Forensic Science - BSc (Hons) (2024)

Undergraduate BSc (Hons)

Unlock the secrets of crime-solving and gain the skills for a rewarding career.

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Course options

Starting

Typical offer

BBBView all entry requirements

Course overview

Do you want to understand the science behind crime scene investigation, develop your laboratory skills and be trained in the delivery of expert witness testimony? Then choose our top-ranked Forensic Science degree.

You'll graduate with in-depth knowledge of the theory behind the science, supported by practical experience gained in simulated crime scenes and court cases, major incident exercises that unfold in real time and in our outstanding laboratories. You'll also discover how the skills you gain can be applied within archaeology and in the food and pharmaceutical industries.

Accreditation

This course is fully accredited by The Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences.

Why study Forensic Science at Kent?

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A professional placement

Your Forensic Science degree opens the door to lots of exciting careers; taking a professional placement year helps you discover some of those options.

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Number 1

We're ranked 1st in The Guardian University Guide 2024and 2nd in The Complete University Guide 2024.

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A course that delivers.

Forensic Science student Luke Ryde has spent a lifetime planning his career path, discover why Kent was part of his plan.

We're here for you.

Academic advisers and support staff are on hand to help with course and life queries; careers advisers to help you get where you want to go.

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Get hands-on experience.

You'll use industry-standard equipment from the start of your degree.

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Everything you need to know about our Forensic Science course

Entry requirements

Typical A level offer

BBB

The University will consider applications from students offering a wide range of qualifications. Click below to find out more.

Course structure

You'll get to grips with the broad base of knowledge on which forensic science is built, including core chemistry, biochemistry, drug chemistry, and ballistics. You also develop solid investigative and laboratory skills.

How you'll study

This course combines innovative teaching with extensive practical sessions, where you can apply your knowledge.

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How you'll study

Lectures

Seminars

Tutorials

Independent Study

Workshops

Lab Work

Teaching and assessment

This course teaches core scientific principles and applied forensic science disciplines through insightful lectures, as well aslaboratory classes, project work and problem-solving seminars.

Assessment is by a combination of written examinations, continuous assessment and other assignments. You must pass the Stage 1 examinations in order to go on to Stage 2. Coursework assessments include incident analysis, evidence preservation, presentation skills and expert witness testimony.

Contact hours

For a student studying full time, each academic year of the programme will comprise 1200learning hours which include both direct contact hours and private study hours. The precise breakdown of hours will be subject dependent and will vary according to modules.

Methods of assessment will vary according to subject specialism and individual modules.

Please refer to the individual module details under Course Structure.

Programme aims

Forcourse aims and learning outcomesplease see thecoursespecification.

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Fabulous facilities.

See for yourself how impressive our facilities are by going on tour with Forensic Science student Rishita.

Your future

Forensic scientists are in demand in lots of areas. In addition to working with the police and in the criminal justice system, forensic skills are also sought after in the food and pharmaceutical industries and can be applied within archaeology. Our graduates have gone on to work for companies such as:

  • Cellmark
  • DNA Legal
  • Eurofins Forensic Services
  • GSK
  • Forensic Explosives Laboratory (part of the Ministry of Defence, it provides scientific support to the Police and Crown Prosecution Service).

You'll also develop key transferable skills including: the ability to work independently or as part of a team; to analyse and problem solve; to conduct research and communicate your findings.

Learn more about a career in forensic science

Forensic Science - BSc (Hons) (7)

UK Forensic Science graduate salaries

Very high

£26,312

Average base pay (5,333 salaries)

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Fees and funding

Tuition fees for 2025 entry

The 2025-26 annual tuition fees for UK undergraduate courses have not yet been set by the Department for Education.

Full-time

  • UK

    TBC

  • EU

    £23,500

  • International

    £23,500

    For details of when and how to pay fees and charges, please see our Student Finance Guide.

    For students continuing on this programme, fees will increase year on year by no more than RPI + 3% in each academic year of study except where regulated.*

    Your fee status

    The University will assess your fee status as part of the application process.If you are uncertain about your fee status you may wish to seek advice fromUKCISAbefore applying.

    You will require regular access to a desktop computer/laptop with an internet connection to use the University of Kent’s online resources and systems. Please see information about the minimum computer requirements for study.

    Find out more aboutaccommodation and living costs, plusgeneral additional coststhat you may pay whenstudying at Kent.

    Kent offers generous financial support schemes to assist eligible undergraduate students during their studies. See our funding pagefor more details.

    Forensic Science - BSc (Hons) (9)

    Scholarships

    We have a range of subject-specific awards and scholarships for academic, sporting and musical achievement.

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    Over to our students.

    Forensic Science - BSc (Hons) (10)

    Join us (and our friend!) to get the inside track on forensics at Kent.

    With both academic and social events, the society has been one of many highlights of our time here at Kent - and for free too!

    Forensic Science - BSc (Hons) (11)

    The Society has been a brilliant way to enrich our curriculum by learning first-hand from professionals in the field.

    Forensic Science - BSc (Hons) (12)

    Next steps

    Ready to apply?

    If you are from the UK or Ireland, you mustapplyfor this course through UCAS. If you are not from the UK or Ireland, you can apply through UCAS or directly on our website if you have never used UCAS andyou do not intend to use UCAS in the future.

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    Need help applying?

    Need help deciding?

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    Our friendly team is on hand to help you with any queries you have.

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    Come and visit our beautiful campus for yourself.

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    Download our prospectus and guides.

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    Experience our stunning campuses.

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    Join our community

    Sign up and join our community.

    Kent focus

    Student Life

    Find out more about life at Kent.

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    Top 40

    In the QS World University Rankings 2024, Kent has been ranked 39th within the UK and is in the top 25% of Higher Education Institutions worldwide.

    Kent Sport

    Free membership for undergraduates living on campus in 2024.

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    Research excellence

    Kent has risen 11 places in THE’s REF 2021 ranking, confirming us as a leading research university.

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    Accommodation

    An unmissable part of your student experience.

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    Key information about this course

    Forensic Science - BSc (Hons) (2024)

    FAQs

    Is forensic science a difficult major? ›

    It's often perceived as challenging due to its interdisciplinary nature, which encompasses biology, chemistry, physics, and criminal justice. These core subjects require a strong foundation in both the sciences and the legal aspects of evidence gathering and analysis.

    What is BSc Hons forensic science degree? ›

    BSc(Hons) Forensic Science is accredited by The Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences. It was designed with input from professional forensic scientists to give you a deep understanding of the way science is used to investigate crime.

    What is the hardest part of forensic science? ›

    Criminalistics: Trace and Impression Evidence

    This is one of the most difficult courses you'll take when working on your forensic science degree because it focuses on an objective and rigorous science approach to investigation, meaning that subjective reasoning and analysis is absent.

    Is a BS in forensic science worth it? ›

    Many opportunities pay well and provide a good return on investment for your degree, whether you want to use your financial skills to pursue a career in forensic accounting or analytical skills to apply forensics during crime scene investigations.

    Is forensics a lot of math? ›

    However, for degree paths like forensics science, math requirements will be higher. Daily work involves chemistry and even ballistics calculations, depending on the job that a person has. Because of these job requirements, forensic science curriculums usually include algebra, physics, and even calculus.

    What branch of forensic science makes the most money? ›

    Forensic medical examiners are typically the highest-paid forensic jobs, making about $100,000 a year. However, rates vary from $70,000 a year to $200,000 or more. To become a forensic medical examiner, you'll need to become a licensed physician.

    Which BSc course has the highest salary? ›

    BSc provides a wide range of courses to students. BSc courses offer exciting salary packages however, BSc Physics tends to offer the highest salary. For the question of which BSc course has the highest salary the answer is BSc Physics graduate. They can earn an average salary of INR 9.18 lakhs per annum.

    Which field is best in BSc forensic science? ›

    Graduates with a Bachelor's degree in Forensic Science can opt for jobs in the government sector, particularly in various law enforcement agencies such as the police, the legal system, and the investigative services of the central government and state governments.

    Which college has the best forensic science program? ›

    To help you get the most out of your education, we compiled a list of the best forensic science colleges in the US.
    • Penn State University. ...
    • Loyola University of Chicago. ...
    • Texas A&M University. ...
    • Towson University. ...
    • Saint Louis University. ...
    • West Virginia University. ...
    • San Jose State University. ...
    • University of New Haven.

    How stressful is forensic science? ›

    Large caseloads, hazardous materials, traumatic evidence, and other complexities related to the job can have a direct effect on staff. Individuals working in this field are continually faced with an incredible amount of grief, sadness, pressure, and stress.

    What degree do most forensic scientists have? ›

    Forensic science technicians typically need at least a bachelor's degree to enter the occupation. An associate's degree may be sufficient for some positions. Fields of study may include physical science, biology, or forensic science.

    Are forensic jobs hard to get? ›

    you have options. Consider alternative positions related to a forensic job. you're interested in, like working in a lab or a job at a.

    How hard is a forensic science degree? ›

    Becoming a forensic scientist can be challenging. Forensic scientists need a bachelor's degree and specialized training in areas like DNA analysis, toxicology and fingerprint analysis. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills help prospective forensic scientists succeed in this field.

    Is a forensic science degree good for the FBI? ›

    Forensic Science

    Forensic science is also probably one of the best degrees for FBI agents. Students learn how to examine and store evidence without contaminating it. They also learn how to test evidence and interpret what it represents or means.

    How long does it take to major in forensic science? ›

    Since a bachelor's degree is the typical entry-level requirement for forensic science positions, 4 years is the average minimum length of time it takes after high school to become a forensic science technician.

    Do forensic scientists go to crime scenes? ›

    Unlike crime scene investigators, forensic scientists do not visit the crime scene. Instead, they work in a lab environment, examining and analyzing evidence provided by investigators to help law enforcement agencies pursue justice.

    Is it hard to become a forensic biologist? ›

    Forensic biologists are scientists. Most graduate from a four-year college with a degree in biology, biochemistry, molecular biology or forensic biology. They need extensive laboratory experience and may take courses in genetics, biostatistics and general and organic chemistry.

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