BSc Forensic Science
About this course
BSc(Hons) Forensic Science is a forensic science degree focused on the application of biological and chemical principles to criminal and civil investigations. Core topics include Statistics, Laboratory Techniques, Research Methods, and Critical & Analytical Thinking. Students can opt for a four-year sandwich route featuring an optional placement year or a foundation year. The first year covers the foundations through Chemistry in Context, Human Biological Systems, Scientific Investigation of Crime, and Scientific Skills. The second year introduces Forensic Analysis, Research and Practice in Forensic Science, Law and Expert Evidence, and Principles of Toxicology, alongside optional modules in Instrumental Analytical Science and Genetics. The final year includes compulsory practical work in Crime Scene to Court and a Research Dissertation Project. Optional modules allow students to specialise in areas such as Advanced Crime Scene Science, Excavation and Examination of Human Remains, Foundations of Forensic Psychology, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Science Communication, and Environmental Forensics.
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
GCSE: Grade C/4 or above in English, Mathematics and Double Science, or equivalent. Tariff points: 112 Contextual tariff: See our contextual offers page. English Language Requirement: International and EU applicants are required to have a minimum overall IELTS (Academic) score of 6.0 with 5.5 in each component (or approved equivalent*). *The University accepts a large number of UK and International Qualifications in place of IELTS. You can find details of acceptable tests and the required grades you'll need in our English language section. Please visit our English language requirements page. A-level subjects: Grade C in Biology or Chemistry. BTEC: Five units in Biology or Chemistry. Please list the units you are studying in your application. For further advice on acceptable units, please email admissions (contact details below). For information on required Guided Learning Hours please see our minimum entry requirements page. Access: 15 Level 3 credits at Merit in Biology or Chemistry. Baccalaureate IB: A minimum Grade 5 in Higher Level Biology or Chemistry. We accept the IB Career-related Programme in conjunction with other Level 3 qualifications. Irish Highers: H2 in Biology or Chemistry. Irish Highers: H3 in Biology or Chemistry. Welsh Baccalaureate: We accept tariff points achieved from the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales in conjunction with other Level 3 qualifications. This qualification cannot be used to satisfy any subject specific entry requirements. Cambridge Technical: Six units in Biology or Chemistry. Please list the units you are studying in your application. For further advice on acceptable units, please email admissions (contact details below). For information on required Guided Learning Hours please see our minimum entry requirements page. T Levels: Science or Healthcare Science. If you partially achieve your T Level, you can meet our subject requirements if you have at least a C in your Core Section. For further advice on acceptable subjects please email admissions (contact details below).
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What students say
Based on about 13 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 96%
- Learning opportunities: 89%
- Assessment and feedback: 92%
- Academic support: 100%
- Organisation and management: 85%
- Learning resources: 97%
- Student voice: 88%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 40 students who started
- Continued on course: 85%
- Left higher education: 15%
What graduates do next
Based on about 11 graduates who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 70%
- Working and studying: 15%
Most common jobs
- Administrative occupations: 20%
- Science, engineering and technology associate professionals: 20%
- Business and public service associate professionals: 15%
- Secretarial and related occupations: 5%
- Managers, directors and senior officials: 5%
- Find their work meaningful: 80%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 35%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 35%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 60 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North West: 3%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 2%
- East Midlands: 3%
- West Midlands: 5%
- East of England: 6%
- London: 8%
- South East: 5%
- South West: 55%
- Wales: 11%
- Scotland: 2%
Who gets in
Based on about 40 students who started
- A levels: 90%
- Baccalaureate: 5%
- Access course: 5%
- Foundation course: 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.
TEF 2023 (whole university): Silver overall, Gold for student experience, Silver for student outcomes.
Modules
- Chemistry in Context
- Human Biological Systems
- Scientific Investigation of Crime
- Scientific Skills
- Forensic Analysis
- Research and Practice in Forensic Science
- Law and Expert Evidence
- Principles of Toxicology
- and
- Crime Scene to Court
- Research Dissertation Project
- Advanced Crime Scene Science
- Excavation and Examination of Human Remains
- Foundations of Forensic Psychology
- Pharmacology and Toxicology
- Science Communication
- Environmental Forensics
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Forensic Science at UWE Bristol earn?
The median salary is £25,000 after 15 months, £22,500 after 3 years, £27,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £22,500 and £33,000. The £27,500 median after five years is £500 more than the UK median for Forensic and archaeological sciences.
What do graduates of BSc Forensic Science at UWE Bristol 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 UWE Bristol?
96% 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 UWE Bristol?
The average entrant had 135 UCAS points.
Is BSc Forensic Science at UWE Bristol 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 UWE Bristol include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional placement year.
How many students continue on BSc Forensic Science at UWE Bristol?
85% of students continued into their second year, and 15% left higher education.