Forensic Science

Learn the core skills needed by forensic scientists on this practical Forensic Science degree.

You’ll gain an understanding of the science behind the meticulous and careful gathering of evidence from a crime scene.

You’ll discover the processes and techniques used in evidence gathering, working in our well-equipped labs to get hands-on experience of processing and analysing evidence.

Year one
In your first year, you’ll study the science behind forensics. You’ll develop your experimental skills and gain an understanding of the fundamentals of chemical and biosciences. You’ll also look at areas of crime and disorder which occur in everyday life.

Year two
In your second year, you’ll find out more about the workings of the British criminal justice system. You’ll also discover the different techniques used to analyse crime scene evidence, including bodily fluids, fingerprints and hair.

You’ll learn about research methods and take part in small-scale research tasks to help prepare you for your independent research project in your final year.

You’ll have the opportunity to go on 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 analytical techniques, and demonstrate your understanding of forensic science in a practical-based module.

You’ll also explore subjects such as punishment and the penal system in global context, cyber security, and terrorism.

You’ll be assessed using a combination of report writing, laboratory reports, presentations, group work, in-class tests and dissertations.

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.

This Forensic Science degree will give you in-depth knowledge in, and practical experience of, forensic science, as well as valuable transferable skills such as research, analysis, communication and teamwork.  

You’ll graduate with a strong basis for a career in forensic science or analytical chemistry.

You could also choose to continue your education and study for a Master’s or PhD.

To become a CSI, you'll need further postgraduate study, in-job training and professional accreditation. 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.
• 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.

Aiming to make work experience more accessible, we have introduced the PPY Bursary. Students undertaking a PPY can receive between £500 and £1,500 to be used towards placement costs such as travel, food, workwear or accommodation.

For more information and details of eligibility criteria, please visit the PPY Bursary webpage.