BSc in Forensic Science
Kingston upon Thames, United Kingdom
DURATION
3 up to 6 Years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time, Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Request application deadline *
EARLIEST START DATE
Request earliest startdate
TUITION FEES
GBP 9,250 / per year **
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* only for home students. We will continue to accept applications from international students after the 25th of January
** UK students: £9,250 per year | international: £15,800 for the first year
Introduction
Why choose this course?
How is scientific evidence gathered from a crime scene? How is it analysed and used in an investigation? How is it interpreted and presented in court?
This course prepares you for a career as a forensic scientist. Case studies, evidence interpretation, fieldwork and laboratory training cover 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'll 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 also provides additional industry-recognised certificates in BPA, forensic toxicology and DNA profiling at no extra cost.
This course scored 100% overall student satisfaction (National Student Survey 2020).
Reasons to choose Kingston University
- The three-year, full-time course is accredited by the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences (CSFS) for the component standards in Interpretation, Evaluation and Presentation of Evidence; Laboratory Analysis; and Crime Scene Investigation. When you graduate, you'll be eligible to apply to be an Associate of the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences. The four-year, full-time including a foundation year route is not accredited.
- We have received four commendations from the CSFS for our cutting-edge forensic technology and innovative student training programmes.
- Kingston is ranked No.9 in the UK for Forensic Science (Complete University Guide 2023).
Accreditation
The 410 course is 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 2025. 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). Find out more from the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences website. The 4 years full-time including a foundation year route is not accredited.
Gallery
Admissions
Curriculum
What you will study
Year 1
Year 1 offers a broad understanding of the major branches of biology and biochemistry. You will develop key laboratory skills, and learn to give detailed scientific explanations for the theory and practices used in modern forensic science. The Introduction to Forensic Science module gives an overview of types of forensic evidence, such as skeletal remains, forensic entomology, drugs, toxicology, GSR (gunshot residue), DNA analysis, crime scene investigation and fraudulent document analysis. IT, numeracy and study skills will be taught as part of these modules.
Core modules
- Genes, Cells and Tissues
- The Biochemical Foundations of Life
- Scientific and Laboratory Skills
- Introduction to Forensic Science
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 and opinion in a mock courtroom setting at Kingston Crown Court.
Core modules
- Research Methods and Topics in Forensic Biology
- Crime Scene, Evidence and Law
- Analytical Science
- Policing and Punishment
Optional modules
- Counterfeits, Fakes and Forgeries
Year 3
Year 3 provides you with the opportunity to study further forensic topics, including the analysis of body fluids, advanced DNA analysis, examination of crime scene exhibits, drugs, toxicology, fire investigation and ballistics. You can tailor your studies through the option modules in Advanced Analytical Techniques or Forensic Archaeology. 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 Chemistry and Trace Analysis
- Project (Bioscience)
Optional modules
- Project
- Forensic Archaeology
- Advanced Analytical Science
- Global Terrorism and Transnational Crime
Please note
Optional modules only run if there is enough demand. If we have an insufficient number of students interested in an optional module, that module will not be offered for this course.
Program Tuition Fee
Career Opportunities
After you graduate
You'll be prepared to work in a range of environments, including forensic laboratories, policing, analytical chemistry laboratories, hospitals and private consultancies.
Employability preparation at Kingston University
In addition to building expertise in your own discipline, our courses will also help you to develop key transferable skills that you'll need for professional life or further study once you graduate.
As well as a range of careers and employability activities at Kingston, we also offer you the chance to apply and develop your skills in live contexts as an integral part of your course. Opportunities include:
- placements;
- working or studying abroad;
- volunteering;
- peer mentoring roles; and
- internship opportunities within and outside the University.
In your final year, you'll get the opportunity to complete a major 'capstone' project where you can apply the knowledge and skills you have acquired to a range of real issues in different contexts. This is a great way to learn and is a valuable bridge to employment or further research at the master's level.