BSc (Hons) Forensic Science with Policing with Foundation Year

This module introduces you to the principles and practice of forensic science, with a focus on the professional standards and processes that guide the work of forensic scientists in the UK and beyond. You will learn about the role of the Forensic Science Regulator, ISO standards and laboratory accreditation, and why these are important for ensuring reliable results and public confidence in forensic evidence. You will develop an appreciation of different types of evidence commonly seen in investigations, such as biological materials, digital data, physical impressions, and trace materials such as hair, fibres, glass, and particulates. Through practical work and case studies, you will start to see how this evidence is located, recorded, recovered, analysed and interpreted, and begin to understand the challenges of presenting findings in the justice system. Practical sessions and seminars will give you the chance to apply what you have learned, reflect on real cases, and develop the professional awareness and ethical approach expected of forensic scientists.

This module will enable students to appreciate the purpose, basis and challenges of police powers and procedures in a variety of contexts. Students will explore the function of police powers and the need for clear rules and regulations for these procedures when dealing with the public. There is a focus on stop search and the challenges inherent with this type of situation. The module enables students to appreciate the importance of community engagement and of the need to understand legislation. Students will become familiar with the key elements of PACE (Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984) relating to searches, arrests and custody.

This extended induction module supports your transition into university life and introduces you to your chosen academic discipline. It helps you build confidence, develop a strong academic identity, and understand the expectations of university study. You’ll explore key academic practices including independent learning, digital literacy, and ethical academic conduct—such as referencing, plagiarism awareness, and the responsible use of artificial intelligence in line with university policy. The module is structured around seven themes identified by students as essential to their university experience: Ready to Study: Clear guidance on expectations, transitions, and workload planning. Academic Skills and Educational Gain: Development of foundational academic skills including time management, critical thinking, and digital fluency. Career Readiness and Professional Identity: Early exploration of career pathways, CV building, and professional behaviours. Personal Development and Belonging: Activities that foster confidence, inclusion, and identity within the university community. Social Engagement and Community Building: Opportunities to connect with peers, staff, and wider university life. Feedback and Reflective Practice: Structured opportunities to receive, apply, and reflect on feedback to support growth. Wellbeing and Student Support: Embedded access to holistic support services and strategies for success. This module will also develop subject-specific attributes: Laboratory Skills: Opportunities to develop competence in essential skills such as pipetting and microscopy. Scientific Literature Searching: searching for and identifying appropriate scientific literature. Data Literacy: data manipulation and presentation, including basic statistical tests This module lays the foundation for your future development, including the Level 5 Professional Development module/embedded placement experiences.

This module introduces students to the criminal investigation process. Students will be required to distinguish between different types of crime and why this is important in the investigation process. Students will be introduced to the different types of evidence and understand the importance of effective evidence management and the implications of not following policy and procedure. Complex live and cold cases will form a large part of this module, with students analysing the resources required to investigate such cases. Students will consider the challenges that victims and witnesses face during an investigation and the police response to these challenges.

This module builds on your foundational knowledge in Forensic Biology to explore the analysis and interpretation of complex biological evidence. The focus here is on the main approaches in Human Identification, which are utilized in general Forensic Science as well as Mass Fatality Incident Identification. One focus of the module is on advanced DNA concepts, including the prevention of contamination, interpretation of DNA profiles, statistical evaluation, and understanding evidential value of DNA evidence in real forensic investigations. Prints left by friction ridge skin, such as fingerprints, their analysis, comparison to references will be the second area of study, developing an understanding of their information content and evidentiary value. You will explore forensic odontology, how it is applied to human identification, and the methodology involved. You will also learn concepts of Biometrics and the inter-connection between lab-based analysis results, database searches and how their outcomes are arrived at. The module combines theory with practical laboratory sessions. You will apply advanced techniques to examine and interpret biological evidence, learning how to collect, analyse, and interpret complex samples with scientific rigour, while preserving their integrity and understanding the strengths and limitations of evidence in real forensic investigations. Practical activities include generating and interpreting DNA profiles, examining multiple biological evidence types, demonstrating an appreciation for standards and best practice involved, and presenting your findings clearly and professionally.

This module builds on the foundational skills and reflective practices introduced in the Level 4 'Succeeding at University' module, supporting students to deepen their professional identity and career readiness. It is designed to support learners in developing the knowledge, skills, and reflective practices essential for continuous professional growth in a dynamic and evolving workplace. Through a mix of practical experience and professional development sessions, this module will enable learners to explore essential themes such as personal effectiveness, leadership, communication, ethical practice, and lifelong learning. Drawing directly from work experience and/or professional setting, learners will reflect on their real-world experiences to deepen their understanding of what it means to grow and succeed in their chosen field. Students may draw on case studies or sector examples to connect theory to practice. Learners will engage in self-assessment, goal setting, and action planning to identify their strengths and areas for development. The module emphasizes reflective practice as a tool for professional learning and encourages learners to critically evaluate their experiences and performance in real-world contexts. Students will also develop their awareness and understanding of quality assurance in forensic science and the role of regulation and the Forensic Science Regulator. Through the application of international standards together with reference to guidance and best practice manuals published by organisations such as the European Network of Forensic Science Institutes (ENFSI), United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the Organization of Scientific Committees for Forensic Science (OSAC), students will gain a deep understanding of measures to ensure quality in forensic science.

This module provides students with an in-depth understanding of the role of forensic anthropology in medico-legal and humanitarian contexts. Focusing on the identification and analysis of skeletal remains, the module equips students with the practical skills necessary to determine whether a material is bone, and if so, whether it is human or non-human. Through a combination of hands-on laboratory sessions, lectures, and case-based discussions, students will learn to recognise and classify skeletal elements, assess their significance, and contribute to building a biological profile. Students will explore the diverse environments in which forensic anthropologists operate, including crime scenes, mass fatality incidents, and archaeological recoveries. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the protocols for forensic recovery, ethical considerations, and the interdisciplinary collaboration essential to the field. By the end of the module, students will be able to critically assess bone identification scenarios, demonstrate competence in distinguishing human from animal bone, and contextualise their findings within forensic investigations. This module prepares students for advanced study or careers in forensic science, archaeology, and related disciplines, bridging theory with real-world application in the forensic sciences.

The honours project module will give you the opportunity to undertake an extended, problem-focused, original investigation related to your overall programme of study and is a requirement for the award of an Honours degree. The project will provide you with a choice based on your interests, modules studied previously, staff expertise and physical resources within the School. You will undertake either a laboratory-based, systematic review, science communications, educational or bioinformatics-type project. The project will develop your ability to plan and execute research, analyse quantitative and/or qualitative data, and critically evaluate findings. You’ll learn to present results clearly and coherently, using appropriate scientific formats and conventions. It will provide a valuable opportunity to showcase your problem-solving, scientific writing, and data-handling skills, preparing you for future employment or postgraduate study. 

This module explores the full scope of public protection policing, encompassing policy, research, theory, and practice. Students will examine the complex nature of vulnerability and public protection, gaining insight into how and why individuals become victims of crime. Key theoretical perspectives and concepts underpinning victimisation will be critically analysed. The module develops students’ understanding of the legal powers, legislation and policy relevant to the areas of policing practice concerned. These include child sexual exploitation, county lines, child criminal exploitation, modern slavery, domestic abuse, human trafficking, female genital mutilation, sexual offences, hate crime, and mental health related incidents. Students will apply evidence-based research to critically assess complex and sensitive cases. Consideration will be given to the impact of these offences on victims, their families, the wider community, and the criminal justice system. The module also explores how vulnerable individuals are supported by the police and partner agencies, with a focus on safeguarding and risk management. Multi-agency working is a central theme throughout, supported by analysis of serious case reviews and approaches to offender management. In addition, the module introduces students to contemporary policing technologies and the growing prevalence of digitally facilitated crime. Students will examine the role of the deep web, social media, hacking, and other forms of complex cyber-enabled offending, as well as the range of digital devices and technologies used within both policing and criminal contexts.