Bachelor's degree

In Bristol

£ 9,250 + VAT

Description

  • Type

    Bachelor's degree

  • Location

    Bristol

  • Start date

    Different dates available

Why study MSci Forensic Science?
Forensic scientists apply scientific analysis to criminal and civil investigations, producing evidence that is admissible in a court of law. It's a fascinating and rigorous scientific discipline that will build your knowledge of biology and chemistry, as well as developing advanced problem-solving, data interpretation and communication skills. From crime scene to laboratory to courtroom, studying Forensic Science will provide you with a springboard into a range of exciting careers within the justice system and beyond.
Why study our course?
MSci Forensic Science has been designed in conjunction with professional forensic scientists to provide a deep understanding of the way scientific disciplines are applied to the investigation of crime. Covering crime scene investigation, laboratory analysis, interpretation and evaluation, as well as the presentation of evidence, the course has a strong practical focus with excellent study facilities. In the final year, you will study advanced topics including practical fire investigation, blood pattern analysis and wildlife forensics, alongside an extended research project.
Real-world experience
Guest lectures from inspirational professionals cover a range of specialist topics throughout the course. You will be encouraged to undertake summer internships and have the option to apply to study abroad for a year. Teaching methods will require you to adopt the roles of various forensic science professionals, including crime scene investigator, laboratory forensic scientist, reporting officer, fire investigator and blood pattern analyst.
Where it can take you
Our graduates have the knowledge and transferable skills that enable them to progress in many different careers from posts with forensic science providers and the Police Service, to positions as laboratory analysts or science teachers. The skills and confidence gained are invaluable in any profession where an analytical approach...

Facilities

Location

Start date

Bristol (Avon)
See map
Coldharbour Lane, BS16 1QY

Start date

Different dates availableEnrolment now open

About this course

Professional accreditation
The BSc(Hons) Forensic Science course is accredited by The Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences. UWE Bristol is seeking accreditation from this body for the MSci Forensic Science course.
Placements
We will encourage you to apply for a paid summer internship or year-long placement in a relevant workplace environment. In your second year, you will also have the chance to apply to spend 12 months abroad, studying at Virginia Commonwealth University in the USA.
Study facilities
With an emphasis on problem-solving approaches and the communication of...

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Subjects

  • Communication Training
  • Teaching
  • Biology
  • Interpretation
  • Fire
  • Law
  • Project
  • Problem Solving
  • IT Law
  • Presentation

Course programme

Content

Year one

You will study the following compulsory modules:

  • Chemistry in Context
  • Human Biological Systems
  • Scientific Investigation of Crime
  • Scientific Skills.

Year two

You will study the following compulsory modules:

  • Law and Expert Evidence
  • Forensic Analysis
  • Drugs and Toxicology.

Plus one of the following modules combinations:

  • Instrumental Analytical Science AND Molecular Genetics
  • Forensic Biology AND Medicinal Chemistry.

Year three

You will study the following compulsory modules:

  • Forensic Project
  • Professional Practices in Applied Sciences*.

Plus at least one of the following module combinations:

  • Advanced Analytical Science AND Forensic Analysis and Toxicology

OR

  • Forensic Biology and Genetics AND Genomics Technologies.

Plus, you may study one from:

  • Pathophysiology
  • Pharmacology and Toxicology
  • Forensic Psychology.

And one from:

  • Environmental Forensics
  • Neuropharmacology
  • Science Communication.

Final year

You will study the following compulsory modules:

  • Research in Practice
  • Advanced Crime Scene Science
  • Wildlife Forensics
  • Forensic Science and Society.

*compulsory module if you choose to undertake a placement.

The University continually enhances our offer by responding to feedback from our students and other stakeholders, ensuring the curriculum is kept up to date and our graduates are equipped with the knowledge and skills they need for the real world. This may result in changes to the course. If changes to your course are approved, we will inform you.

Learning and Teaching

Learning takes place through lectures, tutorials, workshops and laboratory work. As a Department, we have long-established links with Avon and Somerset Constabulary Scientific Investigations and a local Home Office Forensic Pathologist, meaning you will benefit from guest lectures from professionals covering a range of aspects of forensic science. A dedicated Digital Technologies Suite is used for indoor and outdoor crime scene investigations, laboratory analysis and courtroom presentation in the virtual world of Second Life.

There will be an emphasis on problem solving approaches, as this is in the nature of forensic science, together with the importance of the communication of scientific findings. The crime scene house and outdoor crime scene areas will be used and, in the Final year, you will search a scene, examine the evidence, write a report as you would for court and face questioning on this in the mock courtroom.

For more details, see our full glossary of learning and teaching terms.

Assessment

Coursework is assessed in all years and there are examinations in most modules, although the assessments in year one do not contribute to the final degree mark. A variety of assessment methods are used to reflect the range of theoretical concepts, knowledge and practical skills developed during the course. The project in the final year is assessed.

For more details, see our full glossary of assessment terms.

Forensic Science - MSci

£ 9,250 + VAT