BSc Forensic Science
University of the West of Scotland
About this course
BSc (Hons) Forensic Science is a forensic science degree focused on criminal justice investigation techniques, analytical methods, and genetics. The course is accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry, allowing eligible graduates to apply for Associate Membership. Students can undertake work-based learning opportunities with industry partners such as GlaxoSmithKline.
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
Advanced Entry Advanced entry is possible to Year 2 of this course for suitably qualified applicants. Applications to Year 3 of this course is considered on an individual and case-by-case basis (see below). | Year 1 -- Scottish Highers: Standard Entry Requirements: BCCC (90 UCAS Tariff points) including Chemistry, plus National 5 Maths/Applications of Maths and English at Grade C or above; Minimum Entry Requirements: CCC (63 UCAS Tariff points) including Chemistry, plus National 5 Maths/Applications of Maths and English at Grade C or above; Alternative Minimum Entry Requirements: CC (42 UCAS Tariff points) including Chemistry, plus National 5 Maths/Applications of Maths and English at Grade C or above, PLUS successful completion of one of the following: UWS Foundation Academy Foundation Apprenticeship UWS Next Steps to University module Top-Up LEAPS; A Levels: CCD (88 UCAS Tariff Points) including Chemistry; T Level: Full T Level with Grade P (A*-C) in relevant subject (96 Tariff points); Irish Leaving Certificate: H3H3H3H4 including Chemistry; International Baccalaureate: 24 points including Chemistry or Biology; Scottish Wider Access Programme: Access to Medicine; Access to Life Sciences; Access to Science (including Chemistry) with grades BBB | Year 2 -- Scottish Advanced Highers: CCD (112 UCAS Tariff points) including Chemistry and either Biology or Human Biology; A Levels: BCC (112 UCAS Tariff points) including Chemistry and either Biology or Human Biology; T Level: Full T Level with Grade M (120 Tariff points) in relevant subject; International Baccalaureate: 28 points including Chemistry and Biology; SQA HNC/BTEC Level 4 HNC: Applied Sciences or relevant Science-based title; BTEC Extended Diploma: DDM | Year 3 -- SQA HND/BTEC Level 4 HND: Relevant subject
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What students say
Based on about 15 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 95%
- Learning opportunities: 87%
- Assessment and feedback: 89%
- Academic support: 97%
- Organisation and management: 55%
- Learning resources: 87%
- Student voice: 98%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 15 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 65%
- Left higher education: 30%
- Moved to a lower qualification: 5%
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: 40%
- Working and studying: 15%
- Further study: 15%
- Unemployed: 10%
Most common jobs
- Science, engineering and technology associate professionals: 30%
- Sales occupations: 20%
- Natural and social science professionals: 15%
- Managers, directors and senior officials: 10%
- Customer service occupations: 5%
- Find their work meaningful: 95%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 65%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 55%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 135 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 1%
- North West: 3%
- East Midlands: 2%
- London: 1%
- Scotland: 93%
- Northern Ireland: 1%
Who gets in
Based on about 15 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 65%
- Baccalaureate: 5%
- Other HE qualification: 30%
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Forensic Science at University of the West of Scotland earn?
The median salary is £25,000 after 15 months, £23,000 after 3 years, £27,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £22,500 and £35,000. The £27,000 median after five years is the same as the UK median for Forensic and archaeological sciences.
What do graduates of BSc Forensic Science at University of the West of Scotland 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 at University of the West of Scotland?
95% 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 University of the West of Scotland?
The typical offer is CCD at A level, or 24 points in the IB. The average entrant had 154 UCAS points.
Does BSc Forensic Science at University of the West of Scotland include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional placement year.
How many students continue on BSc Forensic Science at University of the West of Scotland?
65% of students continued into their second year, and 30% left higher education.