Forensic Science BSc (Hons) (Full-time, Part-time)

Course overview

You can still apply to BU (including through UCAS Extra). Please apply through UCAS as soon as possible; your application can only be assessed once we have received it from UCAS.

Why study forensic science at BU?

• International reputation for both traditional and forensic archaeology and anthropology
• Invaluable lab and fieldwork experience, including mock crime scenes and disasters, utilising our field station and streetwise facilities
• Opportunity to study a wide range of specialisms including DNA analysis, toxicology, bone and skeletal analysis.

What will I study?

Forensic Science is the application of all areas of science to assist law enforcement agencies to detect criminal activity and to support the legal system to make just decisions where scientific evidence is presented in a court of law. You will be introduced to a wide range of scientific disciplines that are involved in the detection of criminal activity.

You will be provided with theoretical and practical training covering crime scene science, toxicology, chemistry and molecular biology. This course draws on the School’s international reputation for forensic archaeology, anthropology, genocide investigation and toxicology.

This course has been designed to be one of the most relevant and modern forensic science degrees on offer. A recent theme at international conferences has been mass disasters and therefore this BSc (Hons) Forensic Science course has been designed realising that many forensic investigators work on tsunami, earthquake, genocide or mass transport cases rather than typical crime scenes.

Forensic science facilities

You will have the opportunity to participate in many indoor and outdoor practical exercises in purpose-designed facilities under the tuition of experienced staff. You will use our Crime Scene Training Centre which includes two bedrooms, one with an ensuite, a lounge-kitchen-diner, a bank and a drugs lab, used to carry out full-scale simulated crime scene investigations. Please visit the facilities section to find out more about BU's forensic science facilities and the fieldwork section to find out more about the practical exercises you'll be involved in.

Forensic science career opportunities

If you have a scientific background and a desire to establish a career in forensic science or a wider range of science careers then this course is ideal. After gaining an understanding and knowledge of key concepts, professional skills and forensic sciences, you will be able to pursue this specialist area of expertise in the civil and criminal arenas or go on to further study in a more specialised field.