University of West London
Forensic Science BSc (Hons)
University of West London

Key Course Facts

Student Reviews

Below you can see course specific reviews for 20 graduates of Forensic Science BSc (Hons) at University of West London for each of the survey questions in comparison to the average for all UK degree courses in .

Overall student satisfaction
78 /100
20 total respondents
The NSS is commissioned by the Office for Students

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 £25000 £19500 £26000
25-75 percentile range £20000 - £31000 £14500 - £25500 £19500 - £32000


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

Course Description

Technological advances in crime detection require highly trained forensic scientists. We aim to meet this need by giving you a thorough grounding in forensic science, incorporating biological and chemical sciences, and the process of criminal investigation.

We are ranked 1st for Forensic Science in London, 21st in the whole of the UK (The Complete University Guide 2019) and achieved 100% of overall student satisfaction (NSS 2019). In addition, all of our 2017/2018 graduates found employment or went into further study within six months of graduating. We have received educational accreditation for both of our degrees from the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences. We have achieved this by combining cutting-edge facilities with an innovative range of learning methods, including:

• Simulated case-work activities; • Crime scene practical situations; • Extensive laboratory work; • Blood pattern interpretation studies; • Court presentation scenarios.

We are proud of our crime scene room facilities allowing authentic crime scenarios, including blood pattern analysis, which are an important part of learning Forensic Science at UWL. These have been created so you can apply theoretical knowledge and evidence-gathering techniques within a practical crime scene context.

In addition we offer a range of scientific analytical equipment – including gas chromatography as well as Raman spectroscope and specialised lighting equipment for forensic examination of trace evidence (CrimeLites) which mirror the technology used in industry and forensic science research. Our course will provide you with a good grounding in forensic techniques to be able to specialise in your chosen area of forensic science and provide you with key skills to support you in a new venture. You will learn transferable skills that can be used not only in Forensic Science but in many other career pathways, including scientific, legal and business.

You will get the chance to spend time working within industry in your final year. This is a valuable opportunity, making you more attractive to potential employers, who often look for candidates with prior experience. Some students have been offered employment as a result of the experience. We pride ourselves on our personal approach. We understand that the transition to degree level can be life changing and we want to support you in every way we can. Every new student will be assigned a personal tutor, who will be able to provide dedicated support throughout your time at the university. In addition, we have an annual Forensic Science Student conference – drawing on the expertise of people in industry and forensic research. This is a good opportunity to make personal contact with potential employers.

Please also join us on our social media accounts for regular up-to-date news and inspiration in the field of Forensic Science: TWITTER: @CSIUWL FACEBOOK: “Forensic Science at UWL”

The Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences provides an accreditation system for both undergraduate and postgraduate courses in forensic science and related topics. Accreditation is given provided the course content meets with the Society's component standards which provide a quality endorsement of the course.

The Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences provides an accreditation system for both undergraduate and postgraduate courses in forensic science and related topics. Accreditation is given provided the course content meets with the Society's component standards which provide a quality endorsement of the course.

What You Will Learn

Programme content: As a student of Forensic Science, BSc (Hons) you will study the following course modules.

Level 4

Level 5

Level 6

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.

Current jobs

Required skill level of job after 15 months

Jobs of graduates of this course (15 months after graduation)

Example below based on all graduates of Forensic Science BSc (Hons) at University of West London

15% Administrative occupations
15% Protective service occupations
15% Caring personal services
15% Business and public service associate professionals
5% Sales occupations
5% Managers, directors and senior officials
5% Natural and social science professionals
5% Teaching Professionals
5% Quality and Regulatory Professionals
5% Science, engineering and technology associate professionals

Grading & Study Time

Entry Requirements / Admissions

Minimum Required UCAS Tariff

UCAS Tariff of Accepted Students for this course

Qualification requirements

Pass Access to HE Diploma (minimum of 45 credits at level 3)

GCSE (or recognised equivalent) English and Mathematics at grade C or above.

Requirements for international students / English requirements

IELTS academic test score (similar tests may be accepted as well)

    • 6.5
    • Graduate Degrees
    • 5.5
    • Undergraduate Degrees

Get advice on which foundation courses are best for you to still study Forensic Science, BSc (Hons), if you do not meet the minimum requirements in terms of UCAS score, A levels, or English language requirements.

Costs

Tuition Fees Forensic Science BSc (Hons)

England UK £9250 year 1
Northern Ireland £9250 year 1
Scotland £9250 year 1
Wales £9250 year 1
Ireland £9250 year 1
International £13250 year 1

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:

  • year 1 (Default entry point)
  • year 2
  • year 3

University Rankings

Positions of University of West London in top UK and global rankings.

See all 8 university rankings of University of West London

About University of West London

The University of West London (UWL) is a government funded university in England. West London is made up of eight distinct schools: Claude Littner Business School, London Geller College of Hospitality and Tourism, the School of Computing and Engineering, the College of Nursing, London College of Music, the School of Law and Criminology, the School of Human and Social Sciences, and the London School of Film.

Student composition of University of West London

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:
10495
postgraduates:
1615
Total:
12110
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Where is this programme taught

Ealing / Brentford
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Main site - West London
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