BSc Forensic Science
About this course
BSc (Hons) Forensic Science is an undergraduate degree that provides scientific training covering crime scene investigation, toxicology, chemistry and biology. Core topics include Laboratory Techniques, Statistics, Data Analysis, Research Methods, Critical & Analytical Thinking, and Ethics & Professional Practice. Students can choose a four-year route including an optional placement year, or a route incorporating a compulsory foundation year. The foundation year establishes core competencies through Academic and Professional Study Skills, Applied Sciences, Introduction to Biology, and Mathematics in Science. The first year introduces fundamental concepts via Cell Biology, Chemistry, Human Anatomy & Physiology, and Introduction to Forensic Investigation. The second year develops practical skills through Biochemistry, Crime Scene, Forensic Law and Practice, and Forensic Science, alongside optional choices such as Advanced Cell Biology, Advanced Crime Scene, Geospatial Science, and Forensic Biology. The final year focuses on advanced professional practice with Advanced Forensic Science, Forensic Toxicology, Professional Laboratory Practice, and the Forensic Research Project, supplemented by optional modules including Environmental Forensics, The Science of Human Remains, Forensic Practice, and Advanced Forensic Biology.
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).
See the highest paying Physics & Chemistry degrees in the UK →
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: 90%
- Left higher education: 10%
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 & Physiology
- Introduction to Forensic Investigation
- Introduction to Forensic Psychology
- Biochemistry
- Crime Scene
- Forensic Law and Practice
- Forensic Science
- Introduction to Toxicology
- Advanced Cell Biology
- Advanced Crime Scene
- Geospatial Science
- Forensic Biology
- Advanced Forensic Science
- Forensic Toxicology
- Professional Laboratory Practice
- Forensic Research Project
- Environmental Forensics
- The Science of Human Remains
- Forensic Practice
- Advanced Forensic Biology
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Forensic Science 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 Science 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 Science 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 Science at Bournemouth University?
The typical offer is BBC at A level. The average entrant had 58 UCAS points.
Is BSc Forensic Science 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 Science at Bournemouth University include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional placement year.
How many students continue on BSc Forensic Science at Bournemouth University?
90% of students continued into their second year, and 10% left higher education.