BSc(Hons) Forensic Science (with Foundation Year)
This course is open for applications
Page last updated 1 March 2023
Introduction
Accredited by The Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences, this course gives you a compelling mix of academic knowledge, practical experience and advanced skills to fast-track your career.
Accreditations and partnerships:
Why study forensic science?
Forensic scientists apply scientific analysis to criminal and civil investigations, producing evidence that's admissible in a court of law.
It's a fascinating and rigorous scientific discipline that will build your knowledge of biology and chemistry, as well as your advanced problem-solving, data interpretation and communication skills.
Covering crime scenes, laboratory and courtroom work, forensic science offers a springboard into rewarding careers in the justice system and beyond.
Why UWE Bristol?
BSc(Hons) Forensic Science is accredited by The Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences. It was designed with input from professional forensic scientists to give you a deep understanding of the way science is used to investigate crime.
With a strong emphasis on problem-solving and communicating scientific findings, you'll study everything from crime scene investigation and laboratory analysis, to interpreting, evaluating and presenting evidence.
You'll study foundation year modules with students from other biological, biomedical and environmental science courses so you can switch to another course if your interests change.
Learn to use forensic instruments in our industry-standard laboratories. Apply your scientific knowledge at simulated crime scenes in our specially-adapted Crime Scene House. Present evidence and respond to questions in our mock courtroom.
Guest lectures from inspirational professionals will give you insights into specialist topics and you can tailor the degree to suit your specific interests.
You'll be encouraged to do summer internships and placements, and you can apply to spend a year studying abroad.
Where can it take me?
The knowledge and skills you'll gain will open up lots of career paths.
You could work with forensic science providers or the Police, or as a laboratory analyst. Many students do postgraduate study, particularly in toxicology, forensic anthropology, osteology and archaeology.
Your analytical approach to problem-solving will be just as valued in other sectors, like teaching or the legal profession.
Watch: The learning and teaching experience
Structure
Content
The optional modules listed are those that are most likely to be available, but they may be subject to change.
Year zero (foundation year)
You will study:
- Biology in Practice
- Chemistry in Practice
- Skills for Science
- People and Science.
You normally need to pass your foundation year before going into Year one.
Year one
You will study:
- Chemistry in Context
- Human Biological Systems
- Scientific Investigation of Crime
- Scientific Skills.
Year two
You will study:
- Forensic Analysis
- Law and Expert Evidence
- Drugs and Toxicology.
Plus, one combination of modules from:
- Forensic Biology and Molecular Genetics
- Instrumental Analytical Science and Molecular Genetics
- Instrumental Analytical Science and Medicinal Chemistry.
Final year
You will study:
- Forensic Project.
Plus, one combination of modules from:
- Advanced Analytical Science and Forensic Analysis and Toxicology
- Forensic Biology and Genetics and Genomic Technologies.
Plus, one optional module from:
- Pathophysiology
- Pharmacology and Toxicology
- Forensic Psychology
- Professional Practices in Applied Science*.
And one optional module from:
- Neuropharmacology
- Science Communication
- Environmental Forensics.
*Compulsory if you do a placement.
You can get a balanced forensic science degree by studying one biology and one chemistry option in year two, and then choosing the options that appeal to you in year three.
Alternatively, you can choose a specialist route in years two and three, which means you'll have Forensic Science or Forensic Science in your degree title.
We can advise you on which modules to choose and the implications for your career and your membership of the professional bodies.
The University continually enhances our offer by responding to feedback from our students and other stakeholders, ensuring the curriculum is kept up to date and our graduates are equipped with the knowledge and skills they need for the real world. This may result in changes to the course. If changes to your course are approved, we will inform you.
Learning and Teaching
Through a balanced mix of lectures, tutorials, workshops and laboratory work, you'll learn about the practical application of forensic science, and develop strong problem-solving and communication skills.
Learn about three main areas: biological sciences, especially DNA analysis and the action of drugs on the body; chemical analysis and techniques for examining inanimate objects; and forensic science topics, such as fingerprinting, document examination and crime scene procedures.
You'll also learn about legal aspects of forensic evidence and carry out an independent research project.
Test your skills using Second Life virtual crime scenes where real criminal cases are digitally recreated.
Search a crime scene at the Crime Scene House, examine the evidence, write a report for court and face questioning in our mock courtroom.
Attend guest lectures with professionals from forensic science, through our links with the Avon and Somerset Constabulary Scientific Investigations and a local Home Office forensic pathologist.
Learn about the problem solving approaches which sit at the heart of forensic science, and learn how to communicate scientific findings.
See our full glossary of learning and teaching terms.
Approximate percentage of time you'll spend in different learning activities*:
| Year | Scheduled learning and teaching study | Independent study | Placement study |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 24% | 76% | 0% |
| 1 | 27% | 73% | 0% |
| 2 | 24% | 76% | 0% |
| 3 | 17% | 66% | 17% |
*Calculated from compulsory and optional modules (where applicable) each year
Making connections
Drawing on our strong connections with other faculties especially law you'll get a rounded understanding of all areas of forensic science.
Join our thriving Join our thriving Forensic Science Society to tap into interesting events and presentations from world-leading practitioners.
Assessment
We'll assess all your coursework and you'll have examinations in all modules, although the assessments in Year one won't contribute to your final degree mark. Your Final year project is also assessed.
We use different types of assessment to reflect the range of theoretical concepts, knowledge and practical skills we cover on the course.
See our full glossary of assessment terms.
Approximate percentage of time you'll spend in different learning activities*:
| Year | Written exam assessment | Coursework assessment | Practical exam assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 37% | 60% | 3% |
| 1 | 40% | 50% | 10% |
| 2 | 47% | 50% | 3% |
| 3 | 40% | 50% | 10% |
*Calculated from compulsory and optional modules (where applicable) each year
Features
Professional accreditation
This course is accredited by The Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences in all the relevant component standards: crime scene investigation, laboratory analysis and interpretation, evaluation and presentation of evidence.
We encourage you to join the Royal Society of Chemistry and the Royal Society of Biology.
Placements
Students who go on work experience tend to graduate with better degrees. Experience also hones your skills, industry knowledge and professional network, making you a sought after graduate.
We'll encourage you to apply for paid summer internships and placements in a relevant workplace.
You'll get help to find a placement and support throughout from department staff and our award-winning careers service.
Study facilities
Benefit from specialist forensic equipment in our advanced science laboratories. Conduct crime scene investigations in both our simulation suite and adapted Crime Scene House and outdoor crime scene area. You'll search a scene, examine the evidence, write a report for court and face questioning in our mock courtroom.
You'll get hands on in our purpose-built Simulation Suite on Frenchay Campus. This facility comprises of four interactive learning rooms, with video and audio links to breakout rooms, and a mock flat and post office for crime scene simulations. Develop the practical skills needed for your forensic science career, such as documenting and processing a crime scene, interpretation of blood patterns and presenting evidence in court.
Learn more about UWE Bristol's facilities and resources.
Get a feel for the Forensic Science facilities we have on offer here from wherever you are.
Life
Careers
Careers / Further study
Forensic science graduates go into varied types of laboratory work, and a significant number become science teachers.
The scientific problem solving, numerical and communication skills you'll gain will also put you in a strong position for working in other sectors, from financial services to law.
Graduates have gone onto work with some of the country's largest forensic science providers, including LGC Forensics, Orchid Cellmark and Key Forensics, as well as in a range of roles with the Police.
Many graduates choose to continue studying, at MSc or PhD level, and others decide to take their study of law further and complete a one-year law conversion course to become a barrister.
Get inspired
Our award-winning careers service will develop your employment potential through career coaching and find you graduate jobs, placements and global opportunities.
We can also help find local volunteering and community opportunities, provide support for entrepreneurial activity and get you access to employer events.
Visit our employability pages to learn more about careers, employers and what our students are doing six months after graduating.
See also:
Fees
Full Time Course
Indicative Additional Costs
Supplementary fee information
Additional costs are for items you could need during your studies that aren't covered by the standard tuition fee. These could be materials, textbooks, travel, clothing, software or printing.
Entry
Typical offers
- Tariff points: 48
- Contextual tariff: See our contextual offers page.
- GCSE: Grade C/4 or above in English Language or Literature, Mathematics and Double Science, or equivalent. We do not accept Level 2 Key Skills, Functional Skills or Certificate in Adult Literacy and Numeracy as alternatives to GCSEs.
- English Language Requirement: International and EU applicants are required to have a minimum overall IELTS (Academic) score of 6.0 with 5.5 in each component (or approved equivalent*). *The university accepts a large number of UK and International Qualifications in place of IELTS. You can find details of acceptable tests and the required grades you will need in our English Language section. Please visit our English language requirements page.
- A-level subjects: A minimum of an AS in a Science subject.
- Relevant subjects: Subjects that meet the Science requirement for this course: Applied Science, Biology, Human Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science/Studies, Geography, Geology, Maths. Use of Maths, Physics, Psychology, Science in the Environment, Statistics.
- EDEXCEL (BTEC) Diploma: Six units in a Science subject. Please list the units you are studying in your application. For further advice on acceptable units, please email us.
For information on required Guided Learning Hours please see our minimum entry requirements page.
- Access: Level 3 credits in Science.
- Baccalaureate IB: To include Science at Higher Level.
- Irish Highers: A minimum of O4 in a Science subject.
- T Levels: You must be studying Science. For further advice on acceptable subjects please email us.
Entry requirements
If you exceed the entry requirements you may be eligible for MSci Forensic Science.
International applicants
If you are an international student your recommended route of study for this degree is through our International College, which upon successful completion to the required level and with good attendance, guarantees entry to Year one of the degree.
Read more about entry requirements.
How to apply
Read more about undergraduate applications.
For further information
- Email:
UK applicants
Admissions@uwe.ac.uk
International/EU applicants
International@uwe.ac.uk - Telephone:
UK applicants
+44 (0)117 32 83333
International/EU applicants
+44 (0)117 32 86644