Compulsory modules

Forensic Chemistry: Molecules under Investigation 
Here you will gain a solid foundation in the chemical underpinnings of forensic science. Applying core concepts such as molecular structure and polarity to key spectroscopic characterisation techniques will give you the knowledge required to succeed in our forensic chemical analysis modules later in your degree. You will receive hands-on training in a variety of laboratory techniques and spectroscopic instrumentation, as well as be introduced to the important topic of statistics in the interpretation and evaluation of forensic evidence. 

Forensic Investigation: From Documents to DNA 
In this module you will be introduced to forensic science as a professional discipline, covering topics such as crime scene investigation, laboratory examination and the role of the expert witness in court. You will develop your communication skills by presenting data and summarising findings in formats suitable for different audiences, including laboratory-based examination forms and oral presentation work. You will be introduced to recovery and analysis techniques with emphasis on human identification. 

Understanding Crime, Understanding Criminal Justice 
This module aims to lay the foundations for your criminological studies and to ignite your ‘criminological imagination’. The module introduces you to criminology as a subject, to where our understanding of ‘crime’ comes from, and to the ways in which criminological theories and ideas can help us to understand contemporary crime problems. You will also be introduced to theories of criminal justice and the work of, and relationships between, the main institutions of the criminal justice system. 

Optional modules

Becoming a Social Scientist 
This module transitions you to university scholarship and introduces the employability and professional skills that a social science degree provides through a range of action-focused activities, e.g. analysing local council budgets and making decisions about where to invest money. Overall, the module introduces you to vital academic and professional skills and competencies that will allow you to thrive in the first year of your undergraduate studies.   

Programming for Forensic Scientists 
In this module you will learn the basics of computer programming through the teaching and use of fundamental python programming concepts that will allow you to apply these coding skills to a forensic context. You will then demonstrate how these employability programming skills can be used to solve a series of numerical problems faced by Forensic Scientists. 

Science and Society 
In this module you will learn about the connections between people and research and the importance of ethics, good scientific practice, and collaboration. Together we will explore multiple different areas of science and where good practice has led to advancements in society. Through being exposed to multiple scientific fields you will be able to develop your critical thinking, learn to reflect on and challenge assumptions within science, and therefore thrive in your future research projects in later years of study. 

Compulsory modules

Forensic Genetics: DNA and Crime 
In this module you will continue to learn about the importance of biological material in forensic casework and how this evidence has the potential to identifying individuals by DNA profiling. Fundamentals in DNA profiling techniques will be explored, its application in forensic investigations and the presentation of DNA evidence in court. You will complete a case-study assessment where you will gain experience of interpreting, evaluating, and This module introduces cross-border crime and the impacts of globalisation and technological innovation on crime and criminal justice. You will learn how cross-border flows impact upon transnational crimes such as: drug use and distribution; human trafficking; immigration crimes; terrorism; cybercrime; hate crime; state crime; organised crime; and environmental crime.  You will explore theories of globalisation, risk and network societies, and delve deeper into perspectives that decentre the nation-state, such as post- and de-colonial criminology, green criminology and queer criminology. presenting DNA evidence. 

Chemical Analysis and Detection 
In this module you will build on your Forensic Chemistry knowledge and learn about and gain experience with a range of modern analytical techniques and their importance in the detection of compounds in forensic materials. The techniques covered, such as chromatography and mass spectrometry, are fundamental in all toxicological investigations. You will develop essential skills through working as an individual and as a group in the lab and lab-based assessments to prepare you for Level 6, and to develop confidence to work in a forensic lab. 

Drugs of Abuse 
Building on the skills and knowledge gained in Forensic Chemistry: Molecules under Investigation, the Forensic Science Professional Toolkit, and Chemical Analysis and Detection, in this module, you will learn about the role of a forensic analyst in the investigation of drugs and drugs related crime. You will gain an understanding of the systematic abuse of drugs and alcohol and be introduced to the relevant legal issues. Aspects of pharmacology, including pharmacodynamics, the mode of action, and basic metabolism will be introduced alongside the examination of various classes of drugs in detail. The practical determination of drugs and alcohol in biological specimens will be demonstrated through laboratory sessions using presumptive tests and spectroscopic techniques. 

Crime Across Borders 
This module introduces cross-border crime and the impacts of globalisation and technological innovation on crime and criminal justice. You will learn how cross-border flows impact upon transnational crimes such as: drug use and distribution; human trafficking; immigration crimes; terrorism; cybercrime; hate crime; state crime; organised crime; and environmental crime.  You will explore theories of globalisation, risk and network societies, and delve deeper into perspectives that decentre the nation-state, such as post- and de-colonial criminology, green criminology and queer criminology. 

Optional modules

Counterfeits, Fakes and Forgeries 
In this module you will delve into the topic of counterfeits, fakes and forgeries and how forensic science can detect and prevent these crimes. You will learn the current issues surrounding topics such as document security, heritage security, counterfeit medicine and food fraud. You will investigate how chemical and analytical analysis can be used to detect these forgeries and will develop practical and reporting skills needed for these investigations. You will develop critical thinking skills needed to investigate these complex cases. 

Natural Sciences Work Placement 
In a competitive job market, practical skills and understanding workplace dynamics are crucial.  This module allows you to gain hands-on experience, enhancing your employability, and the opportunity to gain valuable professional insights via a 75-hour placement. You will be supported by various activities to secure a role and can source your own placement or apply to university-sourced roles.  This module offers flexibility on when and how you complete your placement, enabling you to balance your placement around existing demands. 

Compulsory modules

Crime Scene to Court 
This module builds on your forensic examination skills from all Level 4 and 5 core modules. You will continue to develop your ability to professionally examine and report evidence, building on skills that will be vital for work in a professional context. You will attend a simulated crime scene as a crime scene examiner; investigate the evidence as a forensic scientist and finally report your findings as an expert witness in our simulated courtroom. 

Forensic Science Research Project 
This module is an opportunity for you to carry out a substantial piece of meaningful research.  You will work alongside staff to undertake an authentic research project, which could include lab- or field-based projects, systematic reviews, pedagogic or desk-based research work. Through engagement with this module, you will be introduced to the approaches needed to perform scientific research and develop key skills that are routinely utilised by the forensic science research community. 

Explosives, Arson and Evidence 
In this module you build on your forensic chemistry knowledge from Level 4 and 5 and apply these skills to the investigation of explosives and arson. This is combined with an introduction to the key skill of communicating your scientific findings in a court context. You will develop the ability to express your scientific findings and their interpretation to a variety of audiences, which will prepare you for giving evidence in court. 

Optional modules

Forensic Toxicology: Ingestion to Detection 
Building upon the Drugs of Abuse module in second year, here you will examine the work of a forensic toxicologist. You will study the pharmacological journey of compounds through the body as a lead into the process of toxicological investigation. In addition to learning about the subject’s legal aspects, the role of the analyst will be explored from sampling to the determination of toxins and poisons, with the use of toxicological cases and scenarios as authentic applications of the content. 

Environmental and Wildlife Forensics 
Through this module, you will have the opportunity to apply your forensic expertise to environmental and wildlife crime, exploring topics ranging from industrial contamination of land to the illegal trade of exotic animal products. We will equip you with the skills to investigate environmental crime scenes, interrogate a range of natural and artificial evidence types, and to combine different types of data to protect the environment and wildlife in the U.K. and beyond. 

Marks and Traces Examination 
This module further develops your knowledge and practical experience of marks and trace examination that will prepare you for the forensic laboratory practitioner workplace. Working through current SOPs and guidelines will provide valuable employability skills. An emphasis will be made on the documentation of forensic physical trace evidence that will be usable in court. 

Policing the 21st Century 
The module will explore changes, challenges and opportunities in 21st century policing relating to topics such as decision making, public protection, response policing, roads policing, vulnerability and risk, domestic abuse, counter terrorism, community policing, policing and the digital and police investigation.  The module will include visits from practitioners working in policing or related fields and is particularly useful if you are considering a career in policing through the Degree Holder Entry Programme (DHEP). 

Crime Prevention, Partnerships and Community Safety   
This module explores the issue of crime prevention and reduction through the lens of multi-agency partnership working involving a range of partner agencies from across criminal justice, local government, the public sector and beyond.  It explores the shift from the rhetoric of 'crime prevention' to 'community safety' in the aftermath of the Morgan Report (1991) and in the context of the 1998 Crime and Disorder Act and subsequent legislation focusing on community safety, anti-social behaviour and localised crime reduction initiatives. 

Harm, Justice and Power   
What, and who, is criminology for? Criminology has long debated whether it should support governments, or whether it should seek to challenge unequal power relations and systemic injustices within contemporary societies. A variety of perspectives on justice and power have emerged, including the idea that criminology's focus should not simply be on crime but on social harm. This module explores examples such as ‘crimes of the powerful’, state crime, corporate crimes, environmental harms; harms associated with capitalism, neoliberalism, and austerity. 

Crime: from the Everyday to the Extremes    
This module explores how the extreme and the everyday intermingle.  It looks on the one hand, at extreme perspectives, groups, and actions, and on the other hand, discusses a range of everyday experiences of citizen involvement in processes of legal and extra-legal crime control and punishment. It explores how extremism connects to everyday experiences of crime and policing.  Themes include gender-based violence; religious and political terrorism; immigration and anti-immigration activism; prejudice; hate crime; vigilantism, surveillance and the criminalisation of participation. 

Flexible Work Placement and Professional Training  
In a competitive job market, practical skills and understanding workplace dynamics are crucial.  This module allows you to gain hands-on experience, enhancing your employability, and the opportunity to gain valuable professional insights via a 75-hour placement. You will be supported by various activities to secure a role and can source your own placement or apply to university-sourced roles.  This module offers flexibility on when and how you complete your placement, enabling you to balance your placement around existing demands. 

Work Placement and Professional Training in Education 
This module gives students interested in pursuing teaching or training as a career the opportunity to gain experience in the world of teaching in schools and colleges. You will develop skills highly valued by employers such as communication, and interpersonal skills, whilst learning to address individual needs and developing engaging teaching materials. You will be supported via a range of activities to prepare for your placement and have the choice to source your own placement or apply to university sourced roles.  

Work Placement and Professional Training Year
Employers value candidates with practical skills and workplace understanding.  The Natural Sciences Placement Year gives you the opportunity to undertake a placement between year 2 and 3 of your course, enabling you to experience the world of work in an area aligned to your academic, or career preferences. You will have access to expert advice and guidance on how to find a placement, application and interview preparation via personalised and group activities, plus ongoing support throughout your placement, and beyond.