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Undergraduate BSc (Hons)
Unlock the secrets of crime-solving and gain the skills for a rewarding career.
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.
Accreditation
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.
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.
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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Entry requirements
Typical offer levels
Our typical offer levels are listed below and include indicative contextual offers.If you hold alternative qualifications just get in touch and we'll be glad to discuss these with you.
- UK
- International
Typical A level offer
BBB
Typical BTEC offer
DDM
Typical IB offer
120 tariff points - typically H5, H6, H6 including HL Chemistry or Biology 5
Additional requirements
BBBin 3 subjects includingChemistryorBiology at B.
The University will consider applicants holding/studying BTEC Extended National Diploma Qualifications (QCF; NQF;OCR) in Applied Science or Forensic and Criminal Investigation at DDM.
120 tariff points - typically H5, H6, H6 including HL Chemistry or Biology 5.
Mathematics grade 4/C
Other qualifications
N/A
The University will consider applicants holding T level qualifications in subjects closely aligned to the course.
The University welcomes applications from Access to Higher Education Diploma candidates for consideration. A typical offer may require you to obtain 45 credits at Level 3 with 24 credits at Distinction and 21 credits at Merit.
The University welcomes applications from international students. Ourinternational recruitment teamcan guide you on entry requirements. See ourInternational Studentwebsite for further information about entry requirements for your country.
If you need to increase your level of scienceready for undergraduate study, we offer aFoundation Year programme which can help boost your previous scientific experience.
Meet our staff in your country
For more advice about applying to Kent, you canmeet our staffat a range of international events.
English Language Requirements
This course requires a Good level of English language, equivalent to B2 on CEFR.
Details on how to meet this requirement can be found on our English language entry requirementsweb page.
Examples:
IELTS 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each component
GCSE Grade 4/C or above in English Language
IB Standard Level Grade 5 or above in English A: Language and Literature
A Level Grade C or above in English Language or English Literature.
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What you'll study
Plot your course. Discover the modules you'll study on your Kent journey.
The following modules are what students typically study, but this may change year to year in response to new developments and innovations.
- Stage 1
- Stage 2
- Stage 3
Stage 1
Compulsory modules currently include the following
Fundamentals of Chemistry
Organic Chemistry 1: Structure and Reactivity
Introduction to Forensic Science
Introduction to Ballistics
Core Inorganic and Physical Chemistry for Forensic Science
Practical Skills in Forensic Science 1
Stage 2
Compulsory modules currently include the following
Analytical Chemistry 1: Methods and Validation
Biochemistry: Biomolecules and Enzymes
Fundamental Forensic Techniques & Archaeology
Digital Forensics
Forensic Ballistics and Trauma Analysis
Practical Skills in Forensic Science 2
Stage 3
Compulsory modules currently include the following
Analytical Chemistry 2: Advanced Methods
Chemistry for the Analysis of Trace Evidence
Fires and Explosions
DNA Analysis & Interpretation
Forensic Science Research Project
Contemporary Forensic Practice and the Expert Witness
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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 Rish*ta.
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
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UK Forensic Science graduate salaries
Very high
£26,312
Average base pay (5,333 salaries)
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.
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Scholarships
We have a range of subject-specific awards and scholarships for academic, sporting and musical achievement.
arrow right Search scholarshipsOver to our students.
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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!
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The Society has been a brilliant way to enrich our curriculum by learning first-hand from professionals in the field.
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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.
Need help applying?
Need help deciding?
Our friendly team is on hand to help you with any queries you have.
Come and visit our beautiful campus for yourself.
Download our prospectus and guides.
Experience our stunning campuses.
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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.
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.