BSc (Hons) Forensic Science (Inc FY)
01 Sep 2026 - 31 Aug 2032
| Course Leader | |
|---|---|
| Course Team | |
| Awarding Body | University of South Wales |
| Teaching Institutions | University of South Wales |
| Modes of Study | Full Time |
Document Version
| Version | 0 |
|---|---|
| Valid From | 01 Sep 2026 |
| Valid To | 31 Aug 2032 |
QAA Benchmarks
N/A
Educational Aim
Aim 1: To Develop a strong foundation in Forensic Science theory and practice across areas including crime scene investigation, biology and chemistry and mathematics.
Aim 2: To equip students with practical laboratory, analytical, and investigative skills relevant to professional forensic and scientific environments.
Aim 3: To encourage critical thinking, problem-solving, and evidence-based decision-making through research, simulations, and casework activities.
Aim 4: To Build professional and transferable skills, including communication, presentation, teamwork, and reflective practice.
Aim 5: Promote ethical, responsible, and professional conduct to prepare students to contribute effectively within the criminal justice system and wider scientific industries.
Learning Outcomes
| A1 | Demonstrate professional competence and integrity in the examination and investigation of crime scenes within criminal investigations. |
| A2 | Apply scientific principles and laboratory techniques to analyse and interpret evidence, evaluating scientific methods to support forensic conclusions. |
| A3 | Critically evaluate the principles, methodologies, and investigative contributions of specialist forensic disciplines to inform decision-making in complex criminal investigations. |
| A4 | Critically evaluate and apply forensic biological and DNA analysis techniques for the recovery, interpretation, and reporting of biological evidence?and the evidential requirements of the criminal justice system.? |
| A5 | Present and justify investigative and forensic information through professional oral and written communication, conveying evidential findings clearly, accurately, and impartially to specialist, legal, and non-specialist audiences. |
| A6 | Demonstrate and uphold the principles of quality assurance, accreditation standards, professional codes of conduct, ethical responsibilities, and professional accountability in forensic science practice |
| A7 | Design and undertake independent research, critically analysing and evaluating relevant data, evidence, or scholarly literature, and communicate findings clearly, logically, and impartially through structured reports and professional presentations for specialist and non-specialist audiences. |
| B1 | Demonstrate professional competence and integrity in the examination and investigation of crime scenes within criminal investigations. |
| B2 | Apply scientific principles and laboratory techniques to analyse and interpret evidence, evaluating scientific methods to support forensic conclusions. |
| B3 | Critically evaluate the principles, methodologies, and investigative contributions of specialist forensic disciplines to inform decision-making in complex criminal investigations. |
| B4 | Critically evaluate and apply forensic biological and DNA analysis techniques for the recovery, interpretation, and reporting of biological evidence?and the evidential requirements of the criminal justice system.? |
| B5 | Present and justify investigative and forensic information through professional oral and written communication, conveying evidential findings clearly, accurately, and impartially to specialist, legal, and non-specialist audiences. |
| B6 | Demonstrate and uphold the principles of quality assurance, accreditation standards, professional codes of conduct, ethical responsibilities, and professional accountability in forensic science practice |
| B7 | Design and undertake independent research, critically analysing and evaluating relevant data, evidence, or scholarly literature, and communicate findings clearly, logically, and impartially through structured reports and professional presentations for specialist and non-specialist audiences. |
| C1 | Demonstrate professional competence and integrity in the examination and investigation of crime scenes within criminal investigations. |
| C2 | Apply scientific principles and laboratory techniques to analyse and interpret evidence, evaluating scientific methods to support forensic conclusions. |
| C3 | Critically evaluate the principles, methodologies, and investigative contributions of specialist forensic disciplines to inform decision-making in complex criminal investigations. |
| C4 | Critically evaluate and apply forensic biological and DNA analysis techniques for the recovery, interpretation, and reporting of biological evidence?and the evidential requirements of the criminal justice system.? |
| C5 | Present and justify investigative and forensic information through professional oral and written communication, conveying evidential findings clearly, accurately, and impartially to specialist, legal, and non-specialist audiences. |
| C6 | Demonstrate and uphold the principles of quality assurance, accreditation standards, professional codes of conduct, ethical responsibilities, and professional accountability in forensic science practice |
| C7 | Design and undertake independent research, critically analysing and evaluating relevant data, evidence, or scholarly literature, and communicate findings clearly, logically, and impartially through structured reports and professional presentations for specialist and non-specialist audiences. |
Course Structure
Level 3 Modules
| Module Code | Module Id | Module Title | Module Status | Credit Value | Module Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3B005E | MOD013992 | Starting your University Journey | Running | 30 | specified |
| 3B006E | MOD013879 | Case Closed: The Forensic Journey | Running | 30 | specified |
| 3B003E | MOD013881 | Chemistry in Action: Science That Shapes the World | Running | 30 | specified |
| 3B004E | MOD013893 | The Impact Challenge | Running | 30 | specified |
Level 4 Modules
| Module Code | Module Id | Module Title | Module Status | Credit Value | Module Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4B013B | MOD014221 | Forensic Skills in Practice | Running | 30 | specified |
| 4B051E | MOD014220 | Crime Scene Investigation | Running | 30 | specified |
| 4B052E | MOD014222 | Forensic Biology | Running | 30 | specified |
| 4B081E | MOD014223 | Forensic Science and Analysis | Running | 30 | specified |
Level 5 Modules
| Module Code | Module Id | Module Title | Module Status | Credit Value | Module Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5B066E | MOD014076 | Data Analytics | Running | 30 | optional |
| 5B069E | MOD014079 | Project Management | Running | 30 | optional |
| 5B100E | MOD014225 | Forensic Evidence in Practice | Running | 30 | specified |
| 5B101E | MOD014227 | Serious and Major Crime Scene Investigation | Running | 30 | specified |
| 5B102E | MOD014230 | Forensic Genetics | Running | 30 | optional |
| 5B103E | MOD014231 | Modern Techniques in Forensic Analysis | Running | 30 | optional |
Level 6 Modules
| Module Code | Module Id | Module Title | Module Status | Credit Value | Module Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6B009B | MOD014160 | Independent Research Project | Running | 30 | specified |
| 6B083E | MOD014232 | Forensic Casework and Expert Practice | Running | 30 | specified |
| 6B084E | MOD014233 | Environmental, Wildlife and Molecular Forensics | Running | 30 | optional |
| 6B085E | MOD014371 | Complex Crime Scene Investigation | Running | 30 | specified |
| 6B087E | MOD014372 | Applied Forensic Toxicology | Running | 30 | optional |
Teaching and Assessment
Learning and Teaching Methods
Employer Engagement
Means of Assessment
Learning Support
Course Exit Points
| Award | Criteria | Final |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Science (with Honours) | 360 credits of which at least 100 must be at Level 6 or above, 120 at Level 5 or above, 120 at Level 4 or above and no more than 20 at Level 3 | Final |
| Diploma of Higher Education | 240 credits of which at least 100 must be at Level 5 or above, 120 credits at Level 4 or above and no more than 20 credits at Level 3. | Intermediate |
| Certificate of Higher Education | 120 credits of which at least 100 must be at Level 4 or above and no more than 20 at Level 3 | Exit |
| Foundation Certificate in Higher Education | 120 credits at Level 3 | Exit |
Progression Route
Entry Requirements
Admission to the course is typically through the following qualifications:
Inclusive Curriculum Statement
The University of South Wales operates a policy of inclusive learning, teaching and assessment to ensure that all students have an equal opportunity to fulfil their educational potential. Course teams will have considered ways of designing out any potentially disadvantageous element of courses during the course design process. However some specific needs may remain, details about how to apply to have your needs assessed can be found at: http://unilife.southwales.ac.uk/pages/3040-disability-and-dyslexia-service/
Addendum for Delivery at a Partner Institution
N/A
Methods Of Quality Standards
N/A
Quality Of Standards Indicators
N/A