This Forensic Science degree focuses on the processing and analysis of physical evidence from crime scenes, and includes a placement sandwich year in industry.

The course emphasises the application of science - in particular analytical chemistry - and stresses the importance of quality assurance procedures in a forensic setting.

A characteristic of the University of Bradford's approach is the integration of practical skills training within a good theoretical framework – whether in terms of crime scene investigation, the collection, examination and interpretation of physical evidence, laboratory processing and analysis.

The course provides you with a sound knowledge of how scientific techniques can be used within forensic investigations, and allows you to explore a challenging area of applied science. You will develop into a professional with the scientific skills to work within areas such as crime scene investigation, forensic science and related laboratory areas.

Throughout your degree you will acquire skills that will be useful in whatever profession you choose to follow.  These include project and time management, critical review and analytical thinking, presentational skills, computer and other applied IT skills and the management of data.  These will be taught, practised and assessed. 

Bradford was the first university in the UK to offer a forensics science degree, and we continue to develop the programme to ensure that it is up-to-date with the requirements of the forensics sector.

As such, we have refocused the forensics degree to offer a solid understanding of fundamental chemistry in stages 2 and 3, with a focused final year dedicated to the application of forensic science.

Crime scene techniques are taught in our dedicated crime scene facility, with analysis of evidence supported by a forensics laboratory and the University’s Centre for Chemical and Structural Analysis.

The interdisciplinary nature of our research at Bradford means we can call upon expertise from our colleagues in archaeology who use forensics science techniques to study human remains, such as the Llullaillaco Maiden, discovered in 1999.

Professional accreditation

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

Sandwich 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.

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, or other information services.