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Forensic Science & Criminal Investigation

BSc (Hons)
Duration
3 years
Start
September 2025
UCAS Code
FM42
Delivery
In-person

Discover the tools crucial to solving crime, with a degree built around the practical skills and scientific understanding of the collection and analysis of evidence.

Why study with us

  • 2nd
    in the UK for teaching
    National Student Survey (Forensic and archaeological sciences) (compared with unis in the Guardian University Guide)
    2024
  • 3rd
    in the UK for overall score
    Guardian University Guide (Forensic science)
    2024
  • 4th
    in the UK for student satisfaction
    Complete University Guide (Forensic Science)
    2025
  • 94%
    of students highly rate our learning opportunities
    National Student Survey (Forensic and archaeological sciences)
    2024
  • Learn from experts in their fields, whether seasoned CSIs, former police professionals or leading academics. This combination of teaching staff allows us to build on the many years' experience of senior practitioners and research developments at the cutting-edge of the discipline.
  • We offer the possibility for extra study at home and abroad – including an air crash investigation short course in Arizona, ballistic reconstruction course and Study Abroad exchange opportunities.
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What you’ll do

  • You’ll be taught by numerous experienced professionals with a range of specialisms, such as CSI, counter-terrorism, or fire investigation.
  • In year 3 you can tailor your studies to your personal strengths and professional ambitions.
  • You’ll get hands-on with state-of-the-art facilities, including our dedicated crime scene houses, vehicle examination bay, laboratories and a Hydra Minerva simulation suite.
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Our FARO laser scanning tech

Modules

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of our published course information. However, our programmes are subject to ongoing review and development. Changing circumstances may cause alteration to, or the cancellation of, courses. Changes may be necessary to comply with the requirements of accrediting bodies or revisions to subject benchmarks statements. As well as to keep courses updated and contemporary, or as a result of student feedback. We reserve the right to make variations if we consider such action to be necessary or in the best interests of students.

Visit us on campus

Sign up for one of our upcoming Open Days and discover what university life is really like.

Book an Open Day

Academic expertise

Paul Callaghan
Course Leader
Adam Wilcox
Senior Demonstrator in Forensic Science
Rachel Cunliffe
Lecturer in Forensic and Biological Anthropology
Dr Catherine Tennick
Senior Lecturer in Forensic Science
Dr Claire Williamson
Senior Lecturer in Forensic Science
Dr Brenna Hassett
Lecturer in Forensic Osteology and Archaeology
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Robert Gallagher MBE
Lecturer in Forensic Crime Scene Investigation
Paul Langton
Lecturer in Forensic Science

Missing Persons Information Unit

By joining our Missing Person Investigation Unit, you’ll have the opportunity to work with the families of missing people. You can develop lines of enquiry, and work within a wider network of cold-case missing person investigators.

Cybercrime Advice Clinic

Get involved with our Cybercrime Advice Clinic. You can work with victims of cybercrime within Lancashire (and beyond). Help and support victims after they have been targeted by cyber criminals.

Accreditations

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Going on a trip to Arizona and Las Vegas including a Disaster Victim Identification course was a real highlight. Something that inspired me to do my dissertation based around this, and something I want to consider further in my career.
Amelia Woodcock in a white criminal investigation suit
Amelia Woodcock
Forensic Science and Criminal Investigation graduate, current CSI, Greater Manchester Police

Future careers

In a competitive job market, Forensic Science and Criminal Investigation BSc (Hons) graduates stand out – with the specialist skills and real-world experience to ensure they’re ready to get to work.

Entry requirements

We will consider your educational achievements, predicted grades, work experience and personal statement. If you don't meet the grades for your chosen course, we will consider you for other programmes.

We know that many factors can influence the grades you achieve in school or college. If your life experience has affected your academic studies, we can take this into account. Use the UCAS Points Calculator below to check whether you are eligible.

Unsure if you meet our entry requirements? Contact our friendly Course Enquiries team to talk through your options.

  • UCAS: 104-112 points at A2
  • BTEC Extended Diploma: DMM
  • BTEC Diploma: D*D-D*D*
  • Pass Access Course: 104-112 UCAS Points
  • International Baccalaureate Diploma: Pass including 104-112 points from Higher Level Subjects
  • T Level: M
  • IELTS: 6.0 with no component lower than 5.5
  • GCSEs: 5 at grade C/4 including Maths and English or equivalent

Not got the grades?

Our courses with a foundation year could be exactly what you're looking for. They provide an alternative route to study for this degree.

Find out more about our courses with a foundation year.

Fees and funding

2025/26
UK
Full-time£9,535 per year
Sandwich year£1,575 for the sandwich year
Part-time£1,587 per 20 credits
International
Full-time£17,325 per year

Scholarships and bursaries

We have a wide range of bursaries, scholarships and funds available to help support you whilst studying with us.

Select your country to see eligibility information and how to apply by selecting more info on the cards below.

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This course is delivered by the School of Law and Policing

For information on possible changes to course information, see our essential and important course information

You can find regulations and policies relating to student life at the University of Central Lancashire on our student contract page