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Applied Bioscience with Forensic Investigation
- BSc (Hons)
- 4 Years
- Full-time
- 07/09/2026
- Undergraduate
- Lanarkshire Campus
Course summary
Overview
Get ready to pursue a career in the biological or forensic sciences with UWS’s BSc (Hons) Applied Bioscience with Forensic Investigation programme.
This programme will equip you with the forensic analysis skills to assess crime scenes and analyse biological and chemical evidence. It will also develop your complex problem solving skills.
Large amounts of practical work, experience with modern techniques and developing research and problem-solving skills are key strengths of the programme as is the option to undertake a work placement in year 3.
This programme is focussed on producing well-qualified, highly skilled graduates who meet the demands of the UK and international biotechnology, food, pharmaceutical, life sciences and forensic sectors.
Programme highlights
• Teaching focuses on the theory and application of laboratory techniques used in bioscience and forensic science.
• An emphasis is placed on interactive learning and assessment, including case studies and technical skills development.
• Work-based learning allows you to apply your knowledge in a real-world setting and develop the skills sought after by employers.
• This programme is fully accredited by the Royal Society of Biology and you will be eligible for free membership to the Society throughout all years of your studies.
Programme details
You’ll be given the option to undertake a 12-week placement during Year 3 of this programme, allowing you to apply the skills, techniques and knowledge you’ve gained to real-world settings.
This qualification is acceptable to all Schools of Education as an entry qualification to the
Postgraduate Diploma in Education for Biology and General Science teaching.
Careers
This programme will prepare you for a successful career in biological or forensic sciences and will help you secure roles in:
• Healthcare
• Pharmaceutical industry
• Biotechnology
• Environmental management
• Microbiology
• Molecular science
• Analytical chemistry
There are various areas where good scientific skills are required including clinical laboratories, analytical laboratories, research organisations and support companies.
Modules
Year 1
A general introduction to various biological disciplines, from cell and molecular aspects to ecological and environmental topics. You will be introduced to the role of a forensic scientist and research specific cases. All first-year students are given an introduction to the UWS Virtual Learning Environment.
Year 2
Studies include how to identify, collect and analyse biological trace evidence from a crime scene. You will acquire expertise in the use and application of microscopy in a forensic investigation. Subjects including molecular genetics, biochemistry, pharmacology and microbiology will be introduced.
Year 3
You will study DNA and controlled substances and will apply your knowledge to investigate a crime scene scenario. You may have some choice in which bioscience to focus on e.g. microbiology, immunology or biochemistry. A valuable career enhancing 12-week work placement is possible in a research, hospital or company laboratory.
Year 4
You will study forensic specialist subjects taking you from the crime scene to the courtroom while gaining in-depth knowledge of your chosen biological subjects and their applications. A critical part of the Year 4 curriculum is a supervised project where you participate in research in a subject area of your choice.
Assessment method
You will be taught through a combination of lectures, tutorials and workshops.
You will also have the opportunity to take part in group work and independent learning to develop your transferable skills such as research, presentation, communication and working as part of a team.
This degree is assessed using a variety of assessment methods including:
• Written examinations
• Coursework
• Practical assessment
Professional bodies
Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.
- Royal Society of Biology
Qualified teacher status (QTS)
To work as a teacher at a state school in England or Wales, you will need to achieve qualified teacher status (QTS). This is offered on this course for the following level:
- Course does not award QTS
How to apply
Apply by
14 January
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:
- C7F4
- Institution code:
- U40
- Campus name:
- Lanarkshire Campus
- Campus Code:
- I
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
- Year 2
- Year 3
- Year 4
Entry requirements for advanced entry (i.e. into Year 2 and beyond)
Year 2 Entry:
Scottish Advanced Highers: BBC including Biology, plus Chemistry at least at National 5 Grade C
A Levels: BBC including Biology
T Level: Full T Level with Grade M in relevant subject which must include Biology (120 Tariff points), plus GCSE Chemistry with Grade 5/C
International Baccalaureate: 30 points including Biology/Human Biology and Chemistry at Higher Level
SQA HNC: Applied Science; Bioscience
Year 3 Entry:
SQA HND: Biotechnology; Bioscience; Biomedical Science; Environmental Science; Industrial Biotechnology; Applied Biological Science
International applicants
ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS:
For applicants whose first language is not English, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level. These are shown below.
Entry requirements
Standard Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - 96 points
Including Biology or Human Biology
A level - CCC
Including Biology or Human Biology.
Year 2 entry with A Levels in BBC including Biology.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - MMM
in relevant subject
Scottish Higher - BBCC
Including Biology or Human Biology
Scottish Advanced Higher - BBC
For Year 2 entry, including Biology, plus Chemistry at National 5 Grade C or above
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 24 points
including 3 subjects at H4 (one of which should be Biology or Human Biology)
For year 2 entry, 30 points including Biology/Human Biology and Chemistry at Higher Level
Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017) - H3, H3, H3, H3
Including Biology or Human Biology
Scottish HNC - Pass
Year 2: Applied Science; Bioscience.
Scottish HND - Pass
Year 3: Biotechnology; Bioscience; Biomedical Science: Environmental Science: Industrial Biotechnology; Applied Biological Science
T Level - Pass (C and above)
For Year 2 entry, Grade M required
Year 1 entry: SWAP (BBB)
Access to Medicine; Access to Science; Access to Biological and Chemical Science; Access to Chemistry and Biology; Access to Health and Biological Science; Access to Dietetics; Access to Health and Life Sciences; Access to Radiography.
Minimum Qualification Requirements
UCAS Tariff - 63 points
including Biology/Human Biology
A level - CCC
Including Biology or Human Biology.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - MMM
in relevant subject
Scottish Higher - CCC
including Biology/Human Biology
Alternative Minimum Entry Requirements: CC (42 UCAS Tariff points), including Biology/Human Biology, PLUS successful completion of one of the following:
UWS Foundation Academy
Foundation Apprenticeship
UWS Next Steps to University module
Top-Up
LEAPS
Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017) - H3, H3, H3, H3
Including Biology and Human Biology.
English language requirements
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 6 | IELTS 6.0 with 5.5 minimum in each skill / component. |
| Cambridge English Advanced | 176 overall with no sub-test less than 169 | |
| Cambridge English Proficiency | 176 overall with no sub-test less than 169 | |
| Trinity ISE | Pass | ISEII with the minimum of a Pass in all sub-tests |
| PTE Academic | 54 | An overall score of 54 with no element below 51 |
| TOEFL (iBT) | 78 | no sub-test less than: Reading: 17; Listening: 17; Speaking: 17; Writing: 17 |
For applicants whose first language is not English, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level. The reason for this is that it’s essential that you are able to read, speak and understand the English language to get the most out of your time at UWS.
All international applicants are required to meet minimum English language standards, with the exception of:
// Native speakers of English
// Erasmus students (unless advised otherwise)
// non-Erasmus students from EU partner institutions (your institution must provide confirmation of your English language ability in the absence of a formal qualification)
The qualifications above must have been gained within two years prior to the start of your course at UWS.
UWS's English language requirements https://www.uws.ac.uk/international/english-language-requirements/
Contextual admissions
Universities and colleges consider more than grades when assessing applications and may make offers based on a range of criteria. Learn more about contextual offers.
Our Minimum Entry Requirements are applicable to those applicants who have not had an equal opportunity to demonstrate their academic ability at school or college and are known as ‘widening access’ applicants. We also sometimes refer to this type of applicant as receiving a ‘contextual’ offer. For more information, please visit our website using the link below.
Learn more on the University of the West of Scotland website
Historical entry grades data BETA
This section shows the range of grades students (with UK A-Levels or Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diplomas) who received offers were previously accepted with (learn more). It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place. Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.
Not enough data available
We are unable to show previous accepted grades for this course. This could be because the course is new, it's a postgraduate course, there isn't enough historical data, or the provider has opted out of sharing their entry grades data for this course - learn more.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| Location | Fee | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Scotland | £1820* | Year 1 |
| England | £9250* | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £9250* | Year 1 |
| Wales | £9250* | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £9250* | Year 1 |
| Republic of Ireland | £9250* | Year 1 |
| EU | £15500* | Year 1 |
| International | £15500* | Year 1 |
* This is a provisional fee and subject to change.
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
TUITION FEE INFORMATION - SCOTTISH STUDENTS:
Eligible Scottish domiciled students can usually apply to have their tuition fees paid for them each year of their studies by the Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS). If you're not sure about your eligibility, you should contact SAAS. You need to apply to SAAS each year of study to have your tuition fees paid directly to UWS.
TUITION FEE INFORMATION - UK, IRISH & GIBRALTARIAN STUDENTS:
Eligible students who are domiciled in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland as well as from the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, Gibraltar or the Republic of Ireland will qualify for tuition fees of £9,250 per academic session of study to a maximum of three years if you are studying on a four year bachelor degree course (eg. BAcc (Hons) / BA (Hons) / BEng (Hons) / BSc (Hons)). So, if your degree is four years' duration, you will only be charged tuition fees for three years. Similarly, if you are studying a five year integrated master's degree course (eg. MEng (Hons)) the you will only be charged tuition fees for four years.
TUITION FEE INFORMATION - INTERNATIONAL (NON-EU) & EU STUDENTS:
These tuition fees apply to all non-EU, EEA, and all other EU students (excluding those from Republic of Ireland and Gibraltar, whose fee level is as per UK (non-Scottish) students - see section above for more details).
ADDITIONAL COSTS:
The cost of attending university is an investment in your future career.
In addition to tuition fees and living expenses, some courses involve extra costs such as consumable study materials, field trips, equipment and uniforms. You may also want to purchase some core texts and technology such as a new laptop etc. Some of these additional costs are optional, some, such as uniforms or safety equipment may be mandatory.
Check the course entry on our website for more more information.
Sponsorship information
Visit www.uws.ac.uk/scholarships
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