Undergraduate study
     

Crime Scene & Forensic Science

BSc (Hons) Forensic Science

  • UCAS code: F412 BSc/FS
  • Length: 3 years full-time study or 4 years with work placement

2012 entry

 

Fragments of glass, paint flakes, fibres, footwear marks or DNA extracted from body fluids can help provide evidence to link individuals with each other or with a crime scene. The challenge is deciding which samples to examine and how to obtain the best evidential value by analysing them.

A forensic science degree from Teesside University provides you with the skills required by a forensic science graduate. You gain hands-on experience of the array of scientific and analytical techniques in common use to investigate a crime, recover evidence from our simulated crime scene house, examine the items in well-equipped laboratories and practise delivering your expert testimony in our replica courtroom.

This course has been accredited by the Forensic Science Society – the international professional body for forensic science.

How you learn

You are expected to attend a range of lectures, small-group tutorials and hands-on laboratory sessions. 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, from essays to court reports, examinations and verbal presentations. 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 has been accredited and commended by the Forensic Science Society - the international professional body for forensic science.

Career opportunities

Possible areas include analytical science, either in industry or with a forensic science provider, accident analysis, fire investigation, health and safety, pollution monitoring and any job that calls for sound scientific and investigative skills.

Entry requirements

To enter Year 1, you're expected to have GCSE English (grade C or above) and good grades at Level 3 (for example A level, BTEC ND, ACCESS, IB). You'll be better prepared for this course if you have chemistry or biology. We will consider advanced entry directly into Year 2 for candidates offering good grades in Level 4 or 5 qualifications (eg HNC, HND) in a related subject area.

You're normally invited for an interview, when you can also see our excellent facilities and meet staff and students. You then receive an individual offer. If you can't come for an interview, a typical offer might be 280 tariff points including either Level 3 chemistry or biology. Depending on your other subjects, we may count Key Skills Level 3 and General Studies A level towards the tariff point requirement.

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