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.
We are one of the few universities in the UK with the experience, facilities and industry connections to offer such a professionally relevant programme in forensic science. Here, you’ll learn from experts in their fields, whether seasoned CSIs or leading academics.
The course is built around three core topics of forensics – investigation, biology and chemistry – with a range of options to help you steer your studies toward your strengths and interests. You’ll learn the theory and practice of forensic investigation, crime scene processing and laboratory-based analysis.
With our own crime scene houses and professional-standard labs, you’ll develop workplace-ready skills. And, thanks to our partnership with Lancashire Constabulary, you could even get the chance to shadow a professional forensic scientist in an operational environment. So, by the time you graduate, you should have everything you need to pursue a future as a forensic scientist.
Why study with us
- This course is ranked 1st in the North West and in the UK’s top 10 (Complete University Guide 2020).
- Forensic and Archaeological Sciences at UCLan is ranked 4th in the UK with 93% overall satisfaction, whilst being ranked 2nd in the UK for the teaching on the course (National Student Survey 2022).
- We have joined forces with Lancashire Constabulary to create the Lancashire Forensic Science Academy, a ground-breaking partnership that gives our students the chance to shadow operational CSIs at crime scenes.
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.
Module overview
Compulsory modules
• FZ1037: Crime Scene Science
• FZ1038: Academic Skills
• FZ1039: Bodies of Evidence
• FZ1040: Forensic Laboratory Analysis
• FZ1046: Forensic Scientific Principles
Year 2
Compulsory modules
• FZ2004: Forensic Casework
• FZ2005: Professional Practice
• FZ2038: Research for Forensic Investigators
• FZ2039: Major Crimes - The Evidence
Optional modules
• FZ2007: Molecular Biology
• FZ2009: Forensic Chemical Analysis
• FZ2051: Forensic Anthropology
Year 3
Compulsory modules
• FZ3003: The Interpretation of Forensic Evidence
• FZ3501: Forensic Science Dissertation
Optional modules
• FZ3004: Death Sciences
•
FZ3005: Forensic Toxicology and Chemical Investigations
• FZ3011: Forensic Genetics
• FZ3300: Applied Forensic Anthropology: Taphonomy and Human Remains Recovery
Course delivery
Following the pandemic, we have found that some courses benefit from a blended learning and teaching approach. Therefore, the majority of your teaching will be face-to-face on campus aside from a small amount of online teaching where we have learnt it works best.
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.
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.
Our course provides an excellent starting point for a career in the competitive sector of forensic science. Today, you’ll find our former students working in all sorts of forensic science settings – as crime scene investigators, police officers, scientific support personnel and intelligence analysts, at home and overseas. You’ll also learn the transferrable scientific skills that can open doors to government, education, the NHS, biotechnology firms, nuclear industries, pharmaceutical companies and other scientific companies.
While you’re with us, we’ll make sure you get plenty of opportunities to put some vital experience on your CV, whether working in the voluntary sector, or by going on a 48-week sandwich placement at a number of laboratories or offices.
If you’re aiming for a career in the police, we’d also encourage you to become a Special Constable. Alternatively, if you see yourself working in a lab, you can explore links with local hospitals or research labs.
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