BSc Forensic Science & Criminal Investigation
About this course
BSc (Hons) Forensic Science & Criminal Investigation is a forensic science degree centred on crime scene investigation, evidence recovery and laboratory analysis. Core topics include Research Methods, Ethics & Professional Practice. Students can complete an optional placement year during their studies. The course is accredited by the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences. The first year covers the foundations through Crime Scene Photography, Crime Scene Science, Academic Skills, Bodies of Evidence and Forensic Case Studies. The second year builds expertise with Forensic Casework, Professional Practice, Advanced Crime Scene Investigation, Research for Forensic Investigators, Major Crimes - The Evidence and Advanced Photography. The final year focuses on Crime Scene Management and the Forensic Science Dissertation. Students can select optional modules such as The Interpretation of Forensic Evidence, Forensic Digital Imaging and Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT).
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: 104-112 points at A2 BTEC Extended Diploma: DMM BTEC Diploma: D*D-D*D* Pass Access Course: 104-112 UCAS Points International Baccalaureate Diploma: Pass including 104-112 points from Higher Level Subjects T Level: M IELTS: 6.0 with no component lower than 5.5 GCSEs: 5 at grade C/4 including Maths and English or equivalent
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What students say
Based on about 76 final-year students who answered
- Teaching on my course: 93%
- Learning opportunities: 91%
- Assessment and feedback: 83%
- Academic support: 90%
- Organisation and management: 81%
- Learning resources: 94%
- Student voice: 83%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 150 students who started
- Continued on course: 88%
- Gained a higher qualification: 1%
- Left higher education: 11%
What graduates do next
Based on about 88 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Working: 69%
- Working and studying: 7%
- Further study: 10%
- Unemployed: 4%
Most common jobs
- Elementary occupations: 14%
- Sales occupations: 14%
- Science, engineering and technology associate professionals: 9%
- Natural and social science professionals: 8%
- Protective service occupations: 8%
- Find their work meaningful: 71%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 53%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 43%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 265 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 3%
- North West: 67%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 6%
- East Midlands: 3%
- West Midlands: 3%
- East of England: 3%
- London: 2%
- South East: 6%
- South West: 4%
- Wales: 2%
Who gets in
Based on about 140 students who started
- A levels: 94%
- Baccalaureate: 1%
- Access course: 3%
- 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, Bronze for student experience, Silver for student outcomes.
Modules
- Crime Scene Photography
- Crime Scene Science
- Academic Skills
- Bodies of Evidence
- Forensic Case Studies
- Forensic Casework
- Professional Practice
- Advanced Crime Scene Investigation
- Research for Forensic Investigators
- Major Crimes - The Evidence
- Advanced Photography
- Crime Scene Management
- Forensic Science Dissertation
- The Interpretation of Forensic Evidence
- Forensic Digital Imaging
- Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT)
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Forensic Science & Criminal Investigation at University of Lancashire earn?
The median salary is £25,000 after 15 months, £22,500 after 3 years, £26,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £21,500 and £32,500. 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 & Criminal Investigation at University of Lancashire do next?
86% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BSc Forensic Science & Criminal Investigation at University of Lancashire?
93% 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 & Criminal Investigation at University of Lancashire?
The average entrant had 110 UCAS points.
Is BSc Forensic Science & Criminal Investigation at University of Lancashire 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 & Criminal Investigation at University of Lancashire include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional placement year.
How many students continue on BSc Forensic Science & Criminal Investigation at University of Lancashire?
88% of students continued into their second year, and 11% left higher education.