Key Facts
About the course
This course focuses on developing students’ knowledge and skills in both Forensic Science and Criminology. Forensic Science units will enable you to gain theoretical knowledge and understanding , and the practical experience in crime scene investigation and laboratory based examination.
You will have the ability to evaluate and communicate your findings both written and orally. In the Criminology units you will explore and gain n understanding of how data can be analysed to identify and predict factors that may cause individuals to commit crime. You will also explore the roles of the Police, forensic science and the criminal justice system, in the prevention, deterrence and punishment of criminal behaviour.
Studying both Criminology and Forensic Science together will offer you the opportunity to for employment or further study both within the area of forensic science and wider criminal justice sector.
Our taught courses build on the established research expertise of staff in various areas within the subject areas of Life Sciences.
Why choose this course?
- During the course you will learn to demonstrate confident familiarity with core knowledge of biological science and chemistry applied to forensic science, including current topics at the forefront of forensic science.
- You will become aware of the importance of processing, recording, preservation, recovery and scientific analysis, and the roles they play in the continuity of evidence collection and contamination prevention at the crime scene and within the laboratory.
- Analyse data and situations, without guidance using techniques appropriate to criminological, biological and forensic science contexts.
- You'll be critically reviewing biological and criminological information and data supporting conclusions, including reliability of the data, validity and significance.
- You'll access and evaluate bioscience and criminological information from a variety of sources and communicate the principles both orally and in writing (e.g.essays, laboratory reports) in a way that is well-organised, topical and recognises the limits of current hypotheses.
Unit Information - What will I learn?
Units
- Chemistry And Molecular Genetics (BHS006-1) Compulsory
- Essential Skills In Forensic Science (BHS005-1) Compulsory
- Human Anatomy And Physiology (BHS004-1) Compulsory
- Introduction To Criminology And The Criminal Justice System (ASS073-1) Compulsory
- Corporate And Organised Crime (ASS056-2) Compulsory
- Forensic Biology (BHS005-2) Compulsory
- Policing: Issues, Challenges And Debates (ASS095-2) Compulsory
- Skills And Crimes Against Property (BHS011-2) Compulsory
- Theorising Crime, Punishment And Justice (ASS100-2) Compulsory
- Forensic Analysis (BHS039-3) Compulsory
- Interpretation And Presentation Of Evidence (BHS038-3) Compulsory
- Issues In Crime And Justice (ASS107-3) Compulsory
How will I be assessed?
Assessment is integral in all units to check that you have met the threshold standards expected to pass each unit. They are also linked to learning and are designed to develop and assess key subject specific and transferable skills for future employment. The requirements of each assessment will be detailed in a formal assessment brief document and discussed in teaching sessions. Formative assessment activities including preparation for the end-of-unit examinations are integral to the unit delivery to support student learning and development. The assessment tasks will include: - End of unit examination (unseen written or multi-choice examinations); - Written reports; - Witness statements; - Analytical assignments - Case study-based learning, with written reports or poster presentation of findings; - Record keeping and reflection through laboratory notebook / research diary; - Literature review; - Enterprise proposal; - Mock court presentation; - Webinar production; and Oral presentation. The Universitys commitment to development of practical skills and the ability to communicate and interpret data through scientific report writing is emphasised at all levels of the programme. As such, practical (laboratory) reports form a significant proportion of your assessment. Assessment throughout the later units, most notably in the level 6 research project, will call upon you to develop abstract writing and journal review skills to promote critical thinking and integration of knowledge across the course units. The importance of oral communication skills is also acknowledged, as some units in level 5 of the award require all students to undertake oral presentations as a part of the unit assessments. This is then continued in level 6 units.
Entry Requirements
We will consider you as an individual and take into account all elements of your application, not just your qualifications. We are looking for breadth and depth in your current studies and enthusiasm for the subject you wish to study.
UCAS Tariff Points
- At least 80 points with 64 points from 2 A level passes at C or above
- At least 80 points with 64 from Merit Merit in two BTEC Subsidiary Diplomas or one BTEC Diploma
- At least 80 points with Merit Merit Pass in the BTEC Extended Diploma
- A completed Access to Higher Education Diploma Equivalent qualifications such as Irish Leaving Certificate, OCR Nationals, International Baccalaureate and CACHE Level 3 awards.
You can work out how many UCAS points your qualifications are worth with the UCAS tariff calculator
Contact the Admissions Team for additional guidance on whether the qualifications you currently hold or are taking would be suitable for entry.
T: +44 (0)1582 743500
E: admission@beds.ac.uk
As a general guide, to apply for a place on an undergraduate course (BA/BSc) at the University you need to have completed your high school education and have the required English qualification.
We have students from all the European Union member countries so we are quick to make decisions on most qualifications. See your country page for more details
Check Your Country page to confirm that your local qualifications are suitable or contact your International Admissions Team
Entry Requirements
UK
We will consider you as an individual and take into account all elements of your application, not just your qualifications. We are looking for breadth and depth in your current studies and enthusiasm for the subject you wish to study.
UCAS Tariff Points
- At least 80 points with 64 points from 2 A level passes at C or above
- At least 80 points with 64 from Merit Merit in two BTEC Subsidiary Diplomas or one BTEC Diploma
- At least 80 points with Merit Merit Pass in the BTEC Extended Diploma
- A completed Access to Higher Education Diploma Equivalent qualifications such as Irish Leaving Certificate, OCR Nationals, International Baccalaureate and CACHE Level 3 awards.
You can work out how many UCAS points your qualifications are worth with the UCAS tariff calculator
Contact the Admissions Team for additional guidance on whether the qualifications you currently hold or are taking would be suitable for entry.
T: +44 (0)1582 743500
E: admission@beds.ac.uk
EU
As a general guide, to apply for a place on an undergraduate course (BA/BSc) at the University you need to have completed your high school education and have the required English qualification.
We have students from all the European Union member countries so we are quick to make decisions on most qualifications. See your country page for more details
International
Check Your Country page to confirm that your local qualifications are suitable or contact your International Admissions Team
How will this course improve my career prospects?
As a graduate you will possess the knowledge and skills for subject-related employment, such as in a forensic laboratory, the police, probation and prison service, as well as non-subject-related employment in a wider range of careers within academic or government research, the biotechnology industry, social work or education.
Fees and Funding
The full-time standard undergraduate tuition fee for the Academic Year 2020/21 is £9,250 per year. You can apply for a loan from the Government to help pay for your tuition fees. You can also apply for a maintenance loan from the Government to help cover your living costs.
See www.gov.uk/student-finance
The University of Bedfordshire offers a number of scholarships and bursaries to help you finance your studies.
See www.beds.ac.uk/scholarships
The University reserves the right to increase tuition fees by no more than inflation.
Alternatively if you have any questions around fees and funding, please email admission@beds.ac.uk
The full-time standard undergraduate tuition fee for the Academic Year 2020/21 is £9,250 per year.
The University of Bedfordshire offers a number of scholarships and bursaries to help you finance your studies.
See www.beds.ac.uk/scholarships
The University reserves the right to increase tuition fees by no more than inflation.
The full-time standard undergraduate tuition fee for the academic year 2020/21 is £12,350 per year. A prompt payment discount is available if you pay the full Year 1 fee before or at registration. There are also special scholarships available.
The University reserves the right to increase tuition fees by no more than inflation.
Fees and Funding
UK
The full-time standard undergraduate tuition fee for the Academic Year 2020/21 is £9,250 per year. You can apply for a loan from the Government to help pay for your tuition fees. You can also apply for a maintenance loan from the Government to help cover your living costs.
See www.gov.uk/student-finance
The University of Bedfordshire offers a number of scholarships and bursaries to help you finance your studies.
See www.beds.ac.uk/scholarships
The University reserves the right to increase tuition fees by no more than inflation.
Alternatively if you have any questions around fees and funding, please email admission@beds.ac.uk
EU
The full-time standard undergraduate tuition fee for the Academic Year 2020/21 is £9,250 per year.
The University of Bedfordshire offers a number of scholarships and bursaries to help you finance your studies.
See www.beds.ac.uk/scholarships
The University reserves the right to increase tuition fees by no more than inflation.
International
The full-time standard undergraduate tuition fee for the academic year 2020/21 is £12,350 per year. A prompt payment discount is available if you pay the full Year 1 fee before or at registration. There are also special scholarships available.
The University reserves the right to increase tuition fees by no more than inflation.
Extra Costs
Luton Campus Centre
The Campus Centre brings together all our student services under one roof including the Students’ Union and spaces to eat, drink, relax and learn.
There's a large central lecture theatre as well as a range of study rooms & breakout spaces on the upper floors.
Luton Campus Library
The library is a modern 9-storey building dedicated to study and learning.
As well as traditional library provisions it offers individual and group study spaces, a cafeteria on the ground floor and a ‘Study Hub’ offering guidance and workshops on academic writing and research skills to ensure all Bedfordshire students get the help they need to succeed in their studies.
Beds SU
When you join the University of Bedfordshire, you don't just join the university - you also become a member of Bedfordshire Students' Union (Beds SU)!
Beds SU is led by four Student Officers - a President and three Vice Presidents - who are elected annually by University of Bedfordshire students to lead the Students' Union.
We are here to help every student at the University of Bedfordshire get the most out of their university experience. We campaign on issues that you care about, as well as provide lots of opportunities for you to meet new people, develop your skills, campaign for change and try something new.
Aspire Gym
The Aspire Gym has state of the art cardiovascular equipment with smart phone compatibility. There is also an extensive range of fixed resistance machines and a small free weights area.
Changing rooms with showers and lockers are available for members to use.
Luton Campus Accommodation
The University guarantees accommodation to all new students. Fitzroy Court and Wenlock Court, the two main halls of residence, are located on campus so getting to lectures, shopping in town and participating in events and activities is easy.
STEM building
The STEM building is home to courses in the subject areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
Opened in Autumn 2019, its cutting edge facilities provides four computer laboratories; workshops for subjects such as automotive engineering, cyber-security and robotics, along with three large teaching labs, and four specialist containment labs.
How to Apply
Application for most full-time undergraduate and foundation courses is via the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).
We expect to receive UCAS applications between 1 September and 15 January for courses starting in the following academic year, but may consider applications received after this date should places be available.
Please contact admission@beds.ac.uk for further details.
All UK schools and colleges are registered with UCAS to manage their students' applications. Advice on how to submit your UCAS application is available from your school or college.
If you are not at school or college (including mature students) you should apply independently via UCAS
EU students applying for a full-time undergraduate degree at the University of Bedfordshire should apply via UCAS or direct using our admissions form
International students applying for a full-time undergraduate degree at the University of Bedfordshire should apply direct using our admissions form or via our representatives in your home country
You can also apply online
Find out more about how to apply as an International student
How to Apply
UK
Application for most full-time undergraduate and foundation courses is via the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).
We expect to receive UCAS applications between 1 September and 15 January for courses starting in the following academic year, but may consider applications received after this date should places be available.
Please contact admission@beds.ac.uk for further details.
All UK schools and colleges are registered with UCAS to manage their students' applications. Advice on how to submit your UCAS application is available from your school or college.
If you are not at school or college (including mature students) you should apply independently via UCAS
EU
EU students applying for a full-time undergraduate degree at the University of Bedfordshire should apply via UCAS or direct using our admissions form
International
International students applying for a full-time undergraduate degree at the University of Bedfordshire should apply direct using our admissions form or via our representatives in your home country
You can also apply online
Find out more about how to apply as an International student
