BSc Forensic Science with Foundation Year
About this course
BSc (Hons) Forensic Science with Foundation Year, a forensic science degree exploring biological and chemical principles for crime scene investigation and legal processes. Core topics include Data Analysis, Statistics, Laboratory Techniques, Research Methods, Communication & Writing, and Critical & Analytical Thinking. The course features a compulsory foundation year and is accredited by the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences. The first year establishes academic foundations and scientific thinking through modules such as Becoming a Scientist, Answering Questions in Science, Exploring Forensic Science 1, Exploring Forensic Science 2, Personalised Learning, and Study Skills for Success. The second year introduces core scientific and legal contexts via Introduction to Forensic Science Investigation, The Criminal Justice System, Building Blocks of Life, Introduction to Pharmacology, Chemistry Principles and Practice, and Human Body: Form and Function. The third year deepens practical and analytical capabilities through Forensic Photography, Forensic Investigation of Crime, Molecular Biology, Research Methods, Forensic Pharmacology, and Analytical Methods. The final year focuses on advanced professional applications and independent research, covering Project Dissertation, Forensic Assessment and Examination Techniques, Drugs of Abuse, Developing a Forensic Career, and Case Assessment and Interpretation.
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
56 UCAS points required from level 3 qualifications. These can include: A Levels at grades C and D BTEC Extended Diploma with Merit, Pass, Pass Access to HE Diploma T Levels You also need GCSE English and Maths (grade 9 - 4 / A* - C) or Level 2 equivalents.
See the highest paying Physics & Chemistry degrees in the UK →
What students say
Based on about 8 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 85%
- Learning opportunities: 82%
- Assessment and feedback: 66%
- Academic support: 65%
- Organisation and management: 50%
- Learning resources: 77%
- Student voice: 78%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 20 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 85%
- Left higher education: 15%
What graduates do next
Based on about 13 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 65%
- Further study: 5%
- Unemployed: 15%
Most common jobs
- Natural and social science professionals: 15%
- Leisure, travel and related personal service occupations: 15%
- Science, engineering and technology associate professionals: 15%
- Elementary occupations: 10%
- Managers, directors and senior officials: 10%
- Find their work meaningful: 90%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 50%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 40%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 55 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North West: 4%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 5%
- East Midlands: 4%
- East of England: 11%
- London: 52%
- South East: 23%
- Northern Ireland: 2%
Who gets in
Based on about 15 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 75%
- No formal qualifications: 25%
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, Bronze for student outcomes.
Modules
- Becoming a Scientist
- Answering Questions in Science
- Exploring Forensic Science 1
- Exploring Forensic Science 2
- Personalised Learning
- Study Skills for Success
- Introduction to Forensic Science Investigation
- The Criminal Justice System
- Building Blocks of Life
- Introduction to Pharmacology
- Chemistry Principles and Practice
- Human Body: Form and Function
- Forensic Photography
- Forensic Investigation of Crime
- Molecular Biology
- Research Methods
- Forensic Pharmacology
- Analytical Methods
- Project Dissertation
- Forensic Assessment and Examination Techniques
- Drugs of Abuse
- Developing a Forensic Career
- Case Assessment and Interpretation
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Forensic Science with Foundation Year at University of West London earn?
The median salary is £25,500 after 15 months, £22,500 after 3 years, £26,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £21,500 and £30,500. The £26,000 median after five years is £1,000 less than the UK median for Forensic and archaeological sciences.
What do graduates of BSc Forensic Science with Foundation Year at University of West London do next?
70% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BSc Forensic Science with Foundation Year at University of West London?
85% 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 with Foundation Year at University of West London?
The typical offer is CD at A level. The average entrant had 74 UCAS points.
Is BSc Forensic Science with Foundation Year at University of West London 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.
How many students continue on BSc Forensic Science with Foundation Year at University of West London?
85% of students continued into their second year, and 15% left higher education.