Forensic Science (with Foundation Year)

Course overview

This course includes a foundation year - ideal if you need additional preparation or if you don't have sufficient grades to join Year 1. This is a multidisciplinary course where in addition to learning the vital skills relevant to a forensic scientist, you develop an in-depth understanding of key biology and chemistry subjects such as biochemistry, cell biology, genetics, molecular biology, toxicology and analytical chemistry.

Forensic science has an important role to play in modern society and can lead to an extremely rewarding and fulfilling career. This degree reflects the skills required by the modern forensic and graduate scientist. In addition to extensive skills development in the practice of current methods of scientific forensic analysis, grounding is also given in the investigative processes from recovering evidence through to presenting it in court. Taking criminal investigation as an example, fragments of glass, paint fragments, fibres, footwear marks or DNA extracted from body fluids can help provide evidence to link individuals with each other or with the scene of a crime. The challenge is deciding which samples to examine and how to obtain the best evidential value by analysing and interpreting them.

Top reasons to study this course

• Nationally recognised: Teesside University is ranked the top North East university for Forensic Science in the Guardian University Guide 2026. (25 institutions ranked, tees.ac.uk/source).

• Accreditation: this course is accredited by The Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences.

• Industry-standard facilities: you have access to extensive facilities in forensic science.

• Student satisfaction: Teesside is ranked 8th for Student Satisfaction for Forensic Science in the Complete University Guide 2026. (36 institutions were ranked, tees.ac.uk/source).

• Student support: 100% of forensic science students agreed that they have received sufficient support, advice and guidance in relation to their course (National Student Survey 2025, tees.ac.uk/source).

• Skills development: 100% of forensic science students agreed that the course has developed knowledge and skills needed for the future (National Student Survey 2025, tees.ac.uk/source).

Employability

Forensic science graduates can find employment in a wide range of sectors - you are not restricted to a forensic scientist role. You have enhanced employment prospects in sectors which include medical, scientific and research laboratories, chemical and processing industries, the legal profession, probation service, police, Ministry of Defence, Home Office, trading standards, criminal justice agencies. Some graduates choose to pursue a career in teaching and some seek further postgraduate study.

Course Modules

Access course information through Teesside University’s website using the course page link provided (or visit www.tees.ac.uk).

Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.

• The Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences