Forensic Science

Forensic Science brings science to the heart of justice, using cutting-edge techniques to recover, analyse, and present evidence. If you enjoy solving scientific problems, working with advanced technology, and gaining real-world skills, this course could be your perfect fit.

Choose between our three-year BSc or four-year integrated MSci pathway to tailor your learning to your career aspirations.

In year one, you will build a strong foundation in chemistry, biology, and forensic techniques. Learn crime scene analysis, forensic photography, and essential skills in our Essentials of Forensic Investigations module.

In year two, you'll explore forensic applications with topics such as drugs, trace evidence, and the legal system through modules like Bodies, Tissues, and Fluids and Issues in Criminal Justice.

In year three, you'll dive deeper into real-world forensic science with DNA Profiling, Fire and Toxicology, and Forensic Case Studies. Conduct independent research to enhance your expertise.

In year four (MSci only), you'll specialise in Forensic Biology, Forensic Chemistry, or Criminalistics, with master’s-level projects and advanced modules tailored to your career ambitions.
Key features

- Top 10 for Forensic Science: Our BSc (Hons) Forensic Science course is ranked 7th best in the UK by The Guardian University Guide 2025.

- Our forensic science courses are designed in collaboration with Leicestershire Police so they are relevant to current practice and standards.

- The BSc course is professionally accredited by The Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences ensuring your teaching and learning is to a high standard.

- You will have lots of opportunity to develop your practical and professional skills in our crime scene house, crime studio, crown court and our excellent forensic science laboratory facilities.

- Our strong links with industry mean you’ll not only develop practical and professional skills, but may also be offered the opportunity to apply them to real-world scenarios by spending a year on placement.

- Our teaching is delivered by a team of expert academics and former practitioners, including Leisa Nichols-Drew, who was awarded a prestigious Churchill Fellowship to help her to develop her work exploring international approaches to the forensic investigation of knife crime.

- Global experience: Gain unique insights with DMU Global, from uncovering evidence of human rights abuses in Guatemala to attending the New York Supreme Court.

- Our graduates have gone on to work for world-leading employers including the Home Office, Forensic Science Regulator, Defence Science and Technology Laboratory, GCHQ, National Crime Agency, Eurofins, Cellmark Forensics, Key Forensic Services, Astra Zeneca, GlaxoSmithKline, Merck, Reckitt Benckiser, 3M and many others.

- Our MSci course has been developed to extend your learning beyond the BSc Forensic Science programme, and will allow you to specialise, focusing your studies towards one of three subject areas (Forensic Biology, Forensic Chemistry, Criminalistics); helping you to develop more advanced and in-depth knowledge aligned to your career aspirations.