scene facility, with analysis of evidence supported by a forensics laboratory and the University’s Centre for Chemical and Structural Analysis.
The interdisciplinary nature of our research at Bradford means we can call upon expertise from our colleagues in archaeology who use forensics science techniques to study human remains, such as the Llullaillaco Maiden, discovered in 1999.
**Professional accreditation**
This course is accredited by The Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences.
**Rankings**
We are ranked 7th in the UK for Forensic Science in the Complete University Guide 2021.
Course Details - Modules
Year 1:Inorganic Chemistry 1 (core), Organic Chemistry 1 (core), Physical Chemistry 1 (core), Practical Chemistry 1 (core), Principles of Forensic and Crime Scene Investigation (core) Year 2: Forensic Examination and Analysis of Physical Evidence (core), Inorganic Chemistry 2 (core), Organic Chemistry 2 (core), Physical Chemistry 2 (core), Practical Chemistry 2 (core) Year 3: Analysis of Controlled Substances (core), Analytical Short Courses A (core), Interpretation and Presentation of Forensic Evidence for Forensic Science (core), Professional Development: Forensic Enquiry and Critical Case Study (core), Stage 3 Research Project (core), Forensic Anthropology and Taphonomy for Forensic Scientists (option), Forensic Archaeology and Taphonomy for Forensic Scientists (option)
Course Details – Assessment Method
You will learn through a mixture of lectures, seminars, laboratory practicals, workshops, case studies and directed study. Directed study will include directed reading of selected textbooks, specified source literature and open learning materials, directed web-based materials, report writing and other assignments. There will also be an individual project/dissertation. You will be assessed by written closed-book examinations using constructed (essays, short answers) and selected response (MCQ) questions and a variety of coursework assignments, including laboratory reports, oral presentations and dissertations. There will also be involvement in laboratory, small-group workshops, case-based work and projects (individual and small group). You will be assessed by critical appraisal, case analysis and critique, case presentations, laboratory reports and dissertations. At Stage 3, essays, the journal critique and essay-based examinations provide a format to critically evaluate the key themes of the degree. Practical portfolios and worksheets allow you to demonstrate your understanding of forensic laboratory techniques.
The research dissertation develops your ability to undertake independent research and plan this research effectively. Presentations, the witness statement and the mock court exercise will develop your professional oral and written presentation skills.
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:
B56
Campus Name:
Main Site
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
112 UCAS tariff points to include A-level Chemistry minimum grade B.
Please note that where a science A-level is taken, the University will require applicants to pass the practical element (for A levels awarded from August 2017 onwards).
To include A-level Chemistry minimum grade B.
Plus GCSE English, Mathematics and a Science at grade C or 4 (equivalents accepted).
As UCAS Tariff.
To include Scottish Advanced Higher Chemistry at minimum grade B.
As UCAS Tariff.
Science subject required. Must include a minimum of 12 credits of Chemistry at minimum Distinction.
112 UCAS tariff points to include Higher Level Chemistry at grade 6 and two other Higher Level subjects at grade 5.
Plus HL 3 or SL 4 in Maths and English Language and Literature A or English B.
(Language A: Literature, Literature and Performance and Language ab initio are not accepted).
As UCAS tariff.
Science subject required - must include a minimum of three Chemistry-related units.
The University welcomes applications from students with a wide range of qualifications from the UK and overseas, including combinations of qualifications. To check whether your qualifications meet the entry requirements for this course, please contact the University.
English language requirements for International and EU applicants:
The standard University requirement is IELTS 6.0 with no sub-test less than 5.0 (or equivalent). However, if you require a Tier 4 (student) visa to study you will need to meet the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) department's requirement which is currently IELTS 6.0 with no sub-test less than 5.5. Conditional offers to international students will be made on this basis.
Please click the following link to find out more about qualification requirements for this course
Minimum Qualification Requirements
Minimum Further Information are not listed for this Course.
English language requirements
Test
Grade
AdditionalDetails
English Language Entry Requirement Information are not listed for this Course.
Unistats information
Student satisfaction :
0%
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs):
0%
Go onto work and study:
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Fees and funding
England
9250.0
Year 1
Northern Ireland
9250.0
Year 1
Scotland
9250.0
Year 1
Wales
9250.0
Year 1
Channel Islands
9250.0
Year 1
Republic of Ireland
9250.0
Year 1
EU
20118.0
Year 1
International
20118.0
Year 1
Additional Fee Information
Additional Fee Information are not listed for this Course.
Provider information
Richmond Road
Address2 are not listed for this Course.
Address3 are not listed for this Course.
Bradford
BD7 1DP
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