Course Overview

Forensic science graduates can find employment in a wide range of sectors - you are not restricted to a forensic scientist role. You have enhanced employment prospects in sectors which include medical, scientific and research laboratories, chemical and processing industries, the legal profession, probation service, police, the Ministry of Defence, the Home Office, trading standards, and criminal justice agencies. With our focus on science communication, some graduates choose to pursue a career in teaching.

Forensic science has a vital role in modern society and can lead to a gratifying and fulfilling career. Our degree reflects the skills required by contemporary forensic and graduate scientists. In addition to extensive skills development in the practice of current methods of scientific forensic analysis, grounding is also given in the investigative processes from recovering evidence to presenting it in court. Taking criminal investigation as an example, fragments of glass, paint fragments, fibres, footwear marks or DNA extracted from body fluids can help provide evidence to link individuals with each other or the crime scene. The challenge is deciding which samples to examine and how to obtain the best evidential value by analysing and interpreting them. In addition to learning the vital skills relevant to a forensic scientist, the course ensures that you can develop your understanding of critical underpinning knowledge of subjects such as biochemistry, cell biology, genetics, molecular biology, toxicology and analytical chemistry.

General Eligibility

• Any Level 3 subject is acceptable for entry to this course.

• Typically entry qualifications can be accumulated from:

• Any combination of Level 3 qualifications (for example, A/AS levels, BTEC Certificates/Diplomas, Access to Higher Education courses)

• High School Certificate or Diploma with good grades completed after at least 12 years of primary and secondary education

• demonstrable evidence of appropriate knowledge and skills acquired from at least three years of relevant post-school work experience

• English language and maths requirements

• Usually, evidence of English language and mathematical skills equivalent to at least GCSE grade 4 is required. We consider a wide range of English and maths qualifications alternative to GCSEs. Please contact our admissions staff for advice.

Part Time Work Details

20 Hours of work permit weekly for international students.

Language Requirement

• The IELTS score for international applicants is 6.0 (with no less than 5.5 in each component).