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Forensic and Analytical Science

Course details
  • BSc (Hons)
  • 4 Years
  • Full-time
  • 07/09/2026
  • Undergraduate
Course location
Main Site - Aberdeen
Awarded by:
Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen

Course summary

The role of analytical science in forensic investigations is becoming increasingly important due to the major developments in analytical chemistry and advances in molecular biology. Forensic Science involves the analysis of biological chemical or physical samples collected as evidence during a criminal investigation.

The skills of the forensic scientist provide crucial scientific evidence which may link a suspect with the scene of the crime, the victim or the weapon. In addition, the key problem solving and analytical skills developed in forensic & analytical science are widely sought after in many other industrial sectors including the oil, gas, pharmaceutical and food industries.

Our course was the first in Scotland to be accredited by the Forensic Science Society. It is accredited in all three of the Society’s Component Standards – Laboratory Analysis, Crime Scene Investigation, and Interpretation, Evaluation and Presentation of Evidence.

It is delivered by highly experienced forensic practitioners and analytical scientists who are focused on providing you with the scientific and investigative skills you will need to succeed in this highly competitive profession.

Professional bodies

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

  • Forensic Science Society

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:
F410
Institution code:
R36
Campus name:
Main Site - Aberdeen
Campus Code:
-

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)

We will consider the following qualifications for entry to year 2:

SQA Advanced Higher: AB to include Chemistry. English and Maths are required at National 5 grade B or above if not held at Higher.

GCE A Level: BCC to include Chemistry at grade B. English and Maths are required at GCSE grade 4/C or above if not held at A Level.

A relevant HNC or HND from one of our partner colleges will be considered for entry into Year 2 or 3.

Entry requirements

Standard Qualification requirements

UCAS Tariff - Not accepted

A level - BCC

to include Biology, Chemistry or Physics. Chemistry, English and Maths are required at GCSE grade 4 or above if not held at A Level

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - DMM

In a science related discipline.

Access to HE Diploma - M: 45 credits P: 15 credits

Pass 60 credits to include at least 45 credits at Level 3 grade merit in a science related discipline.

Scottish Higher - BBBC

to include Biology, Human Biology, Chemistry or Physics at Grade C. Chemistry, English and Maths are required at National 5 Grade B or above if not held at Higher

Scottish Advanced Higher

Accepted

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 27 points

to include Higher Level Biology, Human Biology, Chemistry or Physics at grade 4. Chemistry, English and Maths are required at a minimum of Standard Level grade 4 if not held at Higher Level.

Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017) - H2, H3, H3, H3

to include Biology, Human Biology, Chemistry or Physics. Chemistry, English and Maths are required at grade O2 or above if not held at Higher.

Scottish HNC - Pass

In a relevant subject with A in the graded unit for consideration for entry to year 2.

Scottish HND - Pass

In a relevant subject with graded units AA for consideration for entry to year 3

HNC (BTEC) - P

In a relevant subject

HND (BTEC) - P

In a relevant subject

Foundation Apprenticeship (SCQF Level 6) - Pass

May be accepted in combination with SQA Highers

T Level - P

In a relevant science course

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Scottish Higher - BBC - BCCC

to include Biology, Human Biology, Chemistry or Physics at Grade C. Chemistry, English and Maths are required at National 5 Grade B or above if not held at Higher

English language requirements

TestGradeAdditional details
IELTS (Academic)6Applicants whose first language is not English should have an IELTS of 6.0 overall, with no component lower than 5.5, or an equivalent.

Further Information on English language requirements https://www.rgu.ac.uk/english

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.

RGU is fully committed to widening participation to extend access to learning and enable talented individuals from under-represented groups, particularly those from deprived areas, to achieve their ambitions through higher education, whatever their circumstances.

Learn more on the Robert Gordon University 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.

Student Outcomes

Operated by the Office for Students

75 Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)

100 Go onto work and study

The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

LocationFeeYear
Republic of Ireland£7220Year 1
EU£17920Year 1
Scotland£1820Year 1
England£7220Year 1
Northern Ireland£7220Year 1
Wales£7220Year 1
Channel Islands£7220Year 1
International£17920Year 1

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

The following course-related costs are not included in the course fees: The cost of books that you may wish to purchase. Costs associated with your placement / study abroad. Accommodation and Living costs. £30 per year - Specialist laboratory cost. £10 - Materials. £10 - Specialist Clothing.

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