BSc Criminology and Forensic Science
About this course
BSc (Hons) in Criminology and Forensic Science, a combined degree examining criminal behavior, the justice system, and scientific methods for investigating crime. Core topics include Statistics, Laboratory Techniques, Communication & Writing, and Critical & Analytical Thinking. Students may also complete an optional one-year placement following the second year of study. The first year covers core academic foundations and scientific principles through compulsory modules such as Practical Skills in Forensic Science, Process and Practices in Forensic Science, Fundamentals of Biology and Chemistry, Explaining Crime, Crime Myths and Realities, Introduction to the Criminal Justice System, and Skills for Academic Success in a UK University.
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
UCAS Tariff: 96 to 112 Tariff Points Subject requirements: There are no specific subject requirements for this course.
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What students say
Based on about 38 final-year students who answered
- Teaching on my course: 89%
- Learning opportunities: 88%
- Assessment and feedback: 73%
- Academic support: 80%
- Organisation and management: 80%
- Learning resources: 94%
- Student voice: 62%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 110 students who started
- Continued on course: 88%
- Left higher education: 6%
- Moved to a lower qualification: 6%
What graduates do next
Based on about 30 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Working: 62%
- Working and studying: 9%
- Further study: 17%
- Unemployed: 10%
Most common jobs
- Elementary occupations: 25%
- Managers, directors and senior officials: 10%
- Information Technology Professionals: 10%
- Sales occupations: 10%
- Protective service occupations: 10%
- Find their work meaningful: 65%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 50%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 30%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 265 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 54%
- North West: 9%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 21%
- East Midlands: 3%
- West Midlands: 2%
- East of England: 1%
- London: 4%
- South East: 2%
- South West: 1%
- Wales: 1%
- Scotland: 1%
- Northern Ireland: 1%
Who gets in
Based on about 110 students who started
- A levels: 89%
- Access course: 7%
- Foundation course: 1%
- Other HE qualification: 3%
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, Silver for student experience, Gold for student outcomes.
Modules
- Practical Skills in Forensic Science
- Process and Practices in Forensic Science
- Fundamentals of Biology and Chemistry
- Explaining Crime
- Crime Myths and Realities
- Introduction to the Criminal Justice System
- Skills for Academic Success in a UK University
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Criminology and Forensic Science at Northumbria University earn?
The median salary is £27,500 after 15 months, £21,000 after 3 years, £25,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £21,500 and £30,500. The £25,500 median after five years is £1,500 less than the UK median for Forensic and archaeological sciences.
What do graduates of BSc Criminology and Forensic Science at Northumbria 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 Criminology and Forensic Science at Northumbria 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 Criminology and Forensic Science at Northumbria University?
The typical offer is CA at A level. The average entrant had 122 UCAS points.
Is BSc Criminology and Forensic Science at Northumbria 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 Criminology and Forensic Science at Northumbria University include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional placement year and an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on BSc Criminology and Forensic Science at Northumbria University?
88% of students continued into their second year, and 6% left higher education.