BSc Forensic Science
About this course
BSc (Hons) in Forensic Science, combining biological and chemical principles with criminal investigation. Core topics include Data Analysis, Statistics, Laboratory Techniques, Research Methods, Communication & Writing, and Critical & Analytical Thinking. Students complete an independent forensic science research project in the final year and can optionally undertake an industrial placement year or study abroad.
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: Applicants will need Grade B in A-Level Biology, Chemistry or Applied Science, or recognised equivalents.
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What students say
Based on about 21 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 84%
- Learning opportunities: 86%
- Assessment and feedback: 71%
- Academic support: 77%
- Organisation and management: 70%
- Learning resources: 91%
- Student voice: 64%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 35 students who started
- Continued on course: 90%
- Left higher education: 5%
- Moved to a lower qualification: 5%
What graduates do next
Based on about 8 graduates who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 70%
- Working and studying: 15%
- Further study: 5%
- Unemployed: 15%
Most common jobs
- Elementary occupations: 25%
- Sales occupations: 15%
- Natural and social science professionals: 10%
- Information Technology Professionals: 10%
- Administrative occupations: 10%
- Find their work meaningful: 60%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 40%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 40%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 155 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 60%
- North West: 8%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 14%
- East Midlands: 4%
- West Midlands: 1%
- East of England: 3%
- London: 2%
- South East: 3%
- South West: 2%
- Scotland: 3%
- Northern Ireland: 2%
Who gets in
Based on about 60 students who started
- A levels: 93%
- Access course: 5%
- Other HE qualification: 2%
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 Analytical Chemistry
- Principles of Chemical Structure
- Cell Biology and Genetics
- Scientific Support
- Skills for Academic Success in a UK University
- Research Methods
- Trace Analysis
- Body Fluids and Blood Pattern Analysis
- Drugs and Toxicology
- Specialist Applications in Criminal Investigation
- DNA Profiling
- Study Abroad
- Industrial Placement Year
- Forensic Science Research Project
- Complex Casework
- Contemporary Issues in Forensic Science
- Advanced Forensic Investigation
- Advanced Analytical Chemistry
- Forensic Biology
- Unilang - Languages for All - Level 6 Placeholder
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Forensic Science at Northumbria University earn?
The median salary is £27,500 after 15 months, £22,000 after 3 years, £26,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £22,500 and £32,000. The £26,500 median after five years is £500 less than the UK median for Forensic and archaeological sciences.
What do graduates of BSc Forensic Science at Northumbria University do next?
90% 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 Northumbria University?
84% 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 Northumbria University?
The typical offer is CA at A level. The average entrant had 138 UCAS points.
Is BSc 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 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 Forensic Science at Northumbria University?
90% of students continued into their second year, and 5% left higher education.