Accredited by the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences, you will study a unique approach to Forensic Science encompassing, not only the criminal aspects of the profession but also the wider remit of science and justice in both the public and private sectors.
Designed by industry professionals, you will develop the skills and knowledge highly-valued amongst employers, including the ability to confidently investigate crimes, conduct independent laboratory analysis, process and analyse evidence and prepare statements for court proceedings. You won't just learn the theory, you'll be doing it in a hands-on session, including investigating complex crime scenes at our mock crime house, through working alongside serving professionals at our award-winning major incident event and applying practical laboratory skills to solving both criminal and commercial investigations in our state-of-the-art laboratories.
Forensic Science ranks in the Top 10 Nationally for Student Satisfaction
- Complete University Guide 2021
OUR AWARDS AND ACCREDITATIONS:
VIEW OUR FORENSIC SCIENCE COURSE PLAYLIST:
YOUR FUTURE:
As well as a pathway into Crime Scene Investigation (CSI), Policing and working for Forensic Providers, we ensure that our graduates have well-rounded skills in many aspects of science and problem-solving, meaning that your Forensic Science degree will enable you to go into fields including; Research and Development, NHS Testing, The Food and Drink Industry, Pharmaceuticals and Analytical Science.
TOUR OUR £3.5 MILLION STATE-OF-THE-ART LAB FACILITIES:
Course study options
We also offer this course with an integrated foundation year - that means you'll have extra time to boost your academic skills before starting the main course.
Course outline
Course summary
Course Overview
Our BSc Forensic Science accredited by the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences will enable you to study a unique approach to Forensic Science encompassing not just the criminal aspects of the profession but also the wider remit of science and justice in both the public and private sectors. Designed by industry professionals, you will develop the skills and knowledge highly-valued amongst employers, including the ability to confidently investigate crimes, conduct independent laboratory analysis, process and analyse evidence and prepare statements for court proceedings.
Our practical-focused course means you won't just learn the theory, you'll be doing it in hands-on sessions - including investigating complex crime scenes at our mock crime house, through realistic major incidents and applying practical laboratory skills to solving both criminal and commercial investigations determining authenticity and provenance.
Why Study at University of Cumbria?
- Use the same facilities operated by professionals in the field - including, DNA technology, and the very latest analytical equipment such as Gas Chromatography, High Performance Liquid Chromatography and Raman Spectroscopy
- Work in new, state-of-the-art specialist laboratories to develop crucial skills for your future as a scientist
- Taught by academic tutors with professional backgrounds in forensics, policing and the criminal justice system, who bring their invaluable, first-hand experience to their teaching
- Our tutors conduct and are involved in national research projects, which will enhance your learning and ensure it is up-to-date
- Small class sizes mean we provide you with personal guidance and support
- Opportunity to work alongside professional organisations, including Cumbria Constabulary and other Criminal Justice bodies, thanks to our close working relationships across the sector
- Work shadow professionals in mirroring processes and procedures used in crime scenes, for invaluable first-hand experience
- Flexible modules so you can carve the course to suit your future career path
- Eligible for Associate Membership of The Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences when you graduate and student membership whilst studying
You'll study on our friendly Fusehill Street campus with access to great facilities, including modern student spaces and our new £3.5 million STEM laboratories.
You will be a short walk from the centre of the historic, bustling, student city of Carlisle and within easy reach of the stunning Lake District National Park - a UNESCO World Heritage site - and Scotland. Add to that close to the spectacular North West coastline and you'll never be stuck for something to do outside of your studies.
We offer all of this because our main aim is to prepare you for a future in crime scene investigation or forensic analysis by providing you with the scientific know-how that'll boost your job prospects. But, because you can develop key transferable skills too, such as problem-solving and critical analysis, our BSc Forensic Science will set you up for careers in other sectors including in the NHS and teaching.
Modules
Year One
- Crime Scene Investigation
- Chemistry for Forensic Scientists
- Biology For Forensic Scientists
- Forensic Evidence
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Laboratory Skills for Forensic Scientists
Year Two
- Forensic Chemistry
- Forensic Genetics
- Science and Justice
- Forensic Taphonomy
- Commercial Applications of Forensic Science
- Exploring Research
Year Three
- Dissertation
- Miscarriages of Justice
- Death Investigation
- Criminal and Commercial Investigation
- Toxicology (optional)
- Advanced Genetics (optional)
Programme Specification
Programme specification
For a detailed summary of all course content please read our programme specification for this course.
Assessment, Feedback, and Teaching and Learning methods
Full details are available in the programme specification.
Timetables
The teaching timetable should be available from the end of August. Access to the timetable is through the Student Hub – you will be able to access the Student Hub after you have completed online registration. The teaching day is 9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday; please keep your other commitments open until confirmation of your teaching timetable, and bear in mind that many courses will offer placements or fieldwork which sometimes extends into the evenings and weekends.
Entry requirements
Have a question about our entry requirements?
Entry Requirements
104 - 120 UCAS tariff points including A2 in Applied Science, Biology, Chemistry or Physics subject (or equivalent). GCSE English, Maths and Science at grade C. Potential to succeed can be measured in a number of ways including academic qualifications and skills obtained outside academic study such as work experience. We have a points range so we can take into account all of the information on your application form and adjust the offer from the evidence provided.
Find out more about qualification options from the UCAS tariff table.
Please check selection criteria for any additional entry requirements.
Application information
Full-time courses
Apply online through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS), between September and January; they will send your application on to us. Applications submitted after this date will be considered late and the course you have applied for might be full by this time; however, we will consider you for alternative suitable courses.
Their website www.ucas.com provides all the information you need about universities, courses, locations, entry requirements and financial support. You are allowed to select up to five course choices. You need to use the correct UCAS campus and course codes as not all courses are offered at every campus. You will be asked for the following information when you apply online:
Institution code name: UoC
Institution code: C99
Campus location:
- A Ambleside
- B Brampton Road, Carlisle
- E University of Cumbria at Energus, Workington
- F Fusehill Street, Carlisle
- L Lancaster
- T University of Cumbria in London
- Y University of Cumbria at Furness College, Barrow-in-Furness
Part-time courses
Applications should be made online directly to the university; visit our website or contact enquirycentre@cumbria.ac.uk for details and guidance. There is no official closing date but we would encourage you to apply as early as possible, as many courses are competitive.
What makes a good application?
We consider all aspects of your application, not simply your qualifications and grades. We look at your academic background and performance, relevant experience (particularly for professional courses where some voluntary or paid experience is required) and your reference. Above all, we look for motivation, commitment and potential-evidence that you can benefit from study at higher education level.
Make sure you include:
- Relevant qualifications/evidence of ability: check our website for the specific entry requirements required for each course. Tell us your previous academic results and your projected grades.
- A supportive reference, from an employer or your school or college.
- A good personal statement.
- Explain clearly what attracts you to the course and tell us about your wider interests and experience. If you are applying for a course that incorporates professional training and placements, you should include any relevant experience or visits you have made in the workplace. Highlight your individual strengths and qualities, personal skills, capacity for teamwork, contribution to the community and your enterprise, originality and determination. Select some activities which bring out these qualities.
What next?
When we receive your application, we will send you an acknowledgement and if you are successful at this stage you will get either an offer (with an invitation to visit the campus to which you have applied), or an invitation to interview on a particular date. If we are not able to offer you a place on your chosen course we will usually try to offer you a place on a similar course and will contact you to discuss this. Alternatively, if we think you are suitable, but cannot offer you a place on your preferred campus because of the level of competition, we will offer you a place at another campus if one is available.
And if I accept?
The admissions team will contact you and send further information from February onwards about accommodation, and from May/June onwards about preparing to join the university. If you have any other queries, please telephone the admissions offices for information and advice on 0845 6061144.
Deferred entry
We welcome applications for deferred entry on some courses. If you have specific plans during your year out, indicate these on your personal statement as they may be relevant to your course and could enhance your application.
International students
Applications for full-time undergraduate study are made through UCAS. Please see the international pages of our website for full details of our entry requirements (including English-language skills) as well as contacts for advice and support.
From 2009 the UK Border Agency introduced a Points-Based Immigration System (PBS) for students coming to the UK from outside the European Economic Area (EEA). Students entering higher education will need to obtain a Confirmation of Acceptance (CAS) plus finance confirmation to obtain a Tier 4 student visa. UK education providers are licensed by the UK Border Agency. When students apply for their visa (or entry clearance) they will need a valid Certificate of Acceptance of Studies from the university. Please note that a CAS is not a guarantee that a visa will be issued.
See the following websites for further details: www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/studyingintheuk
Student finance
We have a wide range of scholarships, bursaries, grants and funds available to support you throughout your studies with us. This includes the Cumbria Bursary - a non-repayable bursary designed to support first year students with a household income of less than £25,000.
Student FinanceAdditional costs
All students will need to purchase stationery, course books and personal equipment. Extra costs may also be applicable to cover field trips, membership fees etc. The following PDF link below provides an overview of these costs for this course.
Additional costsResources and facilities
Gaining work experience in forensics is almost impossible, which is why our Crime House is so essential to the course. Under the supervision of serving crime scene investigators, you will learn how to gather evidence and manage a crime scene. Authenticity is assured by using genuine Criminal Justice Act exhibiting materials, and a strict adherence to exhibit integrity and continuity practices.
Our expert academic staff and industry practitioners bring a wealth of experience to the course. You'll benefit from their knowledge in forensic science and the criminal justice sector, as well as through talks from guest speakers. Our teaching staff are committed to providing high quality guidance and support, and are praised for their approachability.
