BSc in Forensic Science
BSc
DURATION
6 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time, Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
TUITION FEES
GBP 9,535 / per year *
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* UK students: £9,535 per year | international: £19,200 for the first year
Key Summary
Want to pursue a career in forensic science?
Learn to examine, analyse, and interpret the information present at a crime scene.
How is scientific evidence gathered from a crime scene? How is it analysed and used in investigation? How is it interpreted and presented in court?
This course provides you with practical skills and knowledge to answer these questions through hands-on experience and real-world applications.
On this course, you will study and practice in our cutting-edge facilities gaining hands on experience in DNA analysis, archaeology, questioned documents, toxicology, and drug confirmation. You will use industry-standard equipment and instruments, mirroring those used in real-life forensic casework.
In addition, you will have access to our designated crime scene house, a real semi-detached property on-site. Its rooms and garden feature a variety of mock crime scenes, including burglary, arson, assault, sexual crime, and murder. You will also have opportunities to participate in vehicle crime simulations and attend several mock court sessions.
Why choose this course?
This course prepares you for a career as a forensic scientist using case studies, evidence interpretation, fieldwork and laboratory training covering all aspects of investigating criminal offences. These include crime scene processing, forensic archaeology, drugs, toxicology, DNA profiling, body fluids, entomology, fibres, fire investigation and ballistics.
You will also have an introduction to criminal law, which includes cross-examination in a Crown Court setting.
Specialist topics include blood pattern analysis (BPA), gunshot residue detection, counterfeits and forgeries, and the analysis of trace evidence. In addition, this course provides additional industry recognised certificates in BPA, forensic toxicology, and DNA profiling at no extra cost.
We have recently updated our modules to enhance student-centred teaching and align course content with industry needs, helping you become a future-proof graduate.
We’ve received three commendations from the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences for our state-of-the-art technology, innovative student training, and enrichment activities with a strong employability focus, including guest lectures, paid placements, and collaborations with law students at mock trials.
Accreditation
The BSc Forensic Science (410) and BSc Forensic Science with Foundation Year (411) courses are accredited by the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences for the component standards in Interpretation, Evaluation and Presentation of Evidence; Laboratory Analysis; and Crime Scene Investigation.
This course is currently accredited until March 2031, when accreditation will undergo renewal. When you graduate you are eligible to apply to be an Associate of the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences (ACSFS post-nominals). Having completed appropriate continuing professional development in a forensic science workplace, you can also become a Professional Member (MCSFS).
Please note: the Professional Placement (412) year is not yet accredited.
We want to ensure anyone with potential and drive has the opportunity to study with us, no matter their background or financial situation. That's why each year, we provide a number of bursaries to help our undergraduate students gain their degree.
- The Kingston bursary
- Bursaries for care leavers
- Bursaries for estranged students
- Bursaries for young adult carers
- Bursaries for Sanctuary Scholars
- Chancerygate Foundation bursary
- Salutem scholarships
- AVSH scholarship
Year 1
Year 1 offers a broad understanding of the major branches of biology and biochemistry. You will develop key laboratory skills, be introduced to several forensic science specialised branches, and will learn about theory and practices used in modern forensic science.
Core modules
- Analytical Techniques in Forensic Science
- Introduction to Forensic Science
- Scientific and Laboratory Skills
- Genes to Tissues
Year 2
Year 2 introduces specialist topics in forensic science. These include DNA and human identification, advanced crime-scene analysis, counterfeits and forgeries and the application of analytical techniques to the analysis of trace evidence such as fire, fibres, glass and fingerprints. You will also be introduced to criminal law and receive expert witness training. This will culminate in the cross-examination of expert witness testimony in a mock courtroom setting at Kingston Crown Court.
Core modules
- Research and Employability Skills in Forensic Science
- Crime Scene, Evidence and Law
- Analytical Techniques for Molecular Science
- Counterfeits, Fakes and Forgeries
Year 3
Year 3 provides you with the opportunity to expand your knowledge by studying advanced forensic topics such as body fluid analysis, advanced DNA analysis, forensic archaeology, crime scene exhibit examination, drugs, toxicology, fire investigation and ballistics.
You will also undertake an independent research project which will allow you to hone your skills in a specific area of forensic science which includes but is not limited to DNA analysis, crime scene investigation, forensic toxicology and drug analysis, GSR analysis, skeletal anatomy, analysis of fire evidence, questioned documents and document fraud.
Core modules
- Biological Evidence – Advanced Techniques
- Forensic Science Project
- Forensic Chemistry and Trace Analysis
- Forensic Archaeology
- Future Skills Apply
On graduation from this course, you will be prepared to work in a range of environments, including forensic laboratories, policing, analytical chemistry laboratories, hospitals and private consultancies.
Embedded within this course and throughout the whole Kingston experience is our Future Skills programme. The Future Skills programme was developed to respond to the ever-evolving demands from modern day employment. It will help you obtain the skills most valued by employers, such as problem-solving, digital competency and adaptability, and learn how to apply these skills in different scenarios. You’ll also learn how to articulate to employers how being able to do so gives you the edge.