BSc (Hons) Forensic Science Bachelor's degree at Liverpool John Moores University
BSc (Hons) Forensic Science at LJMU. Rather than treating crime-scene investigation and laboratory analysis as theory alone, you'll move between core scientific principles, hands-on practical work, research methods, and specialist options, building the technical foundation…
About this course
Explore hundreds of undergraduate and postgraduate courses at LJMU. One course is all it takes to shape your future. Find yours and apply today. From the provider’s course page.
BSc (Hons) Forensic Science is a Bachelor's degree (BSc (Hons)) at LJMU, based in City Centre Campus. It runs 4 years, studied full-time.
For Physical sciences graduates from this provider, 87% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 56% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £24,000. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)
For the typical curriculum, specialisations, career paths and graduate earnings for Physics & Chemistry, see the sections below.
Course evidence score
The arithmetic mean of the official measures available for this course: NSS satisfaction, graduate activity and continuation.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Moderate evidence Published sample: 50; avoid reading small differences as meaningful. Cohort 2021-23. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 87% (2021-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2022-23. Continuation 85% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Curriculum & modules
Real modules published for this course, grouped only where the source gives a year, stage or level.
Foundation Year 6 modules
- Human Anatomy and PhysiologyCore20 credits
Module details
The aim of this module is to develop your knowledge and understanding of the basic structure and function of key physiological systems and metabolic processes. It will also introduce the concepts of human physiology and their inter-relationships.
- Fundamental Science SkillsCore20 credits
Module details
This module aims to provide and develop the basic skills required to successfully study a programme in the molecular bioscience areas.
- Introduction to ChemistryCore20 credits
Module details
This module covers introductory laboratory skills and fundamental physical and inorganic chemistry concepts, alongside a brief introduction to organic chemistry.
- Introduction to Biochemistry and Cell BiologyCore20 credits
Module details
This module provides an introduction to cell structure and biochemistry.
- Further ChemistryCore20 credits
Module details
This module covers fundamental organic chemistry concepts.
- Introduction to Molecular Biology and GeneticsCore20 credits
Module details
This module provides an introduction to molecular biology and genetics.
Year 1 6 modules
- Crime Scene InvestigationCore20 credits
Module details
This module introduces you to crime scene investigation so you can develop skills such as: analysis and problem-solving, written communication and team work. The basic crime scene skills of photography, note-taking, and sketching are taught along with the concept of recovery, enhancement and comparison of fingerprints.
- Forensic ScienceCore20 credits
Module details
The aim of this module is to introduce you to a wide range of scientific areas and methods used in forensic science.
- Forensic Science Research Methods 1Core20 credits
Module details
The aim of the module is to enable you to develop a range of academic, research and transferable skills such as: data handling, IT, laboratory techniques and skills related to Forensic Science.
- Forensic ChemistryCore20 credits
Module details
The aim of this module is to provide a basic knowledge of chemistry and chemical analysis important in forensic science. The course aims to provide core material in chemistry relevant to forensic analysis.
- Molecular Bioscience for Forensic SciencesCore20 credits
Module details
This module will introduce you to biomolecular science providing the building blocks for further study in this area.
- Forensic Field SkillsCore20 credits
Module details
Within this module, you will be introduced to basic legal concepts, rules of evidence handling, basic archaeological techniques and outdoor crime scene protocols.
Year 2 9 modules
- Forensic MethodsCore20 credits
Module details
This module develops practical skills in crime scene investigation and extends the knowledge of forensic analysis and concepts introduced at Level 4. You will also develop knowledge of the court system and the legal context of the discipline.
- Forensic Science Research Methods 2Core20 credits
Module details
The aim of this module is to provide you with tutorial and Personal Development Profile support, theoretical knowledge and practical experience of some key laboratory techniques and will prepare you for the Biomolecular Science Project at level 6 by the study and practice of essential research skills.
- Trace Evidence AnalysisCore20 credits
Module details
This module will provide you with a thorough knowledge of the use of microscopy in trace evidence analysis examining methodologies employed in the laboratory.
- Analytical Forensic ScienceCore20 credits
Module details
The aims of this module are to build on the theory, and provide further practical experience of the forensic analytical techniques taught in the forensic chemistry module at level 4. In addition to this, the module aims to provide more experience of interpreting different types of chromatograms and spectra and further analytical chemistry knowledge to provide background information for the chemistry based modules offered at level 6.
- Molecular ForensicsCore20 credits
Module details
The module focuses primarily on DNA techniques and their impact on forensic science. Skills developed during this module include: analysing and solving problems, teamwork, initiative, creativity, written and oral communication, numerical reasoning, personal planning and organisation, information and communication technology, as well as subject-specific skills.
- Conducting InvestigationsOptional20 credits
Module details
The module aims to develop learners' understanding of the legislative and policy framework which sets out the parameters for the investigation of criminal offences and provides the opportunity for learners to demonstrate and explain investigative procedures through the use of case studies and crime scene practicals. It will also provide an opportunity to critically explore the range of regulatory processes and professional values which inform practice, theories of team work, communication, issue
- Study Year Abroad - Forensic ScienceOptional120 credits
Module details
The aim is to provide students with an additional year of study at an approved overseas partner that will complement their programme at LJMU. This is an additional year of full-time study at an approved higher education institution. The modules to be studied must be agreed in advance, and must be appropriate for the student's programme of study. Assuming successful completion of this year, mark-bearing credit will be awarded by the University Recognition Group. The grade conversion scale to be u
- Sandwich Year - Forensic ScienceOptional120 credits
Module details
The aim is to provide students with an extended period of work experience at an approved partner that will complement their programme of study at LJMU. This will give students the opportunity to develop professional skills relevant to their programme of study as well as the attitude and behaviours necessary for employment in a diverse and changing environment. This extended placement forms a key part of a sandwich degree. There is an expectation that a minimum of 1200 hours will be spent in the
- Forensic Human IdentificationOptional20 credits
Module details
Within this module, you will examine the causes and extent of genetic and phenotypic variation in modern human populations and also examine the methods used to reconstruct life patterns and individual identification from skeletal remains.
Year 3 7 modules
- Advanced Forensic MethodsCore20 credits
Module details
The aim of this module is to provide you with thorough knowledge of advanced types of crime scene investigation and to introduce new and novel research in forensic science and to be able to use advanced statistical methods for evaluating forensic evidence.
- Expert WitnessCore20 credits
Module details
This module looks at forensic science and related professions and the role of the expert witness. The aim of this module is to develop knowledge and practical experience of the role of an expert witness within the context of Forensic Science.
- Forensic Science Research ProjectCore40 credits
Module details
This module is for students to investigate a research topic and then present their findings both in writing and orally.
- Modern Technology in Forensic ScienceOptional20 credits
Module details
The aim of this module is to provide technical and theoretical knowledge and the practical skills relating to state of the art modern technologies as applied to forensic science. Typical content will include current and emerging forensic technologies such as photography, audio, cybercrime, and drone surveillance.
- Forensic BioscienceOptional20 credits
Module details
Within this module, students will learn about the applications of biological techniques in forensic science and be able to review how biological evidence contributes to a wide range of crime investigations. Students will develop important skills relating to good forensic practice at a crime scene, in the laboratory, and during evidence interpretation, and gain direct experience of the reporting methods used by expert witnesses.
- Drug Analysis and ToxicologyOptional20 credits
Module details
Within this module, you will develop knowledge and practical experience of toxicological and controlled drug analysis within the context of forensic science.
- Forensic Anthropological GeneticsOptional20 credits
Module details
This module will explore the uses of genetic techniques in the field of forensic science and anthropology from a theoretical and practical perspective. It also focuses on DNA techniques in the fields of Forensic Science and Forensic Anthropology.
Source: provider course page. Modules can change; required/optional status, credits, descriptions and assessment are shown only when explicitly published.
Course in depth
What this course covers, who it suits and where it leads.
What you'll study
You'll study the theory and practice of forensic science applied to criminal investigation. A course like this typically moves from core physics and chemistry foundations, mechanics, matter, energy, atomic structure and bonding, through to specialist forensic techniques in Years 2 and 3. You'll usually develop laboratory skills from your first year, learning measurement, uncertainty and scientific writing, then progress to advanced experiments and scientific computing. In the latter years, you'll encounter research-level topics taught by active researchers, choose specialisations such as materials science, medicinal chemistry, computational methods or a research placement, and undertake a supervised investigation project. Mathematics for scientists underpins the programme throughout.
Who it's for
You're suited to this course if you're drawn to investigative work and comfortable with rigorous science, chemistry, evidence analysis, data interpretation. You'll thrive if you enjoy moving between laboratory work and problem-solving under real-world constraints. This degree is absorbing; it demands sustained focus on detail and careful reasoning. It's for people who want to apply science meaningfully rather than study it in isolation, and who see forensic investigation as a genuine career direction.
Careers & job market
Across Physics and Chemistry graduates nationally, 85% are in work or further study within 15 months of graduating. Of working graduates, 75% are in highly skilled roles or pursuing further study. National graduate earnings data shows starting salaries typically range from £26,500 to £34,000 at 15 months post-graduation. After five years, earnings are usually between £30,600 and £43,200. Forensic roles exist in police services, private forensic consultancies, and research institutions, though competition is common and local or regional employment patterns vary.
University & format
Liverpool John Moores University is a public university founded in 1823, located on the City Centre Campus. This BSc (Hons) Forensic Science degree is studied full-time over 4 years and taught in English. The university is a recognised UK degree-awarding body, so your degree will be nationally recognised. It holds a Silver award for teaching quality in the Office for Students' TEF 2023.
Student satisfaction
How students on this course answered the National Student Survey, by theme.
Share of students responding positively.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Applicant information
The next application dates for this course, followed by facts the provider publishes.
- 2027 entryCompleted applications can be submitted
Your application needs a reference before you can send it.
- 2026 entryFinal date for 2026 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2026 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
- 2027 entryEqual-consideration deadline
18:00 UK time for most undergraduate courses.
Show 5 later dates
- 2027 entryUCAS Extra opens
Applicants who used all five choices and hold no offer may be able to add another choice.
- 2027 entryLast day applications go directly to providers
Applications received after 18:00 UK time are entered into Clearing.
- 2027 entryClearing opens
Eligible applicants can see vacancies and release themselves into Clearing.
- 2027 entryFinal date for 2027 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2027 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
Placement year. Availability, selection and pay can vary.
See and book current events. Dates can fill or change.
Entry & how to get in
Who gets in
What recently admitted students actually held, official admissions data, not a stated requirement.
UCAS tariff of entrants
Grades are the A-level equivalent of each points band. Tap a band to check your own chances below.
Qualifications held on entry
| Qualification | Share |
|---|---|
| A-levels or equivalent | 100% |
Entry & your chances
An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.
Accepted students came in with a broad spread of qualifications and UCAS points. If you're worried about grades, this course has historically taken a wide range, and contextual offers may apply.
Will you get in? Plot your grades
Pick your predicted A-levels and watch your UCAS points land on the real spread of students admitted to this course.
Each bar is the share of admitted students in that UCAS-points band (lower → higher). Grades show the A-level equivalent.
Based on the official admitted-student tariff distribution. Many universities make contextual (reduced-grade) offers, so a result below the range doesn’t rule you out.
How to apply
Undergraduate applications go through UCAS. Here’s what matters for this course, the right deadline, the grades to aim for, and the steps in order.
- 1Register on UCAS Hub
Create your UCAS application and add this course. One application covers up to five choices.
- 2Write your personal statement
A single statement covers all your choices, so keep it broad enough for similar courses while showing genuine interest in this subject.
- 3Submit by 13 January 2027, 18:00 UK time
UCAS equal-consideration deadline for most undergraduate courses. Source: UCAS 2027 dates.
- 4Reply to your offers
When decisions are in, pick a firm (first) choice and an insurance (back-up) choice with slightly lower grades.
- 5Results day & confirmation
On results day (mid-August) your place is confirmed if you meet the offer. Just missed? Talk to the university, or find a place through Clearing.
Fees & funding
What this course costs and how UK student finance covers it.
Tuition per year
Standard capped home fee at English providers (2026/27); Scotland, Wales & NI differ.
Check fees at LJMU →For students who normally live in England
2026/27 Student Finance England figures. Maintenance support is means-tested and this two-point view is not an entitlement calculator. The course total uses its published length and home fee where both are available; a missing full-time fee uses the clearly labelled England-cap scenario, while part-time fees and unknown lengths are never guessed. Use the official calculator. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland use separate systems: SAAS, Student Finance Wales, and Student Finance NI.
Starting on or after 1 January 2027?
The Lifelong Learning Entitlement is a separate system. A new learner’s tuition entitlement is currently stated as £39,160 (about 480 credits at 2026/27 fee levels), subject to prior study and eligibility. Check the official LLE guide.
Paying for it
- Tuition Fee Loan: can cover eligible tuition up to the applicable limit and is paid straight to the provider.
- Maintenance Loan: up to £10,830/yr away from home outside London (England, 2026/27), means-tested on household income.
- Repayment: 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below it; written off after 40 years.
- Earn alongside: most students work part-time in term, part-time roles on the StudySmarter job board.
England figures shown; Scotland, Wales & NI run their own schemes, check gov.uk.
Scholarships & bursaries you could qualify for
That does not mean no funding exists. Check the university directory for current amounts, eligibility and application dates.
We only display a named award when its provider source identifies the award and who it is for.
Still deciding what to study?
StudyKit brings course choice, applications and funding together in one place, with a personal AI assistant. Find what really fits you and start your UCAS application step by step.
Careers & earnings
What Physics & Chemistry graduates actually earn, from real outcome data, 15 months, 3 years and 5 years after graduating.
Graduate earnings: this course
| When | Median | Typical range | Graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 months after | £24,000 | £22,500 – £27,500 | 50 |
| 3 years after | £23,000 | £19,000 – £26,500 | 130 |
| 5 years after | £27,500 | £23,500 – £31,500 | 120 |
Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Moderate evidence. Published sample: 50; avoid reading small differences as meaningful. Cohort 2021-23.
Graduate outcomes, 15 months on: this course
- 1Graduate roleFirst role after the degree · 0–2 yrs
- 2Specialist / PractitionerWorking in physics & chemistry · 2–5 yrs
- 3Senior / LeadLeading work and people · 5–10 yrs
- 4Head of / ExpertSenior leadership or deep expertise · 10+ yrs
How pay grows: this course vs Physics & Chemistry nationally
National figures for Physics & Chemistry graduates, HESA Graduate Outcomes (15 months) and the Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) dataset (3 & 5 years). These are national, not university-specific; actual pay varies by employer, region, role and experience. Different cohorts, so the bars are not one group over time.
Work out your pay
Headline figures hide a lot. Calculate realistic take-home pay for this field by role, region and experience, then check your CV before you apply.
What happened to 100 students?
Choose an outcome to translate the published percentage into a simple 100-person view. Each dot represents one percentage point, not an individual tracked student.
were in work or further study
15 months after graduation
Source: Discover Uni, using Graduate Outcomes and continuation data. Cohorts: 2021-23. Moderate evidence. Published sample: 50; avoid reading small differences as meaningful. Cohort 2021-23. Each tab is a separate published measure; categories can overlap and should not be added together.
Value compared with similar courses
How this course’s 5-year median earnings compare with Physics & Chemistry courses at the same study level.
Compared with 886 courses with compatible official earnings data. This is a course-value comparison, not a quality ranking.
UK occupations graduates enter
Published graduate destinations, joined conservatively to UK SOC 2020, ONS pay and Skills England demand.
- Science, engineering and technology associate professionalsSOC 2020 31 · 13% of published destinations · ASHE median £34,828
Discover Uni JOBLIST/JOBTYPE; ONS ASHE 2025 provisional, all employee jobs; Skills England Occupations in Demand 2025. SOC is shown only for an exact normalised label match; demand is shown only at exact four-digit SOC. Published sample: 230; response rate: 51%. Pay describes the occupation across workers, not a guaranteed graduate salary.
Job market & outlook
How Physics & Chemistry graduates fare in the labour market, and how AI is reshaping the work.
How AI is changing the work
AI doesn't replace the profession, it shifts it: routine tasks get automated, while judgement, working with people and using AI well become more valuable.
What AI takes off your plate
- Routine information gathering
- First-draft writing and summaries
- Standard analysis and admin
- Repetitive processing tasks
More human than ever
- Judgement and original thinking
- Working with and leading people
- Owning and sense-checking AI output
- Ethics and accountability
The strongest graduates pair subject depth with the ability to use AI tools critically.
Roles & employers
Where Physics & Chemistry graduates typically go, indicative destinations from graduate career data. Each role links to live openings on the StudySmarter job board.
Roles graduates go into
Where they work
- Research institutes
- Energy & manufacturing
- Universities
- Government labs
Jobs after this course
Current roles from the StudySmarter job board that suit Physics & Chemistry graduates.
Physics Content Developer for AI-Enhanced LearningUp LearnPhysics PhD, Quantum Data Scientist for AIObsidianPhysics Academic MentorRibbons and Reeves LimitedPhysics TechnicianSapientia Education TrustPhysics Academic Mentor17918Physics Teachers in Calderdale and KirkleesCV-LibraryIs this course right for you?
The essentials UK applicants ask about: finance, outcomes, entry and quality.
Student finance
For comparison, the standard full-time England tuition cap is up to £9,790 per year in 2026/27; the actual fee varies by course and provider. If you normally live in England, eligible students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan, plus a Maintenance Loan for living costs. Under Plan 5 you repay 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below that, and the balance is written off after 40 years.
Where graduates go
87% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with a median salary of £24,000. See the full breakdown in Careers & earnings above.
Your entry chances
Use the UCAS points calculator above to see how your predicted grades compare with admitted students, and whether a contextual offer could apply.
Official-data snapshot
Averaging the official measures published for it, this course scores 8.5 out of 10: NSS 83.4% · in work or study 87% · continued 85%.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
Liverpool John Moores University
Physical sciences across the UK
HESA student record 2024/25. Counts are rounded.
Local crime-data context
A neutral snapshot around the published teaching location.
Around City Centre Campus
5,301 street-level reports returned within roughly one mile across 2026-04 to 2026-06.
Police.uk street-level API. Approximate locations, not confined to campus. England, Wales and Northern Ireland; not Scotland.
Is Physics & Chemistry right for you?
Tick what applies to you and see how good a fit it is.
International students
What applying to LJMU from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is set per course by LJMU; international fees are typically £12,000–£30,000/year for classroom subjects and higher for lab/clinical ones. You’re not eligible for UK Tuition Fee or Maintenance Loans, so plan for fees plus living costs upfront.
English language
Most UK undergraduate courses ask for around IELTS 6.0–6.5 (no band below 5.5–6.0), or an accepted equivalent. If you’re just short, most universities run a pre-sessional English course that counts towards the requirement.
Student visa
You’ll usually need a Student visa (Student Route). After you accept an offer the university issues a CAS; you then show funds for fees plus about £1,023–£1,334/month living costs and pay the Immigration Health Surcharge for NHS access.
Scholarships & funding
Many universities offer international/global scholarships (often £2,000–£6,000/yr), check LJMU’s funding pages.
Living costs
Budget roughly £1,100–£1,400/month outside London and £1,400–£1,800/month in London for rent, food and travel; the figure also matters for your visa.
Working while you study
A Student visa usually allows up to 20 hours/week in term time and full-time in holidays, useful alongside study, though not something to rely on for fees.
Visa rules and fees change. Always confirm the current requirements with LJMU and gov.uk before you apply.
Related courses
More at LJMU
Common questions
How competitive is entry?
What are the entry requirements?
What do graduates go on to do?
What will it cost me?
Request information about BSc (Hons) Forensic Science
Prospectus, key dates, entry and funding, free to your inbox.