Offering a crime scene to courtroom learning experience, the Forensic and Analytical Science degree will provide you with key problem solving skills to progress in an exciting and fascinating forensic or analytical science career. The course features extensive practical elements meaning you will use a wide array of analytical instrumentation preparing you for the working world.
Forensic science involves the analysis of biological, chemical or physical samples collected as evidence during a criminal investigation. As a Forensic Scientist you will provide crucial scientific evidence which may link a suspect to the scene of the crime, the victim, or the weapon. The role of analytical science in forensic investigations is becoming increasingly important due to the major developments in analytical chemistry.
1st in UKfor teaching quality in Archaeology & Forensic Science
(GUG 2026*)
*The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide
1st in UKfor graduate prospects in Archaeology & Forensic Science
(GUG 2026*)
*The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide
Year 1
You will develop an understanding of the basic principles of Chemistry, Biology and Analytical Science together with the broad principles of Forensic Science. You will also learn basic laboratory skills appropriate to chemical and biological analysis and forensic investigation.
Year 2
You will further develop knowledge of analytical techniques in Chemistry and Biology and acquire an understanding of more complex instrumentation, reinforced through practical work. You will also develop an underpinning legal knowledge through a study of the legal framework.
Year 3
You will increase your competence in laboratory practice through specialist areas including analytical chemistry and forensic toxicology; fire, explosions and firearms. You’ll undertake group exercises in trace forensic analysis, and present data to a court of law. At the end of this year there is an optional placement opportunity - see the placements section for more details.
Year 4
You will cover advanced analytical and DNA techniques and further develop key forensic investigation and presentation skills in a court of law. You will also undertake an individual Research Project and demonstrate scientific writing and presentation skills.
Student stories
Hear from our students and graduates about their experiences studying this course:
Our sustainability commitment
As a school of applied science it is of fundamental importance that all our curricula provide the knowledge, skills, attributes, values and agency that empower our students to make positive and responsible contributions to society, and innovative solutions that benefit our planet’s future. We aim to create sustainability champions for each of our courses who will facilitate discussion at a course level and engage with students, with a view to enriching our provision through the co-creation of events and enhancements. We are committed to embedding sustainability throughout our teaching and learning so our students not only consider sustainability in their studies and daily lives, but also throughout the careers they undertake once they graduate from RGU.
This course is committed to United Nation's Sustainability Goals 2, 3, 4 and 6. Find out more on the United Nations website.
Events
We have on campus and virtual events to help you find out more about study, student experience and future career paths.
Detailed module informationActivity Summary
You will study the equivalent of four 15-credit modules during each of the two terms per year. A normal workload should involve 12 hours of lectures and tutorials and up to six hours of laboratory work (all in class sizes of approximately 35) per week.Laboratory activities include crime scene and recovery of evidence exercises, Forensic and Analytical Chemistry, Biology laboratory work, project work and courtroom training. The crime scene exercises involve group working and in the latter stages of the course, part of the assessment takes place within the Moot court.
How long is a BSc (Hons) Forensic and Analytical Science course?
The duration of the Forensic and Analytical Science degree is 4 years. This is to include independent study and coursework preparation, tutorials, lectures and other activities.
Year 4
- Lectures - 35 students per group, 7 hours per week
- Tutorial - 35 students per group, 2 - 3 hours per week
- Project Supervision - one-to-one, 24.5 hours per week for 6 weeks
- Practical class or workshop - 35 students per group, 3 hours per week
Independent Study
Independent learning enables you to acquire an increased breadth of understanding and develop a critical approach to practice and thus attain scientific competence in a forensic and analytical science context. Each module includes an allocation of directed and self-study to enable this, with a total average of 41 hours per week.Staff Delivering on This Course
The course 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, or in analytical laboratories. Our academics include registered forensic experts so you can be confident you are learning the skills that are commonly used today.
Staff on this course also include visiting lecturers and industry experts, e-learning Advisers and study skills staff.
Assessment
Typically students are assessed each year:
Year 1
- 2 written exams
- 1 oral assessment
- 1 practical skills assessments
- 1 crime scene exercise
Year 2
- 2 written exams
- 2 reports
- 1 portfolio
- 1 practical skills assessment
Year 3
- 4 written exams
- 1 reports
- 2 portfolios
- 1 oral assessment
- 1 moot court cross examination
Year 4
- 1 written exams
- 2 reports
- 1 portfolio
- 1 oral assessment
- 1 moot court cross examination
- 1 poster presentation and defence
Feedback
We aim to provide you with feedback within 20 working days of hand-in for all written exams, coursework and practical exams.Placements
You have the option to spend one year in a scientific laboratory between Years 3 and 4 of the course, subject to availability. Successful students will then be awarded a degree with an additional 120 credit module. Placements can be sourced by you directly, or through liaison with the Placement Officer. These may or may not be paid subject to availability.
Job Prospects
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, and police graduate entry. Alternatively, a number of students opt for careers in industry in which employment prospects are particularly good (including pharmaceutical, oil and biotechnology).
Is Forensic and Analytical Science a good career choice?
Previous Forensic and Analytical Science graduates of Robert Gordon University have gone on to pursue the following careers:
- Analytical Scientist
- Technical Service Chemist
- Freeze Drying Technician
- Applications Technician
- Lab Technician
- Research & Development
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, environmental chemistry and drugs and toxicology.
RGUflex
Collect academic credit flexibly and claim an award from the University. RGUflex delivers on-demand flexible learning where you can upskill, reskill or pursue a passion. It can also be used by employers to allow them to build an education pathway for their employees to gain the skills and knowledge to meet business needs.
What is needed for a Forensic and Analytical Science course?
Standard Entry Requirements
- SQA Higher: BBBC to include Chemistry. English and Maths are required at National 5 grade B or above if not held at Higher
- GCE A Level: BCC to include Chemistry. English and Maths are required at GCSE grade 4/C or above if not held at A Level
- Irish Leaving Certificate Higher: H2H3H3H3 to include Chemistry. English and Maths are required at grade O2 or above if not held at Higher.
- IB Diploma: 27 to include Higher Level Chemistry at grade 4. English and Maths are required at a minimum of Standard Level grade 4 if not held at Higher Level
Year 2 Entry
- SQA Advanced Higher: AB to include Chemistry. English and Maths are required at National 5 grade B or above if not held at Higher Level.
- GCE A Level: BCC to include Chemistry at grade B. English and Maths are required at GCSE grade 4/C or above if not held at A Level.
Minimum Entry Requirements
The minimum entry requirements for widening access applicants are:
- SQA Higher: BBC/BCCC to include Chemistry. English and Maths are required at National 5 grade B or above if not held at Higher
Alternative Qualifications
We welcome applications from those with equivalent qualifications to those stated, including SVQs/NVQs, access programmes, Foundation Apprenticeships and overseas qualifications. Applications from students with non-standard qualifications or work experience will be considered on an individual basis.
Applicants from Partner Colleges
A relevant HNC or HND from one of our partner colleges will be considered for entry into Year 2 or 3.
Advanced Entry
All other applicants who are interested in applying for advanced entry will be considered on an individual basis.
International Students
International students who do not meet our direct entry requirements for this course can gain additional entry points through our International College at Robert Gordon University.
English Language Requirements
Applicants whose first language is not English should have an IELTS of 6.0 overall, with no component lower than 5.5, or an equivalent.
We accept a variety of in-country and secure English language tests, find out more:
Please note, some courses may require a higher standard of English than stated in this page. Contact admissions@rgu.ac.uk for further information.
Academic Year 2025-2026
Scottish Students
Full Time
| On Campus | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 4 years | Year 1 | £1820 |
| Year 2 | £1820 | |
| Year 3 | £1820 | |
| Year 4 | £1820 | |
Rest of UK Students
Full Time
| On Campus | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 4 years | Year 1 | £7220 |
| Year 2 | £7220 | |
| Year 3 | £7220 | |
| Year 4 | £7220 | |
International Students
Full Time
| On Campus | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 4 years | Year 1 | £17920 |
| Year 2 | £17920 | |
| Year 3 | £17920 | |
| Year 4 | £17920 | |
Academic Year 2024-2025
Scottish Students
Full Time
| On Campus | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 4 years | Year 1 | £1820 |
| Year 2 | £1820 | |
| Year 3 | £1820 | |
| Year 4 | £1820 | |
Rest of UK Students
Full Time
| On Campus | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 4 years | Year 1 | £6930 |
| Year 2 | £6930 | |
| Year 3 | £6930 | |
| Year 4 | £6930 | |
EU Students
Full Time
| On Campus | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 4 years | Year 1 | £6930 |
| Year 2 | £6930 | |
| Year 3 | £6930 | |
| Year 4 | £6930 | |
International Students
Full Time
| On Campus | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 4 years | Year 1 | £17400 |
| Year 2 | £17400 | |
| Year 3 | £17400 | |
| Year 4 | £17400 | |
Additional Costs
- £30 per year - Specialist laboratory cost
- £10 - Materials
- £10 - Specialist Clothing
Some other costs are not included in the course fees:
- The cost of books that you may wish to purchase.
- Costs associated with any placement / study abroad
- Accommodation and Living Costs
- Printing
Student Funding
If you are a Scottish resident, you may be eligible for funding and should apply to SAAS for funding.
Students from other parts of the UK should visit the appropriate website:
Scholarships and Financial Awards
You may qualify for a scholarship or financial award:
Disclaimer
For new intakes, course fees are reviewed and published annually for each mode of delivery. Tuition fees are fixed for the duration of a course at the rate confirmed in the offer letter. For further information:
Any questions?
Get in touch with our Student Admissions Service and we'll do our best to help.