Forensic Sciences
Abertay University
UCAS Code: F410 | Bachelor of Science (with Honours) - BSc (Hons)
Abertay University
UCAS Code: F410 | Bachelor of Science (with Honours) - BSc (Hons)
Entry requirements
A level
To include Biology or Human Biology or Physics or Chemistry Entry into Year 2 with BBB to include Chemistry and Biology or Human Biology
HNC (BTEC)
Entry into Year 2 with an HNC (BTEC) in one of the following:- Applied Biology Applied Chemistry
HND (BTEC)
Entry into Year 2 with an HND (BTEC) in one of the following:- Applied Biology Applied Chemistry
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
To include Biology or Human Biology or Physics or Chemistry at S5/H4
Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017)
To include Biology or Human Biology or Physics or Chemistry
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
Entry into Year 1 with Applied Science (all pathways) Entry into Year 2 with DDD in Applied Science
Scottish Advanced Higher
Entry into Year 2 to include Chemistry and Biology or Human Biology
Scottish HNC
Entry into Year 2 with an HNC in one of the following:- Applied Science - Graded Unit B Bioscience - Graded Unit B Biomedical Science - Graded Unit B
Scottish HND
Entry into Year 2 with an HND in one of the following:- Applied Biological Science - Graded Unit B Applied Bioscience - Graded Units BB Applied Chemical Science - Graded Unit B Applied Science - Graded Unit B Biomedical Science - Graded Unit B Bioscience - Graded Unit B
Scottish Higher
To include Biology or Human Biology or Physics or Chemistry at B In absence of Higher Chemistry, Nat 5 Chemistry is required at Grade B
T Level
Pass (C and above)
in Core Component. Healthcare Science Science
UCAS Tariff
We've calculated how many Ucas points you'll need for this course.
About this course
**Go beyond the police tape with this fascinating and highly practical Forensic Sciences degree. Learn the techniques that underpin the recognition, identification, recovery, analysis and evaluation of information which can be used as evidence in court.**
Are you naturally inquisitive with a passion for chemistry and biology? Do you like to solve problems for fun? Put these traits to work on this Forensic Sciences degree that equips you with the valuable skills you need to help support the legal process.
It's a hands-on degree, where you'll analyse crime scenes in our purpose-built facilities, and learn forensic analysis techniques in our state-of-the-art laboratories. You'll go on fact-finding field trips to places like the mortuary, and observe bomb disposal experts at work.
**Work placement options**
There are work placement opportunities, plus you’ll be taught by academics who’ve come directly from industry and forensic researchers at the cutting edge of their field. Along the way you’ll hear lectures from organisations including Scottish Police Authority, the Army Bomb Squad, an international Disaster Victim Identification expert, a global expert in scene examination training, and former students in working in this field.
You'll learn about the forensic responses to some of the biggest disaster events in recent history, and the correct methods for identifying human remains.
**A hands-on and practical degree**
This vocational course consists of three main study areas: forensic science, chemistry and biology. It also includes psychology and law, designed to help prepare you for a variety of workplace situations. You'll cover topics such as:
- Crime scene investigation.
- Body fluid analysis.
- DNA profiling.
- Fingerprinting.
- Substances of abuse and toxicology.
Abertay's Forensic Sciences degree is **professionally accredited and commended by the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences (CSoFS)**, which means you're eligible to apply for associate membership on graduation.
This degree is ranked **top in the UK for teaching, academic support and resources (NSS 2023)**.
Modules
Year 1 core modules (subject to change over time) - FOR101 Foundations of Chemistry 1; FOR103 Introduction to Forensic Science, Practice and Techniques; LSC101 Biology 1: Biology Principles and Practice; FOR102 Foundations of Chemistry 2; LSC102 Human Physiology.
You will also be required to select one elective module. For detailed module information please check our website.
Assessment methods
We offer a broad range of learning environments, including traditional lecture and tutorial format, student-led learning, interactive class sessions, practical and a substantial element of laboratory work. We encourage independent study, meaning that you take responsibility for your own learning. Your study is assessed with a variety of methods enabling you to demonstrate progress in different ways. Coursework typically includes laboratory reports, essays and oral presentations. Formal exams typically include questions that require either short answers or essays coupled with problem-solving of forensic-related challenges. In your final dissertation you are individually supported by an experienced research active member of staff. Lab reports, essays, oral presentations and exams. Year 1 is approximately 50% exam and 50% coursework. Year 4 is approximately 100% exam in some instances - not including final year project, which is coursework based.
Tuition fees
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The Uni
Abertay Campus
Faculty of Social and Applied Sciences
What students say
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After graduation
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Forensic and archaeological sciences
What are graduates doing after six months?
This is what graduates told us they were doing (and earning), shortly after completing their course. We've crunched the numbers to show you if these immediate prospects are high, medium or low, compared to those studying this subject/s at other universities.
Top job areas of graduates
What about your long term prospects?
Looking further ahead, below is a rough guide for what graduates went on to earn.
Forensic and archaeological sciences
The graph shows median earnings of graduates who achieved a degree in this subject area one, three and five years after graduating from here.
£18k
£20k
£29k
Note: this data only looks at employees (and not those who are self-employed or also studying) and covers a broad sample of graduates and the various paths they've taken, which might not always be a direct result of their degree.
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