Program Overview

Forensic science has an important role to play in modern society and can lead to an extremely rewarding and fulfilling career. Our degree reflects the skills required by the modern forensic and graduate scientist. In addition to extensive skills development in the practice of current methods of scientific forensic analysis, grounding is also given in the investigative processes from recovering evidence through to presenting it in court. Taking criminal investigation as an example, fragments of glass, paint fragments, fibres, footwear marks or DNA extracted from body fluids can help provide evidence to link individuals with each other or with the scene of a crime. The challenge is deciding which samples to examine and how to obtain the best evidential value by analysing and interpreting them. In addition to learning the vital skills relevant to a forensic scientist, the course ensures that you can develop your understanding of key underpinning knowledge of subjects such as biochemistry, cell biology, genetics, molecular biology, toxicology and analytical chemistry.

Top reasons to study this course

• Forensic psychology applies psychological knowledge to the understanding of criminal behaviour and the criminal justice system. You study core psychological areas, and specific forensic psychology modules.
• You develop essential skills to work in sectors such as prisons, rehabilitation units, secure units, courts, police, probation, education, charity and voluntary, research, and government policy, and with victims, offenders and professionals. You are also highly valued to work in non-psychology related careers such as management, social work, healthcare, human resources, and other public services.
• Your skillset includes designing and conducting research, using psychometric tests, writing risk assessments, giving evidence in court as an expert, critically apprising police interviews and court transcripts, and also developing a good understanding of human behaviour and working across other disciplines such as criminology.
• You consider different experiences of victims, witnesses, defendants, and legal professionals within the criminal justice system. You examine different types of crime and criminals such as, violent, and sexual offending, female offenders, youth offending, as well as contemporary issues including terrorism and cybercrime. You focus on how individuals give best evidence by learning the theory and research behind police interviewing and consider the role of jurors, witnesses, and experts first-hand by taking classes in our replica courtroom.