This multidisciplinary course provides education and training in Forensic Science with an emphasis on human remains. There are four topics that run throughout the course:  forensic investigation; forensic biology; forensic chemistry; and forensic anthropology.  In the First Year, introductory modules in all four elements are taken. In the Second and Third Year, students always take forensic investigation and forensic anthropology classes, and can choose between forensic chemistry, forensic biology, or both, to complete their timetable.

Key Facts

Entry Requirements

Entry to the forensic science programme will normally require 280 points, including at least two A2 level subjects, one of which must be either Biology or Chemistry. GCSE Mathematics (Grade C or above) is also required. An interview may be arranged, at the discretion of the School, if a candidate does not meet the above standards, but equivalent study or experience would be required.

Course Content

Forensic Science with Anthropology at UCLan is outstanding amongst other UK programmes by merit of its breadth and depth.  This course contains a stronger human remains element than any other forensic science programme and makes use of our extensive facilities and staff expertise in this area. In addition to fitting the student for a wide range of forensic careers, the course has strong development of transferable, employable skills, and it is expected that graduates will be well prepared for careers in a number of areas.

There are four topics that run throughout the course: forensic investigation; forensic biology, forensic chemistry and forensic anthropology. In the first year, introductory modules in all four elements are taken. In the second and third years, students always take forensic investigation and forensic anthropology classes, and can choose between forensic chemistry, forensic biology, or both, to complete their timetable.

Forensic Investigation involves the management and analysis of crime scenes, the collection of forensic evidence and its analysis by means of methods such as fingerprinting, footwear impressions, document analysis, tool marks, forensic photography, glass fragment analysis, trace evidence, body fluids, hair and fibre analysis and ballistics. Forensic Biology covers topics such as DNA profiling, the immunological identification of blood groups, and the identification of protein and enzyme polymorphisms, which can be used to match body fluids such as blood, semen or saliva to individuals, or to carry out paternity analysis. Forensic Chemistry examines the chemical and physical methods used in forensic science to characterise and match trace samples. Forensic Anthropology is the study of the skeleton in order to determine a profile of a deceased individual. In the first year, a broad view of anthropological techniques is given, and in the second year students study the skeleton in depth, becoming expert in skeletal anatomy. In the third year, modes of decomposition and burial are the focus.

The programme is delivered by lectures, seminars, tutorials, laboratory practicals, crime scene simulations, role-playing and fieldwork. The emphasis is very much on the practical elements of the course. We provide a lively learning environment and encourage students to be active participants in their learning. Assessment includes formal examinations, critical essays, lab tests, projects, class and individual presentations and research in the form of a third year dissertation.

The School of Forensic and Investigative Sciences is vibrant, friendly, diverse and busy, and houses a wealth of staff experience. We were the first UK department to have a dedicated crime scene simulation house and now have three properties representing different scenarios. We have an impressive skeletal collection, comprised from both teaching specimens and archaeological material, and our students work on both. In second year students are offered the chance to travel to Kenya to study taphonomy and work with the Maasai people (costs extra) and our third years always organise one of the best graduation balls in the university!

Course at a Glance

Year 1

Compulsory modules:
Crime Scene Science
Aspects of Forensic Science
Skills for Forensic Scientists
Anthropology for Forensic Science
Biology for Forensic Scientists
Chemistry for Forensic Scientists

Options:
Introduction to Biology
Introduction to Chemistry
Elective

Year 2

Compulsory modules:
Criminalistics
Forensic Practice
Forensic Anthropology
Law for Forensic Scientists
 
Plus ONE OR BOTH of the following options:
Forensic Chemistry
Introduction to Forensic Genetics
 
IF ONE of the above, then ONE of the following is selected:
Entomology or Human Evolution or any other elective

Year 3

Compulsory modules:
Dissertation
Application of Forensic Science
Forensic Taphonomy
Human Remains Recovery

Plus ONE of the following combination of options (dependent on second year study):
Forensic Genetics plus Forensic Medicine or
Advances in Forensic Chemistry plus Forensic Toxicology

Links with Professional Bodies:

Accredited by The Forensic Science Society

Assessment:

Assessment includes formal examinations, critical essays, lab tests, projects, class and individual presentations and research in the form of a third year dissertation.

Learning Environment:

The programme is delivered by lectures, seminars, tutorials, laboratory practicals, crime scene simulations, role-playing and fieldwork. The emphasis is very much on the practical elements of the course. We provide a lively learning environment and encourage students to be active participants in their learning.

Careers:

A course module that will help you plan your career is available as a free choice module (called an elective), which you can study as part of your degree programme.

Fees and Finance

The standard fee for this course will be: £9,000 per year

For further information including the availability of bursaries/scholarships or student financial support please view our Fees and Finance pages.