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Forensic and Medical Sciences

BSc (Hons)

Typical offer for 2025
Duration
UCAS code

Suitable for applications.

Overview

This course develops skills in core biomedical, chemical and forensic sciences, helping you become a skilled forensic practitioner.

The emphasis is on biosciences, and then shifts towards disease processes and forensic investigation of physical evidence types.

In addition to the pursuit of core sciences, you will study forensic investigation in anthropology and topics relating to archaeology - including the degradation of human remains and physical materials - which will develop your skills in forensic interpretation. The final year develops your professional skills through a forensic research dissertation.

The course prepares you for a wide range of careers, including those in the professional medical and forensic sectors because of its broad basis and application.

Professional accreditation

This course is accredited by The Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences.

Rankings

The University of Bradford is ranked 11th in the UK in the Complete University Guide Forensic Science Subject League Table 2025.

Entry requirements

Typical offer - 112 UCAS tariff points.

 

A levels

BBC, to include A level Chemistry or Biology minimum grade B.

Please note that where a science A level is taken, the University will require applicants to pass the practical element (for A levels awarded from August 2017 onwards).

T levels

Merit - with subject specific requirement in Science.

BTEC Extended Diploma

DMM. Science subject required – must include a minimum of three Chemistry or Biology-related units.

Applicants on Access Programmes

112 UCAS tariff points from an Access to Higher Education Diploma – Science subject required. Must include a minimum of 12 credits of Chemistry or Biology at minimum Distinction.

International Baccalaureate Requirements

112 UCAS tariff points to include HL Chemistry or Biology at grade 6 plus 2 other HL subjects at grade 5. Plus HL 3 or SL 4 in Maths and English Language and Literature A or English B.

Plus minimum of

GCSE English, Mathematics and a Science at grade C or 4 (equivalents accepted).

English language requirements

Minimum IELTS at 6.0 or the equivalent.

If you do not meet the IELTS requirement, and you have a UKVI approved IELTS, you can take a University of Bradford pre-sessional English course. See the Language Centre for more details. For further information on English Language requirements please see the dedicated international entry requirements page.

Foundation Year entry

If you are a UK student and do not meet the entry requirements for this course, our Foundation Year has a route to Forensic and Medical Sciences BSc (Hons).

Foundation Year entry requirements

72 UCAS points or equivalent plus an English Language, Maths and Science qualification equivalent to GCSE Grade 4.

Study and progression requirements

Pass each module and achieve a programme average of at least 50%.

In addition to the relevant core modules, you must study Introduction to Life Sciences, Foundation in Human Biology, Foundation in Chemistry.

If you do not have the required Maths entry qualification, you must study Maths and Stats for Higher Education.

If you are an international student and do not meet the entry requirements for direct entry onto this course, you may be interested in our International College.

Transferring from another university

If you are currently studying at another university and would like to transfer to the University of Bradford, this course accepts students into the second or third year. This is called advanced entry.

Applications for advanced entry will be considered on a case-by-case basis and must include an official transcript (not a screenshot of a portal), all module descriptors, and relevant qualifications. Module descriptors must include learning outcomes.

Applications must be submitted through UCAS and the required documents emailed along with your UCAS Personal ID no later than 31 August prior to the course starting in September. Relevant documents should be emailed to [email protected]

What you will study

All module information is for 2023 entry, and is subject to change.

Placement Year

You can spend a year in a laboratory environment as a paid employee of an approved organisation.

This experience allows you to apply theoretical knowledge to practical problems, learn about work practices, and improve your career prospects.

Learning and assessment

We focus on student-centred approaches to learning, and you will be expected to take responsibility for your learning in order to develop the attributes needed for life-long learning and continuing professional development.

The course is delivered through a mix of lectures, seminars, laboratory practicals, workshops, case studies and directed study. Directed study will include directed reading of selected textbooks, specified source literature and open learning materials, directed web-based materials, report writing and other assignments such as individual project/dissertation work.

Assessment methods include:

  • laboratory reports
  • portfolios
  • expert witness statements
  • case and witness reports
  • mock court exercise (oral cross examination)
  • essays, worksheets, critiques, group-work, poster and oral presentations
  • research designs
  • reflective journals
  • examinations (essays, short answers, MCQ).

Official programme specification

Our facilities

The Simulation Suite is home to a 3D dissection table and human patient simulator. The Anatomage Table allows you to take apart the human body digitally.

Fees, finance and scholarships

Tuition fee 2025

  • UK: £9,535 (sandwich year: £954)

  • International: £24,456 (sandwich year: £2,446)

Additional costs

As part of this course you will be required to purchase a lab coat worth £10.

You may also wish to apply for student membership of the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences.

There may be additional costs that you may incur as a student. Though these are not essential to your programme of study you need to be aware of them as a student of the University. A list of the sort of costs you might expect can be found on our fees and finance section.

Financial support

See our fees and financial support section.

Scholarships

Every year we award numerous non-repayable scholarships to UK, EU and international students on the basis of academic excellence, personal circumstances or economic hardship. For full details, visit our scholarships section.

Career prospects

There are wide-ranging career opportunities, including the health service, the forensic science or police scientific support laboratories, the Health and Safety Executive, and the public analysts’ laboratories, as well as opportunities in the chemical, petrochemical, pharmaceutical, food, drink and electronics industries. The scientific skills, knowledge and methods you will acquire during the course can also be a useful basis for a career in teaching; technical and scientific writing; drug registration, patenting or monitoring; and medical publishing or other information services.

Career support

The University is committed to helping students develop and enhance employability and this is an integral part of many programmes. Specialist support is available throughout the course from Career and Employability Services including help to find part-time work while studying, placements, vacation work and graduate vacancies. Students are encouraged to access this support at an early stage and to use the extensive resources on the Careers website.

Discussing options with specialist advisers helps to clarify plans through exploring options and refining skills of job-hunting. In most of our programmes there is direct input by Career Development Advisers into the curriculum or through specially arranged workshops.

This is the current course information. Modules and course details may change, subject to the University's programme approval, monitoring and review procedures. The University reserves the right to alter or withdraw courses, services and facilities as described on our website without notice and to amend Ordinances, Regulations, fees and charges at any time. Students should enquire as to the up-to-date position when applying for their course of study.