BSc (Hons) Forensic Science at Anglia Ruskin University

Programme overview

Explore how to collect, analyse and interpret chemical and biological evidence from crime scenes and how to present your findings in court. From day one you will be learning all about forensic science in facilities including a SuperLab and authentic crime scene rooms. You’ll discover how to collect, analyse, and interpret chemical and biological evidence from crime scenes, and present your findings in our on-site courtroom.

Duration: 3 years; 4 years with placement | Study mode: full-time (placement year available) | Intake: January 2027, September 2027 | Location: Chelmsford, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

We’ll start by introducing you to the fundamentals of crime scene management and forensic analysis, the biological and chemical principles that underpin forensic science, and the UK law and legal systems. In years 2 and 3, we’ll drill down into the investigation of specific types of evidence and crime, encompassing death, fire, drugs, and poisons. Year 1: United Kingdom Legal Systems and Law for Forensic Scientists, Applied Science for Forensic Investigators, Introduction to Forensic Photography and Methodologies, Personal and Professional Development - Level 4, Physical and Quantitative Chemistry for Analytical Scientists, Biological and Trace Evidence Analysis, Group Tutorial. Year 2: Introduction to Forensic Genetics, Forensic Scene Examination, Forensic Spectroscopy Techniques, Forensic Analytical Chemistry, Professional and Personal Development - Level 5, Forensic Biology, Project Preparation, Group Tutorial. Year 3: Forensic Analysis of Drugs and Poisons, Forensic Pathology, Undergraduate Major Project, Advanced Forensic Methodologies, Group Tutorial; options include Advanced Forensic Genetics, Forensic Anthropology.

Career pathways

As a forensic science graduate you’ll be ready to work in a range of careers including laboratory analysis, quality control analysis, crime scene investigation and policing. In fact, having gained a number of transferable skills, you’ll find you can explore roles in broader scientific and analytical-based jobs.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

112-96 UCAS Tariff points. We accept A Levels, T Levels, BTECs, OCR, Access to HE and most other qualifications within the UCAS Tariff. Must include a grade C or above in Biology, Chemistry or Applied Science at A level or equivalent level. 3 GCSEs at grade C, or grade 4, or above, including English and Maths. If English is not your first language you will be expected to demonstrate a certificated level of proficiency of at least IELTS 6.0 (Academic level) or equivalent English Language qualification, as recognised by Anglia Ruskin University. UCAS Tariff points acquired from BTEC Level 3 Diplomas in a related subject are accepted. International Baccalaureate Diploma with a minimum of 26 points is accepted, this must include Biology or Chemistry at Higher level. UCAS Tariff points from Scottish Advanced Highers are accepted, this must include a Pass in Biology or Chemistry. UCAS Tariff Points from Access to HE Diplomas in a related subject are accepted. A minimum of 15 credits in Biology or Chemistry are required. UCAS Tariff points from Scottish Highers are accepted, this must include a Pass in Biology or Chemistry. UCAS Tariff points from the Irish Leaving Certificate are accepted, this must include a Pass at Higher level in Chemistry or Biology. The European Baccalaureate at a minimum overall grade of 60% is accepted, this must include Biology at Higher level. HND qualifications in a related subject are accepted. HNC qualifications in a related subject are accepted.

Domestic applicants: GBP 9,790 a year (2026/27). Tuition fee: UK students starting 2026/27 (full-time, per year) Source

International applicants: GBP 18,400 a year (2026/27). Tuition fee: International students starting 2026/27 (full-time, per year) Source

Intake: January 2027, September 2027

Duration: 3 years; 4 years with placement

Apply through the official page: https://www.aru.ac.uk/study/apply-online?course=&route=u1212,u1115,u1213

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