Forensic Science

This Forensic Science degree equips you with core forensic analytical and investigative skills, blending practical experience and theory.

You’ll gain an understanding of the science behind the meticulous gathering of evidence from a crime scene using our dedicated crime scene space, and work in our well-equipped labs to get hands-on experience in evidence processing and analysis.

You’ll also gain an understanding of the role of forensic investigation and evidence within the legal system and how to present your findings in a professional context.

Year one
In your first year, you’ll start to develop your forensic skills and gain an understanding of the science behind forensic analysis. You’ll also look at areas of crime and disorder which occur in everyday life, as well as have an introduction to criminal law, and digital evidence.

Year two
In your second year, you’ll further develop your skills in forensic evidence analysis, delve deeper into the world of crime scene investigation and interpretation, and discover the workings of the British criminal justice system.

You’ll develop essential research skills by undertaking an exciting supervised mini research project, building the foundation for your own independent research project in your final year.

You’ll also have the opportunity to gain real-world experience through placements, to further enhance your understanding and practice of forensic science.

Year three
In your final year, you’ll conduct your independent research project, undertake further studies in advanced topics with the opportunity to tailor your focus with further exploration of biology-based sciences, forensic psychology, or digital analysis, and demonstrate your understanding of forensic investigation in a practical-based module.

Assessment is designed to reflect real-world forensic practice, using a combination of:

• Practical assessments and lab reports, developing core skills.
• Crime scene evaluations, where you’ll demonstrate scene processing and evidence recovery, mirroring professional forensic investigations.
• Courtroom-style reports and presentations, simulating expert witness testimony.
• Research projects, essays and podcast-style presentations, allowing you to explore forensic topics in depth.

Teaching will be delivered through interactive lectures and seminars, and you'll put your knowledge into practice through workshops, practical lab sessions, supervised projects and case studies. You’ll also learn from guest speakers and lecturers who are experts and practitioners in the field. 

To find out more about how we teach and how you'll learn, please read our Learning and Teaching Delivery Statement.

As part of your degree, you could study abroad on a placement at one of Bath Spa’s partner universities.

You'll have the option to take a professional placement year between your second and final year, and shorter placements are available in the second year as part of a work placement module. These placements give you an opportunity to gain real-world experience, which is highly attractive to employers.

A degree in Forensic Science provides you with a powerful combination of scientific expertise, investigative skills, and analytical thinking, preparing you for a wide range of careers.

You'll develop technical forensic skills such as crime scene analysis, laboratory techniques, and digital forensics, alongside critical thinking, problem-solving, research, and data analysis – all highly valued across multiple industries.

Graduates may go on to careers in fields such as:

• Forensic investigation – including crime scene examination, forensic laboratory analysis, toxicology, and DNA analysis (some roles may require additional training or certification).
• Law enforcement and intelligence – such as policing, fraud investigation, cybercrime, and counterterrorism.
• Legal and criminal justice roles – including case review and forensic consultancy.
• Government and private sector roles – such as environmental forensics or regulatory compliance.
• General laboratory roles – including positions in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, toxicology, analytical chemistry, and medical or environmental laboratories.
• Analytical science and research – with opportunities in a range of sciences, quality control, and industrial or academic research.

These are just a few examples. The investigative, analytical, and research skills you develop on this course can open doors to many other careers. Some pathways may require additional on-the-job training or postgraduate study, such as a Master’s or PhD in forensic science or a related field. Many graduates also pursue careers in teaching or specialist forensic disciplines.

Wherever your interests lie, this degree provides a strong foundation for a diverse and exciting career path. You can ask about your career options during an Open Day. 

If you’re a full-time undergraduate student starting your first year at Bath Spa University, you can apply for the Certificate in Global Citizenship, which you’ll study alongside your degree.

You’ll gain global awareness and add an international dimension to your student experience, and funding is available. On successful completion of the programme, you’ll be awarded a Certificate in Global Citizenship. This is in addition to your degree; it doesn’t change your degree title or results.

You'll be taught at our Newton Park campus, which is located on the edge of Bath and offers a blend of modern and eighteenth-century buildings, with good access to the city while being nestled in the countryside.

You’ll carry out practical sessions in our well-equipped labs, and have access to our Biology Resource Room. From your lectures, you’ll be able to visit the library, the Students’ Union, and access our student information and support teams, as well as many of our cutting edge facilities. 

• Forensic Science students will carry out practical classes in our dedicated labs containing modern equipment, including high-precision instrumentation (Atomic Emission Spectrophotometer, GC, HPLC), genetic and cell culture facilities, microscopy, physiological data acquisition systems and physiology equipment. They will also have access to our new, purpose-built Crime Scene Lab – a lifelike set up designed to replicate a variety of different crime scene conditions.
• Our Library offers a wealth of learning resources including books, journals, DVDs and an extensive range of electronic services. Our Subject Librarian for Sciences provides subject-specific support, including help with research.
• The Writing and Learning Centre provides support for your academic work, including feedback on written drafts and other help with academic writing.
• Our Virtual Learning Environment provides online access to learning materials such as lecture slides, assessment information, discussion boards and other resources.
• The Careers team run networking events and advisory workshops that explore your future options and the essentials of the job application process. They help you get experience by assisting with your search for work placements and paid part-time jobs while you're studying. When you're ready to progress into your chosen career, they can help you secure graduate-level employment, freelance opportunities, and funding for your own business ideas. Career support continues for years after you graduate with the dedicated Grad Support Unit.
• You’ll have free access to thousands of business, design and tech courses online via LinkedIn Learning.
• If English isn't your first language, our English Language Unit can help you improve your English, reach your full potential and boost your confidence.
• Our Student Wellbeing Services are available to support you through your learning.

The Professional Placement Year (PPY) provides you with the opportunity to identify, apply for, and secure professional experience, normally comprising one to three placements over a minimum of nine months. Successful completion of this module will demonstrate your ability to secure and sustain graduate-level employment.

By completing the module, you'll be entitled to the addition of 'with Professional Placement Year' to your degree title.

Before your PPY, you'll work to identify roles of interest and secure a placement. The Placements Team will support through timetabled sessions and 1:1 appointments.

As well as completing a minimum of 900 placement hours, you will complete two assessments demonstrating your skill development, growth in professional behaviours and how the PPY has impacted your future career aspirations.