Forensic Biology (with Foundation Year)
BSc (Hons)
Bournemouth University

Key Course Facts
Course Description
Why study BSc (Hons) Forensic Biology (with Foundation Year) at BU?
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Taught by leading academics, experienced practitioners and a range of professional guest lecturers, you will develop a comprehensive grounding in forensic biology
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Take part in invaluable lab and fieldwork experience, including mock crime scenes and disasters
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Use sophisticated lab and field equipment to collect and analyse biological evidence, write detailed logs and reports, and even collaborate with staff on current forensic research projects
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Take part in live fire exercises in your final year
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Pick from subject modules that suit your own interests, passions, and career goals in your second and final year
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Gain valuable work experience on your placement if you choose to take one and improve your chances of gaining employment after you graduate.
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100% of graduates felt academic staff on this course were good at explaining things (source DiscoverUni 2021)
Foundation year: We have a foundation year option for UK students who do not meet the entry requirements for the degree course. This additional year of study will give you a grounding in the scientific skills required for this course, building your confidence, knowledge and skills for further study. After successful completion of the foundation year, you will progress to the full degree.
Student Reviews
Below you can see course specific reviews for 115 graduates of Forensic Biology (with Foundation Year) BSc (Hons) and other courses in at Bournemouth University for each of the survey questions in comparison to the average for all UK degree courses in .
Primarily based on data from undergraduate degree students.
All forensic and archaeological sciences courses of Bournemouth University
Salary
Salary of Graduates in forensic and archaeological sciences
Important: Salary data below is not course specific, but contains data of all students of at the university. Due to data collection methodology, salary data is mainly based on data related to undergraduate students.
15 months after graduation | 3 years after graduation | 5 years after graduation | |
---|---|---|---|
Median salary | £21500 | £21000 | £25000 |
25-75 percentile range | £18500 - £24000 | £17500 - £27000 | £20500 - £32000 |
All forensic and archaeological sciences courses of Bournemouth University
Salary of all UK Graduates of forensic and archaeological sciences
15 months after graduation | 3 years after graduation | 5 years after graduation | |
---|---|---|---|
Median salary | £21025 | £22394 | £25260 |
25-75 percentile range | £18043 - £24555 | £17766 - £26526 | £20398 - £30716 |
All forensic and archaeological sciences courses in the UK
What You Will Learn
Programme content: As a student of Forensic Biology (with Foundation Year), BSc (Hons) you will study the following course modules.
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
Year 4
Modules
Jobs & Career Perspectives
15 months after graduation, graduates of this course were asked about what they do and, if they are working, about their current job and their perspectives.
All forensic and archaeological sciences courses of Bournemouth University
Current jobs
Job in line with future plans
Utilise skills from studies
Work is meaningful
All forensic and archaeological sciences courses of Bournemouth University
Required skill level of job after 15 months
% Skilled jobs
All forensic and archaeological sciences courses of Bournemouth University
Jobs of graduates of this course (15 months after graduation)
Example below based on all graduates of Forensic Biology (with Foundation Year) BSc (Hons) at Bournemouth University
20% | Elementary occupations |
10% | Science, engineering and technology associate professionals |
10% | Administrative occupations |
10% | Natural and social science professionals |
5% | Skilled trades occupations |
5% | Managers, directors and senior officials |
5% | Sales occupations |
5% | Teaching Professionals |
5% | Business, Research and Administrative Professionals |
5% | Protective service occupations |
Grading & Study Time
Assessment Methods
Study Time Distribution
Grading Distribution
Students of the course received the following grades
Entry Requirements / Admissions
Minimum Required UCAS Tariff
48-72 UCAS tariff points.
UCAS Tariff of Accepted Students for this course
This particular course
Qualification requirements
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, please submit your deferral request through our website. 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 visit our RPL webpage 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.
Requirements for international students / English requirements
IELTS academic test score (similar tests may be accepted as well)
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- 7.0
- Bachelors
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- 7.0
- Masters
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- 6.5
- Graduate Degrees
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- 6.5
- Undergraduate Degrees
Get advice on which foundation courses are best for you to still be able to join Forensic Biology (with Foundation Year), BSc (Hons).
Costs
Tuition Fees Forensic Biology (with Foundation Year) BSc (Hons)
England UK | £9250 | year 1 |
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Northern Ireland | £9250 | year 1 |
Scotland | £9250 | year 1 |
Wales | £9250 | year 1 |
Channel Islands | £9250 | year 1 |
Ireland | £9250 | year 1 |
Additional fee information
Visit Bournemouth University's website for full details.
Average student cost of living in the UK
Rent | £518 |
Water, gas electricity, internet (at home) | £50 |
Supermarket shopping | £81 |
Clothing | £35 |
Eating out | £33 |
Alcohol | £27 |
Takeaways / food deliveries | £30 |
Going out / entertainment (excl.alcohol, food) | £24 |
Holidays and weekend trips | £78 |
Transport within city | £17 |
Self-care / sports | £20 |
Stationary / books | £13 |
Mobile phone / internet | £13 |
Cable TV / streaming | £7 |
Insurance | £51 |
Other | £95 |
Average student cost of living | £1092 |
London costs approx 34% more than average, mainly due to rent being 67% higher than average of other cities. For students staying in student halls, costs of water, gas, electricity, wifi are generally included in the rental. Students in smaller cities where accommodation is in walking/biking distance transport costs tend to be significantly smaller.
How to apply
Application deadline:
January 1, 2024
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Possible Entry Points:
- Foundation
University Rankings
Positions of Bournemouth University in top UK and global rankings.
See all 41 university rankings of Bournemouth University
About Bournemouth University
Established in 1976, Bournemouth University is located in the coastal town of Poole, South West England. Just 20 minutes away from Bournemouth Beach by bicycle, this university has earned itself numerous awards as both a provider of education and of employment. Apart from their reputable courses and programmes that they offer, Bournemouth University gives particular importance to their more than 130 student clubs on-site, which they believe are essential for keeping students happy, as well as giving them the means to add new skills and experiences to their resumes. Bournemouth University has plenty of restaurants, bars, and retail options nearby and the location is great for those who enjoy strolls near the seaside and a pleasant and different social life.
Student composition of Bournemouth University
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Students by level of study Academic year 2020/21 - Full-time equivalent student enrollments published by Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) on 10 February 2022
- undergraduates:
- 12835
- postgraduates:
- 2450
- Total:
- 15285
Where is this programme taught



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