Crime Scene & Forensic Science

Crime scene science plays an important role in modern society. As a multidisciplinary area of study within the broader field of forensic science, you explore scientific techniques to help investigate and deter crime in different environments.

You can access the most extensive facilities in crime scene science of any UK university. Our resources are used to train serving police officers and other regulatory enforcement officers. And our staff are former practitioners in crime scene investigation, bringing real-life experience to the classroom.

This course shows you how to manage the forensic process from start to finish. You develop skills in gathering, recording, evaluating and presenting evidence, as well as understanding the science behind forensic analysis. In addition to preparing you as a crime scene investigator, this course can lead to a range of employment openings.

How you learn

You are expected to attend a range of lectures, small-group tutorials and a high number of hands-on practical sessions utilising a full range of crime scene facilities and specialist laboratories. Part of your course also involves a substantial research-based project.

The course has been designed to provide a number of contact teaching and assessment hours (lectures, tutorials, laboratory work, projects, examinations etc), but you are also expected to spend time on your own, called ‘self-study’ time, to review lecture notes, prepare coursework assignments, work on projects and revise for assessments. Each year of full-time study consists of modules totalling 120 credits and each unit of credit corresponds to ten hours of learning and assessment (contact hours plus self-study hours). So, during one year of full-time study you can expect to have 1,200 hours of learning and assessment.

How you are assessed

Assessments are varied and reflect the module outcomes. There are written assignments, photographic and evidence portfolios, essays, court/case reports, verbal presentations and examinations. You also have the opportunity to present evidence in the mock court room.

Support and constructive feedback is provided by academic members of staff to help you improve in all aspects of your learning.

Professional placement

This degree is available as a four-year sandwich programme incorporating a year-long supervised work placement. This may not always be in the direct area of study but would be in a relevant professional environment.

Professional accreditation

This course is the first course in the country to be awarded the Forensic Science Society and Skills for Justice Forensic Skillsmark Award. It has been accredited by the Forensic Science Society.

Career opportunities

Graduates careers can include crime scene investigator, police officer, intelligence analyst, detention officer, or you could seek employment with agencies or government organisations such as the Environment Agency, HM Revenue & Customs, the prison service or local government. Graduates are also well placed to seek careers in the law sector.

Entry requirements

To enter Year 1, you're normally invited for an interview, when you can also see our excellent facilities and meet staff and students. It means we can consider applicants with a wide range of qualifications.

You'll be better prepared for this course if you have a science subject or a good grade in at least one subject related to a forensic, investigative or law discipline.

After your interview you receive an individual offer. If you can't come for an interview, a typical offer might be 300 tariff points from at least two A levels (or equivalent) - one should be at least grade C in a science or discipline-related area. If your A levels don’t contain a science, we consider your performance in science at GCSE level. Depending on your other subjects, we may count Key Skills Level 3 and General Studies A level towards the tariff point requirement.

More information

• Teesside University - forensics event Crime scene science students took part in a practical forensics event at Teesside University's Darlington campus (2 mins)
• Crime Scene & Forensic Science
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