Course summary
Go beyond the police tape with this fascinating and highly-practical Forensic Sciences degree. Learn the techniques that underpin the recognition, identification, recovery, analysis and evaluation of information which can be used as evidence in a court of law. Are you literate, numerate and analytical? Do you like to solve problems for fun? Are you naturally inquisitive with a passion for chemistry and biology? Put these traits to work during a Forensic Sciences degree that equips you with the knowledge required to help support the legal process. It’s a hands-on degree, which allows you to analyse a variety of scenes in our purpose-built facilities, and learn the following physical and chemical analysis techniques in our state-of-the-art laboratories: Crime scene investigation Body fluid analysis DNA profiling Forensic chromatography & spectroscopy Fingerprinting Substances of abuse This highly vocational programme is broken down into three main study areas – forensic science, chemistry and biology – and dovetails modules from the Division of Law to prepare you for a variety of workplace situations. This course is the 5th best Forensic Sciences degree in the UK according to the 2022 Complete University Guide. The course also scored an amazing 90% for Overall Student Satisfaction in the 2020 National Student Survey (NSS). Finally, Abertay is widely regarded as THE place to come for high quality teaching. But don't take our word for it: Sunday Times UK University of the Year 2020 for Teaching Quality. Guardian University Guide 2020 Top 10 in the UK for Student Satisfaction with Teaching, Course and Feedback. National Student Survey 2020 Top 10 UK Universities for Student Satisfaction.
Modules
Year 1 core modules (subject to change over time) - FOR101 Foundations of Chemistry 1; FOR103 Introduction to Forensic Science, Practice and Techniques; LSC101 Biology 1: Biology Principles and Practice; FOR102 Foundations of Chemistry 2; LSC102 Human Physiology. You will also be required to select one elective module. For detailed module information please check our website.
Assessment method
We offer a broad range of learning environments, including traditional lecture and tutorial format, student-led learning, interactive class sessions, practical and a substantial element of laboratory work. We encourage independent study, meaning that you take responsibility for your own learning. Your study is assessed with a variety of methods enabling you to demonstrate progress in different ways. Coursework typically includes laboratory reports, essays and oral presentations. Formal exams typically include questions that require either short answers or essays coupled with problem-solving of forensic-related challenges. In your final dissertation you are individually supported by an experienced research active member of staff. Lab reports, essays, oral presentations and exams. Year 1 is approximately 50% exam and 50% coursework. Year 4 is approximately 100% exam in some instances - not including final year project, which is coursework based.
How to apply
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
- Course code:
- F410
- Institution code:
- A30
- Campus name:
- Abertay Campus
- Campus code:
- -
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
- Year 2
Entry requirements for advanced entry (i.e. into Year 2 and beyond)
Year 2 - Higher National Certificate/Diploma or equivalent Please see website for accepted courses
Entry requirements
Standard Qualification Requirements
A level - CCC
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - MMM
Scottish Higher - BBBC
Scottish Advanced Higher - BBB
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 27 points
Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017) - H3, H3, H3, H3
Scottish HNC - Pass
Scottish HND - Pass
HNC (BTEC) - M
HND (BTEC) - M
T Level - Pass (C and above)
Applicants should have National 5/GCSE English and Maths at grade C/4 or equivalent - Lifeskill Maths and Application of Maths NOT accepted in lieu of Maths
Please click the following link to find out more about qualification requirements for this course
https://www.abertay.ac.uk/course-search/undergraduate/forensic-sciences/
Minimum Qualification Requirements
A level - CDD
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - MMP
Scottish Higher - BBC
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 26 points
Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017) - H3, H3, H3
We may make you an offer at the minimum entry grades if you meet the criteria.
Please click the following link to find out more about minimum qualification requirements for this course
https://www.abertay.ac.uk/course-search/undergraduate/forensic-sciences/
English language requirements
We look for applicants to have achieved an overall IELTS score of 6.0 with no individual test lower than 5.5. Some degrees have higher requirements - refer to the 'entry routes' tab of each degree for more detail.
List of English Language Requirements
https://www.abertay.ac.uk/studying/informationforinternationalstudents/english-requirements/
Student Outcomes
The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
Scotland | £1820 | Year 1 |
England | £9250 | Year 1 |
Northern Ireland | £9250 | Year 1 |
Wales | £9250 | Year 1 |
Republic of Ireland | £9250 | Year 1 |
EU | £15000 | Year 1 |
International | £15000 | Year 1 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
Provider information
Abertay University
Bell Street
Dundee
DD1 1HG