Forensic Science with Criminology, BSc Hons

Forensic science is the application of science to the law. This programme gives students the necessary scientific background and skills to work in forensic science as well as a wide range of other scientific fields.

The major emphasis of the programme is on providing high-quality broad-based scientific training which does not restrict successful graduates when they choose their career. The criminology courses introduce the more social aspects of forensic science and the relationship between crime and society. Students are also exposed to other aspects such as crime scene investigation and presenting evidence in a legal setting.

Students study the science elements on the Medway Campus and the criminology elements one day a week on the Greenwich Campus. There is an inter-campus bus that runs between Medway and Greenwich.

Aims of the programme:

To produce graduates with the necessary knowledge base and practical skills to become effective forensic scientists who are competent to practice.
To produce graduates with the confidence and ability to apply fundamental scientific principles to a variety of practical forensic science situations and specifically within a legal framework.
To produce graduates with the skills to identify and solve problems, and to understand and use quantitative techniques for the analysis and interpretation of data for evaluation and presentation of evidence.
To produce graduates who have a competent legal, sociological and criminological understanding of forensic science.

UCAS code

F4M9 M BSc/FSWC

School

Science/Humanities & Social Sciences

Location

Medway Campus / Greenwich Campus

Attendance

3 years full-time
4 years sandwich

Entry requirements

Applicant should have:

260 UCAS points

FROM a minimum of two A-levels, including chemistry and/or biology

OR BTEC National, DVCE or Advanced GNVQ grades, or equivalent qualifications will be considered

PLUS a minimum of five GCSEs, including mathematics and English, at grade C or above.

– We welcome applications from mature students.

Assessment

Students are assessed through examinations, assignments, laboratory skills and presentations.

Career options

Graduates have opportunities in forensic science and other areas of analytical and investigative science (including working in medical, biological and chemical research institutes). Careers are also available in other organisations and commercial laboratories.

Year 1

Introduction to Forensic Science (15 credits)
Basic Chemistry for Life Sciences (15 credits)
Practical and Professional Skills (30 credits)
Fundamental Biology and Physiology (30 credits)
Foundations of Criminology (30 credits)

Year 2

Intermediate Forensic Science (30 credits)
Physiology and Pharmacology (30 credits)
Instrumental Analysis (15 credits)
Research and Professional Skills (15 credits)
Criminology (30 credits)

Optional Sandwich Year (Work Placement)

Final Year

Forensic Science Project (30 credits)
Advanced Topics in Forensic Science (15 credits)
Special Topics in Forensic Science (15 credits)
Pharmaceutical Analysis and Testing (30 credits)
One option from: Perspectives on Violence; Women, Crime and Justice; Policing (30 credits)

Your time at university should be enjoyable and rewarding, and it is important that it is not spoilt by unnecessary financial worries. We recommend that you spend time planning your finances, both before coming to university and while you are here. We can offer advice on living costs and budgeting, as well as on awards, allowances and loans.

Find out more about our fees and the support available to you at our:

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Chemistry and Pharmacy

From forensic science and chemistry to pharmaceutical science and human nutrition. Whatever you choose to study you will be taught by experienced staff in state-of-the-art labs and gain important skills.