Forensic Science with Foundation Year

Why study Forensic Science at Liverpool John Moores University?

• LJMU ranked in the top 10 universities in the UK for Forensic Science (Complete University Guide Subject League Tables 2027)

• Opportunity to undertake a year's industrial placement

• Option to focus on biological or chemical aspects of analysis

• £6 million investment in teaching facilities, including specialist forensic analysis and scene-of-crime labs

• Opens up careers in the police, analytical laboratories, insurance or legal firms, independent forensic laboratories and the teaching sector

• Accredited by the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences

• 90% of students surveyed on this course said teaching staff were good at explaining things (National Student Survey 2025)

• International Foundation Year course available offering direct progression onto this degree programme - visit LJMU's International Study Centre to find out more

About your course
You will spend a large proportion of your time in the lab, carrying out drug spot tests, analysing fingerprints, processing crime scenes and analysing DNA while studying the BSc (Hons) Forensic Science at Liverpool John Moores University.
Over the past 50 years the analytical methods employed by forensic scientists have become very powerful indeed and have made a significant impact on conviction rates. Forensic science is all about using the power of scientific analysis to resolve legal disputes. It requires a sound knowledge of the analytical methods of biology and chemistry combined with training in crime scene investigation, as well as a basic knowledge of law and how to assess the value of evidence. You will be expected to have an attention to detail that is second to none for the microscopic analysis of hairs and fibres, DNA profiling and drug analysis.
This is a practical, hands-on course in which you will spend a large proportion of your time in the lab, carrying out spot tests for drugs, fingerprint and footwear analysis, crime scene processing, DNA analysis and forensic microscopy.
Throughout this professionally-accredited course you will be supported by our team of experts, with additional input from external speakers from all areas of forensics. There will also be plenty of opportunities for you to gain experience through work-based learning and/or on an optional sandwich placement.

About the Foundation Year
The Forensic Science with Foundation Year course is ideal if you have the ability to study for a degree but don't have the qualifications to enter directly onto the honours degree programme. Once you pass the Foundation Year you will progress directly onto the first year of the honours degree. If you are a full-time UK student, you will qualify for student financial support for the full duration of your course (subject to eligibility criteria).

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

• Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences