Forensic Science

Crime is evolving — and so are our ways of fighting it. Today, forensic specialists are the heroes of criminal investigations all around the world. It’s a subject that’s launched a thousand books, TV shows and true-crime podcasts, but there’s even more to forensics than you’ve read, heard, and seen.

From day one of this course, you’ll be working with professional experts in world-class facilities . Comb our famous crime-scene house for clues; work on case studies built from the real-world experiences of our teaching team; review your evidence in our dedicated forensics, chemistry, bioarchaeology, and ballistics labs; and present your findings in NTU’s authentic on-site courtrooms. Perform well enough, and you can even progress onto our MSci course , where you’ll graduate with a Masters-level qualification. This fun, challenging, hands-on course sits at the intersection of law, ethics, and cutting-edge science; you’ll be supported by prestigious guest speakers, placement and study-abroad opportunities, and a close-knit community of staff and students.

Forensics is a global science. Whilst it’s a dream job for crime-fighting-chemists, the professional possibilities stretch far beyond that — from food safety and biometric security, to wildlife and financial crime, to the worldwide battle against counterfeiting, smuggling, and dangerous new designer drugs.

Why study this course?

It’s accredited by the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences — the gold standard in degree-level forensic education.

We have some of the best facilities in the UK — so good, they’re used to train organisations like the HMRC, the British Transport Police, and rescue services across the East Midlands.

You’ll be learning from the experts. Our teaching team has the highest number of former and current forensic practitioners in the UK — and in 2022, four of the School of Science and Technology’s six nominees for ‘Outstanding Teaching Staff’ came from the Forensic Sciences team.

You’ll have the chance to complete a 12-month professional work placement with organisations like the fire brigade, the NHS, and even the Dutch police — an opportunity that’s created job offers for many of our students before they’ve even graduated.

Looking for an international perspective on forensic theory and practice? You can also take part in a year-long exchange programme with our partner university in Canada.

What’s the difference? BSc vs MSci

The BSc (Hons) is a three-year undergraduate course — or four years if you choose to complete a work placement. If your academic performance is strong enough over the first two years, we’ll automatically offer you a place on the MSci course.

The MSci (Hons) is a four-year course that leads to a single postgraduate qualification. The first two years are the same as the BSc course, with advanced, Masters-level study then spread across the third and fourth years.