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Programme Specification for Forensic Science (Major, Joint or Minor)

Campus: Stratford

Why Study Forensic Science as part of a Combined Honours Degree?

The programme at UEL aims to provide students with a broad background to a large number of scientific techniques used by forensic scientists and also an introduction to the relevant aspects of law.

Essentially Forensic Science is the application of science to law enforcement, so the forensic scientist uses a range of scientific techniques to provide admissible evidence in a court of law.

The Forensic Science programme Offers extensive laboratory training through all years of the programme.

What will I study?

Level 1 is essentially a foundation year, designed to cement and extend areas of study which should already be at least partly familiar to students. In two Skills modules students will develop the study skills and IT skills required in any modern degree programme together with the more specialist background knowledge in areas such as chemistry, cell biology and statistics, which are required by a Forensic Scientist. A module on legal methods and skills provides an introduction to the relevant aspects of law.

At Level 2, certain modules are essential: these include Biological Evidence, Biochemical Techniques, Introduction to Toxicology and the Environment and Criminal Law. Two further modules are chosen from a selection of law, pharmacology and biochemistry modules.

A third year of study can be spent away from the University in an agreed work placement.

The final year (Level 3) has further modules specialising in aspects of Forensic Science with options of further study in law or toxicology. In your final year, you do an individual research project, involving original work.

Which modules will I study?

You can view a full guide to the modules you have to study as part of your chosen pathway, along with a full range of option modules available by viewing the Single & Combined Honours Programmes Guide for Forensic Science.

Can I study a Combined Honours Programme as a Part-time degree?

All our Combined Honours Programmes can be studied on a Part-time or Full-time basis. As a Part-time student, you will study the same degree programme, but at a slower pace. You will study up to 4 modules per year (instead of 6 as a full-time student).

What career opportunities are open to me if I study Forensic Science?

The programme will enable you to pursue careers in forensic science and related occupations, such as diagnostics, scientific support for the police, consumer protection/trading standards, health and safety, public health, environmental monitoring and control, accident investigation and quality assurance in the manufacturing industries including food and pharmaceutical. It can also be utilised by those students who have less specific career aspirations but who wish to study a rigorous scientific programme. One rapidly growing field of work is in the insurance industry providing the technical support in claims assessment.

Popular Combinations with Forensic Science are:

  • Forensic Science with Human Biology (F4B1 - BSc/OEoi)
  • Forensic Science/Information Technology (F4G5 - BSc/OEPJ)
  • Forensic Science/Law (FM41 - Mod/OEID)

What can I combine with Forensic Science?

We have over 5000 different combinations and you can choose from over 75 pathways. Please visit this page www.uel.ac.uk/combined/programmes for a full list.

Entry Requirements

240 UCAS tariff points (including two passes at A2 level, with a minimum grade B in A2 Biology, Chemistry or Physics). In addition to the above, we require GCSE Maths, English and Science grade C.

How do I apply?

If you wish to study with us full-time from September, you will need to make your application via UCAS (www.ucas.ac.uk).

If you wish to study with us part-time you can obtain an application form from our admissions department study@uel.ac.uk or apply on-line.

Other Forensic Science programmes available

For further information on the range of Forensic Science programmes available at UEL, please visit the School page

Contact Us

If you would like to speak to someone about a Combined Honours Programme, please contact the School of Combined Honours on 0208 223 2575 or email us at combined.honours@uel.ac.uk

School Newsletter

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