Forensic Science BSc (Hons)/MSci
About this course
BSc (Hons)/MSci in Forensic Science BSc (Hons)/MSci, a forensic science degree centred on evidence recovery, laboratory analysis, and criminal investigation. Core topics include Research Methods. Students can choose between a three-year BSc route, a four-year integrated MSci pathway, or an optional year-long industry placement. The first year covers the foundations through Forensic, Professional and Quantitative Skills, Foundations of Biology for Forensic Science, Essentials of Forensic Investigations, and Foundations of Chemistry for Forensic Science. The second year examines Analytical Forensic Chemistry, Issues in Criminal Justice, Bodies, Tissues and Fluids, and Operation Vestigium - Drugs and Trace Evidence Casework. The third year progresses to Forensic Case Studies, Operation Ignis – A Fire and Toxicology based investigation, Research Project and Professional Skills, and DNA Profiling and the Presentation of Evidence. The fourth year for MSci students includes Specialist Pathway module - choose one of three options covering Advanced Concepts in Forensic Biology, Advanced Concepts in Forensic Chemistry or Advanced Concepts in Criminalistics, alongside Research Project and Professional Skills 2 and Contemporary Issues in Forensic Science.
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
UCAS points: 112 BSc / 120 MSci A Level: BBC / BBB from at least two A levels with a science subject (from Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Applied Sciences) at grade C or above BTEC Extended Diploma: DMM / DDM in Science Contextual Offer: DMU operates a generous contextual offer for students from underrepresented backgrounds in Higher Education. This is a minimum of one to two grade reduction from our typical offer and full details including eligibility criteria can be found at dmu.ac.uk/contextual T Levels: Merit in Science (with optional module in Laboratory Science only). Access to HE: Pass with 112 / 120 UCAS Tariff points with at least 15 level 3 credits at distinction and 30 level 3 credits at merit International Baccalaureate (IB): 26+ / 28+ with six higher level points in a science subject GCSEs: 5 x GCSEs at grade 4/C or above including English and Maths If English is not your first language, an IELTS score of 7.0 overall and 7.0 in all components except writing which should be 6.5 or higher is required.
What students say
Based on about 32 final-year students who answered
- Teaching on my course: 91%
- Learning opportunities: 90%
- Assessment and feedback: 87%
- Academic support: 93%
- Organisation and management: 85%
- Learning resources: 94%
- Student voice: 91%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 70 students who started
- Continued on course: 85%
- Left higher education: 15%
What graduates do next
Based on about 53 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Working: 62%
- Working and studying: 7%
- Further study: 14%
- Unemployed: 7%
Most common jobs
- Natural and social science professionals: 20%
- Science, engineering and technology associate professionals: 17%
- Administrative occupations: 9%
- Sales occupations: 9%
- Managers, directors and senior officials: 6%
- Find their work meaningful: 73%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 60%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 43%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 115 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 1%
- North West: 5%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 2%
- East Midlands: 42%
- West Midlands: 26%
- East of England: 2%
- London: 13%
- South East: 8%
- South West: 1%
- Wales: 1%
Who gets in
Based on about 50 students who started
- A levels: 90%
- No formal qualifications: 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, Bronze for student experience, Silver for student outcomes.
Modules
- Forensic, Professional and Quantitative Skills
- Foundations of Biology for Forensic Science
- Essentials of Forensic Investigations
- Foundations of Chemistry for Forensic Science
- Analytical Forensic Chemistry
- Issues in Criminal Justice
- Bodies, Tissues and Fluids
- Operation Vestigium - Drugs and Trace Evidence Casework
- Forensic Case Studies
- Operation Ignis – A Fire and Toxicology based investigation
- Research Project and Professional Skills
- DNA Profiling and the Presentation of Evidence
- Specialist Pathway module - choose one of three options
- Research Project and Professional Skills 2
- Contemporary Issues in Forensic Science
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of Forensic Science BSc (Hons)/MSci at De Montfort University earn?
The median salary is £24,000 after 15 months, £22,500 after 3 years, £27,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £22,000 and £33,500.
What do graduates of Forensic Science BSc (Hons)/MSci at De Montfort University do next?
83% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2022-23).
Are students happy with the teaching on Forensic Science BSc (Hons)/MSci at De Montfort University?
91% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2024-25.
What grades do I need for Forensic Science BSc (Hons)/MSci at De Montfort University?
The typical offer is BBC at A level. The average entrant had 108 UCAS points.
Is Forensic Science BSc (Hons)/MSci at De Montfort 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 Forensic Science BSc (Hons)/MSci at De Montfort University include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional placement year and an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on Forensic Science BSc (Hons)/MSci at De Montfort University?
85% of students continued into their second year, and 15% left higher education.