BSc Forensic Investigation
About this course
BSc (Hons) Forensic Investigation is an undergraduate degree focused on the scientific and practical methodologies applied in criminal inquiries, legal frameworks, and evidence examination. Core topics include Data Analysis, Statistics, Laboratory Techniques, Research Methods, Critical & Analytical Thinking, and Ethics & Professional Practice. The programme includes a compulsory foundation year and offers an optional placement year. The foundation year introduces academic study skills, fundamental sciences, and mathematics. Year one builds baseline knowledge through Exploring and Understanding Science, Cell Biology, Chemistry, and Human Anatomy and Physiology. Year two develops specialised capability via Crime Scene and Advanced Crime Scene, Forensics Identification, Forensic Law & Practice, and Forensic Science. Optional modules in year two cover Geospatial Science, Introduction to Toxicology, and Forensic Biology. The final year involves advanced study through Advanced Forensic Science, Forensic Research Project, Professional Laboratory Practice, and International Investigations, alongside options such as Environmental Forensics, Forensic Toxicology, The Science of Human Remains, Forensic Practice, and Case studies in Forensic Science.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
For 2027 entry: 112–128 UCAS tariff points (A-level grades BBC–ABB) including a minimum of 2 A-levels or equivalent qualifications. We also accept a wide range of vocational qualifications including BTEC Extended Diploma (grade DMM–DDM) and T Levels (Merit).
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Admissions (2022 entry, home applicants)
Offer rate 96%: 243 offers from 252 applications, from the university's Freedom of Information return.
What students say
Based on about 87 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Teaching on my course: 89%
- Learning opportunities: 88%
- Assessment and feedback: 69%
- Academic support: 85%
- Organisation and management: 84%
- Learning resources: 93%
- Student voice: 75%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 20 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 80%
- Left higher education: 20%
What graduates do next
Based on about 34 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Working: 77%
- Working and studying: 5%
- Further study: 5%
- Unemployed: 7%
Most common jobs
- Elementary occupations: 20%
- Protective service occupations: 10%
- Science, engineering and technology associate professionals: 10%
- Administrative occupations: 5%
- Sales occupations: 5%
- Find their work meaningful: 65%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 55%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 35%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 100 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North West: 3%
- East Midlands: 2%
- West Midlands: 4%
- East of England: 10%
- London: 15%
- South East: 28%
- South West: 37%
Who gets in
Based on about 10 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 100%
Accreditation & quality ratings
- The Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences provides an accreditation system for both undergraduate and postgraduate courses in forensic science and related topics. Accreditation is given provided the course content meets with the Society's component standards which provide a quality endorsement of the course.
TEF 2023 (whole university): Silver overall, Bronze for student experience, Silver for student outcomes.
Modules
- Academic and Professional Study Skills
- Applied Sciences
- Introduction to Biology
- Introduction to Psychology
- Mathematics in Science
- Foundation Year Project
- Exploring and Understanding Science
- Cell Biology
- Chemistry
- Human Anatomy and Physiology
- Introduction to Forensic Investigation
- Introduction to Forensic Psychology
- Crime Scene and Advanced Crime Scene
- Forensics Identification
- Forensic Law & Practice
- Forensic Science
- Geospatial Science
- Introduction to Toxicology
- Forensic Biology
- Advanced Forensic Science
- Forensic Research Project
- Professional Laboratory Practice
- International Investigations
- Environmental Forensics
- Forensic Toxicology
- The Science of Human Remains
- Forensic Practice
- Case studies in Forensic Science
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Forensic Investigation at Bournemouth University earn?
The median salary is £25,000 after 15 months, £24,000 after 3 years, £30,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £25,000 and £36,000. The £30,500 median after five years is £3,500 more than the UK median for Forensic and archaeological sciences.
What do graduates of BSc Forensic Investigation at Bournemouth University do next?
87% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BSc Forensic Investigation at Bournemouth University?
89% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BSc Forensic Investigation at Bournemouth University?
The typical offer is BBC at A level. The average entrant had 64 UCAS points.
What is the offer rate for BSc Forensic Investigation at Bournemouth University?
96% of home applicants received an offer for 2022 entry: 243 offers from 252 applications, according to the university's Freedom of Information return.
Is BSc Forensic Investigation at Bournemouth University accredited?
Yes. The Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences provides an accreditation system for both undergraduate and postgraduate courses in forensic science and related topics. Accreditation is given provided the course content meets with the Society's component standards which provide a quality endorsement of the course.
Does BSc Forensic Investigation at Bournemouth University include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional placement year.
How many students continue on BSc Forensic Investigation at Bournemouth University?
80% of students continued into their second year, and 20% left higher education.