About Forensic Science (with Placement Year) Bsc (hons) in University of Bradford

Overview

This Forensic Science degree focuses on the processing and analysis of physical evidence from crime scenes, and includes a placement sandwich year in industry.

The course emphasises the application of science - in particular analytical chemistry - and stresses the importance of quality assurance procedures in a forensic setting.

A characteristic of the University of Bradford's approach is the integration of practical skills training within a good theoretical framework – whether in terms of crime scene investigation, the collection, examination and interpretation of physical evidence, laboratory processing and analysis.

The course provides you with a sound knowledge of how scientific techniques can be used within forensic investigations, and allows you to explore a challenging area of applied science. You will develop into a professional with the scientific skills to work within areas such as crime scene investigation, forensic science and related laboratory areas.

Throughout your degree you will acquire skills that will be useful in whatever profession you choose to follow.  These include project and time management, critical review and analytical thinking, presentational skills, computer and other applied IT skills and the management of data.  These will be taught, practised and assessed. 

Learning and assessment

You will learn through a mixture of lectures, seminars, laboratory practicals, workshops, case studies and directed study. Directed study will include directed reading of selected textbooks, specified source literature and open learning materials, directed web-based materials, report writing and other assignments. There will also be an individual project/dissertation.

You will be assessed by written closed-book examinations using constructed (essays, short answers) and selected response (MCQ) questions and a variety of coursework assignments, including laboratory reports, oral presentations and dissertations.

There will also be involvement in laboratory, small-group workshops, case-based work and projects (individual and small group). You will be assessed by critical appraisal, case analysis and critique, case presentations, laboratory reports and dissertations.

At Stage 3, essays, the journal critique and essay-based examinations provide a format to critically evaluate the key themes of the degree. Practical portfolios and worksheets allow you to demonstrate your understanding of forensic laboratory techniques.

The research dissertation develops your ability to undertake independent research and plan this research effectively. Presentations, the witness statement and the mock court exercise will develop your professional oral and written presentation skills.

Career prospects

There are wide-ranging career opportunities, including the health service, the forensic science or police scientific support laboratories, the Health and Safety Executive, and the public analysts’ laboratories, as well as opportunities in the chemical, petrochemical, pharmaceutical, food, drink and electronics industries.

The scientific skills, knowledge and methods you will acquire during the course can also be a useful basis for a career in teaching, technical and scientific writing, or other information services.

Academic qualification equivalents

• Indian School Certificate / Higher Secondary Certificate / Standard 12 with grades of 65% from a recognised University

English language requirements (one of the below):

• IELTS          :      6.0 with no sub-test less than 5.0 (or equivalent)
• TOEFL        :      overall 80, and sub-tests not less than 18 in Reading,17 in Writing,17 in Listening and 20 in Speaking.             
• PTE             :      overall score of at least 55, with at least 46 in each of the four sub-tests 

University of Bradford Highlights

University of Bradford Average Tuition Fees And Other Expenses

The table below mentions the cost of attendance for 42 to 51 weeks. The cost may vary according to the needs of individuals.

University of Bradford Application Process

Application fee: 20-25 GBP

Supporting documents:

• Official transcripts of high school or college.
• Proof of English language proficiency.
• Scores of Standardized exams to study in the UK. (GRE/GMAT)
• CV or resume.
• Letters of reference (2)
• Work experience (graduates only)

English Proficiency Test Scores

Requirements vary per program but below are the general requirements

Note: Due to the Coronavirus pandemic, the university temporarily accepts TOEFL at Home test, LanguageCert exam, and Linguaskill English test.