UWE Bristol - MSci Forensic Science with Foundation Year

UWE Bristol

MSci Forensic Science with Foundation Year

Get the academic knowledge, practical experience and first-class professional skills that will fast-track your future.

Why study forensic science?

Forensic scientists apply scientific analysis to criminal and civil investigations, producing evidence that's admissible in a court of law.

It's a fascinating and rigorous scientific discipline that will build your knowledge of biology and chemistry, as well as your advanced problem-solving, data interpretation and communication skills.

Covering crime scenes, laboratory and courtroom work, forensic science offers a springboard into rewarding careers in the justice system and beyond.    

Why UWE Bristol?

Accredited by The Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences, MSci Forensic Science (with Foundation Year) was designed with input from professional forensic scientists to give you a deep understanding of the way science is used to investigate crime.

With a strong emphasis on problem-solving and communicating scientific findings, you'll study everything from crime scene investigation and laboratory analysis, to interpreting, evaluating and presenting evidence.

Learn to use forensic instruments in our industry-standard laboratories and apply your scientific knowledge at simulated crime scenes in our specially-adapted Crime Scene House.

Present evidence and respond to questions in a mock courtroom. Practise being in different forensic science roles, including crime scene investigator, laboratory forensic scientist, reporting officer, fire investigator and blood pattern analyst.

Study advanced topics in your final year, such as practical fire investigation, blood pattern analysis and wildlife forensics, alongside an extended research project.

Guest lectures from inspirational professionals will give you insights into specialist topics and you can tailor the degree to suit your specific interests.

We encourage you to do summer internships, and you can apply to study abroad for a year.

Where can it take me?

The knowledge and skills you'll gain will open up lots of career paths.

You could work with forensic science providers or the Police, or as a laboratory analyst or science teacher. Many students do further study or research, particularly in analytical chemistry or molecular biology.

Your analytical approach to problem-solving will be just as valued in other sectors, like financial services or law. 

Entry Requirements

  • Tariff points: 48
  • GCSE: Grade C/4 or above in English Language or Literature, Mathematics and Double Science, or equivalent. We do not accept Level 2 Key Skills, Functional Skills or Certificate in Adult Literacy and Numeracy as alternatives to GCSEs.
  • English Language Requirement: International and EU applicants are required to have a minimum overall IELTS (Academic) score of 6.0 with 5.5 in each component
  • A-level subjects: A minimum of an AS in a Science subject.
  • Relevant subjects: Subjects that meet the Science requirement for this course: Applied Science, Biology, Human Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science/Studies, Geography, Geology, Maths. Use of Maths, Physics, Psychology, Science in the Environment, Statistics.

Career Prospects

Forensic science graduates go into varied types of laboratory work, and a significant number become science teachers.

The scientific problem solving, numerical and communication skills you'll gain will also put you in a strong position for working in other sectors, from financial services to law. 

Graduates have gone onto work with some of the country's largest forensic science providers, including LGC Forensics, Orchid Cellmark and Key Forensics, as well as in a range of roles with the Police.

Many graduates continue in research leading to a PhD, and others decide to take their study of law further and complete a one-year law conversion course to become a barrister.

Course Details

If you study on the six year (sandwich) course, you'll spend a year away from the University on a work placement after Year two.

You'll complete a placement learning module.

Year 0 Foundation Year

Biology in Practice
Chemistry in Practice
Skills for Science
People and Science.

Year 1

Chemistry in Context
Human Biological Systems
Scientific Investigation of Crime
Scientific Skills.

Year 2

Law and Expert Evidence
Forensic Analysis
Drugs and Toxicology.

One module set -
Instrumental Analytical Science and Molecular Genetics
Instrumental Analytical Science and Medicinal Chemistry
Molecular genetics and Forensic Biology.

Placement year

Year 3

Forensic Project.

One optional module set
Advanced Analytical Science and Forensic Analysis and Toxicology
Forensic Biology and Genetics and Genomics Technologies.

One optional module from:
Pathophysiology
Pharmacology and Toxicology
Forensic Psychology
Professional Practices in Applied Sciences

One optional module
Environmental Forensics
Neuropharmacology
Science Communication.

Final Year

Research in Practice
Advanced Crime Scene Science
Wildlife Forensics
Forensic Science and Society.

*The information’s are correct at the time of publishing, however it may change if university makes any changes after we have published the information. While we try our best to provide correct information, It is advisable to call us or visit university website for up to date information.

Are you ready to start building your future?

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