Go beyond the police tape with this fascinating and highly-practical Forensic Sciences degree. Learn the techniques that underpin the recognition, identification, recovery, analysis and evaluation of information which can be used as evidence in a court of law.
Are you literate, numerate and analytical? Do you like to solve problems for fun? Are you naturally inquisitive with a passion for chemistry and biology? Put these traits to work during a Forensic Sciences degree that equips you with the knowledge required to help support the legal process.
It’s a hands-on degree, which allows you to analyse a variety of scenes in our purpose-built facilities, and learn the following physical and chemical analysis techniques in our state-of-the-art laboratories:
Crime scene investigation
Body fluid analysis
DNA profiling
Forensic chromatography & spectroscopy
Fingerprinting
Substances of abuse
This highly vocational programme is broken down into three main study areas – forensic science, chemistry and biology – and dovetails modules from the Division of Law to prepare you for a variety of workplace situations.
This course is the 5th best Forensic Sciences degree in the UK according to the 2022 Complete University Guide.
The course also scored an amazing 90% for Overall Student Satisfaction in the 2020 National Student Survey (NSS). Finally, Abertay is widely regarded as THE place to come for high quality teaching. But don't take our word for it:
Sunday Times UK University of the Year 2020 for Teaching Quality.
Guardian University Guide 2020 Top 10 in the UK for Student Satisfaction with Teaching, Course and Feedback.
National Student Survey 2020 Top 10 UK Universities for Student Satisfaction.
Course Details - Modules
Year 1 core modules (subject to change over time) - FOR101 Foundations of Chemistry 1; FOR103 Introduction to Forensic Science, Practice and Techniques; LSC101 Biology 1: Biology Principles and Practice; FOR102 Foundations of Chemistry 2; LSC102 Human Physiology.
You will also be required to select one elective module. For detailed module information please check our website.
Course Details – Assessment Method
We offer a broad range of learning environments, including traditional lecture and tutorial format, student-led learning, interactive class sessions, practical and a substantial element of laboratory work. We encourage independent study, meaning that you take responsibility for your own learning. Your study is assessed with a variety of methods enabling you to demonstrate progress in different ways. Coursework typically includes laboratory reports, essays and oral presentations. Formal exams typically include questions that require either short answers or essays coupled with problem-solving of forensic-related challenges. In your final dissertation you are individually supported by an experienced research active member of staff. Lab reports, essays, oral presentations and exams. Year 1 is approximately 50% exam and 50% coursework. Year 4 is approximately 100% exam in some instances - not including final year project, which is coursework based.
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:
A30
Campus Name:
Abertay Campus
Campus code:
Points of Entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
Year 1
Year 2
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
To include Biology or Human Biology or Physics or Chemistry
Entry into Year 2 with BBB to include Chemistry and Biology or Human Biology
Entry into Year 2 with an HNC (BTEC) in one of the following:-
Applied Biology
Applied Chemistry
Entry into Year 2 with an HND (BTEC) in one of the following:-
Applied Biology
Applied Chemistry
Entry into Year 2 with an HNC in one of the following:-
Applied Sciences - Graded Unit B
Bioscience - Graded Unit B
Biomedical Science - Graded Unit B
Entry into Year 2 with an HND in one of the following:-
Applied Biological Science - Graded Unit B
Applied Bioscience - Graded Units BB
Applied Chemical Science - Graded Unit B
Applied Science - Graded Unit B
Biomedical Science - Graded Unit B
Bioscience - Graded Unit B
To include Biology or Human Biology or Physics or Chemistry
Entry into Year 2 to include Chemistry and Biology or Human Biology
To include Biology or Human Biology or Physics or Chemistry at S5/H4
Entry into Year 1 with Applied Science (all pathways)
Entry into Year 2 with DDD Applied Science
To include Biology or Human Biology or Physics or Chemistry
Applicants should have National 5/GCSE English and Maths at grade C/4 or equivalent - Lifeskill Maths and Application of Maths NOT accepted in lieu of Maths
Please click the following link to find out more about qualification requirements for this course
We look for applicants to have achieved an overall IELTS score of 6.0 with no individual test lower than 5.5.
Some degrees have higher requirements - refer to the 'entry routes' tab of each degree for more detail.
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs):
40%
Go onto work and study:
95%
Fees and funding
Republic of Ireland
9250.0
Year 1
Scotland
1820.0
Year 1
England
9250.0
Year 1
Northern Ireland
9250.0
Year 1
Wales
9250.0
Year 1
EU
14000.0
Year 1
International
14000.0
Year 1
Additional Fee Information
The International/EU fees will be £15,500 for the following courses:-
BA (Hons) Computer Arts
BA (Hons) Game Design and Production
BSc (Hons) Computer Game Applications Development
BSc (Hons) Computer Games Technology
BSc (Hons) Computing
BSc (Hons) Cybersecurity
BSc (Hons) Ethical Hacking
Provider information
Bell Street
Address2 are not listed for this Course.
Address3 are not listed for this Course.
Dundee
DD1 1HG
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