BSc (Hons) Forensic & Analytical Chemistry at University of Strathclyde

Programme overview

The BSc (Hons) Forensic & Analytical Chemistry is delivered by the Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry in partnership with the Strathclyde Centre for Forensic Science. It combines a chemistry education with forensic science training and is accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry.

What you will study

Year 1 covers foundation chemistry and mathematics plus physics or biology, with electives such as forensic science and drug discovery. Years 2 and 3 cover inorganic, organic, biological and physical chemistry, forensic trace analysis and analytical chemistry with laboratory work increasing to four afternoons a week. In the final year students specialise in areas such as DNA analysis, toxicology, process analytical chemistry and atomic/nuclear spectroscopy.

Career pathways

Graduates work in the chemical industry, forensic science, food and water quality testing, environmental protection, industrial materials monitoring and the restoration of artworks and historical artefacts, in roles such as analytical chemist, biotechnologist and clinical scientist (biochemistry). The accredited degree leads towards Chartered Chemist status.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Scottish Highers (standard offer): ABBB or AABC including Chemistry B and Maths B (Higher Applications of Mathematics is not accepted in place of Higher Mathematics); Advanced Higher Chemistry and Maths recommended. Minimum offer: ABBC or BBBB including Chemistry B and Maths B; applicants slightly below the minimum may be considered subject to completing the Strathclyde STEM Summer School. Year 2 entry: Advanced Highers ABB (Chemistry B and Maths B). A-levels: Year 1 entry BBB, Year 2 entry ABB, both including Chemistry B and Maths B. International Baccalaureate: Year 1 entry 30 points, Year 2 entry 32 points, with Chemistry HL5 and Maths HL5. HNC/HND: Year 1 entry relevant HNC with B in the Graded Unit; Year 2 entry relevant HND with BB in Graded Units, or HNC in Applied Sciences (Chemistry Route) from Glasgow Clyde College with 15 credits and A in the Graded Unit. Deferred entry accepted. Contextual admissions: lower offers are made to certain widening-access applicants. International applicants: IELTS Academic 6.0 overall with no component below 5.5 (University of Strathclyde Faculty of Science standard requirement).

Domestic applicants: GBP 9,790 a year (2026/27). Rest of UK (England, Wales, Northern Ireland, Isle of Man, Channel Islands, Republic of Ireland) rate for full-time undergraduate programmes; Scotland-domiciled fee to be confirmed by the Scottish Funding Council Source

International applicants: GBP 29,350 a year (2026/27). Annual tuition for international students; figure is for the shared BSc/MChem course page Source

Intake: September 2027

Duration: 4 years (BSc Hons)

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