Forensic Science BSc (Hons)
Study level: Undergraduate
The course provides students with a foundation in chemical and biological sciences coupled with forensic science requirements such as crime scene evaluation, collection and preservation of evidence, and legal aspects.
Course option
Year of entry
Location
Coventry University (Coventry)
Study mode
Full-time
Sandwich
Duration
3 years full-time
4 years sandwich
UCAS codes
F412
Start date
September 2023
Course overview
Forensic science is a critical part of the criminal justice system.
A forensic scientist will work in a diverse team to help resolve crimes, and will need to manage crime scenes, analyse evidence, and present expert witness statements in court.
- Through a ‘crime scene to court’ approach, students will be guided through essential concepts such as crime scene evaluation and preservation through to analysis, interpretation, and presentation of collected evidence.
- You will gain a keen theoretical and practical understanding of how science underpin the analysis of forensic materials and how this must withstand legal challenges.
- You will consider a range of forensic evidence types from toxicology, DNA, anthropology, particulates such as glass, fire and explosive residues.

Joint Top Modern University for Career Prospects
Guardian University Guide 2021 and 2022
5 QS Stars for Teaching and Facilities
QS Stars University Ratings
Top 5 UK Student City (Coventry)
QS Best Student Cities Index 2023Why you should study this course
- Authentic application using expert knowledge of practitioners in the fields of biology, chemistry, pharmacology, forensic science and forensic investigation who bring research and practical experience into the classroom (staff subject to change).
- A ‘crime scene to court’ design that guides students from initially securing a scene through to analysing materials and presenting evidence in a court of law. This allows students to understand the entire forensic science process as well as the responsibilities of the people involved.
- The multidisciplinary nature of the course means that graduates will be able to apply their knowledge to a range of employment and entrepreneurship opportunities within or outside the forensic science area.
- Opportunities to examine complex scenes in internal, external and international contexts2 exploring the use of 3D modelling, photography, and anthropology as methods of gathering forensic data4.
- Students will be able to assess simulated crime scenes in our crime scene houses, and other settings, and will then examine evidence in our biological and analytical laboratories applying relevant analytical and evaluation techniques4.
Our Award-winning Green Superlab
With space for over 250 students and packed full of industry-standard equipment, the Coventry University Superlab is an amazing place to learn, experiment and discover. Find out what we’re doing in our Superlab to make it greener and reduce our waste and carbon emissions.
More than just a degree
From the integration of practical experiences in our state-of-the-art labs and simulated crime scenes, to the inspiration teaching by a range of subject experts, this course offers a great opportunity to immerse yourself in what it is to be a forensic scientist.

What you'll study
We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.
We are proud to teach the latest techniques and explore real world challenges with a global outlook.

How you'll learn
You will be taught via a combination of lectures, workshops, seminars and group tutorials including use of problem-based learning and case studies.
In addition, you will have laboratory sessions in Coventry University’s state-of-the-art SuperLab+, where up to 240 students can study at once, alongside our experienced teaching team (staff subject to change)4. Here you will learn to carry out a range of experimental techniques, so that you could confidently walk into a graduate job having already used the very same equipment used in many commercial, police and research laboratories.
Forensic laboratory sessions take place in the immersive crime scene simulation houses, outdoor search and decomposition facilities, as well as a realistic mock courtroom4, where you will gain first-hand experience in collecting, preserving, analysing and presenting forensic evidence. Students will also be supported by a variety of online resources and the virtual learning environment.
Teaching contact hours
The number of full-time contact hours may vary from semester to semester, however, on average, it is likely to be around 15 contact hours per week in the first and second year dropping to around 12 contact hours per week in the third and final year as you become a more independent learner.
Additionally, you will be expected to undertake significant self-directed study of approximately 20 hours each week, depending on the demands of individual modules.
The contact hours may be made up of a combination of face-to-face teaching, individual and group tutorials, practical sessions and online classes and tutorials.
As an innovative and enterprising institution, the university may seek to utilise emerging technologies within the student experience. For all courses (whether on-campus, blended, or distance learning), the University may deliver certain contact hours and assessments via online technologies and methods.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are prepared for courses due to start in or after the 2022/2023 academic year to be delivered in a variety of forms. The form of delivery will be determined in accordance with Government and Public Health guidance. Whether on campus or online, our key priority is staff and student safety.
Assessment
This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which will vary depending upon the module.
Assessment methods include:
- Tests
- Essays
- Group work
- Presentations
- Reports
- Projects
- Coursework
- Individual Assignments
- Laboratory competency tests
- Portfolios
The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.
International experience opportunities
Using case studies, the course aims to be as authentic as possible whilst considering both current and future developments within forensic science in the UK and in a global context. The global outlook and extensive (and universally recognised) science-based content provides students with core knowledge that can be applied to a variety of forensic fields and should give students the confidence and skills to work both in the UK and abroad.
The course provides many opportunities to enhance your study experience. There are options to take part in field trips, improve transferable skills and competencies and to explore careers. The course also includes the opportunity for a year of study abroad, taken between years two and three. You may also be able to interact with students at overseas institutions through Collaborative Online International Learning projects or via international co-creation events hosted at European universities2. Recent examples have included collaboration at Universities in Spain and Czech Republic.
This course will provide students with a journey of discovery into the different areas of forensic science, from investigating simulated crime scenes to analysing evidence and then presenting it in court. Students will benefit from a highly practical course that will encourage team working and problem solving, challenging students to demonstrate the scientific knowledge through a range of methods from novel lab-based research to courtroom assessments.

Entry requirements
Typical offer for 2023/24 entry.
Not got the required grades? We offer this degree with an integrated foundation year.
Fees and funding
2023/24 tuition fees.
Student | Full-time | Part-time |
---|---|---|
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man | £9,250 per year | Not available |
EU | £9,250 per year with EU support bursary** £18,300 per year without EU support bursary** |
Not available |
International | £18,300 per year | Not available |
If you choose to do a work placement2, you should consider travel and living costs to cover this. There is also a tuition fee3 of £1,250 that will cover your academic support throughout your placement year.
For advice and guidance on tuition fees and student loans visit our Undergraduate Finance page and see The University’s Tuition Fee and Refund Terms and Conditions.
We offer a range of International scholarships to students all over the world. For more information, visit our International Scholarships page.
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessments, facilities and support services. There may be additional costs not covered by this fee such as accommodation and living costs, recommended reading books, stationery, printing and re-assessments should you need them. Find out what's included in your tuition costs.
The following are additional costs not included in the tuition fees:
- Any optional overseas field trips or visits: £400+ per trip.
- Any costs associated with securing, attending or completing a placement (whether in the UK or abroad)
*Irish student fees
The rights of Irish residents to study in the UK are preserved under the Common Travel Area arrangement. If you are an Irish student and meet the residency criteria, you can study in England, pay the same level of tuition fees as English students and utilise the Tuition Fee Loan.
**EU support bursary
Following the UK's exit from the European Union, we are offering financial support to all eligible EU students who wish to study an undergraduate or a postgraduate degree with us full-time. This bursary will be used to offset the cost of your tuition fees to bring them in-line with that of UK students. Students studying a Degree with a Foundation Year with us are not eligible for the bursary.
-
How do you know if you need to pay UK or international tuition fees?
We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Your fee status determines your tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available to you. The rules about who pays UK (home) or international (overseas) fees for higher education courses in England are set by the government's Department for Education. The regulations identify all the different categories of student who can insist on paying the home rate. The regulations can be difficult to understand, so the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) has provided fee status guidance to help you identify whether you are eligible to pay the home or overseas rate.
If you meet all the criteria required by any one category, including any residence requirements, your institution must charge you the home rate. You only need to find one category that you fit into.
Facilities
This course is taught predominantly in the Alison Gingell building at the Coventry University main campus and you will benefit from its state-of-the-art SuperLab+ where students learn to carry out a range of experimental techniques using the same equipment found in many hospital, commercial, police and research laboratories.
Forensic sessions take place in the immersive crime scene simulation houses, outdoor search and decomposition facilities, as well as a realistic mock courtroom, where students gain first-hand experience analysing and presenting forensic evidence4.

SuperLab
Our state-of-the-art SuperLab+ can hold up to 250 students at one time and has facilities for cell culture and equipment for microscopy and growing microorganisms aerobically and anaerobically, DNA, RNA and protein extraction and analysis, and forensic testing.

Analytical Chemistry Suite
In the Analytical Chemistry Suite you will be able to apply your practical and theoretical knowledge to examine and analyse crime scene evidence. We use new generation chromatography and spectrometric techniques to analyse a range of materials ranging from pharmaceutical agents to cosmetics, soils, drinks and toxins.

Crime Scene Houses
In our onsite Crime Scene houses you will be able to evaluate simulated crime scenes and work as a team to collect and appraise evidence ready for further laboratory analysis.
Careers and opportunities
This course focuses on developing graduates with the professional attributes to seek employment in forensic science roles such as a DNA analyst, toxicologist, ballistics, fire investigator and particulate analyst. Many of the skills needed in forensic science such as sterile technique, the importance of good record-keeping, teamwork, digital fluency, ethical integrity, professionalism and problem-solving are valued by employers.
This coupled with the multidisciplinary science focus of the course means that on successful completion of this course graduates will also have the key skills needed to seek employment opportunities in areas outside forensic science in laboratory or non-laboratory roles, something supported at level 6 when we also consider broader scientific opportunities. Students are encouraged from the start of their course to be career-aware and employment-ready and they are supported to develop the skills needed for placement and job applications. The course team has strong links with the Talent Team, to promote appropriate skills development, careers awareness and work experience opportunities (subject to availability).
Our students are equipped to pursue a range of careers. The extensive science content supports employment in research and industry and provides students with core knowledge that can be applied to a variety of forensic fields, from police scientific support roles such as Crime Scene Investigators or Fingerprint Examiners, to laboratory Forensic Scientists, as well as wider-scientific fields post-graduation, for example in the environmental, petrochemical, pharmaceutical and food analysis industries. The course also prepares graduates for a range of careers, such as teaching, sales, financial services, data analysis, scientific writing, and postgraduate study.
How to apply
-
UK students
Full-time students applying to start in September 2023 can apply for this course through UCAS from 6 September 2022. Read our application pages to find out your next steps to apply.
Part-time students should apply directly to the university.
If you'd like further support or more information about your course get in touch with us today.
Chat with our admissions team
Complete our contact form
-
International students
International codes:
HLSU255Full-time students applying to start in September 2023 should apply directly to the university.
How to applyFor further support for international applicants applying for an undergraduate degree view our International hub.
You can also download our International guide which contains lots of useful information about our courses, accommodation and tips for travel.
Get in touch with us today for further advice and guidance.
Chat with our admissions team
Complete our contact form
-
Disclaimers
Coventry University together with Coventry University London Campus, CU Coventry, CU London, CU Scarborough and Coventry University Online come together to form part of the Coventry University Group (the “University”) with all degrees awarded by Coventry University.
1Accreditations
The majority of our courses have been formally recognised by professional bodies, which means the courses have been reviewed and tested to ensure they reach a set standard. In some instances, studying on an accredited course can give you additional benefits such as exemptions from professional exams (subject to availability, fees may apply). Accreditations, partnerships, exemptions and memberships shall be renewed in accordance with the relevant bodies’ standard review process and subject to the university maintaining the same high standards of course delivery.
2UK and international opportunities
Please note that we are unable to guarantee any UK or International opportunities (whether required or optional) such as internships, work experience, field trips, conferences, placements or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be subject to additional costs (which could include, but is not limited to, equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire, travel, accommodation and visas), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable travel COVID and visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand the visa requirements, please contact the International Office.
3Tuition fees
The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation.
For International Students, we may increase fees each year but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation. If you defer your course start date or have to extend your studies beyond the normal duration of the course (e.g. to repeat a year or resit examinations) the University reserves the right to charge you fees at a higher rate and/or in accordance with any legislative changes during the additional period of study.
4Facilities
Due to COVID-19, some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) and some non-academic offerings (particularly in relation to international experiences), may vary from those advertised and may have reduced availability or restrictions on their use.
Student Contract
By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. A copy of the 2023/24 contract can be found here. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the university will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the university.
You may also like

Biological and Forensic Science BSc (Hons)

Forensic Investigations BSc (Hons)
