BSc (Hons) Forensic Science

UCAS code: F411

Start date: September

Course length: full time: three years, part time: up to six years.

Campus: Kedleston Road, Derby

This course is available to international students

You will cover key forensic practices such as crime scene investigations, human tissue analysis and fingerprint analysis. We’ll also cover blood pattern analysis, firearms and fire investigation and how entomology and tissue decay can help the forensic scientist. You will be guided through the process from crime scene analysis and recovery to presentation of evidence in the courtroom using our Crime Scene House, car and courtroom.

We've got specialist forensic, biological and chemical laboratories, so we'll really give you a solid grounding in forensic sciences. You will be able to practice the whole process of collecting forensic evidence and then be cross-examined in court. You'll be taught by experienced current and former forensic scientists, as well as scientists and other practising professionals.

Between your second and third year, you can apply to work in industry which will give you a great opportunity to use your theoretical and practical skills. Placements can be during your summer break, three to four months, or up to a whole year. You'll also keep a continuous personal development portfolio which will help prepare you for life after university.

Anything else?

Visit our Forensics website

For more information please visit our Forensics website to see case studies on current students, stories on some of our successful gradautes, pictures from fieldtrips, and details of the staff you'll get to meet.

Biology, Zoology and Forensics masterclass

We invited back some of successful graduates, including BBC Producer Kathryn Jeffs to talk to our current biology, zoology and forensics students about life after graduation. View more on the masterclass.

We offer a wide range of optional modules to allow you to tailor your degree to your own interests and career aspirations. Our programmes have been designed to meet subject standards, student interests and the needs of employers.

Stage one

You'll study these modules:

• Molecular and Cellular Biology
• Introduction to Forensic Science
• Law, Criminology and Criminal Justice for Forensic Science
• Introduction to Forensic Chemistry
• Genetics
• Introduction to CSI

Stage two

You'll study these modules:

• Trace Evidence
• Crime Scene to Court
• Forensic Analysis
• Evolutionary and Forensic Genetics

And you'll choose two of these modules:

• Analytical Chemistry
• The Cell
• Forensic Anthropology
• Forensic Imaging

Stage three

You'll study these modules:

• Independent Studies for Biological and Forensic Sciences
• Current Issues in Forensic Science
• Professional Practice

And you'll choose two of these modules:

• Toxicology and Drugs of Abuse
• Applied Entomology
• Medical Forensics
• The Human Genome
• Vocational Module

"I would recommend this course to people because it is a superb all round course that has lots of career options at the end of it. You get hands on experience as well as the theory."

Stacey Camilleri, current students

Our entry requirements are usually 260 UCAS points, of which at least 220 will be from your core A2s (full A levels) or equivalent qualifications such as BTEC Diploma, International Baccalaureate, Scottish Highers etc. and must include Biology or Chemistry

If you've completed an Access/Foundation course, we also accept these qualifications, provided you've taken the science pathway, including level 3 credits in both Biology and Chemistry.

We'll accept up to 60 points towards the total from level 3 qualifications such as AS levels (where those AS levels are not taken on to A2 level), the Extended Project or Music qualifications.

We don't accept points from Key Skills Level 3. If you have any questions about what is or isn't accepted, please contact our Admissions team.

Your points at level 3 will be in addition to 5 GCSEs at grade C or equivalent level 2 qualifications.

The UCAS tariff points are a guide - we'll also consider all the information that you've included in your application. We'll also want to see that you're enthusiastic and motivated to take this course and that you have the potential to benefit from coming to university.

General undergraduate entry requirements

Fees for 2013/14

This is a resource intensive course.

UK/EU students

• Full time: £8,250 (each year)
• £1,030 per module (you usually take 18 of these modules in total)

International students

• Full time: £10,225 (per year)

*These fees apply if you're starting this course between September 2013 and August 2014. We recommend you check fee details with us though, as they can change. Costs can increase each year.

How you'll learn

• Formal lectures
• Tutorials
• Practical work in laboratory and field
• Crime-scene house training
• Computer-aided study
• Moot court training

How you're assessed

• Written examination
• Coursework
• Practical Crime Scene Scenario
• Courtroom Evidence Presentation

Fieldtrips

Crime scenes are completed internally and externally to the University site.

You could work within the criminal justice system, in local constabularies, the Forensic Science Service or for companies such as Rolls Royce, Scientifics, LCG Forensics and AstraZeneca, for example. Alternatively you could be employed by law firms, private forensic laboratories or insurance companies. Some people go on to teach within secondary or further education by studying our PGCE Primary course.

This course teaches you to be analytical and a lot of what you'll learn is to do with organic chemistry and molecular biology. Because of this, you'll also have the skills to be able to move on to further education afterwards, including medicine qualifications, an MSc, MPhil or PhD.

Take a look at the different ways in which we enhance your employability.

Sonica Devi has recently graduated and as part of her final year research project, she found minute traces of cocaine at a number of public phone boxes. Find out more.

One of our recent graduates, Nazia Mehrban presented her final year project about the differences found between original and digital signatures and the potential for forgery, at a lunchtime seminar at the House of Commons. Read her full story.

Ellen Stone, recent graduate

Ellen is a Forensic Intellegence Analyst and works as a mobile phone forensic examiner. During her course, she carried out a detailed research project into the minimum number of characteristics needed from a fingerprint to make a reliable match, using the National Automated Fingerprint Identification System (NAFIS). This reserach won her the Fingerprint Society's Haque Bose Practitioner Award - which recognised a contribution to furthering understanding of the uses of forensic identification.

Read more about Ellen's story.

"I have been passionate about the subject since I studied it at college, and I would recommend this course to anyone."
Joanna Saddington, one of our former students

"I was fascinated with the chemistry based modules as well as the wide range of assessment techniques including crime scene to court. My project was drug based which led to me to gain employment with Scientifics working as a drug analyst."
Jonnathan Marshall, one of our former students

"I was constantly given the opportunity to do hands on work both individually and alongside professionals and to be trusted with casework, which greatly increased my confidence."
Hilary Bathgate, one of our former students

Read what more of our students say about studying Forensic Science.