BSc (Hons) Forensic Science with Foundation Year

Why study this course with LJMU?

• Opportunity to undertake a year's industrial placement
• 93% of students surveyed said the teaching staff were good at explaining things (National Student Survey 2024)
• 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
• International Foundation Year course available offering direct progression onto this degree programme

About your course

The BSc (Hons) Forensic Science with Foundation Year at Liverpool John Moores University is the ideal course if you are interested in this subject but lack the necessary qualifications to study it at degree level.

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).

About BSc (Hons) Forensic Science

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.

Course modules

What you will study on this degree

Foundation Year

• Human Anatomy and Physiology (20 credits)
• Fundamental Science Skills (20 credits)
• Introduction to Chemistry (20 credits)
• Introduction to Biochemistry and Cell Biology (20 credits)
• Introduction to Molecular Biology and Genetics (20 credits)
• Further Chemistry (20 credits)

Year 1

• Forensic Science Research Methods 1 (20 credits)
• Crime Scene Investigation (20 credits)
• Forensic Chemistry (20 credits)
• Forensic Science (20 credits)
• Molecular Bioscience for Forensic Sciences (20 credits)
• Forensic Field Skills (20 credits)

Year 2

• Forensic Science Research Methods 2 (20 credits)
• Trace Evidence Analysis (20 credits)
• Analytical Forensic Science (20 credits)
• Molecular Forensics (20 credits)
• Forensic Methods (20 credits)

Year 3

• Advanced Forensic Methods (20 credits)
• Expert Witness (20 credits)
• Forensic Science Research Project (40 credits)

Professional accreditation

The BSc (Hons) Forensic Science degree is accredited by the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences. Graduates are also eligible for associate membership of the Royal Society of Chemistry (AMRSC).

Your Learning Experience

Teaching Support Assessment

Excellent facilities and learning resources

We adopt an active blended learning approach, meaning you will experience a combination of face-to-face and online learning during your time at LJMU. This enables you to experience a rich and diverse learning experience and engage fully with your studies. Our approach ensures that you can easily access support from your personal tutor, either by meeting them on-campus or via a video call to suit your needs.

Teaching is via a combination of lectures, interactive workshops, fieldwork, laboratory sessions, online activities and small-group tutorials; the amount of time you spend in each varies according to the module and the level of study.

You are expected to do additional research around lecture subjects in your own time using the University Libraries and virtual learning environment, Canvas. As the course progresses, the amount of practical and independent work increases, allowing you to develop workplace and research techniques and complete a research project.

Work-related Learning

Work-related learning is a crucial element of your studies, and there is no better way to experience the world of forensic science than to spend a year on industrial placement between levels 5 and 6.

We have links with local police forces and forensic providers, which may provide work placement opportunities. With the support of a placement tutor and the Placement Learning Support Unit, you may be given the opportunity to do paid work with a local police force or forensics laboratory where you will put into practice skills and knowledge gained in your first two years of study. As well as giving you a chance to develop personal skills and take a break from formal study, this experience will add real value to your CV and significantly boost your employability prospects.

Career paths

Once you graduate with a BSc (Hons) in Forensic Science, you will be qualified to work in independent forensic analysis.

We have links with local police forces and forensic providers, which may provide work placements for LJMU students. Such connections ensure that the curriculum is constantly updated to meet the needs of employers. Graduates are qualified to work in forensic analysis, such as police scientific laboratories, independent forensic science providers, pharmaceutical companies, the chemical industry and hospital laboratories. You could be based in a variety of locations, such as a laboratory, office, in the field or on crime scenes. Trading standards, working for insurance companies, environmental monitoring and legal firms are other options.

Graduates from this course pursue careers in education at schools, colleges and universities and also progress to postgraduate study. Graduates are highly employable due to the transferable skills they acquire during their studies at LJMU.

Tuition fees and funding

Home

• Foundation first year: £9,535
• Second and subsequent years: £9,535
• Placement year: £1,905

International

• Full-time per year: £18,250
• Placement year: £3,910

Entry requirements

GCSEs and equivalents

• Grade 4 or grade C or above in English Language and Mathematics/Numeracy

A levels

• CCD

BTECs

• Extended Diploma: MMM (96)

Access awards

• Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications
• Pass overall with a minimum of 88 points

International Baccalaureate

• Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications
• From a relevant subject

IELTS

• 6.0 overall with no component below 5.5, taken within two years of the course start date.

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Overview:

Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) is a public university located in Liverpool, England. It is a large and diverse institution with a strong focus on providing high-quality education and research opportunities.

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Services Offered:

LJMU offers a wide range of services to its students, including:

Accommodation:

On-campus and off-campus accommodation options are available for students.

Student Support:

The university provides comprehensive support services, including academic advising, career counseling, financial aid, and mental health resources.

Library:

LJMU has a well-equipped library with extensive resources and study spaces.

Student Futures:

This service helps students with career planning, job searching, and employability skills development.

International Student Support:

Dedicated support is available for international students, including visa guidance and cultural adjustment programs.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

LJMU offers a vibrant and engaging campus experience for its students. Key aspects include:

Sports, Societies, and Lifestyle:

Students can participate in a wide range of sports clubs, societies, and social events.

Campus:

The university has multiple campuses located in Liverpool, providing a diverse and stimulating environment.

Go Abroad:

LJMU offers opportunities for students to study abroad and gain international experience.

Volunteering:

Students can engage in volunteering activities and contribute to the local community.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Strong Academic Reputation:

LJMU is known for its high-quality teaching and research.

Diverse Programs:

The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines.

Location:

Liverpool is a vibrant and culturally rich city, providing students with a stimulating and enjoyable living experience.

Student Support:

LJMU provides comprehensive support services to ensure student success.

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Academic Programs:

LJMU offers a wide range of academic programs, including:

Undergraduate:

Bachelor's degrees in various fields, including business, law, health sciences, engineering, and the arts.

Postgraduate:

Master's degrees, PhD programs, and other postgraduate qualifications.

Degree Apprenticeships:

Programs that combine work experience with academic study.

Continuing Professional Development:

Short courses and programs for professionals seeking to enhance their skills.