Forensic Science BSc(Hons)

Why choose this course?

This exciting area of science includes the collection of trace and contact evidence from crime scenes, the detection of drugs and alcohol, the examination of human remains, and the analysis of fingerprints and DNA. The course also provides an overview of the UK criminal justice system, and the professional role of police and expert witnesses.

You can choose to study our as a single honours degree Forensic Science BSc(Hons), or as a joint honours subject in conjunction with Criminology or Psychology.

Excellent National Student Survey results

In the 2012 National Student Survey, we scored 100% in the 'Overall satisfaction' and 'Teaching on the course' categories for forensic science.

100% of respondents agreed that staff were enthusiastic about the subject, explained it well and made it interesting and intellectually stimulating. What's more, they were available for advice when needed.

What will you study?

You will study key elements of modern forensic science including crime-scene processing, analytical techniques, laboratory skills, human anatomy and genetics. You will learn about evidence such as fingerprints, fibres, drugs, blood and skeletal remains. You will also have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience of simulated crime scenes and trials, learning about the role of the expert witness. In your final year you can focus on specialist area through your choice of option modules and undertake a piece of independent research.

Please note that this is an indicative list of modules and is not intended as a definitive list. Those listed here may also be a mixture of core and optional modules.

Year 1

• Introduction to Forensic Science
• Genes, Cells and Tissues
• The Chemical Foundations of Life
• Scientific and Laboratory Skills

Year 2

• Crime Scene, Evidence and Law
• Research Methods and Topics in Forensic Biology
• Analytical Science
• Option modules include Counterfeits, Fakes and Forgeries
• Police and Penal Studies

Year 3

• Current Concepts in Forensic Biology
• Forensic Analysis and Trace Evidence
• Project
• Option modules include Forensic Archaeology
• Transnational Crime

Forensic science students from Kingston University have been put through their paces in front of a jury at crown court. Read full story