School of Life Sciences

BSc (Hons) Forensic Science with Policing with Foundation Year

BSc (Hons) Full-time 4 years, Part-time 8 years

Forensic Science with Policing develops the scientific and critical thinking skills of its students, producing graduates able to use these traits to assist the police and legal professions. 

Forensic Science with Policing develops the scientific and critical thinking skills of its students, producing graduates able to use these traits to assist the police and legal professions. 

Award
BSc (Hons)
Start date(s)
16 September 2024
UCAS Code
L3F4
Course specifications
Course length
Full-time (4 years),Part-time (8 years)
Campus location
Wolverhampton City Campus
School
School of Life Sciences
UCAS points calculator

Why choose this course?

Accredited by The Chartered Institute of Forensic Sciences

University of Wolverhampton and West Midlands Police Forensic Science Partnership

Teaching Innovation Award winners 2022

Logo of the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences    Logo of the West Midlands Police   Teaching Innovation Award Winner icon

A wholly original and invigorating course, Forensic Science with Policing develops the scientific and critical thinking skills of its students, producing graduates able to use these traits to assist the police and legal professions. These positions are likely better served by this unique programme – making use of real-life simulations, the knowledge of visiting practitioners and partnerships with police and forensic science services – than by single subject study, the benefits of which you will be able to demonstrate through key, transferrable skills. The Foundation Year will be used for orientation to life and study at the University of Wolverhampton, while later placement opportunities may be used to increase your employability post-graduation.

What happens on the course?

Embodying the uniqueness of the course’s combined focus on Forensic Science with Policing, a breadth of subjects related to either primary topic can be studied. Not only will this approach grant you a level of knowledge likely advantageous in forensics and policing fields over students studying either topic singularly, but it will also develop transferrable skills valued by many companies even outside these fields. Successful graduates have branching avenues of employment opened for them; critically, roles of laboratory scientists and various police positions befit the mix of skills taught across this programme. Graduates may also seek out science-based teacher training or further education at MSc or PhD level. 

Course Modules

Potential Career Paths

Additional Information

Everything you need to know about this course!

Undergoing work based at the University’s Rosalind Franklin building and Locard House, your curriculum will make frequent use of advanced instrumentation, simulated crime scene facilities, our ballistics facility and entomology labs. Surveying your practice on this equipment, our School of Sciences staff are highly experienced specialists in forensics, including West Midlands Police members and academics.

Our courses are accredited by the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences. The University of Wolverhampton was the first university in the West Midlands to receive this accreditation, emphasising a standard of educational quality which repeat appraisals have seen maintained. This quality is further reflected in job prospects for graduates; previously, 85% of our graduates have settled in employment or further education six months after achieving their degrees.

Additionally, the University of Wolverhampton and West Midlands Police Forensic Science Partnership formed in 2023, provides an enhanced student experience and important employability opportunities, including policing and forensic science professional practice guest lecturers, opportunities for professional practice research projects and work experience placements, and access to West Midlands Police careers events as well as important networking and employability links with West Midlands Police and their Forensic Services department.

This exciting area of study covers a broad range of topics, establishing transferrable skills for use in many prolific careers. You will gain developed scientific knowledge of both biology and chemistry, while carrying out practical tasks to enhance your aptitude in workplace – especially laboratory – settings. The literacy, numeracy and IT abilities you attain will be widely applicable in countless modern workplaces.

Location Mode Fee Year
Home Full-time £9250 per year 2022-23
Home Full-time £9250 per year 2022-23
Home Full-time £9250 per year 2023-24
Home Full-time £9250 per year 2023-24
Home Full-time £9250 per year 2024-25
Home Part-time £3120 per year# 2022-23
Home Part-time £3120 per year# 2022-23
Home Part-time £4625 per year# 2023-24
Home Part-time £4625 per year# 2023-24
Home Part-time £4625 per year# 2024-25
International Full-time £13950 per year 2022-23
International Full-time £13950 per year 2022-23
International Full-time £14950 per year 2023-24
International Full-time £14950 per year 2023-24
International Full-time £15450 per year 2024-25

The University is committed to a transparent fee structure, with no hidden costs, to help you make an informed decision. This includes information on what is included in the fee and how fees are calculated and reviewed

# Undergraduate part-time fees for 50% rate of study

Prepare for Foundation Pathway: - We will consider mature applicants (age 21 or over) who have not achieved 48 UCAS points (equivalence) from prior level 3 qualifications, if you have a keen interest in this subject area or hold relevant experience.  You will be required to attend a compulsory Prepare for foundation assessment day where you will take part in a variety of activities which will assess your suitability for the course.  If you would like more advice and guidance about this admissions pathway, please contact Gateway to discuss and support you making an application to us.

Academic Pathway: - 48+ UCAS tariff points

Either

  • A-levels: Grade profile of DD
  • Access to HE Diploma: (60 credits) of which a minimum of 45 must be at Level 3 (48 UCAS point equivalence, minimum 45 credits at pass)
  • BTEC: Grade profile of PPP
  • T-Level: Pass grade with a core component profile less than C.
  • Tariff: Other Level 3 qualifications are accepted for entry. A minimum of 48 UCAS Tariff points will be required.
  • International entry requirements and application guidance can be found here

Use the UCAS Tariff calculator to check your qualifications and points

Other Requirements: Applicants must be 18 years old or above at the start of the course.

"During my degree I had the opportunity to study a Forensic Anthropology module, which ignited an unquenchable interest in ‘bones and bodies’. Because of this, I went on to study for a Masters in Forensic and Biological Anthropology. I am now back at the University completing my Ph.D. research on post mortem decomposition."

"During the course I found that all of the lecturers were very knowledgeable, approachable and caring. I was quite ill during my last year but allowances were made which helped me cope. I always felt there was someone to turn to when I needed help."

"Last year, I landed a dream job! As a criminal intelligence analyst with the West Midlands Police I help to reduce crime, disorder, and antisocial behaviour. To get the job, I had to show that I had both the ability to work analytically and a logical way of thinking. The Forensic Science degree at Wolverhampton was the perfect preparation for this! The final year project was especially useful, because it helped me to develop the analytical skills I need for the job and gave me the confidence to present my work, which are both important aspects of my new job."

Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences

The Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences provides an accreditation system for both undergraduate and postgraduate courses in forensic science and related topics. Accreditation is given provided the course content meets with the Society's component standards which provide a quality endorsement of the course.

Tuition Fees Loan (Home Fee Status):

Most students will be able to apply for a loans to pay for these subject to eligibility. To find out more information please refer to the government Student Finance website.

Changes for EU students:

The UK government has confirmed that EU students starting courses from 1 August 2021 will normally be classified as having Overseas Fee status. More information about the change is available at UKCISA:

EU citizens living in the UK with 'settled' status, and Irish nationals living in the UK or Ireland, will still be classified as Home students, providing they meet the usual residency requirements, for more information about EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) click here.


Self-funding:

If you don’t want to take out a loan to pay your fees or if you aren’t eligible to receive a loan, you might want to take advantage of the University’s scheme to pay by instalments: See How to pay.

For more information please contact the Gateway.


Your employer, embassy or organisation can pay for your Tuition fees:

If your employer, embassy or organisation agrees to pay all or part of your tuition fees; the University will refer to them as your sponsor and will invoice them for the appropriate amount.

We must receive notification of sponsorship in writing as soon as possible, and before enrolment, confirming that the sponsor will pay your tuition fees.


Financial Hardship:

Students can apply to the Dennis Turner Opportunity Fund.

for help with course related costs however this cannot be used for fees or to cover general living costs.


Bursaries and Scholarships:

In addition the University also offers a range of Bursaries and Scholarships packages

You can find more information on the University’s Funding, cost, fee and support pages.

Telephone

01902 32 22 22

Email

enquiries@wlv.ac.uk

Online

Order a prospectus

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