Forensic Science

Build a strong foundation in chemical and biological sciences while developing key forensic investigation skills—from crime scene analysis and evidence preservation to understanding legal procedures.

Forensic science plays a vital role in the criminal justice system, where forensic scientists collaborate in teams to manage crime scenes, analyse evidence and deliver expert witness testimony in court.

• Through a crime-scene-to-court approach, you will be guided through essential concepts such as crime scene evaluation and preservation through to analysis, interpretation and presentation of collected evidence.

• Gain a keen theoretical and practical understanding of how science underpins the analysis of forensic materials and how this must withstand legal challenges.

• Consider a range of forensic evidence types such as toxicology, DNA, anthropology, and particulates such as glass, fire and explosive residues.

Why you should study this course

• Authentic application using expert knowledge of practitioners in biology, chemistry, pharmacology, forensic science and forensic investigation who bring research and practical experience into the classroom (staff subject to change).

• A crime-scene-to-court design that guides you from initially securing a scene through to analysing materials and presenting evidence in a court of law. This allows you to understand the entire forensic science process, as well as the responsibilities of the people involved.

• Opportunities to examine complex scenes in internal, external and international contexts exploring the use of 3D modelling, digital forensics, virtual reality analysis, photography and anthropology as methods of gathering forensic data.

• Attain real world skills in our industry-standard facilities, including crime scene houses, a 'Super-lab,' moot court room and an outdoor decomposition facility.

• Gain in-demand skills and expertise to become a sought-after forensic scientist, opening doors to careers such as crime scene investigator, fingerprint examiner, law enforcement and research. Explore opportunities in wider scientific fields like environmental and food analysis and pharmaceutical science.

Our Award-winning Green Superlab
With space for over 200 students and packed full of industry-standard equipment, the Coventry University Superlab is an amazing place to learn, experiment and discover. Find out what we’re doing in our Superlab to make it greener and reduce our waste and carbon emissions.

This course includes a sandwich (placement year) option.

For the most update to date course details, please visit our website.

Course Modules

Year One Modules
Introduction to Biomolecules and Biochemistry
Cells to Systems
Genetics and Molecular Biology
Foundations of Forensic Science

Year Two Modules
Forensic Genetics
Physical Evidence
Complex Crime Scene Examination
Digital Forensic Science

Placement Year
There’s no better way to find out what you love doing than trying it out for yourself, which is why a work placement can often be beneficial. Work placements usually occur between your second and final year of study. They’re a great way to help you explore your potential career path and gain valuable work experience, whilst developing transferable skills for the future.

Final Year Modules
Advanced Forensic Analysis
Forensic Science: International and Industrial Perspectives
Crime Scene to Courtroom
Research Project

We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated. For further information please check the course page on the Coventry University website