Forensic Science (with Foundation Year)

Go beyond the lecture theatre and into the crime scene or courtroom with this fully-accredited degree in one of the UK’s fastest growing sectors.

Utilising our leading facilities and strong links with local police forces, you’ll gain hands-on experience in forensic investigation and develop the laboratory skills to open up a range of scientific careers – as well as learning how to present evidence as an expert witness in court.

You’ll do all of this through a combination of core and optional modules and by working with academics whose research is recognised as “world leading” in the most recent Research Excellence Framework.

The foundation year equips you with essential scientific knowledge and study skills you need. Upon successful completion, you can transfer seamlessly into our degree programmes.

Why study at Hull?

• Real-life scenarios: We’re one of the few universities in the UK with a replica crime scene training facility on campus so you can collect evidence, explore criminal activity and see the world of forensic science brought to life.

• Fully accredited: Our course is accredited by the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences.

• Excellent employment prospects: 100% of students in work or further study 15 months after graduating.

Where could this take me?

Many of our graduates pursue a career as a forensic scientist or crime scene investigator, working with law enforcement or in laboratory roles such as DNA and drug analysis. But the scientific skills you’ll gain on our course are highly transferable and also open up opportunities in other sectors – from education through to the Civil Service and the NHS.

(UK domicile full-time first degree leavers; Higher Education Graduate Outcomes statistics, for the academic year 2020/21, published by the Higher Education Statistics Agency June 2023)

Foundation modules include:

Preparing for Learning in Higher Education
Foundation in Data Analysis
Introduction to Biological Sciences
Foundation Chemistry
Foundation Mathematics

Degree core modules include:

Crime Scene Investigations
DNA and Chromatography
Advanced Forensic Science
Human Anatomy
Forensic Analysis of Drugs
Professional Skills.

Optional modules include:

Forensic Psychology
Environmental Forensic Science
Specialist Forensic Science Techniques

All modules are subject to availability and this list may change.

You'll be assessed through a combination of written, practical and coursework assessments throughout your degree.

Written assessment typically includes exams and multiple choice tests.

Practical is an assessment of your skills and competencies. This could include presentations, school experience, work experience or laboratory work.

Coursework typically includes essays, written assignments, dissertations, research projects or producing a portfolio of your work.