BSc (Hons) Forensic Science with Foundation Year

This degree offers you the chance to strengthen your skills, knowledge and confidence before you advance to stage one of your honours degree.

Course description

Interested in taking your first steps towards a career in forensic science? Achieve your ambitions by embarking on this dynamic four-year course which includes a foundation year.

• Study a programme which sets high professional standards: this course is accredited by The Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences
• Start your studies at foundation level: the perfect choice if you are planning a career change or if you are keen to study a completely new subject area
• Build the advanced skills you need to investigate crime scenes, analyse evidence and present findings in court
• Gain hands-on experience in our impressive Forensic Training Facility and high-specification laboratories
• Learn from forensic scientists, fingerprint experts, police officers, lawyers and judges so that you see all aspects of the profession in close-up
• Apply what you learn in the workplace: you will have the opportunity to undertake a year-long placement in a forensic imaging unit, footwear unit or forensic analytical service laboratories with the East Midlands Scientific Operations Unit (EMSOU)
• Raise your professional profile: you can become eligible for Associate Membership of the Royal Society of Chemistry if you select optional modules in chemistry.

Foundation Year - helping you to achieve more

Including a foundation year as part of your four-year study programme will give you a head start in your academic and professional life. The foundation year offers the chance to strengthen your skills, knowledge and confidence – with extensive support from our expert staff – before you advance to stage one of your honours degree. It could also be beneficial if you are planning a career change and want to get to grips with aspects of subjects which are new to you.

Our degrees with a foundation year are continuous, meaning that you won’t need to apply again once you have successfully completed the first year.

Forensic Science at Derby

Separate the facts from the fiction on this dynamic course. We will fuel your passion for a forensic science career in a way that TV shows like CSI cannot match – and you’ll be fully equipped to join the next generation of forensic science professionals.

The world is rapidly changing, with ever more sophisticated methods required to solve crimes. Harnessing our specialist facilities, you’ll be guided through the full range of forensic practices and processes – from crime scene analysis to presenting evidence in court. You’ll investigate mock crime scenes including break-ins, assaults, road accidents, and drug and computer crime. You’ll present your findings in our newly refurbished courtroom and will be cross-examined by barristers just as you would be in the world of work. This will help you prepare for the diverse scenarios that you are likely to encounter throughout your career.