HND Forensic Science
When can you start this course? | UCAS code | Fees | Course length | Entry requirements
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You can also start this course in January |
Why choose this course?
- This course is a popular choice if you want to move into higher education but don't have the required qualification for direct entry on to the degree course, or if you'd rather take a shorter course.
- There are several transfer routes from the HND to the degree, so you can gain a BSc (Hons) degree in three or three and a half years from enrolment on to the HND.
- You'll be taught by friendly and approachable staff, who have been rated 'excellent for teaching' by Government quality inspectors.
- You'll complete a work placement, which help you to become more employable when you graduate.
- You can start the course in September and January, and study full time or part time, so you can fit your studies around your work and life commitments.
About the course
In Stage one, you'll develop a firm foundation in forensic science, by studying a wide range areas including human tissue analysis, fire, hair and fibres, statistics, fingerprints, crime scene investigations, molecular and cellular biology and analytical chemistry.
In Stage two, you'll develop your interpretative and analytical skills and increase your knowledge of criminal law and police powers by using case studies and mock crime scenes. You'll also undertake a placement project to develop your skills further.
All our facilities are on campus, where our lecturers are on hand to support you when you need it. You'll be taught by experienced former forensic scientists, as well as scientists and other practising professionals.
Throughout this course you'll develop many of the skills that employers are looking for.
Find out more about what subjects and modules you'll be studying...Your career
An HND is a well respected and widely recognised qualification, so you'll have a wide range of career opportunities when you graduate in areas including commerce, public service, teaching, research, and industry.
You could work in areas as diverse as the criminal justice system, law firms, the forensic science service, private forensic laboratories and insurance companies.
What our students say
"I found the Forensic Science course very challenging and interesting. Derby is a very friendly place to study and I'd recommend it to anyone. The course has helped build my confidence and has given me a great deal of knowledge within my chosen career path."
"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."
How you'll learn
Each single module is worth 150 hours of student study. Class contact time (lectures, tutorials and practicals) could be anywhere between 1 and 4 hours per week for each module. The remainder of the time is spent undertaking directed reading, making notes and doing assignments.
A typical module may consist of a 1 hour lecture followed (after a coffee break) by a laboratory or group practical exercise session per week. The course is primarily delivered using lectures, hands on practicals / demonstrations, tutorials and self- directed exercises.
How you're assessed
Modules are either 100% coursework or 50% coursework and 50% written examination.
Coursework assignments vary considerably in nature as we try to ensure students are exposed to a range of assessment methods. Coursework assignments can be individual or group based and typically include essays, reports, oral presentations, posters and computer based tests.
Work placements
A work placement is a required part of this programme and typically takes place between the first and second year.
Start dates
If you're from the UK or EU you can apply to study this course in:
- September 2010 (part time only, if available)
- January 2011
- September 2011
See a list of courses we are still taking applications for in September 2010.
If you're from a country outside the EU you can apply to study this course full time in:
- September 2010
- January 2011
- September 2011
UCAS code
014F
Fees *
UK/EU students
- Full time: £3,290 (each year)
- Part time: £270 per single module (you usually take 16 of these modules in total)
International students
- Full time: £8,800 (each year)
*These fees apply if you're starting this course between September 2010 and August 2011. We recommend you check fee details with us though, as they can change. Costs can increase each year and there may be extra costs eg for exams, trips or special modules.
Course length
Full time: 2 years
Part time: 4 years
Entry requirements
Our entry requirements are usually 60 UCAS points from relevant A levels or equivalent ...
