Forensic Science

Crime Scene Investigation

Do you want to know more about what goes on at a crime scene after the Police take control? During this module will gain a fundamental understanding of crime scene processing. You will practise digital photography, utilising our Crime Scene facility to give you a ‘real world’ setting to develop your skills. Alongside which we will give you the knowledge and skills you need to be able to protect a scene and fully document it through sketching, measuring and scene logs in addition to the photography. You will also be introduced to the collection and appropriate methods of packaging for items of evidence and the key aspects of quality assurance within investigations. All of these skills will provide an excellent basis for a potential future career as a Crime Scene Investigator.

Module code: FORE43375

Fundamentals Of Forensic Chemistry

On this module, you will experience how analytical chemistry, chemical principles, and advanced instrumental techniques converge to help solve criminal investigations.You will learn how chemistry supplies forensic science with key principles and analysis techniques to qualitatively and quantitatively identify samples. Introductions to basic chemistry, chromatography and spectroscopy will develop your knowledge and understanding in the field, participation in practical laboratory sessions will build your experience working in a laboratory environment, and development of experiment design will give you confidence in your abilities to perform analyses. Furthermore, this module will explore how to interpret the results gathered during practical laboratory sessions, increasing your abilities as a forensic chemist.You will build your skill set throughout this module and become competent in preparing and analysing samples, whether that be with fire accelerant analysis, blood alcohol concentration determination or drug identification. You will need to reflect on these transferable skills to develop and grow your career potential.

Module code: FORE43378

Academic Skills For Forensics

Success in forensics requires more than subject knowledge — it demands strong academic skills, confident communication, and an awareness of professional expectations. This module introduces the core tools you need to succeed at university while beginning to shape your future career in the forensic and criminal justice sectors.You’ll develop essential academic skills such as literature searching, referencing, report writing, and effective use of library resources, alongside practical IT skills including Microsoft Word and Excel. You’ll also be introduced to research, statistics, and real-world case studies that place these skills in a forensic context.The module also encourages you to reflect on how you learn and how you perform in professional environments. Through guest speakers, careers sessions, volunteering opportunities, and participation in events such as GradEx, you’ll gain insight into potential career pathways and begin planning your own.By the end of the module, you’ll have a clearer understanding of the skills required in forensics — and how to develop your own.

Module code: FORE43373

Fundamentals Of Forensic Biology

In this module you will start your journey into the fascinating world of forensic biology. After covering fundamental aspects of cellular biology, you will delve into a variety of key topics within the field. Taught sessions will include laboratory sessions, allowing you to start building your experience in key areas, such as bloodstain pattern analysis (BPA), DNA profiling, forensic anthropology, and evidence examination.

Module code: FORE43377

Forensic Evidence Analysis

Step into the role of a forensic scientist and experience what it’s like to work on real investigations. In this module you will analyse key forensic evidence types from simulated crime scenes, such as fingerprints, glass, paint, and soil, using professional-grade equipment in our purpose-built laboratories. This hands-on approach brings forensic theory to life and will develop your skills in evidence interpretation and scientific communication using UK Streamlined Forensic Reporting. A practical skills audit will track the techniques you master, providing a record that strengthens your employability and showcases your readiness for forensic careers.

Module code: FORE50388

Advanced Forensic Biology

An engaging opportunity to work as a forensic science practitioner responding to realistic case scenarios. This module challenges you to synthesise your understanding of forensic biological principles, evidence evaluation, and analytical decision-making, drawing on knowledge gained from previous studies and practical laboratory experience. Through applied learning and case-based activities, you will develop the ability to design and justify forensic biology strategies, critically interpret biological evidence, and communicate defensible scientific reasoning. The innovative delivery and assessment approach will equip you with the professional awareness, analytical confidence, and strategic thinking required for progression into advanced forensic study and careers within the forensic and investigative sciences.

Module code: FORE50384

Research Skills For Forensics

Ready to take your forensic skills to the next level? This module gives you the tools to become a confident researcher and problem-solver in the world of criminal justice. You’ll discover what research really means and how it drives innovation in forensic science, while exploring cutting-edge topics like the role of AI in investigations.From designing impactful projects to critiquing literature and planning as part of a team, you’ll learn how to turn ideas into action. We’ll guide you through creating a research proposal, carrying out your study, handling and analysing data, and tackling essential considerations like ethics and risk assessments.Finally, the module teaches you how to present your findings clearly and share your research with both specialist and wider audiences. By the end of this module, you won’t just understand research—you’ll know how to make it matter.

Module code: FORE50390

Advanced Forensic Chemistry

Modern forensic science relies on advanced analytical techniques and confident interpretation of complex data. This module builds on your knowledge gained at Level 4 by introducing further laboratory skills and instrumental methods used routinely in forensic investigations.You will gain hands-on experience with a wide range of analytical techniques. Through practical case-based laboratory sessions, you will analyse various types of evidence using industry-relevant instrumentation.Alongside practical work, lectures will develop your understanding of the theory behind these techniques. You will learn how analytical decisions are made in forensic contexts and how data are evaluated to support evidential conclusions.By the end of the module, you will have developed confidence in using advanced analytical instrumentation, a deeper understanding of how forensic evidence is generated and interpreted, and the practical skills expected of a forensic science graduate.

Module code: FORE50385

Criminal Justice And Forensic Science Industrial Placement

Module code: FOREP0001

Crime Scene To Court

This module will put into practice the knowledge and skills you have developed in earlier modules and enables you to experience all aspects of the ‘crime scene to court’ process. Working as a small team, you will process a mock crime scene in our crime scene facility, collecting all the relevant evidence and documenting your actions. You will also analyse the evidence collected from the scene using the appropriate laboratory equipment. At the end of the module, you will create an expert witness statement which you will then be cross examined on in a mock court setting.

Module code: FORE60388

Applied Research And Professional Practice

You know how to do your dream job, but how do you get it? This module will bring together all the knowledge and skills you have learnt during your degree and help you package them together and present yourself ready for the world of work. In the competitive world of employment, there are many challenges. This module will provide you with the skills and knowledge to not only navigate these challenges but to be a success in whatever you choose to do; continuing your studies, working in the criminal justice system (or other sector), undertaking research or setting up your own business.Within this module, you will have the opportunity to undertake a research or technical project or participate in a field school. Each option will allow you to have ownership regarding the work undertaken, giving the opportunity to build your research and professional skills, whilst being supported by the academics within the department.You will learn how to stand out from the crowd during job applications and interviews, and this module will provide you with tangible relevant evidence after completing a simulated job application and assessment centre.This module will provide you with creative strategies and an effective roadmap to success for today’s dynamic and exciting work and research environments.

Module code: FORE60389

Specialist Collision Investigations

Although specialist in nature, Digital Forensic investigations and the investigation Vehicle collisions are common occurrences, and their effective investigation involves a range of forensic techniques and investigative processes. This module will equip you with an understanding and of how these are put into practice. As such you will gain experience in a variety of investigative process crucial to the effective investigation of these complex situations. This experience will be by means of a variety of activities including practical exercises and simulations. With case examples used to provide real-world context.

Module code: FORE60391

Forensic And Humanitarian Investigations Of Human Remains

The approaches used to detect, record, recover, and identify deceased individuals from complex forensic contexts, including mass disasters, mass graves, and clandestine burial contexts, are evolving at a rapid rate thanks in part to new technology and the adoption of refined methods in the field and the laboratory.You will examine how advances in technology and scientific methods are transforming forensic anthropology and aligned disciplines, alongside the growing role of forensic humanitarian action worldwide.Through real-world case studies and practical learning, the module delves into taphonomy, scene recording and recovery processes, and human identification techniques. You will also learn about emerging challenges faced by practitioners, such as the use of artificial intelligence in human identification and the long-ranging ramifications associated with the trade and sale of human remains, and how these are being tackled. This module concludes by considering career pathways in human identification and the personal impact of this work on practitioners.

Module code: FORE60390