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Programme summary for BSc (Hons) Forensic Science (Single and Combined Honours)

Forensic Science involves the study of the way in which scientific, and particularly biological, techniques are used to investigate crime, and the law relating to evidence.

This degree is taught jointly by the Schools of Health & Bioscience and Law. External lectures from working forensic scientists and the Essex Police Force form part of the degree, and you will have the opportunity to do a sandwich placement that will enhance your appreciation of the subject and your career prospects.

Why choose Forensic Science at UEL?

  • UEL has extensive cross-School forensic research topics, such as anti-terrorism, forensic computing and drug abuse
  • lecturers include professional scientists, practising lawyers, police detectives and other consultants
  • sandwich-year students work at the UK Drug Control Centre at King's College London, the Forensic Toxicology Lab at Charing Cross Hospital and the Forensic Research Lab here at UEL
  • we have a fully equipped Forensic Research Lab, which has an excellent reputation for analysis of complex mixtures. You will work alongside MSc and PhD students on topics of use to real-life forensic scientists.

See what one of our Forensic Science graduates thought of her study in the School of Health, Sport and Bioscience.

About the programme

Forensic science is the application of science to law enforcement. Its main function is to provide impartial scientific evidence for use in courts of law. Scientists work closely with the police and are sometimes required to go to a crime scene, such as a murder or fire. They frequently give evidence in court, and since their evidence is impartial, it can support either the case for the prosecution or defence.

2-subject degrees

You can combine this programme with another subject as part of a 2-subject degree. Popular combinations include Forensic Science with Human Biology, and Forensic Science with Criminology.

Programme structure

  • Most students follow a 4-year sandwich degree pathway - however 3-year full-time and part-time routes and combined honours are also available
  • 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, four modules are essential: 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.
  • The 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

Career opportunities

Possible careers include 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. There are growing opportunities in the insurance industry, providing technical support in claims assessment. A graduate's broad legal and scientific knowledge is also of value in a large range of research and management roles in both the public and private sectors.

Support

The School of Health and Bioscience provides immediate contact with University support systems.

  • In your first year, you are allocated a Personal Tutor (a member of staff familiar with your degree). You will see your Tutor at regular intervals to discuss progress and life in general.
  • Module leaders and Degree pathway leaders also give support on academic matters, and advice about other specialist help available through the University.
  • The School also has a Help Desk to provide administrative assistance and advise how to get the right help.
  • Internet homepages are used by many staff to support their teaching and your learning.
  • Lecture and practical files, quizzes, mark summaries and much more is now available for several modules via UEL UELPlus Online Programme links.

Throughout the programme you will find a number of scheduled support activities devoted to specific aspects e.g. how to write your project report, or more general aspects such as careers.

Support for students on a University level includes:

Admission

  • 240 UCAS tariff points or equivalent

We also accept Access to Science, Advanced GNVQ in Science at merit grade, and BTEC National Diploma in Science with a minimum of 6 modules at merit grade or higher. All students should also have a minimum of grade C at GCSE, or equivalent, in English language, mathematics and double science.

Applicants with overseas or alternative qualifications are considered on an individual basis. For mature students, credit may be given for relevant work experience.

Direct entry to the second year of the programme is available for students with Higher National Certificate or Diploma in an appropriate area, or for those who have successfully completed study equivalent to level one at another University.

If you want to study Forensic Science but have not achieved the right entry qualifications, why not start with our extended degree programme in Applied Biology (feeds in at Level 1).

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