BSc , MChem Forensic & Analytical Chemistry
About this course
BSc Forensic & Analytical Chemistry is an undergraduate degree offering comprehensive training in chemical principles alongside the practical applications of forensic science. Core topics include Statistics, Laboratory Techniques, and Research Methods. The course includes a compulsory industrial, research, or knowledge exchange placement year, as well as an optional year abroad. The first year introduces fundamental scientific thought and practice through Personal Development Planning (PDP), Chemistry: Principles & Practice 1 & 2, Practical & Transferable Skills, Mathematics 1C, and Foundation Science: Big Ideas for Chemists. The second year builds core knowledge with Inorganic Chemistry, Fundamental Organic Chemistry, Physical Chemistry 1, Practical Organic & Inorganic Chemistry, Practical Physical and Applied Chemistry and Chemical Analysis, and Forensic Trace Analysis and Analytical Chemistry. The third year progresses to Physical Chemistry 2, Intermediate Organic Chemistry & Spectroscopy, Inorganic Chemistry, Structures & Spectroscopy, Practical Physical, Applied, Forensic & Analytical Chemistry, and Analytical Chemistry & Drugs of Abuse. The fourth year features distance learning coursework, Core Chemistry, Careers & Professional Skills, BSc Forensic and Analytical Chemistry Specialisation, and BSc Projects, alongside choices of a 12-month Industrial Placement, Research Placement, or Knowledge Exchange Placement. The fifth year concludes with the MChem Forensic and Analytical Chemistry Specialisation and a Final-Year Project & Dissertation.
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
A level: Standard entry requirements*: Year 2 entry: ABB (Chemistry B and Maths B) Year 1 entry: ABB (Chemistry, and one of Maths, Physics or Biology) IB: Standard entry requirements*: Year 2 entry: 34 (Chemistry and Maths at HL) Year 1 entry: 34 (Chemistry at HL and one of Maths, Physics or Biology at HL)
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What students say
Based on about 14 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 92%
- Learning opportunities: 84%
- Assessment and feedback: 86%
- Academic support: 95%
- Organisation and management: 90%
- Learning resources: 91%
- Student voice: 92%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 40 students who started
- Continued on course: 100%
- Left higher education: 5%
What graduates do next
Based on about 27 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 65%
- Working and studying: 10%
- Further study: 20%
Most common jobs
- Natural and social science professionals: 25%
- Science, engineering and technology associate professionals: 20%
- Engineering professionals: 10%
- Process, plant and machine operatives: 5%
- Administrative occupations: 5%
- Find their work meaningful: 85%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 65%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 45%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 175 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 1%
- North West: 2%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 1%
- East of England: 3%
- London: 1%
- South East: 2%
- Scotland: 90%
- Northern Ireland: 1%
Who gets in
Based on about 30 students who started
- A levels: 80%
- Other HE qualification: 15%
- Other qualifications: 5%
- No formal qualifications: 5%
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.
- Accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry for fully meeting the academic criteria for Chartered Chemist (CChem).
Modules
- Personal Development Planning (PDP)
- Chemistry: Principles & Practice 1 & 2
- Practical & Transferable Skills
- Mathematics 1C
- Foundation Science: Big Ideas for Chemists
- Elective modules (20 or 40 Credits) (Optional)
- Inorganic Chemistry
- Fundamental Organic Chemistry
- Physical Chemistry 1
- Practical Organic & Inorganic Chemistry
- Practical Physical and Applied Chemistry and Chemical Analysis
- Forensic Trace Analysis and Analytical Chemistry
- Physical Chemistry 2
- Intermediate Organic Chemistry & Spectroscopy
- Inorganic Chemistry, Structures & Spectroscopy
- Practical Physical, Applied, Forensic & Analytical Chemistry
- Analytical Chemistry & Drugs of Abuse
- Distance Learning
- Industrial Placement
- Research Placement
- Knowledge Exchange Placement
- Core Chemistry
- BSc Forensic and Analytical Chemistry Specialisation
- BSc Projects
- Careers & Professional Skills
- MChem Forensic and Analytical Chemistry Specialisation
- Final-Year Project & Dissertation
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc , MChem Forensic & Analytical Chemistry at University of Strathclyde earn?
The median salary is £30,000 after 15 months, £27,500 after 3 years, £33,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £27,000 and £39,500. The £33,000 median after five years is £1,000 less than the UK median for Chemistry.
What do graduates of BSc , MChem Forensic & Analytical Chemistry at University of Strathclyde do next?
95% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BSc , MChem Forensic & Analytical Chemistry at University of Strathclyde?
92% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BSc , MChem Forensic & Analytical Chemistry at University of Strathclyde?
The average entrant had 197 UCAS points.
Is BSc , MChem Forensic & Analytical Chemistry at University of Strathclyde 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. Accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry for fully meeting the academic criteria for Chartered Chemist (CChem).
Does BSc , MChem Forensic & Analytical Chemistry at University of Strathclyde include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has a compulsory placement year and an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on BSc , MChem Forensic & Analytical Chemistry at University of Strathclyde?
100% of students continued into their second year, and 5% left higher education.