BSc (Hons) Forensic Science
- Canterbury, United Kingdom
- Online
BSc
DURATION
3 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2026
TUITION FEES
EUR 23,500 / per year *
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* for international | UK: TBC
Key Summary
Discover how science plays a vital role in solving crimes and delivering justice.
You’ll study areas such as trace evidence, ballistics, and DNA analysis. Alongside this, you’ll train in delivering expert witness testimony and explore the legal and ethical dimensions of your work.
With options to take a year in industry, study abroad, or complete an integrated Master’s, you’ll graduate with the scientific and analytical skills to thrive in careers from policing and counter-terrorism to public health and research.
We have a range of subject-specific awards and scholarships for academic, sporting and musical achievement.
Stage 1
Compulsory modules currently include the following
- Fundamentals of Chemistry
- Organic Chemistry 1 - Structure and Reactivity
- Introduction to Forensic Science
- Core Inorganic and Physical Chemistry for Forensic Science
- Introduction to Ballistics
Stage 2
Compulsory modules currently include the following
- Analytical Chemistry 1: Methods and Validation
- Biochemistry: Biomolecules and Enzymes
- Fundamental Forensic Techniques & Archaeology
- Digital Forensics
- Forensic Ballistics and Trauma Analysis
- Practical Skills in Forensic Science 2
Year in Industry
You have the option to add a year in industry to this course. We already know you have the confidence and commitment to thrive in the workplace and kick-start your career. This is your chance to prove it, to yourself and to employers.
Year Abroad
Taking a year abroad – whether you study at one of our prestigious partner universities or do an internship – is an amazing opportunity.
Stage 3
Compulsory modules currently include the following
- Analytical Chemistry 2: Advanced Methods
- Chemistry for the Analysis of Trace Evidence
- Fires and Explosions
- DNA Analysis & Interpretation
- Forensic Science Research Project
- Contemporary Forensic Practice and the Expert Witness
93% of our graduates are in full-time work or further study within 15 months (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2024).
Our graduates have gone on to work for employers such as:
- Cellmark
- DNA Legal
- Eurofins Forensic Services
- GSK
Accreditation
This course is fully accredited by The Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences.
How you'll study
- Lectures
- Seminars
- Tutorials
- Independent Study
- Workshops
- Lab Work
Teaching and assessment
Teaching methods
- Learn through a mix of lectures, lab-based practicals, tutorials and small-group workshops.
- Take part in simulated major incident exercises, staged crime scenes and mock courtroom trials.
- In a typical week, you can expect around 10 hours of lectures and 10 hours of labs or workshops.
Independent study
- Develop your own understanding through reading, research and problem-solving tasks.
- Complete coursework, group projects, and reflective exercises based on practical sessions.
Assessment methods
- Coursework includes scientific reports, data analysis, group projects, skills-based assessments and presentations.
- Context-based practical exercises assess your understanding of key scientific concepts and investigative approaches.
- Final-year projects and expert witness assessments test your ability to apply knowledge in real-world scenarios.
Facilities and support
- Access to ballistics facility, comparison microscope, crime scene house, vehicles and taphonomy site.
- Engage with academic staff who are leaders in fields like wound ballistics and forensic archaeology.
- Placement support helps you apply for roles with leading organisations.
- Join the Forensic Science Society and access careers events, peer mentoring and research opportunities.