On our Forensic Science (Foundation Entry) course you’ll get a grounding in the kinds of skills you’ll need if you want to become a forensic scientist or a crime scene investigator.
Throughout your foundation year you’ll enhance your scientific knowledge and we’ll teach you a wide range of practical laboratory techniques. You’ll get insights into the world of forensic investigation, the management and processing of crime scenes, and analysing evidence in the laboratory.
Foundation entry degree courses like this one are ideal if you’ve got the ability to study for a degree but you don’t have the qualifications needed to directly enter the full honours degree programme. During the foundation year we’ll equip you with the essential knowledge and understanding of theoretical and practical science skills you’ll need to succeed at degree level.
When you progress to our full BSc (Hons) Forensic Science you’ll have access to some fantastic facilities, including our crime scene houses, a vehicle examination bay, and a blood spatter pattern analysis suite, further enhanced by purpose built facilities at our pioneering Lancashire Forensic Science Academy (LFSA) partnership.
Why study with us
- The foundation year provides you with an interesting and stimulating grounding in science gaining key practical skills in our modern, spacious and well-equipped laboratory facilities. You’ll build your confidence and become an independent learner.
- 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).
- During your course you’ll have the chance to go on an optional sandwich placement year, as well as specialist placement opportunities at the LFSA, to gain valuable industry experience.
What you’ll do
- Enhance your practical skills with a variety of hands-on Biology and Chemistry laboratory sessions and Physics workshops.
- Learn all about crime scene investigation, including fingerprint recovery and identification, and the recovery and analysis of trace evidence such as hairs, fibres and bodily fluids.
- On the full course you’ll get to examine evidence at simulated crime scenes inside our very own crime houses on campus.
Module overview
Optional modules
• FZC006: Biology
• FZC007: Chemistry
• FZC008: Biochemistry
• FZC009: Mathematics
• FZC010: Physics
• FZC018: Study Skills
• YOC001: Skills for Science
• YOC002: Biology
• YOC003: Chemistry
• YOC004: Physical Sciences
• YOC005: Biochemistry
• YOC006: Environmental Science
Year 1
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
Previous graduates have gone on to study for PhDs in Fire Chemistry, Neuroscience and Forensic Science. Others have pursued careers in a range of science-based roles, including forensic scientists and crime scene investigators.
Science graduates are in demand in many employment sectors in the UK and overseas including the civil service, business, accounting, sales and marketing. You can use the transferable employability skills that you gain throughout your degree to look for jobs in a number of different areas.
If you develop an interest in a specialist area, you could continue to study at postgraduate level for a Master of Science (MSc), Master of Research (MRes), or a Doctoral degree (PhD or DPhil).
Other students choose to take a postgraduate teaching qualification or graduate entry into medicine.
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