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UWE Bristol · Undergraduate
BSc (Hons) Forensic Science Bachelor's degree at UWE Bristol
BSc (Hons) Forensic Science at UWE Bristol. You'll develop competence in core theory, research methods and applied practice, with space for specialist options, an independent project and professional skills development.
BSc (Hons)
Award
4
Years
Full-time
Study mode
100%
in work/study (15m)
About this course
BSc(Hons) Forensic Science (with Foundation Year) provides a compelling mix of academic knowledge, practical experience and professional accreditation. From the provider’s course page.
BSc (Hons) Forensic Science is a Bachelor's degree (BSc (Hons)) at UWE Bristol, based in University of the West of England. It runs 4 years, studied full-time.
For Forensic and archaeological sciences graduates from this provider, 100% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 25% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £25,500. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)
For the typical curriculum, specialisations, career paths and graduate earnings for History, see the sections below.
Course evidence score
The arithmetic mean of the official measures available for this course: NSS satisfaction, graduate activity and continuation.
8.9
/ 10
Excellent
3 of 3 official measures
Student satisfaction
What students say in the National Student Survey
Excellent86
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)
Graduate outcomes
In work or further study 15 months after graduating
Exceptional100
Limited evidence Published sample: 20; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2021-23. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 100% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Continuation
Students who continue past their first year
Excellent80
Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2022-23. Continuation 80% (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.
Year 0 4 modules
- Biology in Practice
Module details
You'll gain essential skills including data analysis, use of academic texts, independent and group working and the communication of science through lab reports and assessments. You'll learn practical techniques used in the lab and the field.
- Chemistry in Practice
Module details
You'll cover core chemical principals, theories and calculations, along with key practical techniques and procedures used in a chemistry laboratory. You'll also learn fundamental scientific skills including data analysis and confidence in mathematics.
- Skills for Science
Module details
You'll cover the physical principles underlying various aspects of science relevant to your future studies and the mathematical skills that are necessary to understand and solve scientific problems.
- Investigating and Communicating Science
Module details
You'll develop your understanding of essential concepts of science theory, practice and communication and develop a toolkit of skills for degree-level study.
Year 1 4 modules
- Chemistry in Context
Module details
You'll examine the role of chemistry in understanding aspects of the forensic, analytical and physical sciences, with particular emphasis on drugs and toxicology.
- Human Biological Systems
Module details
You'll examine the fundamentals of human biology, in particular the molecular events that occur at a cellular level and how these affect the function of tissues, organs, and systems.
- Scientific Investigation of Crime
Module details
You'll be introduced to crime scene investigation and the recovery, examination and analysis in the laboratory of a range of common forensic evidence.
- Scientific Skills
Module details
In this module you'll learn basic analytical skills in chemistry, mathematics and statistics that underpin forensic science and will enable you to analyse forensic data.
Year 2 7 modules
- Forensic Analysis
Module details
You'll build on previous learning through the introduction of laboratory techniques, gaining in-depth knowledge and practical experience in the analysis of recovered forensic evidence, in accordance with professional guidelines.
- Research and Practice in Forensic Science
Module details
You'll gain an overview of the scientific research process, from developing research questions to designing and implementing projects. You'll explore how scientific research is funded and discover how research outputs are used to engage with the wider scientific community.
- Law and Expert Evidence
Module details
You'll examine the diverse applications of forensic science to criminal justice systems and contemporary issues, developing your understanding of the impact of relevant legislation and criminal justice procedures within the UK and internationally on forensic science practice.
- Principles of Toxicology
Module details
You'll gain the practical skills and theoretical knowledge to assess the toxic effects on the human body of exogeneous compounds relevant to forensic science.
- Instrumental Analytical Science and GeneticsOptional
- Instrumental Analytical Science and Medicinal ChemistryOptional
- Forensic Biology and GeneticsOptional
Year 3 (Placement) 1 modules
- Professional Practice in Applied Sciences
Final year 9 modules
- Crime Scene to Court
Module details
You will investigate a crime scene, design your own programme of work to analyse all associated evidence in the lab, and then present on that evidence as an expert witness in the courtroom.
- Research Dissertation Project
Module details
You'll undertake an independent research project under the guidance of an academic supervisor, developing your skills and knowledge in contemporary scientific research.
- Forensic Analysis and ToxicologyOptional
- Advanced Crime Scene ScienceOptional
- Excavation and Examination of Human RemainsOptional
- Foundations of Forensic PsychologyOptional
- Pharmacology and ToxicologyOptional
- Science CommunicationOptional
- Environmental ForensicsOptional
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
This degree combines academic rigour with practical experience and professional accreditation in forensic science. You'll usually start with foundational modules covering scientific principles and investigative techniques, moving through core forensic specialisms such as analytical chemistry, toxicology, trace evidence examination and crime scene management. As you progress, you'll develop practical laboratory skills and learn how evidence is gathered, preserved and interpreted in real-world investigations. Later years typically allow you to specialise in areas of particular interest whilst building towards a substantial independent research project. The course emphasises both the science underpinning forensic work and its application within the criminal justice system.
Who it's for
You're interested in the science behind criminal investigation and how evidence is collected, analysed and presented. You're a capable student with strong attention to detail, comfortable with both laboratory work and written analysis. You enjoy problem-solving and understanding how scientific principles apply to real-world scenarios. This course involves hands-on practical work, independent study and project-based learning, so you should be prepared to work both in structured lab sessions and independently. You're considering forensic science as a career direction or as a foundation for related specialisations in science and investigation.
University & format
UWE Bristol is a public university founded in 1970, based in Bristol. This BSc (Hons) Forensic Science is studied full-time over 4 years and is taught in English. The degree is a nationally recognised UK qualification. The course carries professional accreditation and recognition within the forensic science field. The university received a Silver award for teaching quality in the Office for Students' Teaching Excellence Framework 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.
Application timelineWhat happens next
- 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.
Published entry56 tariff points typical offer · English: IELTS (Academic) 6.0 with 5.5 in each component
Provider-published requirement; check the linked course page before applying.
Contextual offersPublished by this provider
The provider publishes contextual-offer information. Eligibility and any reduced offer are applicant-specific.
PlacementPublished placement option
Placement year. Availability, selection and pay can vary.
Entry & how to get in
Typical offer (from the provider)The university’s course page lists a typical A-level offer of 56 tariff points. Always check the provider for the current offer and subject requirements.
English languageThis course lists IELTS (Academic) 6.0 with 5.5 in each component (or equivalent). See the International students section below for the full picture.
Most entrants held A-levels or equivalent95% of accepted students came in with A-levels or equivalent (entrants over recent years).
Typical UCAS tariff: 64 - 79 pointsThe most common UCAS tariff band among accepted students. This is what entrants had, not a stated requirement.
Entry requirements are set by the universityGrades, subjects and contextual offers vary. Check UWE Bristol's official course page for the current offer.
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 | 95% |
| an Access course | 5% |
Entry & your chances
An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.
Accessible entry
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.
Your UCAS points0
▾
Each bar is the share of admitted students in that UCAS-points band (lower → higher). Grades show the A-level equivalent.
Add your grades to see where you land
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.
Apply by13 January 2027, 18:00 UK timefor this course
Typical gradesDDDA-level equivalent admitted students held
- 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.
💡 Many universities make a contextual (reduced-grade) offer, for example based on your school’s results, time in care, or where you live. Ask UWE Bristol whether you’re eligible before you apply; it can lower the grades you need.
Fees & funding
What this course costs and how UK student finance covers it.
Tuition per year
Homeup to £9,790 / yr
Internationalset by the university
Standard capped home fee at English providers (2026/27); Scotland, Wales & NI differ.
Check fees at UWE Bristol →For students who normally live in England
illustrative Maintenance Loan per year
£9,790tuition used per year, illustrative full-time England fee-cap scenario
illustrative borrowing over 4 years
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.
Funding matched to this course
All UWE Bristol funding →Scholarships & bursaries you could qualify for
Named awards published by the university. Compare the eligibility and application route before budgeting for one.
Amounts, exclusions and deadlines can change. An award is not guaranteed unless the university confirms it.
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Career quizApplication walkthroughSalary & CV check
Careers & earnings
What History 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 | £25,500 | £23,000 – £28,000 | 20 |
| 3 years after | £22,500 | £19,500 – £27,000 | 55 |
| 5 years after | £27,500 | £22,500 – £33,000 | 60 |
Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Limited evidence. Published sample: 20; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2021-23.
Graduate outcomes, 15 months on: this course
100%
in work or further study 15 months on
25%
in highly skilled work or study
80%
continue past their first year
65%
find their work meaningful
45%
say work fits their future plans
- 1Graduate roleFirst role after the degree · 0–2 yrs
- 2Specialist / PractitionerWorking in history · 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 History nationally
Starting (15 months) HESA GO
£25,500
£23,500 – £31,000After 3 years LEO
£22,500
£20,400 – £28,800After 5 years LEO
£27,500
£25,500 – £36,000national rangethis course’s medianaxis £19,000 – £37,500
National figures for History 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.
100 of 100
were in work or further study
15 months after graduation
100% working0% working and studying0% in further study25% in highly skilled work or study
Source: Discover Uni, using Graduate Outcomes and continuation data. Cohorts: 2022-23. Limited evidence. Published sample: 20; treat comparisons cautiously. 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 History courses at the same study level.
This course £27,500Peer median £30,000Middle 50% £27,000–£34,500
29th percentile
Compared with 1,423 courses with compatible official earnings data. This is a course-value comparison, not a quality ranking.
Birkbeck University of LondonBA (Hons) Ancient History and Archaeology£27,500Birkbeck University of LondonBA (Hons) Ancient History and Archaeology with Foundation Year£27,500Birkbeck University of LondonBA (Hons) Archaeology£27,500Birkbeck University of LondonBA (Hons) Archaeology with Foundation Year£27,500
UK occupations graduates enter
Published graduate destinations, joined conservatively to UK SOC 2020, ONS pay and Skills England demand.
- Caring personal servicesSOC 2020 613 · 25% of published destinations · ASHE median £23,668
- Administrative occupationsSOC 2020 41 · 20% of published destinations · ASHE median £27,006
- Natural and social science professionalsSOC 2020 211 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £44,243
- Science, engineering and technology associate professionalsSOC 2020 31 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £34,828
- Protective service occupationsDiscover Uni category · 10% of published destinations
- Secretarial and related occupationsDiscover Uni category · 10% of published destinations
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: 15; response rate: 65%. Pay describes the occupation across workers, not a guaranteed graduate salary.
Job market & outlook
How History graduates fare in the labour market, and how AI is reshaping the work.
85%
in work or further study 15 months after graduating, across History courses nationally.
Graduate Outcomes55%
of working graduates are in highly skilled work or further study.
highly skilled90%
of students continue past their first year (still enrolled or completed).
continuationHow 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 History 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
- Museums & archives
- Heritage bodies
- Schools
- Civil service & media
Jobs after this course
Current roles from the StudySmarter job board that suit History graduates.
History & Humanities Lead, Flexible, Impactful TeachingChartereastdulwichHistory & Humanities Lead, Flexible, Impactful TeachingThe Charter Schools Educational TrustHistory Teachers in Kirklees and HalifaxCV-LibraryHistory TeachersSABIS NETWORK SCHOOLSLive from the StudySmarter job board · as of 2026-08-01.See all matching jobs
Is 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
100% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with a median salary of £25,500. 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 8.9 out of 10: NSS 86.4% · in work or study 100% · continued 80%.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
University of the West of England, Bristol
All students36,380
International24.8%
Aged 25+34.8%
Historical, philosophical and religious studies across the UK
Students76,495
Aged 25+26.6%
HESA student record 2024/25. Counts are rounded.
Local crime-data context
A neutral snapshot around the published teaching location.
Around University of the West of England
547 street-level reports returned within roughly one mile across 2026-04 to 2026-06.
Violent Crime 188Anti Social Behaviour 89Shoplifting 50Other Theft 43Criminal Damage Arson 37
Police.uk street-level API. Approximate locations, not confined to campus. England, Wales and Northern Ireland; not Scotland.
Is History right for you?
Tick what applies to you and see how good a fit it is.
International students
What applying to UWE Bristol from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is set per course by UWE Bristol; 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
This course lists IELTS (Academic) 6.0 with 5.5 in each component. 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 UWE Bristol’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 UWE Bristol and gov.uk before you apply.
Related courses
More at UWE Bristol
Common questions
How competitive is entry?
Entry is historically accessible, accepted students came in with a broad spread of qualifications. The most common tariff band among recent entrants was 64 - 79 UCAS points. Use the calculator on this page to see where your predicted grades would put you; many universities also make lower contextual offers.
What are the entry requirements?
Set by UWE Bristol. Most accepted students held A-levels or equivalent. Check the university's course page for the exact offer.
What do graduates go on to do?
For Forensic and archaeological sciences graduates from this provider, 100% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 25% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £25,500. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)
What will it cost me?
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. See Fees & funding on this page to work out your numbers.
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