Overview

 

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Why study forensic science?

Forensic scientists apply scientific analysis to criminal and civil investigations, producing evidence that’s admissible in a court of law.

It’s a fascinating and rigorous scientific discipline that will build your knowledge of biology and chemistry, as well as your advanced problem-solving, data interpretation and communication skills.

Covering crime scenes, laboratory and courtroom work, forensic science offers a springboard into rewarding careers in the justice system and beyond.    

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Why UWE Bristol?

BSc(Hons) Forensic Science is accredited by The Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences. It was designed with input from professional forensic scientists to give you a deep understanding of the way science is used to investigate crime.

With a strong emphasis on problem-solving and communicating scientific findings, you’ll study everything from crime scene investigation and laboratory analysis, to interpreting, evaluating and presenting evidence.

Learn to use forensic instruments in our industry-standard laboratories.

Apply your scientific knowledge at simulated crime scenes in our specially-adapted Crime Scene House. Present evidence and respond to questions in our mock courtroom.

Guest lectures from inspirational professionals will give you insights into specialist topics and you can tailor the degree to suit your specific interests.

You’ll be encouraged to do summer internships and placements, and you can apply to spend a year studying abroad.

 

Key features of the course

Develops your expertise of topics related to the investigation, exploration and contested terrain of crime, and social harm Extends skills and insights regarding the criminal justice system, victim protection and support, civil liberties, human rights, security and social justice Ideal preparation for work where analytical and careful decision making is required, and where initiative is valued. Please note that this masters degree is not suitable for those who wish to go on to PhD level study.

Accreditation

The goal of accreditation is to ensure that education provided by institutions of higher education meets acceptable levels of quality. Accreditation is your assurance that the University meets quality standards.

Institutional Accreditation

Regional accreditation is an institution-level accreditation status granted by one of six U.S. regional accrediting bodies. Accreditation by more than one regional accrediting body is not permitted by the U.S. Department of Education.

University of Newcastle is accredited by the DETC Higher Learning Commission (DETC), www.detc.org.uk Since , University of Newcastle has been continually accredited by the DETC Higher Learning Commission and its predecessor.

 

BA (Honours) 

Course Level:

Undergraduate

Credits 

180

Course

codeF756

How long it takes:

Three Years, Four Years Sandwich

Study Mode:

Distance learning/ Campus

Course cost

Price: US$15000.00

Entry requirements

Find out more about

Department:

Newcastle Law School

Why study criminology and law?

Studying criminology gives you a deep understanding of crime and criminal justice in the real world.

It complements and contextualises legal study, and is useful for those looking to practise criminal law or work in the criminal justice system.

Why Newcastle?

BA(Hons) Criminology and Law is a flexible course that allows you to explore topical modules spanning criminal justice, penology, sexual offences and offending.

Gain a solid grounding in criminological research methods and practice. Develop valuable legal skills such as mooting and negotiating alongside your academic studies. Graduate with crucial skills that enhance your employability and prepare you for diverse careers in law or criminology.

This hands-on course gives you real-world insight and helps you develop professional abilities through community engagement and work-based learning.

You’ll study both law and criminology in equal measure in your first year and then opt to major in one or the other from year two.

If you major in law, you’ll have the option to graduate with a Qualifying Law Degree (QLD). This gives you access to our Legal Practice Course (LPC), which includes the option to do an LLM in Advanced Legal Practice (LPC LLM) or Bar Professional Training Studies (BPTS) to become a solicitor or barrister.

Law majors can choose from a range of modules that provide academic discourse as well as examples of real-life cases. Criminology majors get to explore contemporary issues through practical lab sessions.

Where can it take me?

The knowledge and professional skills you’ll gain on this course are highly valued by employers. They also provide a solid foundation for a variety of careers.

This degree combination leads naturally to a career in criminal law. But depending on your specialism, you could pursue a career as a solicitor, barrister, legal adviser or paralegal, or as a teacher, social worker, counsellor or charity worker.

There are also opportunities with the police, prison and court services, as well as the legal sector.

The optional modules listed are those that are most likely to be available, but they may be subject to change.

Year one

You will study:

  • Chemistry in Context
  • Human Biological Systems
  • Scientific Investigation of Crime
  • Scientific Skills.

Year two

You will study:

  • Forensic Analysis
  • Law and Expert Evidence
  • Drugs and Toxicology.

Plus, one combination of modules from:

  • Forensic Biology and Molecular Genetics
  • Instrumental Analytical Science and Molecular Genetics
  • Instrumental Analytical Science and Medicinal Chemistry.

Final year

You will study:

  • Forensic Project.

Plus, one combination of modules from:

  • Advanced Analytical Science; and Forensic Analysis and Toxicology
  • Forensic Biology and Genetics; and Genomic Technologies.

Plus, one optional module from:

  • Pathophysiology
  • Pharmacology and Toxicology
  • Forensic Psychology
  • Professional Practices in Applied Science*.

And one optional module from:

  • Neuropharmacology
  • Science Communication
  • Environmental Forensics.

*Compulsory if you do a placement.

You can get a balanced forensic science degree by studying one biology and one chemistry option in year two, and then choosing the options that appeal to you in year three.

Alternatively, you can choose a specialist route in Year two and Final year, which means you’ll have Forensic Science or Forensic Science in your degree title.

We can advise you on which modules to choose and the implications for your career and your membership of the professional bodies.

The University continually enhances our offer by responding to feedback from our students and other stakeholders, ensuring the curriculum is kept up to date and our graduates are equipped with the knowledge and skills they need for the real world. This may result in changes to the course. If changes to your course are approved, we will inform you.

  • Tariff points: 120
  • GCSE: For all applicants, Grade C/4 or above in English Language, Mathematics and Double Science, or equivalent. Please note the University does not accept Level 2 Key Skills, Functional Skills or Certificates in Adult Numeracy and Literacy as suitable alternatives to GCSEs.
  • A-level subjects: Grade B or above in Biology or Chemistry. Points from A-Level General Studies and AS-Level subjects (not taken onto full A-Level) can be included towards overall tariff. You must have a minimum of two A-Levels.
  • Specific subjects: Biology, Chemistry
  • EDEXCEL (BTEC) Diploma: To include six units in Biology or Chemistry.
  • Access: Achievement of the Access to HE Diploma; to include 15 level 3 credits at distinction in Biology or Chemistry, and an additional 15 credits at merit in another subject.
  • Baccalaureate IB: A minimum grade of 6 in higher level Biology or Chemistry.

Entry requirements

We recognise the individual nature of each application and our typical offer should be viewed as a guide. UWE Bristol welcomes interest from applicants who may not have the standard entry requirements. We will consider evidence of your relevant personal, professional or educational experience where it demonstrates an ability and potential to succeed on the course. Please include details of any relevant experience in your application.

Fees Amount (£)
Home/EU-Full Time-Annual (Per Year) Fee 9250
Home/EU-Full Time-Module Fee (15 Credit) 1156
International-Full Time-Annual (Per Year) Fee 13000
International-Full Time-Module Fee (15 Credit) 1625

 

Careers / Further study

Forensic science graduates go into varied types of laboratory work, and a significant number become science teachers.

The scientific problem solving, numerical and communication skills you’ll gain will also put you in a strong position for working in other sectors, from financial services to law. 

Graduates have gone onto work with some of the country’s largest forensic science providers, including LGC Forensics, Orchid Cellmark and Key Forensics, as well as in a range of roles with the Police.