BSc (Hons) Forensic Investigation

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UCAS Code:
F401
Institution:
B50

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Places available to study this September

We have greater flexibility with our entry requirements during Clearing, so let's talk about your future.

Call us on +44 (0)1202 966777 or apply online.

Designed specifically for those interested in the investigative side of forensics, the course deals with the theoretical and practical aspects of forensic investigation of crime scenes and disaster investigations, and is accredited by the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences.

Forensic investigation is a wide-ranging and compelling subject, drawing principally from scientific methods and practical training within criminal investigation. Covering biological and analytical science, the degree provides an understanding and knowledge of key concepts in relevant law, professional skills, crime scenes and forensic sciences.

Taught by professional practitioners, highly-qualified academic staff, and industry-savvy guest speakers, you’ll discover the course is carried out in a variety of stimulating environments, including science labs, IT labs, multiple field trips, Bournemouth's SafeWise facility and dedicated crime scene teaching labs in which you’ll deal with crime scene reconstructions. Take a look at the live fire exercises our final year students regularly get involved in.

Year one is shared with students taking BSc (Hons) Forensic Science, so should you discover the scientific aspects of the course to be more appealing, there is the option to switch degrees at the end of the year. In your second and final year, you’ll custom build your curriculum; selecting options that bring your education in line with your interests and career goals. To lend valuable real world experience to your resume, you’ll undertake a five or 30-week work placement in year three, depending on the length of the course you choose. This is the perfect outlet to put the theory and techniques learnt on campus into practice, plus meet career contacts that may help you once you graduate.

See Course details for more information, including how this course will be delivered safely in autumn 2020 in response to Covid-19.

Interested in studying this course part-time? Enquire now.

For September 2021 entry: in order to take advantage of new approaches to learning and teaching, as well as developments in industry to benefit our students we regularly review all of our courses.

This course is currently going through this process and we will update this page in March 2021 to give you full information about what we will be offering once the review process has concluded.

All statistics shown throughout this page are taken from Unistats, Destination of Leavers from Higher Education (DLHE), BU institutional data and Ipsos MORI (National Student Survey) unless otherwise stated.

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Key information

Next start date:

September 2020, September 2021

Location:

Bournemouth University, Talbot Campus

Duration:

3 years with an optional short placement, or 4 years with a minimum 30-week placement

Accreditations:

The Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences

Required subjects:

All subjects considered

Entry requirements:

Places available to study this September

We have greater flexibility with our entry requirements during Clearing, so let's talk about your future.

Call us on +44 (0)1202 966777 or apply online.

International entry requirements:

For September 2020 and September 2021 entry: If English is not your first language you'll need IELTS (Academic) 6.0 with minimum 5.5 in each of the 4 components or equivalent. For more information check out our international entry requirements.

Accredited by:

Course details

On this course you will be taught by a range of staff with relevant expertise and knowledge appropriate to the content of the unit. This will include senior academic staff, qualified professional practitioners, demonstrators, technicians and research students. You will also benefit from regular guest lectures from industry. Teaching methods include practical experiences within lab and field, lectures, discussions and group work.

Field trips are an important part of this course, to ensure you are exposed to as many real-world situations as possible - click on the tab for more information about the places you might visit. The laboratory work is varied and includes science labs, IT labs and crime scene reconstruction within a dedicated crime scene teaching lab.

How you will be assessed

You will be assessed by coursework culminating in your final year research project, and you will also undertake group work and written exams. The assessment methods for each unit can be found in the programme specification for your course.

Download the programme specification (pdf 2.5mb)

September 2020 – course information

During your first semester (September to January), your course will be delivered online, using interactive platforms that will replicate the experience of being in a lecture theatre or seminar room. You’ll have opportunities to interact with your lecturer and fellow students just as you would have done in any other year.

We understand just how important face-to-face teaching is though and, if conditions and advice allow us to, we hope to run optional lab sessions as well as small tutorials and seminars on campus.

We hope to have a full programme of face-to-face sessions on campus for all courses from January if government guidelines permit.

You will be able to use the Library, the Student Centre, Open Access Centre and social learning spaces, subject to physical distancing measures to undertake group and other work.

There will be no other changes to the content of your course as a result of Covid-19; we will deliver all of the units we have previously promised we would, and we are not making any changes to the individual learning outcomes on your course.   

It’s important that you know these changes are temporary and that we will be back to our usual on-campus experience as soon as national guidance makes it possible. 

See our Coronavirus FAQs for the latest information from BU. 

This is the latest information, updated on 20 July. We will update this page when more information is available, and we can confirm any additional on-campus activity.

Year 1

Core units

Forensic Research Skills: This unit provides you with the skills to conduct the independent research needed for this course. These skills involve finding and evaluating academic literature, formulating scientific arguments and discussion, writing and presenting these ideas as essays, opinions and research papers. To facilitate discussion and questions, much of the unit will be taught in tutorial sessions, which also allows you to get to know the teaching team.
Cell Biology: Cells are the basic unit of life and hence knowledge of cell biology is fundamental to understanding wider concepts in biology. This unit introduces key themes in cell biology to provide a sound underpinning knowledge of cells and the way they function. The unit will equip you with an understanding of cell structure, function, control, basic molecular biology, the interaction of cells with viruses and the basic experimental techniques used to investigate cells.
Chemistry: You will be provided with an understanding of some aspects and processes within fundamental chemistry and analytical chemistry and develop your laboratory skills. The unit will predominately be delivered through lectures and practical laboratory sessions. The laboratory sessions will enable reinforcement of the theoretical concepts by dealing with experimentally generated data and will allow for one-to-one and small group discussions.
Human Anatomy and Physiology: Giving you an overview of the structure and function of the human body, you will be introduced to the principal concepts underlying pathophysiological processes that disturb health. Key biological and physiological practical techniques relevant to measuring human health and disease are covered, together with the skills you will need for the analysis and presentation of the resulting data.
Introduction to Forensic Investigation: This unit will provide you with a deeper appreciation of the legal aspects, command structure and operational procedures of UK forensic investigations and provide a deeper insight into a range of forensic sciences available. It will provide you with the theoretical understanding to enhance practical experience in the recovery of physical evidence.
Introduction to Psychology: This unit will demonstrate the way in which psychological research underpins the understanding of deviant and aggressive behaviour and the concept and utility of offender profiling in forensic investigations. As well as providing a critical understanding of the psychological processes at work during interview, you will be introduced to the potential biases inherent in the courtroom environment.

Year 2

Core units

Crime Scene and Advanced Crime Scene: These two units provide details on the legal aspects, command structure and operational procedures of UK scene of crime investigations and provide an introduction to a range of forensic sciences. Both units will also provide practical experience in the recovery of evidence from potential scenes of crime.
Forensic Computing: The role of this unit is to provide you with the fundamental skills and understanding of the techniques and technologies of digital forensics as they apply in a digital (computer-based) environment. You will develop competence to conduct your own forensic examinations of digital media. You will select and use existing software, including software used by law enforcement agencies.
Forensic Law & Practice: You will critically consider the criminal justice system in England and Wales and engage with the central issues common to any major criminal justice system. You will be equipped with a greater knowledge of criminal procedure including a comprehensive coverage of the entire criminal process from police investigation through to trial process to appeals and rectifications of miscarriages of justice.
Forensic Science: The basic scientific and analytical principals underlying the practice of forensic science will be explored in this unit. You will be introduced to a range of basic case types and to the analytical techniques commonly employed in forensic casework.

Option units

Semester 2 (choose one):

Case studies in Forensic Science: Discover how forensic science has developed and impacted on the investigation of crime and Criminal Justice System by studying and discussing a selection of cases from the published literature and trial transcripts. You will learn about the process of case investigation in modern policing; how a lawyer/barrister prepares a case for court and understand the role and responsibilities of the forensic expert and the impact that may have on a legal investigation.
Geographic Information Systems (GIS): On completion of this unit, you will be able to select and plan GIS analysis using the appropriate software and manipulate the software for specific tasks. Emphasis is on data capture and analysis, and the presentation of data as cartographic maps.
Introduction to Toxicology: The basic principles of toxicology will be explored in this unit, designed to offer foundation knowledge for those intending to study toxicology at higher levels or for those intending to study subjects peripheral to toxicology or where a basic understanding of toxicology will be relevant.

Please note that option units require minimum numbers in order to run and may only be available on a semester by semester basis. They may also change from year to year.

Optional placement year

Final year

Core units

Advanced Forensic Science: You will enhance your knowledge and critical thinking skills associated with the scientific and analytical principals underlying the practice of forensic science in this unit. You will gain in depth knowledge of key areas of forensic science.
Independent Research Project: The Independent Research Project provides you with an opportunity to gain experience of research in a topic of your choice relevant to your degree and to demonstrate your ability to report that research. Such experience is considered essential for those students interested in pursuing academic and/or professional research at a higher level of responsibility and achievement.
International Investigations: Covering events ranging from acts of terrorism, natural disasters, transport disasters and design failures, you will learn about the role of professionals & organisations at major incident sites and national systems of emergency response & recovery and the legal and cultural issues. You will gain an understanding of the principles of search, location and scene management of crimes, accident, major incidents and disasters and an awareness of the organisations involved in recovery of victims, investigating and prosecuting on local, national or international scale. You will develop an appreciation of the cultural difference between northern European, Mediterranean and Eastern cultures and the International agreements on search, recovery and repatriation protocols. You will take part in group work exercises, presentations from appropriate organisations and some practical activities.

Option units

Semester 1 (choose one):

Environmental Forensics: Issues in Environmental Forensics range from pollution investigations to wildlife crime at local, national and international levels. You will learn to select appropriate analytical and forensic techniques used in an environmental crime investigation and understand both the legal and cultural issues faced when investigating wildlife crimes nationally, internationally and trans-frontier. You will need an awareness of the organisations involved in investigation and prosecution, so there will be presentations from appropriate organisations and the opportunity to take part in practical activities.
Forensic Toxicology: Following on from the Introduction to Toxicology in year 2, this unit provides you with a knowledge and understanding of the complex issues involved with the analysis of common drugs and poisons in human tissues and the ways in which they exert their effects on the body and influence behaviour.
The Science of Human Remains: Practical lab sessions will allow you to examine skeletal material of modern humans in archaeological and forensic contexts. You will examine the ways in which disease can inform health status in past societies and how disease, trauma and skeletal pathology can identify individuals in a forensic context.

Semester 2 (choose one):

Forensic Practice: You will enhance your knowledge and critical thinking skills associated with the scientific and analytical principals underlying the practice of forensic science in this unit. You will gain in depth knowledge of key areas of forensic science.
Occupational Health & Safety: The technology and safety issues associated with machinery design, manual handling, chemical safety, electrical and fire safety and safety associated with construction are dealt with. Any employer will expect you to be aware of safety management techniques in the following areas; accident prevention, risk assessment and health and safety training; and specific health and safety regulation and enforcement procedures. You will also learn about occupational health and safety issues which include workplace exposure limits, routes of entry and the body’s response to hazardous substances, noise, radiation. You will participate in an initial safety audit of an unknown area.

Please note that option units require minimum numbers in order to run and may only be available on a semester by semester basis. They may also change from year to year.

Scheduled learning and teaching activities

Contact hours

The hours below give an indication of how you can expect to spend your time during each year of this course. You will learn through a combination of lectures, seminars, tutorials, workshops and practical sessions.

Your independent learning could include reading books and journal articles, working on group projects, preparing presentations, conducting library research and writing your assignments.

Learning and teaching activities includes demonstrations. Contact time across the different years varies, ensuring an academic basis for learning prior to practice, and a reflective understanding of the task.

Year 1 – 23% of your time will be spent in timetabled learning & teaching activities

Learning and teaching: 262 hours
Independent learning: 938 hours
Non-assessed learning and teaching: 20 hours

Year 2 – 31% of your time will be spent in timetabled learning & teaching activities

Learning and teaching: 368 hours
Independent learning: 832 hours
Non-assessed learning and teaching: 6 hours

Year 3 - 18% of your time will be spent in timetabled learning & teaching activities

Learning and teaching: 200 hours (estimated)
Independent learning: 1000 hours (estimated)
Non-assessed learning and teaching: 6 hours

Programme specification

Programme specifications provide definitive records of the University's taught degrees in line with Quality Assurance Agency requirements. Every taught course leading to a BU Award has a programme specification which describes its aims, structure, content and learning outcomes, plus the teaching, learning and assessment methods used.

Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the programme specification, the information is liable to change to take advantage of exciting new approaches to teaching and learning as well as developments in industry.

If you have been unable to locate the programme specification for the course you are interested in, it will be available as soon as the latest version is ready. Alternatively please contact us for assistance.

Placements

At BU, we recognise that placements are extremely valuable and can give you a head start when it comes to your future career. That’s why we offer every new student the opportunity to undertake an industrial placement as part of their course.

A placement plays a vital role in developing well-rounded and industry-ready graduates, and we have many links to outside agencies and organisations to best support you along your professional development. You can also choose to take your placement abroad, giving you the opportunity to develop yourself personally, academically, and professionally and gain skills to help you stand out in the job market.

Find out about BU students’ experiences on placements All you need to know about placements

How placements benefit you

A placement should be a highly rewarding experience for you and the employing company and we do our best to ensure that everyone involved feels that they have got the most that they can from the experience.

Placements provide a great opportunity to make your first career steps and enhance your employability while you’re completing your studies. You’ll get the opportunity to:

Put the theory learnt throughout the course into professional practice
Enhance your study and help you decide on subject options (where appropriate)
Learn a wide range of skills such as time management, problem solving and team work (all of these are important to succeed in any career)
Make contacts, as it is not uncommon for our students to be offered permanent positions to return to after graduating
Gain a real insight into how the industry operates in roles that would be almost impossible to achieve for an outsider.

Many of our students, during their placement, are given responsibilities normally associated with graduate trainees.

How long will your placement be?

What support will be available?

The faculty running your course will offer the support of a Placement Co-ordinator.

They’ll help you plan your placement so make sure you get the right experience for you. That includes offering help and support if you need to move to another part of the UK – and even another country – to get the most out of your time.

We’ve also built close industry links over the years – so our network of employers that are keen to work with placement students is always growing. Or if you’d prefer to arrange your placement independently, we can offer advice on how to do that too.

Your application

This course will be suited to students with:

An understanding of what archaeology and forensic sciences are
Enthusiasm for applying science to solve problems both in the study of the past and the present
An interest in both laboratory and field sciences
Good written and oral communication skills, and the ability to think analytically
An interest in archaeology, and forensic science (e.g. by attending an excavation, visiting museums, entering science competitions, school project work, or relevant volunteer work).

How to apply

What we’re looking for

Students on this course will have a lively interest in the application of science in forensic contexts, and have an interest in studying human remains. The study and practice of forensics involves a variety of skills, including those used in the field, in the laboratory, and based on wide reading so applicants should be happy learning to work in all these areas. We look for innovative thinkers who are interested in understanding the past and present through practical and scientific investigation.

Applicants will have strong analytical problem-solving and communication skills, both written and oral, as a career in forensics involves working well as an individual and also as part of a multi-disciplinary team. We seek students with enquiring minds who are comfortable using science, technology and creative thought to apply in their studies and would encourage applicants who are interested in exploring new ideas and concepts and applying knowledge across disciplines.

Selection methods

How we assess your application

We look at individual applications and make a tailored offer based on your potential to succeed on the course considering a range of factors, including your academic achievements, work and other experience, reference and personal statement, and in some cases, your performance at an interview or a portfolio review. Typically, we make an offer at the bottom of the tariff range.

AccessBU gives you the chance to tell us more about you and your life experiences if you haven’t had the same educational opportunities as other applicants. If you are eligible for AccessBU, your offer could be up to 16 UCAS Tariff Points below the published tariff.

Our offer making process

Our offer-making will typically be based on your most recent qualifications, including any required subjects where applicable. We'll consider all qualifications when assessing your application, although these may not be part of our offer.

If you do not meet the criteria of your original offer, we may still offer you a place. We will review your whole application and consider all academic qualifications (including those not in the offer) to see if you have the academic potential to succeed on the course. If we feel the answer is yes, we will confirm your place.

Supporting your study

These courses have compulsory elements involving working with dangerous substances in laboratory conditions and/or undertaking field trips in less accessible environments. Students must complete a health and safety risk assessment taking part in these activities, for their safety and that of others. As part of that assessment students provide information about any conditions or disabilities that might affect their ability to undertake these activities fully or safely.

If you have such a condition or disability, please let us know as soon as possible. You can contact our Additional Learning Support (ALS) service about this before or after making an application. We will then work with you to identify any support or adjustments you would need. Our ALS team works with the Faculty to seek to put in place reasonable adjustments and health and safety plans.

Exceptionally, it may not be possible to arrange for a student to access these courses without either over-riding their core standards or competencies or creating unacceptable risks to health and safety. If that is the case we will help you explore alternative course choices.

Our Unconditional Offer Scheme (2020 entry)

Applicants who are predicted to achieve strong academic results will be eligible for BU’s Unconditional Offer Scheme in recognition of their academic performance and potential to succeed at university. You will receive an unconditional offer from BU if you are selected for the scheme - course selection measures and other entry criteria (i.e. required qualifications) apply.

We believe that unconditional offers reduce pressure on applicants who will continue to strive to achieve the best grades possible. Excellent grades become a part of applicants’ CVs and also support eligibility for our Academic Excellence scholarship - if you achieve AAA or above at A-level or equivalent, you’ll be automatically eligible for this award.

Visit our Unconditional Offer Scheme FAQ page

Entry requirements

We use the UCAS Tariff in our entry requirements and will accept a combination of grades and qualifications to meet the overall tariff requirement. You can use the UCAS calculator to see how your qualifications equate to UCAS tariff points.

We have outlined our entry requirements below using the most common qualifications that we consider for this course. If your qualification is not on the UCAS tariff or listed below, please contact our Future Students Enquiry Team who can advise accordingly. You can also find out more about how we consider your application in our offer-making process section.

For September 2020 and September 2021 entry: 104 - 120 UCAS tariff points including a minimum of two A-levels or equivalent.

Numeracy and Literacy requirement: GCSE English Language or English Literature and Mathematics grade 4 (or grade C in the old grading system). We also accept iGCSEs, Key Skills and Functional Skills and other qualifications at Level 2 of the National Qualifications Framework. See all the equivalencies.

A-level and AS levels: 104 – 120 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of two A-levels.

Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate – Skills Challenge Certificate: We accept this qualification, but it must be accompanied by an A-level sized qualification to meet the overall UCAS tariff.

Access to HE Diploma: 102 – 118 UCAS tariff points with any combination of Distinction, Merit, Pass grades.

BTEC National:

Extended Diploma: Distinction, Merit, Merit (112 UCAS tariff points)
Diploma: Distinction*, Distinction (104 UCAS tariff points)
Foundation Diploma/ 90-credit Diploma: We accept this qualification, but it must be accompanied by an A-level sized qualification to meet the overall UCAS tariff
Extended Certificate/ Subsidiary Diploma: We accept this qualification as part of the overall tariff.

Cambridge International Pre-U Diploma: 104 - 120 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of two principal subjects.

Cambridge Technical:

Extended Diploma: Distinction, Merit, Merit (112 UCAS tariff points)
Diploma: Distinction*, Distinction (104 UCAS tariff points)
Subsidiary Diploma: We accept this qualification, but it must be accompanied by an A-level sized qualification to meet the overall UCAS tariff
Introductory Diploma: We accept this qualification, but it must be accompanied by an A-level sized qualification to meet the overall UCAS tariff.

Extended Project Qualification: We accept this qualification, but it must be accompanied by two A-level sized qualifications to meet the overall UCAS tariff.

International Baccalaureate Certificates: 104 - 120 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of two Higher Level certificates.

International Baccalaureate (Diploma): An overall score of 28 - 31 points.

Scottish Highers: 104 - 120 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of four Scottish Highers.

Scottish Advanced Highers: 104 - 120 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of two Scottish Advanced Highers.

Other useful information

AccessBU: AccessBU provides you with the opportunity to tell us about your circumstances that are not always evident in your UCAS application. This widening access initiative also considers relevant criteria such as being in care or if you live in an area with a low participation rate in Higher Education - if you are eligible, your offer could be up to 16 UCAS tariff points below the published tariff.

Apprenticeships: We recognise the transferable knowledge and skills gained through apprenticeships and welcome applications from students with a Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship recognised by the Institute for Apprenticeships. Each application will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Deferred entry: We are happy to consider eligible applicants for deferred entry. If you have already submitted your application, you can request a deferral by contacting our Admissions Team.

Direct entry: We welcome applications from students who have previously studied at degree level at other institutions and wish to transfer onto a BU course. Our Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) procedure enables credit awarded from one institution to contribute to a BU award, subject to an application process. Please contact our Future Students Enquiry Team for more information.

Mature applicants: We recognise that mature applicants may have a wealth of experience rather than formal qualifications, so we’ll consider your application on these merits if included in your application. You’ll need to apply to BU in the usual way through UCAS and you may be invited to an interview to discuss your suitability for the course based on the experience you tell us about in your application.

International entry requirements

You can find details of the international qualifications we accept, and what level of study they apply to, on our entry requirements for non-UK students' page.

Please see below some examples of the qualifications for entry onto Year 1 for September 2020 and September 2021 entry:

Диплома за средно образование (Bulgarian Diploma of Completed Secondary Education) or Диплома за средно специално образование (Bulgarian Diploma of Completed Secondary Specialised Education). Minimum score of 4.5
Hong Kong HKDSE Diploma with required scores (4,3,3 to 4,5,5. Minimum 4 in English required)
Italian Esame di Stato[AB1] with minimum 60%+
Spanish Curso de Orientaciòn Universitaria (COU) prior to 2009 or if you hold a Titulo De Bachillerato awarded from 2009 onwards with a minimum of 6/10+
USA High School Diploma with minimum GPA 3.0 plus SAT Reasoning (1200) or ACT (24-26).

We offer a number of preparatory programmes through Bournemouth University International College. These courses offer you progression from High School in your home country to a Bachelor’s degree at BU.

Options include:

Foundation Certificate in Science (for September 2020 entry)

English language requirements

If English is not your first language, you will need to provide evidence that you can understand English to a satisfactory level. English language requirements for this course are normally:

For September 2020 and September 2021 entry: IELTS (Academic) 6.0 with minimum 5.5 in each component, or equivalent.

View further information about our English language requirements.

If you do not meet the English language requirement for your degree then why not join our Pre-Sessional English course? Successful completion of our Pre-Sessional English course will meet your English language requirement.

Careers

Forensic investigation is a broad and fascinating area of study that predominantly prepares you for work in the field of criminal investigation, although the principles and skills you learn can be applied in a variety of scientific and investigative contexts.

They have gone on to work for organisations such as Trading Standards, HM Revenue & Customs, and The Environment Agency, as well as taking positions in forensic laboratories and private consultancies.

Typical starting job roles

Industries worked in

In addition to law enforcement and criminal investigation, the skills you’ll learn on your degree could be applied in a variety of contexts, including finance, trade and for government agencies.

As you progress through the course, option units and setting up your placement will help you establish the exact career path you want to follow, and the sector in which you want to put your studies to use.

Further study

Fieldwork

Types of projects

Field trips are an important part of this course, to ensure you are exposed to as many real-world situations as possible.

Day visits include the Tank Museum in Bovington, where you will get the chance to examine vehicles and other exhibits at the museum for battle damage which will help you enhance your perception and investigation skills. Forensic investigators need to be extremely perceptive and be able to quickly spot damage or unusual features. The tank museum provides an ideal setting in which to test this perception.

You may also get the chance to visit Purbeck Shooting School for the opportunity to handle and fire high powered rifles and shotguns. After the shooting you can take ‘gun shot residue’ test samples from your hands and clothes for analysis in our forensic laboratories. The Purbeck Shooting School will give an in-depth talk on sporting weapons such as shotguns and rifles to supplement other firearms lectures as part of the course.

We make extensive use of Dorset County Council’s Streetwise facility; a large warehouse with street, beach and domestic scenes in which we can stage large scale crime scenes. Watch a video of students at the Streetwise facility.

We have our own ‘crime-scene house’ facility on campus, where we simulate incidents for you to investigate. We also have access to a field station locally where we are able to simulate mass graves.

Costs and fees

All fees are quoted in pounds sterling and are per year. Your tuition fees will be the same for each year of your course. You can find full information about funding your studies and paying your fees in our undergraduate fees and funding section. That’s also where you’ll find information about the scholarships and bursaries on offer – including unlimited Academic Excellence Scholarships for UK, EU and International students.

Fees quoted are for tuition only unless stated otherwise, and we’re committed to ensuring there are no hidden extra costs while you’re at university – that’s why we’re clear about what you can expect us to cover, and what your cost of living will be. You’ll also find you could benefit from a range of discounts as a student.

Find out more about budgeting and living expenses

No hidden extras

What’s included in your tuition fee?

Your tuition fee covers expenses associated with your course including tuition materials, access to facilities, mandatory field trips and the following:

Materials for laboratory and field-based teaching activity
Support for finding placements (UK or abroad) and fieldwork, and non-financial support whilst on placement
A range of student services – advisors, help desks, counsellors, placement support and careers service
The Library – access to a wide range of electronic resources (databases, e-journals and e-books), print and multimedia collections, subject librarians and study spaces
IT labs (some open 24/7), wireless network, AV equipment to borrow
Peer Assisted Learning (PAL) scheme
Disability and additional learning support
The BU Language Centre to help you develop/improve foreign or English language skills
24 hours a day, 365 days a year security team
Lab coats, safety glasses
Compulsory/assessed fieldwork

Costs of living and other expenses you need to consider

Additional costs

We are committed to offering you value for money and ensuring there are no hidden costs while you are studying with us, therefore we have listed below any additional costs you may incur that are not covered by your tuition fee:

Textbooks, general stationery and other supplies. Our award-winning library is stocked with a large range of textbooks and online resources, free of charge. The Students’ Union shops stock a wide range of stationery supplies on both campuses
Accommodation and living costs.
Travel costs to and from the University campus. An annual bus pass is included in your rent if you are living in halls of residence/Unilet accommodation
Travel costs to and from your placement (both in the UK and overseas). Information about funding your placement year can be found on our website.
Any optional field trip travel costs and outdoor wear
Clothing or equipment costs required for your placement.

While all aspects of the programme, including required field trips, are included in the fee, additional, optional or extra curricula activities may be available for which a student contribution is required.

Repeat units

Our staff

On this course you will be taught by staff with relevant expertise and knowledge appropriate to the content of the unit. This could include senior academic staff, qualified professional practitioners and research students, many of whom are actively engaged in research and/or professional practice which is integrated into the teaching of this course. Please note that staff can change.

Paul Kneller – Senior Lecturer in Environmental Science

Paul Kneller has interests in environmental management and environmental applications of forensic techniques, the health and safety and environmental impacts of industrial and commercial activities. For some time Paul has been involved with the public understanding of science particularly the claims of consumer products.

Following a COPUS grant, he has given talks to local groups on evaluating environmental claims for a number of years and is the academic supervisor for a KTP associate project based upon ISO 14000 in a local engineering company.

View Paul Kneller’s staff profile

Course changes

Changes in 2020

Date	Changes to this course
07/01/2020	Where the change was made: Course details Change: Removal of first year unit 'AAFS Study Skills' and replaced with 'Forensic Research Skills'.

Changes in 2018

Date	Changes to this course
23/08/2018	Where the change was made: Entry requirements When the change takes effect: From September 2019 entry Change: Removal of required subjects Previous text: A Science or Mathematics subject

Changes in 2017

Date	Changes to this course
15/11/2017	Where the change was made: Fees Change: After an annual review of the placement year tuition fee, a price increase in line with current inflation, equating to 3% has been introduced. Previous text: £790
06/9/2017	Where the change was made: Key facts and 2018 entry requirements Change: 2018 entry requirements have changed to: 104 - 120 tariff points including a minimum of 2 A-levels or equivalent. BTEC Extended Diploma: DMM. Previous text: The entry requirements for this course are 104-120 tariff points from 3 A-levels. BTEC Extended Diploma: DMM.
06/09/2017	Where the change was made: 2018 entry requirements Change: 2018 GCSE entry requirements have changed, this course now requires GCSE English and Mathematics grade C (or grade 4 in the reformed GCSE grading) or equivalent qualifications. Previous text: This course requires a minimum of 4 GCSEs grades A* - C (or grade 4 or above in the newly reformed GCSE grading) including Maths and English or equivalent qualifications.

Hear from our students

Zoe Fradley

The career prospects for students on this course are very broad as it covers many different areas such as labwork, law or the investigation route.

Hear from our staff

Professor David Osselton

You will participate in many practical exercises in our unique purpose-designed facilities. Our Crime Scene Training Centre has bedrooms, a lounge-kitchen-diner, a bank and a drugs lab.

BSc (Hons) Forensic Investigation

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Accreditations:

Required subjects:

Entry requirements:

Places available to study this September

International entry requirements:

Accredited by:

Related courses

Our stories

Look at the yearly live fire exercise our Forensic students take part in

Forensic Science student Michael's placement at Hampshire Police

Read Carlyle's story about his time as a Forensic Science student

Check out second-year student Sam’s guide to living in Bournemouth

Planning your future

Course details

How you will be assessed

September 2020 – course information

Year 1

Year 2

Optional placement year

Final year

Scheduled learning and teaching activities

Programme specification

Placements

How placements benefit you

How long will your placement be?

What support will be available?

Your application

What we’re looking for

Selection methods

How we assess your application

Our offer making process

Supporting your study

Our Unconditional Offer Scheme (2020 entry)

Entry requirements

Entry requirements

International entry requirements

Careers

Typical starting job roles

Industries worked in

Further study

Fieldwork

Types of projects

Costs and fees

No hidden extras

Costs of living and other expenses you need to consider

Repeat units

Our staff

Paul Kneller – Senior Lecturer in Environmental Science

Course changes

Changes in 2020

Changes in 2018

Changes in 2017

Hear from our students

Zoe Fradley

Hear from our staff

Professor David Osselton