The role of analytical science in forensic investigations is becoming increasingly important due to the major developments in analytical chemistry and advances in molecular biology. Forensic Science involves the analysis of biological chemical or physical samples collected as evidence during a criminal investigation.

The skills of the forensic scientist provide crucial scientific evidence which may link a suspect with the scene of the crime, the victim or the weapon. In addition, the key problem solving and analytical skills developed in forensic & analytical science are widely sought after in many other industrial sectors including the oil, gas, pharmaceutical and food industries.

Our course was the first in Scotland to be accredited by the Forensic Science Society and by Skills for Justice. It is accredited in all three of the Society’s Component Standards – Laboratory Analysis, Crime Scene Investigation, and Interpretation, Evaluation and Presentation 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.

Year 1

• Chemistry for Life Sciences 
• Biology for Life Sciences 
• Introduction to Crime Scene and Forensic Techniques 
• Applied Microbiology 
• Analytical Techniques for Life Sciences 
• Biomolecular Science
• Practical Skills for Life Sciences

Year 2

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

Year 3

• Analytical Chemistry
• Forensic Genetics
• Trace Evidence Analysis
• Fire, Explosions And Firearms
• Forensic Toxicology And Substances Of Abuse
• Spectral Analysis and Interpretation
• Physical And Inorganic Chemistry

Optional between year 3 and 4:

• One year sandwich industrial Placement

Year 4

• Advanced Analytical Techniques
• Project
• DNA Technologies
• Interpretation, Evaluation And Presentation Of Evidence
• Oilfield Chemicals or Law Option

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 at Higher.

GCE A Level: CCC to include Chemistry and one further science from Physics, Biology or Maths. English, Maths and Biology are required at GCSE Grade B or above.

Irish Leaving Certificate Higher: B2B2C1C1 to include Chemistry and one further science from Physics, Biology or Maths. English, Maths and Biology are required at Ordinary Level Grade B or above if not held at Higher.

IB Diploma: 26 to include Chemistry at Higher Level Grade 4 plus one further science from Physics, Biology or Maths. English, Maths and Biology are required at Standard Level Grade 4.

Alternative Qualifications: Equivalent overseas qualifications, SQA, BTEC, and other Access programmes will be considered.

Degree Link Programme: A relevant HNC from one of our partner FE colleges may be considered for year 2 entry. A relevant HND from one of our 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 may also become available.

Professional Accreditation

This course is accredited by the Forensic Science Society, the professional body for UK Forensic Scientists and Skills for Justice. The successful Skillsmark endorsement of the course is a result of the close interaction with practitioners and the employability of RGU graduates. Additionally, 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. Published fees apply to the course's mode of delivery.

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.