Forensic Science - BSc (Hons)

Satisfy your curiosity and open the door to a range of opportunities with a Forensic Science degree. At Kent you will get to grips with the science behind crime-scene scenarios and evidence gathering as well as gain insight into legal processes and training in the delivery of expert witness testimony.

At Kent, you study all aspects of forensic science, developing scientific and analytical skills. We create ‘crime scenes’ - including using our brand new crime scene house - for you to examine and conduct ‘major incident’ exercises, where you react in real time to an unfolding event. We also demonstrate how your forensic skills can be used within archaeology and in the food and pharmaceutical industries.

Studying our Forensic Science BSc at Kent will equip you with key knowledge and skills that open up a wide range of career opportunities. You benefit from our expert careers advice to give you the best possible start to your future career.

This programme is fully accredited by The Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences.

Our degree programme

Like the subjects themselves, our curriculum is constantly changing and adapting based on research and the demands of industry, ensuring your course is innovative and up-to-date.

In your first year, you get to grips with the broad base of knowledge on which forensic science is built, including biochemistry, drug chemistry, and ballistics. You also develop your investigative and laboratory skills.

In your second and final years, you expand your knowledge to cover analytical chemistry, forensic archaeology, digital forensics, fires and explosions, and firearms. You also study criminal law (taught by Kent’s highly ranked Law School) and are trained in forensic expert witness skills. In certain modules, you are taught by industry specialists.

Forensic Science student Sophia Warner explains what it's like studying at the University of Kent.

Your degree, your way

Our degrees are not only designed to give the best possible start to your career, but they are also flexible so that you can do the best degree for you. You can opt to complete a Professional Placement to put into practice the skills you learnt and make valuable industry contacts or study abroad for a year. It is also possible to take a four-year MSci where you'll work as part of a research group doing cutting-edge work and gain an edge in the job market.

If you do not have the grades for scientific background for direct entry you can take Forensic Science with a Foundation Year. After completing this you will be well placed to complete any of our Forensic Science degrees.

Fantastic facilities

We recently invested £10 million in our laboratories and improved our general study spaces. Facilities to support forensic science include:

dedicated ballistics and firearms kit
scene-of-crime facilities that allow you to apply the theory of crime scenes, evidence recovery and fingerprinting
a document examination instrument used in the detection of forged documents
a full analytical suite for forensic chemical analysis, including:
- Gas Chromatography – Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS)
- High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)
- Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS)
- Raman Spectrometry
- Fourier Transform Infra-Red Spectrometry (FTIR)
- Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM).

An excellent student experience

As well as a fascinating course with great opportunities to further your career potential, we work hard to give you the best possible wider student experience.

You will be part of an international scientific community of physics and astronomy, chemistry and forensic science, bioscience and medical and sport science students, as well as being able to join a range of student-led societies and groups.

As well as inspiring you to realise your potential, we are here to support you with excellent in-house student support to assist with pastoral issues and careers experts with specialist knowledge as well as Academic Advisors and Peer Mentors to help with your studies.

Professional networks

You are encouraged to participate in conferences and professional events to build up your knowledge of the science community and enhance your professional development.

All students are offered free membership of The Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences and the department also has links with:

the Home Office
the Forensic Explosives Laboratory
forensic science services
local health authorities
biotechnology, chemical and pharmaceutical companies in the UK and Europe
Interpol.

You are more than your grades

At Kent we look at your circumstances as a whole before deciding whether to make you an offer to study here. Find out more about how we offer flexibility and support before and during your degree.

Find out more

Entry requirements

Please also see our general entry requirements.

A level

BBB in 3 subjects including Chemistry or Biology
GCSE

Mathematics grade C
Access to HE Diploma

The University will not necessarily make conditional offers to all Access candidates but will continue to assess them on an individual basis.

If we make you an offer, you will need to obtain/pass the overall Access to Higher Education Diploma and may also be required to obtain a proportion of the total level 3 credits and/or credits in particular subjects at merit grade or above.
BTEC Nationals

The University will consider applicants holding/studying BTEC Extended National Diploma Qualifications (QCF; NQF;OCR) in a relevant Science subject at 180 credits or more, on a case by case basis. Please contact us via the enquiries tab for further advice on your individual circumstances.
International Baccalaureate

34 points overall or 14 at HL including Chemistry or Biology 5 at HL and Mathematics 4 at HL or SL
International Foundation Programme

N/A
Apply now

Please contact the School for more information at study-forensics@kent.ac.uk

The University welcomes applications from international students. Our international recruitment team can guide you on entry requirements. See our International Student website for further information about entry requirements for your country.

If you need to increase your level of science ready for undergraduate study, we offer a Foundation Year programme which can help boost your previous scientific experience.

Meet our staff in your country

For more advice about applying to Kent, you can meet our staff at a range of international events.

English Language Requirements

Please see our English language entry requirements web page.

If you need to improve your English language standard as a condition of your offer, you can attend one of our pre-sessional courses in English for Academic Purposes before starting your degree programme. You attend these courses before starting your degree programme.

What's it like to study Forensic Science?

Find out more about what it's like to study Forensic Science from the people who know.

Course structure

Duration: 3 years full-time

The course structure below gives a flavour of the modules and provides details of the content of this programme. This listing is based on the current curriculum and may change year to year in response to new curriculum developments and innovation.

At all stages in this programme, the modules listed are compulsory.

Stage 1

Compulsory modules currently include

CHEM3600 - Fundamentals of Chemistry (15 credits)

This module presents a unified understanding of the structure of matter, linking physical properties to bonding and energy, and providing the tools necessary to begin to describe and analyse chemical problems. Key concepts such as mass balance and bonding (ionic, covalent, metallic, and intermolecular) are linked to analytical methods to show how these fundamental ideas can be measured and used.

CHEM3610 - Organic Chemistry 1 - Structure and Reactivity (15 credits)

Organic chemistry underpins not only much of the chemistry of living things but also modern materials, dyes, medicines, and more. This module discusses the structure of organic molecules in detail, showing the shape of molecules dictates their properties, and how Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy (NMR) can exploit this to determine the structures and thus properties of unknown molecules. Fundamental modes of reactivity of organic molecules are discussed, showing how simple mechanisms can be used to build complex and useful compounds.

CHEM3900 - Experimental Chemistry (15 credits)

Chemistry, as one of the physical sciences, is rooted in careful observation of the natural world and experimentation. This module teaches the key skills required to work in a chemical laboratory, analysing unknown systems and synthesising new ones, and learning how to apply the theories and ideas from lecture modules to socially and industrially relevant problems.

FSCI3080 - Introduction to Ballistics (15 credits)

This module introduces students to the mathematical, physical, social and legal concepts that underpin academic study in the field of forensic ballistics.

FSCI3010 - Introduction to Forensic Science (15 credits)

Students will experience a broad overview of evidence categories and crime types commonly encountered within the criminal justice system. Students will also be taken through a range of techniques associated with the delivery of forensic science to support this system.

FSCI3030 - Inorganic and Physical Chemistry for FS (15 credits)

This module will provide forensic science students with some of the core understanding in inorganic and physical chemistry. These aspects will underpin students’ understanding of Analytical Techniques and the Chemistry related to various forensic processes, leading to an enhanced understanding of Forensic Chemistry.

FSCI3020 - Practical Skills in Forensic Science 1 (15 credits)

This module introduces a range of forensically-relevant practical techniques from the initial processing of incident or crime scenes through to carrying out relevant laboratory analyses of evidence collected.

CHEM3640 - Applied Maths for Chemists and Forensic Scientists (15 credits)

An introduction to the core Mathematical skills required within the Chemical and Forensic Sciences. These core skills will be complemented with a variety of problem-solving applications in Chemistry and Forensic Science.

Stage 2

Compulsory modules currently include

CHEM5720 - Analytical Chemistry 1 - Methods and Validation (15 credits)

Analytical chemistry underpins all other aspects of the discipline, and covers not only how to find out what a thing is but how to design experiments and confirm results to quantify just how confident you can be that your answer is useful. This module takes a pragmatic, applications driven approach to sample preparation, analysis, and data validation.

CHEM5710 - Biochemistry - Biomolecules and Enzymes (15 credits)

This course will introduce students to the key ideas and fundamental molecular components of biochemistry. The course will cover simple biomolecules and non-covalent interactions, building up to biological oligomers. This will lead to introductory pharmacology and pharmacokinetics, illustrated with medicinal chemistry case studies.

FSCI5010 - Fundamental Forensic Techniques (15 credits)

This module will develop the students’ appreciation of a range of physical techniques applied, to the collection of bulk and trace evidence materials in forensic science.Students will look more deeply into aspects of physical evidence and will deal with the practical issues of item examination, legal process and general procedure associated with the collection and submission of a range of forensically-relevant materials.

FSCI5030 - Applied Forensic Practice (15 credits)

This module introduces students to a range of scene investigation and evidence processing techniques through a combination of laboratory-based training exercises and simulated scene investigation scenarios.

FSCI5040 - Practice Skills for Forensic Science 2 (15 credits)

This module offers students experience in a wide range of important forensic investigative and analytical skills relating to other taught and practical modules in the forensic programme. Students will also have the opportunity to build computational skills through the use facial composite software.

FSCI5020 - Forensic Archaeology (15 credits)

This module covers a range of techniques that can be applied to the discovery, aging and identification of buried and ancient remains or artefacts.

FSCI5110 - Digital Forensics (15 credits)

This module covers a broad range of established and emerging, computer based, forensic methods. It is organised into three units: Facial Identification Techniques, focusing on facial composite construction; Image Processing, Photo Forensics and Digital Forensics.

FSCI5560 - Forensic Ballistics (15 credits)

This module will give students a background in forensic ballistics, including the investigation of shooting scenes, firearms law and wound ballistics.

Stage 3

Compulsory modules currently include

CHEM6720 - Analytical Chemistry 2 - Advanced Methods (15 credits)

Analytical chemistry underpins all other aspects of the discipline. This module discusses modern methods in data analysis and processing, Cheminformatics and “Big Data”, and describes advanced analytical methods used for analysing complex systems.

FSCI6010 - Fires and Explosions (15 credits)

This module covers a range of core chemical science that relates to fire and explosive events. The applied investigation of such events is also discussed to give students a wider appreciation of previous case studies and the complexities of post-fire and post-blast investigations.

FSCI6020 - Law of Evidence and the Expert Witness (15 credits)

This module discusses the legal processes associated with the submission of evidence in the courts of law alongside providing training in the delivery of expert witness testimony. Students will undergo a mock courtroom exercise in which they will deliver expert testimony in a courtroom environment.

FSCI6120 - Contemporary Topics in Forensic Science (15 credits)

This module intends to illustrate the contemporary topics, underpinning professional practice those students wishing to enter the forensic science profession. The indicative content draws upon much of the guidance, published by the Forensic Science Regulator, UKAS, ENFSI, CSOFS as well as academic and professional commentary. The module covers several broad topics – namely, evaluative reporting, Case Assessment and Interpretation (CAI), quality standards, ethics in forensic science and bias.

FSCI6030 - Chemistry for the Analysis of Trace Evidence (15 credits)

This module will provide Forensic Scientists with an understanding of the chemistry behind the analysis of trace evidence. Students will be introduced to how complex instrumentation is used in these analyses and provide the background concepts needed to understand and interpret data.

FSCI6370 - DNA Analysis & Interpretation (15 credits)

This module comprises a range of contemporary topics covering methods of analysis and the interpretational issues associated with forensic DNA profiling. The materials take students through the evolution of forensic DNA; RFLP, Quad and the progression of DNA multiplexes to the present day and the practical issues of sample collection, processing and storage, DNA theory and practical DNA processing. Students will appreciate the difficulties associated with mixed samples and the statistical interpretation associated with both single source and mixture interpretation. The module draws upon the latest materials published by the Forensic Science Regulator and the latest quality and legal standards associated with DNA profiling. The module is contextualised throughout using a range of contemporary case studies.

FSCI6200 - Forensic Science Project (30 credits)

This module will provide students with the skills necessary to propose, develop, perform and report on a project. The emphasis of this module will focus on not only academic research projects but also on future employability skills related to working in industry.

Forensic Science - BSc (Hons)

Overview

Our degree programme

Your degree, your way

Fantastic facilities

An excellent student experience

Professional networks

Flexible tariff

Entry requirements

A level

medal-empty GCSE

medal-empty Access to HE Diploma

medal-empty BTEC Nationals

medal-empty International Baccalaureate

medal-empty International Foundation Programme

Meet our staff in your country

English Language Requirements

What's it like to study Forensic Science?

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