Forensic Science BSc Hons

at Northumbria University

The early stages of the course are designed to give you a solid theoretical and practical grounding in the key science areas applicable to the degree. This foundation is built on in subsequent years as you develop natural curiosity and critical thinking through experiments and greater independent learning and thought.

 

You will develop critical thinking skills and the ability to present clearly supported/evidenced opinions as you progress through the course. The problem-based approach to teaching establishes these skills at an early stage and culminates in the final year project in your chosen specialism.

 

100% of students agreed the course is intellectually stimulating (National Student Survey, 2020)

 

Modules

Module information is indicative and is reviewed annually therefore may be subject to change. Applicants will be informed if there are any changes.

 

Year one

 

• AP0400 -Practical Skills in Forensic Science (Core,20 Credits)
• AP0401 -Process and Practices in Forensic Science (Core,20 Credits)
• AP0402 -Fundamentals of Analytical Chemistry (Core,20 Credits)
• AP0403 -Principles of Chemical Structure (Core,20 Credits)
• AP0404 -Cell Biology and Genetics (Core,20 Credits)
• AP0405 -Scientific Support (Core,20 Credits)
• JE5001 -Academic Language Skills for Applied Sciences (Core – for International and EU students only,0 Credits)

Year two

 

• AP0501 -Research Methods (Core,20 Credits)
• AP0502 -Trace Analysis (Core,20 Credits)
• AP0503 -Body Fluids and Blood Pattern Analysis (Core,20 Credits)
• AP0504 -Drugs and Toxicology (Core,20 Credits)
• AP0505 -Specialist Applications in Criminal Investigation (Core,20 Credits)
• AP0551 -DNA Profiling (Core,20 Credits)

Year three

 

• AP0536 -Study Abroad (Optional,120 Credits)
• AP0550 -Academic Exchange Semester Study Abroad (Optional,60 Credits)
• AP0552 -Industrial Placement Year (Optional,120 Credits)
• AT5004 -Year in International Business (This is made up of modules studied in Newcastle (Semester 1) & Amsterdam (Semester 2) (Optional,120 Credits)

Year four

 

• AP0600 -Forensic Science Research Project (Core,40 Credits)
• AP0601 -Complex Casework (Core,20 Credits)
• AP0602 -Contemporary Issues in Forensic Science (Optional,20 Credits)
• AP0603 -Advanced Forensic Investigation (Core,20 Credits)
• AP0604 -Advanced Analytical Chemistry (Optional,20 Credits)
• AP0634 -Forensic Genetics and Anthropology (Optional,20 Credits)
• ML6001 -Unilang - Languages for All - Level 6 Placeholder (Optional,20 Credits)

Entry Requirements 2022/23

Standard Entry

120 UCAS Tariff points

 

From a combination of acceptable Level 3 qualifications which may include: A-level, T Level, BTEC Diplomas/Extended Diplomas, Scottish and Irish Highers, Access to HE Diplomas, or the International Baccalaureate.

 

Subject Requirements:

 

Applicants will need Grade B in A-Level Biology, Chemistry or Applied Science, or recognised equivalents.

 

GCSE Requirements:

 

Applicants will need Maths and English Language at minimum grade 4/C, or an equivalent.

 

Additional Requirements:

 

There are no additional requirements for this course.

 

International Qualifications:

 

We welcome applicants with a range of qualifications which may not match those shown above.

English Language Requirements:

 

International applicants should have a minimum overall IELTS (Academic) score of 6.0 with 5.5 in each component (or an approved equivalent*).

Fees and Funding 2022/23 Entry

UK Fee in Year 1: £9,250

* The maximum tuition fee that we are permitted to charge for UK students is set by government. Tuition fees may increase in each subsequent academic year of your course, these are subject to government regulations and in line with inflation.

EU Fee in Year 1: £16,500

 

International Fee in Year 1: £16,500

We offer an innovative approach to work-based learning. The curriculum has been designed for the development of specific subject knowledge and practical skills in forensic science while providing opportunities for personal and professional development. The valuable transferable skills that you will gain in these modules include critical thinking, effective group work, data mining through use of electronic and classical sources of information, record-keeping, problem solving, independent learning, communication of ideas to various audiences and project management.

 

This course also provides the opportunity for placements, with some opportunities arising at companies like AzoNobel, P&G, ChemTech Environmental, Sanofi Aventis, National Crime Agency and the Ministry of Justice. There is also opportunities to study abroad.

 

Our current alumni are working in roles within the police, forensic science laboratories and analytical chemistry laboratories, as well as in further postgraduate studies.