Forensic Science BSc (Hons)

Study level: Undergraduate
Students in forensic suits working on a simulated crime scene

The course provides students with a foundation in chemical and biological sciences coupled with forensic science requirements such as crime scene evaluation, collection and preservation of evidence, and legal aspects.

Course option

Year of entry

Location

Coventry University (Coventry)

Study mode

Full-time
Sandwich

Duration

3 years full-time
4 years sandwich

UCAS codes

F412

Start date

September 2024


Course overview

Forensic science is a critical part of the criminal justice system.

A forensic scientist will work in a diverse team to help resolve crimes, and will need to manage crime scenes, analyse evidence, and present expert witness statements in court.

  • Through a ‘crime scene to court’ approach, students will be guided through essential concepts such as crime scene evaluation and preservation through to analysis, interpretation, and presentation of collected evidence.
  • You will gain a keen theoretical and practical understanding of how science underpin the analysis of forensic materials and how this must withstand legal challenges.
  • You will consider a range of forensic evidence types from toxicology, DNA, anthropology, particulates such as glass, fire and explosive residues.
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Why you should study this course

  • Authentic application using expert knowledge of practitioners in the fields of biology, chemistry, pharmacology, forensic science and forensic investigation who bring research and practical experience into the classroom (staff subject to change).
  • A ‘crime scene to court’ design that guides students from initially securing a scene through to analysing materials and presenting evidence in a court of law. This allows students to understand the entire forensic science process as well as the responsibilities of the people involved.
  • The multidisciplinary nature of the course means that graduates will be able to apply their knowledge to a range of employment and entrepreneurship opportunities within or outside the forensic science area.
  • Opportunities to examine complex scenes in internal, external and international contexts2 exploring the use of 3D modelling, photography, and anthropology as methods of gathering forensic data4.
  • Students will be able to assess simulated crime scenes in our crime scene houses, and other settings, and will then examine evidence in our biological and analytical laboratories applying relevant analytical and evaluation techniques4.

Our Award-winning Green Superlab

With space for over 250 students and packed full of industry-standard equipment, the Coventry University Superlab is an amazing place to learn, experiment and discover. Find out what we’re doing in our Superlab to make it greener and reduce our waste and carbon emissions.

More than just a degree

From the integration of practical experiences in our state-of-the-art labs and simulated crime scenes, to the inspiration teaching by a range of subject experts, this course offers a great opportunity to immerse yourself in what it is to be a forensic scientist.

Dr Alan Greenwood, 2022
Two forensic science students using the biological lab

What you'll study

Year one introduces you to the basic scientific principles and practices of chemical and biological analysis. Forensic science theory is introduced as well as criminal law and the role of individuals and crime scene specialists, where you will develop skills in team working, critical thinking, and entrepreneurship. Forensic protocols in crime scene examination and collection, preservation and subsequent analysis of both human and physical evidence is explored. You will be supported to become confident, competent, and safe in laboratory and crime scene environments as well as develop your writing, numerical, research and presentation skills in preparation for your subsequent years.

Modules

In year two, you will build on your knowledge of forensic science, covering topics such as forensic genetics, analysis of trace, marks and impressions found within complex indoor and outdoor crime scenes. You will use more complex methods of evidence evaluation such as 3D modelling, virtual reality environments and digital photography. To complete your studies you will further explore areas such as toxicology and the examination of drugs, forensic ecology and taphonomy studies.

Modules

On successful completion of years one and two, you may elect to apply for either a one-year work experience placement, or a year of study abroad. These opportunities offer highly valued opportunities to enhance learning and help gain a competitive advantage in the workplace after graduation. Students taking this option will take an additional year to complete their degree. Work experience placements are competitive and successful acceptance cannot be guaranteed. Our Talent Team offer support for students in the application process. You should note that some work placements may require additional health and professional suitability checks including DBS and enhanced DBS criminal record checks. If you are unable to meet the health and suitability requirements, then the choice of placement opportunities will be restricted2.

If you choose to do a work placement year, you will pay a reduced tuition fee3 of £1,250. For more information, please go to the fees and funding section. During this time you will receive guidance from your employer or partner institution, along with your assigned academic mentor who will ensure you have the support you need to complete your placement.

Modules

The final year will build on your knowledge gained from years one and two by exploring the role of forensic science on a global and international scale. Current and future techniques will be considered in relation to a variety of industries to allow you wider opportunities for career development. You will further develop research skills by undertaking a research project and will also produce a prosecution file culminating in a mock trial thus providing a capstone experience to the course in a crime scene to court module.

Modules

We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.

We are proud to teach the latest techniques and explore real world challenges with a global outlook.

Dr Rachael Carew, 2022
Two students working in a simulated crime scene.

How you'll learn

You will be taught via a combination of lectures, workshops, seminars and group tutorials including use of problem-based learning and case studies.

In addition, you will have laboratory sessions in Coventry University’s state-of-the-art SuperLab+, where up to 240 students can study at once, alongside our experienced teaching team (staff subject to change)4. Here you will learn to carry out a range of experimental techniques, so that you could confidently walk into a graduate job having already used the very same equipment used in many commercial, police and research laboratories.

Forensic laboratory sessions take place in the immersive crime scene simulation houses, outdoor search and decomposition facilities, as well as a realistic mock courtroom4, where you will gain first-hand experience in collecting, preserving, analysing and presenting forensic evidence. Students will also be supported by a variety of online resources and the virtual learning environment.


Teaching contact hours

The number of full-time contact hours may vary from semester to semester, however, on average, it is likely to be around 15 contact hours per week in the first and second year dropping to around 12 contact hours per week in the third and final year as you become a more independent learner.

Additionally, you will be expected to undertake significant self-directed study of approximately 20 hours each week, depending on the demands of individual modules.

The contact hours may be made up of a combination of face-to-face teaching, individual and group tutorials, practical sessions and online classes and tutorials.

As an innovative and enterprising institution, the university may seek to utilise emerging technologies within the student experience. For all courses (whether on-campus, blended, or distance learning), the University may deliver certain contact hours and assessments via online technologies and methods.

Since COVID-19, we have delivered our courses in a variety of forms, in line with public authority guidance, decisions, or orders and we will continue to adapt our delivery as appropriate. Whether on campus or online, our key priority is staff and student safety.


Assessment

This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which will vary depending upon the module.

Assessment methods include:

  • Tests
  • Essays
  • Group work
  • Presentations
  • Reports
  • Projects
  • Coursework
  • Individual assignments
  • Laboratory competency tests
  • Portfolios

The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.


International experience opportunities

Using case studies, the course aims to be as authentic as possible whilst considering both current and future developments within forensic science in the UK and in a global context. The global outlook and extensive (and universally recognised) science-based content provides students with core knowledge that can be applied to a variety of forensic fields and should give students the confidence and skills to work both in the UK and abroad.

The course provides many opportunities to enhance your study experience. There are options to take part in field trips, improve transferable skills and competencies and to explore careers. The course also includes the opportunity for a year of study abroad, taken between years two and three. You may also be able to interact with students at overseas institutions through Collaborative Online International Learning projects or via international co-creation events hosted at European universities2. Recent examples have included collaboration at Universities in Spain and Czech Republic.

This course will provide students with a journey of discovery into the different areas of forensic science, from investigating simulated crime scenes to analysing evidence and then presenting it in court. Students will benefit from a highly practical course that will encourage team working and problem solving, challenging students to demonstrate the scientific knowledge through a range of methods from novel lab-based research to courtroom assessments.

Dr Alan Greenwood, 2022
Man in paper suit with glasses dusts a glass for prints using a big brush

Entry requirements

Typical offer for 2024/25 entry.

Requirement What we're looking for
UCAS points 112
A level BBC to include Biology and/or Chemistry. Excludes General Studies
BTEC DMM in the BTEC Level 3 Extended National Diploma in a Biological or Chemical Science subject. Excludes Health and Social Care
IB Diploma 30 points to include 5 points in Biology or Chemistry at Higher level
GCSE 5 GCSEs at grade 4 / C or above (or equivalent) to include English, Mathematics and two sciences
Access to HE Diploma To include 30 level 3 credits above Merit of which 15 must be Distinction in Biology or Chemistry units. Plus GCSE English and Mathematics at grade 4 / C or above

We recognise a breadth of qualifications, speak to one of our advisers today to find out how we can help you.

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Are you eligible for the Fair Access Scheme?

We believe every student should have the opportunity to dream big, reach their potential and succeed, regardless of their background. Find out more about our Fair Access Scheme.

Select your region to find detailed information about entry requirements:


You can view our full list of country specific entry requirements on our Entry requirements page.

Alternatively, visit our International hub for further advice and guidance on finding in-country agents and representatives, joining our in-country events and how to apply.

English language requirements

  • IELTS: 6.0 overall (with at least 5.5 in each component area)

If you don't meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course. 

For more information on our approved English language tests visit our English language requirements page.

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Not got the required grades? We offer this degree with an integrated foundation year.


Fees and funding

2024/25 tuition fees.

Student Full-time Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man £9,250 per year Not available
EU £9,250 per year with EU Support Bursary**
£18,300 per year without EU Support Bursary**
Not available
International £18,300 per year Not available

If you choose to do a work placement2, you should consider travel and living costs to cover this. There is also a tuition fee3 of £1,250 that will cover your academic support throughout your placement year.

For advice and guidance on tuition fees and student loans visit our undergraduate finance page and see the University’s Tuition Fee and Refund Terms and Conditions.

We offer a range of international scholarships to students all over the world. For more information, visit our international scholarships page.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessments, facilities and support services. There may be additional costs not covered by this fee such as accommodation and living costs, recommended reading books, stationery, printing and re-assessments should you need them. Find out what's included in your tuition costs.

The following are additional costs not included in the tuition fees:

  • Any optional overseas field trips or visits: £400+ per trip.
  • Any costs associated with securing, attending or completing a placement (whether in the UK or abroad).

*Irish student fees

The rights of Irish residents to study in the UK are preserved under the Common Travel Area arrangement. If you are an Irish student and meet the residency criteria, you can study in England, pay the same level of tuition fees as English students and utilise the Tuition Fee Loan.

**EU Support Bursary

Following the UK's exit from the European Union, we are offering financial support to all eligible EU students who wish to study an undergraduate or a postgraduate degree with us full-time. This bursary will be used to offset the cost of your tuition fees to bring them in line with that of UK students. Students studying a degree with a foundation year with us are not eligible for the bursary.


Facilities

This course is taught predominantly in the Alison Gingell building at the Coventry University main campus and you will benefit from its state-of-the-art SuperLab+ where students learn to carry out a range of experimental techniques using the same equipment found in many hospital, commercial, police and research laboratories.

Forensic sessions take place in the immersive crime scene simulation houses, outdoor search and decomposition facilities, as well as a realistic mock courtroom, where students gain first-hand experience analysing and presenting forensic evidence4.

Laboratory with people wearing white coats taking samples

SuperLab

Our state-of-the-art SuperLab+ can hold up to 250 students at one time and has facilities for cell culture and equipment for microscopy and growing microorganisms aerobically and anaerobically, DNA, RNA and protein extraction and analysis, and forensic testing.

 
Blonde lady wearing a lab white suite looking into a dish

Analytical Chemistry Suite

In the Analytical Chemistry Suite you will be able to apply your practical and theoretical knowledge to examine and analyse crime scene evidence. We use new generation chromatography and spectrometric techniques to analyse a range of materials ranging from pharmaceutical agents to cosmetics, soils, drinks and toxins.

criminology-and-forensic-investigation

Crime Scene Houses

In our onsite Crime Scene houses you will be able to evaluate simulated crime scenes and work as a team to collect and appraise evidence ready for further laboratory analysis.
 
 

 


Careers and opportunities

This course focuses on developing graduates with the professional attributes to seek employment in forensic science roles such as a DNA analyst, toxicologist, ballistics, fire investigator and particulate analyst. Many of the skills needed in forensic science such as sterile technique, the importance of good record-keeping, teamwork, digital fluency, ethical integrity, professionalism and problem-solving are valued by employers.

This coupled with the multidisciplinary science focus of the course means that on successful completion of this course graduates will also have the key skills needed to seek employment opportunities in areas outside forensic science in laboratory or non-laboratory roles, something supported at level 6 when we also consider broader scientific opportunities. Students are encouraged from the start of their course to be career-aware and employment-ready and they are supported to develop the skills needed for placement and job applications. The course team has strong links with the Talent Team, to promote appropriate skills development, careers awareness and work experience opportunities (subject to availability).

Our students are equipped to pursue a range of careers. The extensive science content supports employment in research and industry and provides students with core knowledge that can be applied to a variety of forensic fields, from police scientific support roles such as Crime Scene Investigators or Fingerprint Examiners, to laboratory Forensic Scientists, as well as wider-scientific fields post-graduation, for example in the environmental, petrochemical, pharmaceutical and food analysis industries. The course also prepares graduates for a range of careers, such as teaching, sales, financial services, data analysis, scientific writing, and postgraduate study.

Graduate Immigration Route visa

Based on current information from the UK Government, international students whose study extends beyond summer 2021 may be eligible for a visa under the UK Government’s Graduate Immigration Route, which will enable students to stay and work, or look for work, in the UK at any skill level for up to two (2) years. Check the most up to date guidance available to check your eligibility and any updates from the UK Government before making an application or enrolment decision.


How to apply

Full-time students applying to start in September 2024 can apply for this course through UCAS. Read our application pages to find out your next steps to apply.

Part-time students should apply directly to the university.


If you'd like further support or more information about your course get in touch with us today.

International codes:
HLSU255

How to apply

For further support for international applicants applying for an undergraduate degree view our International hub.

You can also download our International guide which contains lots of useful information about our courses, accommodation and tips for travel.

This course with foundation year is not currently available to international students. If you do not meet the entry requirements to directly join year 1 of the degree, please take a look at our International Pathways Programme for additional options.


Get in touch with us today for further advice and guidance.

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