The role of a forensic scientist is highly scientific, involving the analysis of biological, chemical or physical samples collected as evidence during a criminal investigation. The interest in forensic science has increased significantly, partly due to increased exposure in the media and popular television crime dramas. It’s their work that provides the potential evidence to link a suspect with the scene of the crime, the victim or the weapon. However, forensic scientists also use their problem solving and analytical skills in many other sectors, for example within the oil, gas, pharmaceutical and food industries.

Our course was the first in Scotland to be accredited by the Forensic Science Society and is accredited in all three of the Society's Component Standards - Laboratory Analysis, Crime Scene Investigation, and Interpretation and Evaluation of Evidence. It is delivered by highly experienced forensic practitioners and analytical scientists who are focused on providing you with the scientific and investigative skills you will need to succeed in this highly competitive profession.

For students wishing to broaden their career options, optional modules in chemistry and law are also available.

Year 1

• Introduction To Forensic Science
• Applied Microbiology
• Chemistry For Life Sciences
• Biology for Life Sciences
• Introduction To Forensic Science
• Biomolecular Science
• Analytical Techniques for Life Sciences
• Practical Skills for Life Sciences

Year 2

• Forensic Biology
• Analytical Science 1
• Forensic Examination & Analysis
• Forensic Science: The Legal Framework
• Anthropology
• Analytical Science 2
• Forensic Examination & Analysis
• Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry

Year 3

• Forensic Genetics
• Analytical Chemistry
• Fire, Explosions And Firearms
• Trace Evidence Analysis
• Physical And Inorganic Chemistry
• Forensic Toxicology And Substances Of Abuse
• Trace Evidence Analysis
• Spectral Analysis and Interpretation
  
  Optional between year 3 and 4:
• One year sandwich industrial Placement

Year 4

• Advanced Analytical Techniques
• Project
• DNA Technologies
• Project
• Interpretation, Evaluation And Presentation Of Evidence
  
  Choice of 1 option module from the following group:
• Oilfield Chemicals; or
• Criminology

SQA Higher: BBCC to include Chemistry and one further science from Physics, Biology or Maths. English, Maths and Biology are required at Standard Grade credit level if not Higher

GCE A Level: CCC at A Level to include Chemistry and one further science from Physics, Biology or Maths.

Irish Leaving Certificate Higher: B2B2C1C1 at Higher Grade to include Chemistry and one further science from Physics, Biology or Maths.

IB Diploma: 26, including grade 5 Higher Level in Chemistry and one further science from Physics, Biology or Maths. English, Maths and Biology at Standard Level 4 if not a Higher Level.

Alternative Qualifications: NORSWAP Access to Science Course. Equivalent overseas qualifications, SQA, BTEC, S/NVQs and other Access programmes will be considered.

Degree Link Programme: A relevant HND from partner FE Colleges may be considered for year 3 entry.

* All entry requirements listed here should be used as a guide and represent the minimum required to be considered for entry. Applicants who are made a conditional offer of a place may be asked to achieve more than is stated. 

Placement

You may undertake an optional paid 12 month placement in a scientific laboratory after year 3. Vacation placements in forensic laboratories can also become available.

Professional Accreditation

This course is accredited by the Forensic Science Society, the professional body for UK Forensic Scientists. Additionally, by electing to take the optional modules in Chemistry, you will also satisfy the criteria for Associate Membership of the Royal Society of Chemistry.

If you are a Scottish resident or EU national you are not liable to pay fees and should apply to SAAS for funding.

Students from other parts of the UK should visit the appropriate website:

• England - http://www.studentfinanceengland.co.uk/
• Wales - http://www.studentfinancewales.co.uk/
• Northern Ireland - http://www.studentfinanceni.co.uk/

Scholarships

• Information on Laboratory, Biomedical & Sports Sciences Scholarships

All course fees are reviewed annually and subject to change.

All applications should be made through UCAS. You must apply online at www.ucas.com/students/apply.

Once you register and create your username and password you are guided through the process of applying. After submission, log in to your UCAS Track account and you can see the progress of your application, view and respond to your offers.

A diverse range of opportunities within the Scottish Police Services Authority and Forensic Science Laboratories are available, including scene examination, fire investigation, laboratory analysis and health and safety. Alternatively, a number of students opt for careers in industry (including pharmaceutical, oil and biotechnology), for which employment prospects are particularly good, and police graduate entry.

Postgraduate study in specialist forensic disciplines and teaching are other routes many of our graduates choose to take. There are also opportunities for students to pursue forensic and analytical research at the University, for example in anti-fraud technology, advances in DNA technologies and drugs and toxicology.