BSc Forensic and Analytical Science
About this course
BSc (Hons) Forensic and Analytical Science is an undergraduate degree focused on the scientific and chemical principles behind forensic investigations and laboratory analysis. Core topics include Microelectronics, Statistics, Research Methods, Critical & Analytical Thinking, and Ethics & Professional Practice. This course is accredited by the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences and includes the option to complete a 48-week supervised work experience placement in industry. The first year covers core fundamentals through Important Forensic Concepts, Introduction to Analytical Science and Spectroscopy, Structure: From Atoms to Molecules and Materials, The Reactivity and Properties of Carbon Compounds, and States of Matter, Kinetics and Thermodynamics. The second year advances practical and theoretical knowledge via Crime Scene and Forensic Examinations, Forensic Biology Awareness, Practical Forensic Science 2, Molecular Analysis & Instrumental Methods, and Methods and Strategies in Organic Synthesis, alongside optional modules such as Coordination Complexes and Inorganic Materials and Physical Chemistry: Principles of Chemical Change. Later stages build further expertise through compulsory studies including Interpretation of Forensic Evidence, Forensic Science and the Law, Advanced Crime Scene Sciences, Separation Techniques & Analytical Toxicology, Mass Spectrometry, NMR, Electroanalysis & Sensors, and an independent Research Project.
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
BBC-BCC at A Level including a minimum grade C in Chemistry. The endorsement for practical work is an essential part of Science A Level study, and is a requirement for entry to our degree course. As an alternative to the grade C in Chemistry, BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate, BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (AAQ), or OCR Level 3 Cambridge Technical Extended Certificate in Applied Science will be accepted at Distinction grade. DMM in BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Applied Science or Forensic and Criminal Investigation. 112-104 UCAS tariff points from a combination of Level 3 qualifications including a minimum grade C in Chemistry at A Level. The endorsement for practical work is an essential part of Science A Level study, and is a requirement for entry to our degree course. As an alternative to the grade C in Chemistry, BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate, BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (AAQ), or OCR Level 3 Cambridge Technical Extended Certificate in Applied Science will be accepted at Distinction grade. Access to Higher Education Diploma with 45 Level 3 credits at Merit or above including modules in Chemistry. 112-104 UCAS tariff points from International Baccalaureate qualifications, including Higher Level Chemistry at grade 5.
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What students say
Based on about 8 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 100%
- Learning opportunities: 91%
- Assessment and feedback: 84%
- Academic support: 100%
- Organisation and management: 95%
- Learning resources: 79%
- Student voice: 88%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 25 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 90%
- Left higher education: 10%
- Moved to a lower qualification: 5%
What graduates do next
Based on about 6 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 70%
- Further study: 15%
- Unemployed: 10%
Most common jobs
- Science, engineering and technology associate professionals: 20%
- Business and public service associate professionals: 15%
- Sales occupations: 10%
- Natural and social science professionals: 10%
- Quality and Regulatory Professionals: 10%
- Find their work meaningful: 70%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 40%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 55%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 125 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 4%
- North West: 18%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 48%
- East Midlands: 8%
- West Midlands: 4%
- East of England: 4%
- London: 6%
- South East: 4%
- South West: 1%
- Wales: 2%
- Scotland: 1%
Who gets in
Based on about 20 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 70%
- Access course: 10%
- Other HE qualification: 15%
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): Gold overall, Gold for student experience, Gold for student outcomes.
Modules
- Supervised Work Experience
- Interpretation of Forensic Evidence
- Forensic Science and the Law
- Research Project
- Advanced Crime Scene Sciences
- Separation Techniques & Analytical Toxicology
- Mass Spectrometry, NMR, Electroanalysis & Sensors
- Important Forensic Concepts
- Introduction to Analytical Science and Spectroscopy
- Structure: From Atoms to Molecules and Materials
- The Reactivity and Properties of Carbon Compounds
- States of Matter, Kinetics and Thermodynamics
- Crime Scene and Forensic Examinations
- Forensic Biology Awareness
- Practical Forensic Science 2
- Molecular Analysis & Instrumental Methods
- Methods and Strategies in Organic Synthesis
- Coordination Complexes and Inorganic Materials
- Physical Chemistry: Principles of Chemical Change
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Forensic and Analytical Science at University of Huddersfield earn?
The median salary is £27,000 after 15 months, £23,000 after 3 years, £28,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £22,500 and £34,000. The £28,500 median after five years is £5,500 less than the UK median for Chemistry.
What do graduates of BSc Forensic and Analytical Science at University of Huddersfield do next?
85% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BSc Forensic and Analytical Science at University of Huddersfield?
100% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BSc Forensic and Analytical Science at University of Huddersfield?
The typical offer is BBC at A level. The average entrant had 128 UCAS points.
Is BSc Forensic and Analytical Science at University of Huddersfield 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 and Analytical Science at University of Huddersfield include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional placement year.
How many students continue on BSc Forensic and Analytical Science at University of Huddersfield?
90% of students continued into their second year, and 10% left higher education.