BSc Forensic Science
About this course
BSc (Hons) Forensic Science is an undergraduate degree focused on the collection, analysis, and interpretation of physical and biological evidence from crime scenes. Core topics include Data Analysis, Statistics, Laboratory Techniques, Research Methods, Project Management, Communication & Writing, and Critical & Analytical Thinking. The course features a compulsory placement year option. The first year introduces the fundamentals through United Kingdom Legal Systems and Law for Forensic Scientists, Applied Science for Forensic Investigators, Introduction to Forensic Photography and Methodologies, and Physical and Quantitative Chemistry for Analytical Scientists. The second year builds core knowledge with modules such as Introduction to Forensic Genetics, Forensic Scene Examination, Forensic Spectroscopy Techniques, and Forensic Analytical Chemistry. The final year covers advanced topics through Forensic Analysis of Drugs and Poisons, Forensic Pathology, Advanced Forensic Methodologies, and an Undergraduate Major Project, alongside optional modules including Advanced Forensic Genetics and Forensic Anthropology.
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
112-96 UCAS Tariff points. We accept A Levels, T Levels, BTECs, OCR, Access to HE and most other qualifications within the UCAS Tariff. Must include a grade C or above in Biology, Chemistry or Applied Science at A level or equivalent level. 3 GCSEs at grade C, or grade 4, or above, including English and Maths. If English is not your first language you will be expected to demonstrate a certificated level of proficiency of at least IELTS 6.0 (Academic level) or equivalent English Language qualification, as recognised by Anglia Ruskin University. UCAS Tariff points acquired from BTEC Level 3 Diplomas in a related subject are accepted. International Baccalaureate Diploma with a minimum of 26 points is accepted, this must include Biology or Chemistry at Higher level. UCAS Tariff points from Scottish Advanced Highers are accepted, this must include a Pass in Biology or Chemistry. UCAS Tariff Points from Access to HE Diplomas in a related subject are accepted. A minimum of 15 credits in Biology or Chemistry are required. UCAS Tariff points from Scottish Highers are accepted, this must include a Pass in Biology or Chemistry. UCAS Tariff points from the Irish Leaving Certificate are accepted, this must include a Pass at Higher level in Chemistry or Biology. The European Baccalaureate at a minimum overall grade of 60% is accepted, this must include Biology at Higher level. HND qualifications in a related subject are accepted. HNC qualifications in a related subject are accepted.
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What students say
Based on about 8 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 93%
- Learning opportunities: 86%
- Assessment and feedback: 78%
- Academic support: 80%
- Organisation and management: 60%
- Learning resources: 87%
- Student voice: 73%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 20 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 95%
- Moved to a lower qualification: 5%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 95 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 1%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 3%
- East Midlands: 3%
- West Midlands: 4%
- East of England: 61%
- London: 13%
- South East: 8%
- South West: 4%
- Wales: 2%
Who gets in
Based on about 10 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 90%
- No formal qualifications: 10%
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): Gold overall, Gold for student experience, Silver for student outcomes.
Modules
- United Kingdom Legal Systems and Law for Forensic Scientists
- Applied Science for Forensic Investigators
- Introduction to Forensic Photography and Methodologies
- Personal and Professional Development - Level 4
- Physical and Quantitative Chemistry for Analytical Scientists
- Biological and Trace Evidence Analysis
- Group Tutorial
- Into ARU
- Introduction to Forensic Genetics
- Forensic Scene Examination
- Forensic Spectroscopy Techniques
- Forensic Analytical Chemistry
- Professional and Personal Development - Level 5
- Forensic Biology
- Project Preparation
- Group Tutorial
- Ruskin Module
- Forensic Analysis of Drugs and Poisons
- Forensic Pathology
- Undergraduate Major Project
- Advanced Forensic Methodologies
- Group Tutorial
- Advanced Forensic Genetics
- Forensic Anthropology
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Forensic Science at Anglia Ruskin University earn?
The median salary is £23,000 after 3 years, £28,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £23,500 and £33,000. The £28,000 median after five years is £1,000 more than the UK median for Forensic and archaeological sciences.
Are students happy with the teaching on BSc Forensic Science at Anglia Ruskin University?
93% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2024-25.
What grades do I need for BSc Forensic Science at Anglia Ruskin University?
The typical offer is 26 points in the IB. The average entrant had 121 UCAS points.
Is BSc Forensic Science at Anglia Ruskin University 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 Anglia Ruskin University include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has a compulsory placement year.
How many students continue on BSc Forensic Science at Anglia Ruskin University?
95% of students continued into their second year, and 0% left higher education.