School of Life Sciences

BSc (Hons) Forensic Science

BSc (Hons) Full-time 3 years, Part-time 6 years

The BSc (Hons) Forensic Science course will expose you to a diverse range of scientific disciplines and skills that will enable you to work in a variety of roles within forensic science. 

The BSc (Hons) Forensic Science course will expose you to a diverse range of scientific disciplines and skills that will enable you to work in a variety of roles within forensic science. 

Award
BSc (Hons)
Start date(s)
16 September 2024
UCAS Code
F410
Course specifications
Course length
Full-time (3 years),Part-time (6 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

Pursuing a BSc Forensic Science degree opens up a diverse range of career opportunities within the forensic science field. Studying forensic science hones students' problem-solving, critical thinking, communication, teamwork, and time management skills, and the skills acquired through the program enable graduates to pursue career opportunities in many other fields, including research, academia, and healthcare.

Studying this degree is crucial for those wishing to pursue a career in the forensic industry. Forensic science takes scientific knowledge and methodology to answer specific questions in a legal investigation, in order to assist a court to decide what has happened. Considering the whole forensic process, from crime scene to court, this course will enable you to develop your skills in scientific and critical thinking, as well as independent study. You will also gain skills to record, recover, examine, and analyse evidence, to interpret the meaning of your findings and then communicate those findings and the underpinning science so that they are understandable to a range of audiences.

How is the BSc Forensic Science degree delivered?

During your forensic science degree, you will be exposed to a diverse range of scientific disciplines and skills that will enable you to work in a variety of roles within forensic science, while also equipping you with transferable skills to work in a wide variety of other roles and areas. In addition, if you choose to undertake a sandwich placement, you will develop your technical skills in the workplace and integrate knowledge gained in the theoretical aspects of the course into the professional environment.

BSc Forensic Science at the University of Wolverhampton

At the University of Wolverhampton, we are proud to produce graduates who go on to use forensic science techniques acquired on the course to assist the police and legal professions. Importantly, our forensic science courses are professionally accredited by the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences.

What happens on the course?

The BSc Forensic Science course introduces students to a broad range of interesting topics:

Year 1 - The first year of this exciting course introduces you to the world of forensic science and crime scene investigation, as well as providing the science that you will need to become a practising forensic analyst. These include key topics in genetics, biochemistry and cell biology together with an introduction to the legal system within which forensic scientists work. The course will deliver introductory modules in methods of forensic analysis and the role of forensic science in modern society.

Year 2 - During the second year of study, students will engage with the major subject areas within forensic science, including the considerations of evidence gathering at crime scenes. The use of DNA and insects in forensic work will be covered, as will the examination of chemicals as evidence. The information that bones and gravesites can tell us are also important aspects covered by the course. In addition, you will be introduced to methods for the examination and the analysis of a range of evidence types including fingerprints, drugs, fibres, glass, and bloodstains found at scenes of crime. You will have regular opportunities to put theory into practise in an extensive range of practical sessions, including crime scene investigation.

Year 3 - If a sandwich placement is not pursued, students will move directly to the final year of study, where you will study the science behind the work of forensic pathologists and toxicologists, examine in more detail many of the analytical techniques used by forensic scientists and experience the application of your knowledge and skills in the courtroom environment. We prepare you for working in a laboratory environment and for management roles in that sector, by considering the importance of quality within forensic science. Your Honours project will enable you to undertake a thorough piece of scientific research investigating an area of forensic science chosen by you.

Course Modules

Potential Career Paths

Additional Information

Everything you need to know about this course!

Your lecturers include practitioners and research scientists working to solve problems and answer questions. You will work in our state-of-the-art Rosalind Franklin Science Building with access to a range of advanced instrumentation, including the Locard House and the crime scene facilities we have to offer.

The University of Wolverhampton was the first university in the West Midlands to receive full accreditation from the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences (CSFS)  for BSc Forensic Science.  A recent surveillance visit, re-accrediting the course, praised us for the quality of the award. It is also recognised by the Royal Society for Chemistry (RSC) as meeting the requirements for Associate Membership of the RSC.

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.

  • You will be a highly articulate individual capable of explaining most exciting areas within science in non-specialist language.
  • You will also be literate, numerate and have a high level of IT skills making you well equipped for today’s workplace.

  • You will be able to carry out laboratory analysis and will have the ability to enter any type of laboratory work and achieve within that employment sector.

  • You will have gained a broad scientific knowledge in both biology and chemistry and so are able to deal with both subject areas.

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

  • 96 UCAS points
  • A Levels - grades CCC / BCD, to include Biology or Chemistry.
  • BTEC L3 Extended Diploma or OCR Cambridge L3 Technical Extended Diploma in Applied Science - grades MMM
  • Access to HE Diploma (60 credits) of which a minimum of 45 must be at Level 3 (96 UCAS point equivalence, minimum 45 credits at merit, to include 36 credits in Science)

Use the UCAS Tariff calculator to check your qualifications and points

Students must usually have studied for a minimum of two years post GCSE level. However, we will consider applications from mature students who do not have two years of post-16 study, where they have relevant work experience. Please see http://wlv.ac.uk/mature for further information.

If you've got other qualifications or relevant experience, please contact The Gateway for further advice before applying.

International entry requirements and application guidance can be found at http://www.wlv.ac.uk/international/apply

English language requirements also apply

 

"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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