Forensic Science is the application of scientific techniques to better the criminal justice system. In addition to evidence analysis and interpretation, forensic science is used to provide expert witness testimony. Over the years, the significance of this science has increased manifold. Today, lakhs of students from India and worldwide aspire to work in the exciting and developing field of forensic science. Home to some of the world’s most reputed universities, the UK has become a global hub of students fascinated by the science behind crime scenes.
Learn more about the best UK universities to study Forensic Sciences below (Guardian Guide 2023) and book a free consultation to begin your UCAS application today.
A BSc Forensic Science course in the UK prepares you in all the aspects of forensic science, learning techniques such as fingerprints, crime scene procedures, examining evidence in the lab and report writing, thus developing scientific and analytical skills.
Top Five Universities for Forensic Science in the UK
1. University of Kent
BSc Forensic Science at the University of Kent is a three-year degree that teaches you industry-relevant skills. It prepares you for the best possible career beginning through its state-of-the-art programme curriculum and infrastructure. The course is an opportunity to gain real-time experience and investigative skills by conducting incident exercises at simulated crime scenes.
Accredited by The Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences, the Kent degree allows you to explore different aspects of forensic sciences, such as fingerprints and pattern evidence, toxicology, and ballistics. You will explore the legal elements of evidence submission and witness testimony along with fire and explosive-related core chemical science. Understanding analytical chemistry and DNA profiling are also among the popular modules.
- Suggested course: Forensic Science - BSc (Hons)
- Entry requirements: A-level: BBB in 3 subjects, including Chemistry or Biology. GCSE: Mathematics grade 4/C
- International fees: £21,900
2. Nottingham Trent University
Nottingham Trent University’s BSc Forensic Science provides an opportunity to gain comprehensive knowledge and hands-on experience in relevant forensics techniques. Being in the company of experienced forensic specialists, you will work on a range of case studies inspired by real-world scenarios. The course also includes a placement year with organisations like the fire brigade and the NHS.
The NTU programme aims to create professional awareness of the duties and liabilities of the expert witness. In addition to understanding analytical toxicology approaches, students will master the art of evidence search, recording, and recovery, from Forensic Chemistry to Ethics and Law for Forensic Science to Forensic Image Processing.
- Suggested course: BSc (Hons) Forensic Science
- Entry requirements: 120 UCAS Tariff points from up to four qualifications including Chemistry and another Science or Numerate subject grade C)*; GCSEs – English, Maths and Science grade C/4
- International fees: £16,500
3. University of Greenwich
Equipped with specialist forensic provisions, purpose-built facilities, and state-of-the-art crime scene facilities, the University of Greenwich is one of the UK’s most sought-after institutes for forensic science. Taught by industry experts with years of experience, the programme aims to hone your skills in homicide investigations, toxicology, blood pattern analysis, molecular biology, etc.
The first year emphasises the biochemistry fundamentals and psycho-biology, while the second year focuses on core metabolic pathways, statistical methods for data interpretation, crime scene examination, and the genetic aspect of forensic research. The third year of the Greenwich course is loaded with theoretical and practical learning to enable you to conduct investigations in diverse situations. You can also choose one of the following: a science internship course or personal and professional development.
- Suggested course: BSc (Hons) Forensic Science
- Entry requirements: Three A-levels/Extended Diploma/combination of A-level and Diploma/A-levels and Extended Certificate.
- International fees: £16,150
4. University of Staffordshire
Boaden your scientific expertise in advanced problem-solving with the University of Staffordshire’s BSc (Hons) Forensic Science degree. Accredited by the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences, the programme gives you an opportunity to have real-life experiences in the university’s avant-garde crime scene house and lab facilities. In Year 1, students are introduced to modern techniques for crime scene processing and other investigative processes. Year 2 revolves around studying analytical and biological methods in forensic science.
While conducting digital forensic investigations, you will get acquainted with synthetic chemistry and human remains identification techniques. The last year is more about practice-based learning by completing independent research projects in the current forensic environment. You can also opt for a placement year at a suitable location.
- Suggested course: BSc (Hons) Forensic Science
- Entry requirements: GCE A Levels - grades BBC or equivalent; UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma - grade of Merit overall
- International fees: £16,750
5. Northumbria University
The industry-relevant undergraduate degree in Forensic Science by Northumbria University provides students allows you to develop basic knowledge in forensic practices and laboratory techniques. Graduates will be equipped to tackle difficult scientific problems confidently and maturely. Students can participate in several practical exercises, from DNA analysis to trace evidence examination to have real-time experience.
Designed by some of the UK’s top forensic experts to support and inspire you to achieve high professionalism, the Northumbria programme is delivered through a problem-based approach. Along with the fundamentals of chemical structure, the course curriculum includes trace analysis, specialist application in criminal investigation, and forensic genetics and anthropology.
- Suggested course: BSc (Hons) Forensic Science
- Entry requirements: A-level, T Level, BTEC Diplomas/Extended Diplomas, Scottish and Irish Highers, Access to HE Diplomas, or the International Baccalaureate.
- International fees: £19,000
Study Forensic Science in the UK
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