BSc Forensic Science and Criminology
About this course
BSc (Hons) in Forensic Science and Criminology, a forensic science and sociology degree centred on biological and chemical principles alongside the study of criminal theory and the justice system. Core topics include Data Analysis, Laboratory Techniques, and Research Methods. The course is recognised by The Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences and includes practical facilities such as a mock crime-scene flat, a specialist forensic laboratory, a clinical suite for simulated mortuary experience, and a Moot Court for legal practice. The first year covers core foundations through Introduction to criminology and criminal justice, Human anatomy and physiology, Molecular genetics, Chemistry for forensic scientists, Skills for forensic scientists, and Evidence examination skills. The second year examines offender management, biological evidence, and scientific practice through modules such as Prisons, probation and offender rehabilitation, Victims of violent crimes, Crime and justice: theoretical approaches, Skills in science, Animals and plants in crime, Crimes against property, and Biology in forensic science, with optional modules in Crimes of the powerful and Cybercrime. The final year focuses on advanced investigation and independent research, featuring compulsory modules including Urban crime, Forensic analysis, Evaluation of forensic evidence, and Suspicious death investigation, alongside a Changemaker research dissertation and a Forensic science research project.
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
96 UCAS tariff points including 80 from at least 3 A-levels or equivalent. With Foundation Year: 48 UCAS tariff points including 32 from at least 1 A-level or equivalent.
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What students say
Based on about 28 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 92%
- Learning opportunities: 88%
- Assessment and feedback: 90%
- Academic support: 90%
- Organisation and management: 81%
- Learning resources: 91%
- Student voice: 77%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 55 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- Continued on course: 59%
- Gained a higher qualification: 4%
- Left higher education: 28%
- Moved to a lower qualification: 9%
What graduates do next
Based on about 6 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 60%
- Working and studying: 10%
- Unemployed: 5%
Most common jobs
- Business and public service associate professionals: 15%
- Administrative occupations: 10%
- Welfare and housing associate professionals: 10%
- Leisure, travel and related personal service occupations: 5%
- Business, Research and Administrative Professionals: 5%
- Find their work meaningful: 60%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 40%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 45%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 385 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 1%
- North West: 1%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 1%
- East Midlands: 4%
- West Midlands: 2%
- East of England: 57%
- London: 20%
- South East: 13%
- South West: 1%
- Wales: 1%
Who gets in
Based on about 40 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- A levels: 75%
- Other HE qualification: 10%
- Other qualifications: 5%
- No formal qualifications: 10%
Accreditation & quality ratings
TEF 2023 (whole university): Bronze overall, Silver for student experience, Bronze for student outcomes.
Modules
- Introduction to criminology and criminal justice
- Human anatomy and physiology
- Molecular genetics
- Chemistry for forensic scientists
- Skills for forensic scientists
- Evidence examination skills
- Prisons, probation and offender rehabilitation
- Victims of violent crimes
- Crime and justice: theoretical approaches
- Skills in science
- Animals and plants in crime
- Crimes against property
- Biology in forensic science
- Crimes of the powerful
- Cybercrime
- Changemaker research dissertation
- Forensic science research project
- Urban crime
- Forensic analysis
- Evaluation of forensic evidence
- Suspicious death investigation
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Forensic Science and Criminology at University of Bedfordshire earn?
The median salary is £25,000 after 15 months, £19,500 after 3 years, £23,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £16,500 and £30,000. The £23,500 median after five years is £3,500 less than the UK median for Forensic and archaeological sciences.
What do graduates of BSc Forensic Science and Criminology at University of Bedfordshire do next?
70% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2022-23).
Are students happy with the teaching on BSc Forensic Science and Criminology at University of Bedfordshire?
92% 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 and Criminology at University of Bedfordshire?
The average entrant had 62 UCAS points.
How many students continue on BSc Forensic Science and Criminology at University of Bedfordshire?
59% of students continued into their second year, and 28% left higher education.