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Forensic Science

BSc (Hons)
Duration
3 years
Start
September 2025
UCAS Code
F410
Delivery
In-person

Explore the science of investigation, learning the skills to collect, analyse and interpret evidence. It’s a highly specialised course, designed to put you on a high-impact career path.

Why study with us

  • 2nd
    in the UK for teaching
    National Student Survey (Forensic and archaeological sciences) (compared with unis in the Guardian University Guide)
    2024
  • 3rd
    in the UK for overall score
    Guardian University Guide (Forensic science)
    2024
  • 4th
    in the UK for student satisfaction
    Complete University Guide (Forensic Science)
    2025
  • 94%
    of students highly rate our learning opportunities
    National Student Survey (Forensic and archaeological sciences)
    2024
  • You’ll learn the theory and practice of forensic investigation, crime scene processing and laboratory-based analysis.
  • Learn from experts in their fields, whether seasoned CSIs, former police professionals or leading academics. This combination of teaching staff allows us to build on the many years' experience of senior practitioners and research developments at the cutting-edge of the discipline.
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What you’ll do

  • You’ll work in labs equipped with cutting-edge microscopy and analytical equipment, and at our outdoor facility for research in forensic taphonomy and decomposition.
  • As well as covering modules focused on the core aspects of Forensic Science, you can focus on specialist areas like genetics, toxicology and anthropology.
  • You can take a sandwich-year placement, developing vital career-boosting skills in a local hospital laboratory or with a scientific research project.

Modules

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of our published course information. However, our programmes are subject to ongoing review and development. Changing circumstances may cause alteration to, or the cancellation of, courses. Changes may be necessary to comply with the requirements of accrediting bodies or revisions to subject benchmarks statements. As well as to keep courses updated and contemporary, or as a result of student feedback. We reserve the right to make variations if we consider such action to be necessary or in the best interests of students.

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I wanted a degree that could potentially get me into the world of forensic science, but also provide the groundwork that could be utilised in many other professional sectors.
Photo of Carolanne 'Annie' Yates
Annie Yates
2016 UCLan Graduate, now Forensic Operations Manager, Durham Constabulary
Read more

Academic expertise

Dr Catherine Tennick
Senior Lecturer in Forensic Science
Dr Tina Gornall
Senior Lecturer in Forensic Science
Dr Claire Williamson
Senior Lecturer in Forensic Science
Dr Allison Stewart
Senior Lecturer
Dr Brenna Hassett
Lecturer in Forensic Osteology and Archaeology
PC
Peter Cross
Senior Lecturer
Rachel Cunliffe
Lecturer in Forensic and Biological Anthropology
Dr Judith Smith
Senior lecturer
Dr William Goodwin
Reader in Forensic Genetics
Dr Anna Kirkham
Senior Lecturer in Forensic Chemistry
Adam Wilcox
Senior Demonstrator in Forensic Science
Paul Langton
Lecturer in Forensic Science

Missing Persons Information Unit

By joining our Missing Person Investigation Unit, you’ll have the opportunity to work with the families of missing people. You can develop lines of enquiry, and work within a wider network of cold-case missing person investigators.

Cybercrime Advice Clinic

Get involved with our Cybercrime Advice Clinic. You can work with victims of cybercrime within Lancashire (and beyond). Help and support victims after they have been targeted by cyber criminals.

Accreditations

Future careers

By the time you graduate from our Forensic Science BSc (Hons) programme, you will be well placed to start an exciting career in areas of forensic science, biological sciences or chemical analysis.

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Entry requirements

We will consider your educational achievements, predicted grades, work experience and personal statement. If you don't meet the grades for your chosen course, we will consider you for other programmes.

We know that many factors can influence the grades you achieve in school or college. If your life experience has affected your academic studies, we can take this into account. Use the UCAS Points Calculator below to check whether you are eligible.

Unsure if you meet our entry requirements? Contact our friendly Course Enquiries team to talk through your options.

  • UCAS: 104-112 points at A2 including Biology or Chemistry or Applied Science
  • BTEC Extended Diploma: DMM including Chemistry and Biology units
  • BTEC Diploma D*D - D*D* including Chemistry and Biology Units
  • Pass Access Course: 104-112 UCAS Points with 15 Level 3 Credits in Chemistry or Biology
  • International Baccalaureate Diploma: Pass including 104-112 points from Higher Level subjects including Biology or Chemistry
  • T Level: M including Biology or Chemistry or Applied Science
  • IELTS: Grade 6.0 with no component lower than 5.5
  • GCSEs: 5 at grade C/4 including Maths and English

Use our UCAS points calculator

Discover how many UCAS points your qualifications are worth
Calculate your grades

Not got the grades?

Our courses with a foundation year could be exactly what you're looking for. They provide an alternative route to study for this degree.

Find out more about our courses with a foundation year.

Fees and funding

2024/25
UK
Full-time£9,250 per year
Sandwich year£1,500 for the sandwich year
Part-time£1,540 per 20 credits
International
Full-time£16,500 per year
2025/26
UK
Full-time£9,250 per year
Sandwich year£1,575 for the sandwich year
Part-time£1,540 per 20 credits
International
Full-time£17,325 per year

Scholarships and bursaries

We have a wide range of bursaries, scholarships and funds available to help support you whilst studying with us.

Select your country to see eligibility information and how to apply by selecting more info on the cards below.

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This course is delivered by the School of Law and Policing

For information on possible changes to course information, see our essential and important course information

You can find regulations and policies relating to student life at the University of Central Lancashire on our student contract page