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If you excel at science, are keen to develop your investigative skills in a variety of scenarios and have meticulous attention to detail, you will enjoy studying Forensic Science at Kent. Fascinating and challenging, it opens up a wide range of career opportunities.
Overview
At Kent, you study all aspects of forensic science, developing scientific and analytical skills. We create ‘crime scenes’ - including using our brand new crime scene house - for you to examine and conduct ‘major incident’ exercises, where you react in real time to an unfolding event. We also demonstrate how your forensic skills can be used within archaeology and in the food and pharmaceutical industries.
As a foundation year student, you are a full member of the University and can take part in all student activities.
Our degree programme
This programme is for students who have previously studied Level 3 science subjects but who lack the qualifications needed for direct entry into Stage 1 of the BSc. It is also suitable for those who are returning to study following a period in work where they may have gained relevant experience but do not have traditional academic qualifications.
In your foundation year, you study chemistry, mathematics and take part in practical classes. On successful completion of your foundation year, you will have reached a standard above A level and so be fully equipped to tackle the BSc degree course.
In your first year of the BSc, you get to grips with the broad base of knowledge on which forensic science is built, including biochemistry, drug chemistry, and ballistics. You also develop your investigative and laboratory skills.
In your second and final years, you expand your knowledge to cover analytical chemistry, forensic archaeology, digital forensics, fires and explosions, and firearms. You also study criminal law (taught by Kent’s highly ranked Law School) and are trained in forensic expert witness skills. In certain modules, you are taught by industry specialists.
Year in industry
Many students choose to extend their degree programme with a year in industry. You don’t have to make a decision before you enrol at Kent but certain conditions apply: see Forensic Science with a Year in Industry.
Study resources
We recently invested £10 million in our laboratories and improved our general study spaces. Facilities to support forensic science include:
- dedicated ballistics and firearms kit
- new crime scene house with a number of rooms set up with a number of scenarios to allow you to apply the theory of crime scenes, evidence recovery and fingerprinting
- a document examination instrument used in the detection of forged documents
- a full analytical suite for forensic chemical analysis, including:
- Gas Chromatography – Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS)
- High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)
- Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS)
- Raman Spectrometry
- Fourier Transform Infra-Red Spectrometry (FTIR)
- Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM).
Extra activities
The School of Physical Sciences is home to an international scientific community of forensic science, chemistry, physics and astronomy students. Numerous formal and informal opportunities for discussion make it easy to participate in the academic life of the School. All students have an academic adviser and we also run a peer mentoring scheme.
You are encouraged to participate in conferences and professional events to build up your knowledge of the science community and enhance your professional development. The School also works collaboratively with business partners, which allows you to see how our research influences current practice.
You can also take part in:
- the School’s Physical Sciences Colloquia, a popular series of talks given by internal and external experts on relevant and current topics
- the student-run Forensic Science Society, which organises talks with top industry professionals, practical demonstrations and social events
Professional network
All students are offered free membership of The Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences.
The School of Physical Sciences also has links with:
- the Home Office
- the Forensic Explosives Laboratory
- forensic science services
- local health authorities
- biotechnology, chemical and pharmaceutical companies in the UK and Europe
- Interpol.
Independent rankings
Over 91% of final-year Forensic Science students were satisfied with the overall quality of their course in The Guardian University Guide 2019.
In the National Student Survey 2018, over 94% of final-year Forensic Science students who completed the survey, were satisfied with the overall quality of their course.
Of Forensic Science students who graduated from Kent in 2017 and completed a national survey, over 88% were in work or further study within six months (DLHE).
Teaching Excellence Framework
All University of Kent courses are regulated by the Office for Students.
Based on the evidence available, the TEF Panel judged that the University of Kent delivers consistently outstanding teaching, learning and outcomes for its students. It is of the highest quality found in the UK.
Please see the University of Kent's Statement of Findings for more information.
Course structure
The course structure below gives a flavour of the modules and provides details of the content of this programme. This listing is based on the current curriculum and may change year to year in response to new curriculum developments and innovation.
At all stages in this programme, the modules listed are compulsory.
After successfully completing the foundation year you can transfer on to any three or four year Forensic Science courses. Please refer to the BSc Forensic Science, BSc Forensic Science with a Year in Industry or Forensic Science MSci course for more information about specific modules for stages 1-4.
Foundation year
| Compulsory modules currently include | Credits |
|---|---|
|
PH020 - Algebra and Arithmetic
Calculations Significant figures Standard form Fractions Simplification of fractions Percentages and fractional changes Indices Logarithmic and exponential functions Basic rules (operations and indices). Solving equations (substitution and order of operation). Changing subject of a formula Inverse operations Rules of indices Long division Expansion and Factorisation Quadratic equations Solving linear and simultaneous equations Partial fractions Binomial Theorem View full module details |
15 |
|
PH022 - Graphical Methods for Physical Scientists
Graphical methods are powerful, visual tools to illustrate relationships in theories, and in experimental quantities, pertaining to physical phenomena. They involve knowledge of, and visual representation of mathematical functions frequently encountered in the physical sciences. The topics covered are expected to include: Graphs of functions including straight lines, quadratics, 1/x and 1/x2. Parametric equations for curves, including use in modelling phenomena in physical sciences. Coordinate geometry of lines and circles, including calculations with angles in radians. Trigonometric functions (sine, cosine, tangent), and reciprocal and inverse trigonometric functions. Formulae involving small angles, sums of angles, and products of trigonometric functions. Solving trigonometric equations in the context of modelling phenomena in physical sciences. Vectors in one, two and three dimensions, and notations for representing them. Algebraic operations of vector addition and multiplication by scalars. Use of vectors in modelling phenomena in physical sciences. View full module details |
15 |
|
PS021 - Molecules and Analysis
The mole; chemical equations; titrations; atoms and molecules; energy levels; acids and bases; orbitals; bonds; molecular shapes; spectra; bond energies, hydrogen bonding. View full module details |
30 |
|
PS022 - Chemical Reactivity
Lattice energy; polymorphism; chemical equilibrium; the Periodic Table; solubilities; transition metals; isomerism; organic chemicals; shapes of organic molecules; organic analysis; optical activity; basic reactions of organic compounds; organic problem-solving; reaction kinetics. View full module details |
30 |
|
PS023 - Properties of Matter
States of matter; radioactivity; real and ideal gases; water. main group inorganic chemistry; phase diagrams, ideal solutions; miscibility, electrochemistry, forensic science techniques. View full module details |
30 |
Stage 1
| Compulsory modules currently include | Credits |
|---|---|
|
CH308 - Molecules Matter & Energy
This module introduces and revises the basic concepts of chemistry that underpin our understanding of the stability of matter. This starts with introducing atomic and molecular structure, with a focus on understanding the electronics of bonding in the molecular compounds around us. You will then study the laws governing the behavior of gases and origins of other interactions that hold solids and liquids together, alongside describing some of their basic properties such as conductivity, viscosity, and the way in which ions behave in solution. In the final aspect of this module we cover the critical role thermodynamics plays in determining the stability of matter, including the fundamental laws of thermodynamics and the importance of equilibrium in reversible reactions. View full module details |
15 |
|
CH309 - Fundamental Organic Chemistry for Physical Scientists
This module reintroduces the basic concepts of organic chemistry that are vital in understanding pharmaceutical and biological substances. You will study the basics of the chemistry of carbon, the element critical to underpinning life, including its basic building blocks and functional groups. We also cover the mechanisms by which basic organic reactions including elimination, substitution and oxidation processes occur. This module concludes with studying aromatic compounds and chirality, which crucially influence how organic molecules interact within living systems. View full module details |
15 |
|
CH314 - Introduction to Biochemistry and Drug Chemistry
Chemistry in context Using an organic chemistry perspective, you will study the fundamentals of biochemistry, the chemistry of life, including enzyme reactions, protein chemistry, DNA, lipids and carbohydrates. These topics are underpinned by the role chemical phenomena such as thermodynamics and intermolecular interactions play in a biological context. We then explore the nature and discovery of drugs, how they work, and the potential effects of their misuse. View full module details |
15 |
|
PS301 - Introduction to Forensic Science
Forensic Science; Evidence and the Scene of the Crime What is forensic science? Historical and legal background of forensic science – exchange principles and linkage theory. Forensic science in the U.K – inductive and deductive reasoning. Identification, characterisation, recovery and weighting of trace evidence types. Crime scene searching methodologies; the integrity and continuity of evidence. Introduction to laboratory testing dealing with glass, tool-mark, shoe-mark and tyre impressions. The management of scientific support at crime scenes. Procedures at crime scenes illustrated by reference to crimes of burglary, murder and sexual offences. Fingerprint history, classification, recovery and chemical enhancement of fingerprints. Blood pattern analysis supporting the advances in DNA techniques. Firearms classification, internal & external ballistics, trajectory, mass and velocity. Firearms injuries at crime scenes. Introduction to DNA analysis and the functioning of the National DNA Database. Sexual offence investigation and body fluid identification. Clinical indicators of death and murder scene investigation. Drug Abuse, Alcohol and Forensic Toxicology Drugs of abuse and their identification. Drugs, alcohol poisons and their metabolism. Toxicology and the role of the forensic toxicologist. Qualitative and quantitative laboratory analysis. Document Examination: Signature and handwriting identification. Paper, inks and printed documents. Damage characterisation. Fires and Explosions: Arson. Fire and combustion. Types of explosives and the nature of explosions. The crime scene investigation: sampling and laboratory analysis. View full module details |
15 |
|
PS318 - Skills for Forensic Scientists
Quantitative skills beginning with GCSE mathematics through to algebra, data analysis, graphical treatment of errors, logarithms, basic probability, trigonometry and applications in forensic science. Incident scene assessment, management and mapping, including working in our new crime scene house and garden. Induction to the English legal system and laws of evidence. The structure and composition of DNA, genetic analysis and applications relevant to forensic science. View full module details |
15 |
|
PS324 - Introduction to Ballistics
Mathematical Concepts for Impact Studies Newton's laws of motion Vectors Energy considerations Introduction to ballistics Categories of weapons Weapon mechanisms Ammunition construction Internal ballistics External ballistics Terminal ballistics Overview of Forensic Ballistics The 1968 Firearms Act (as amended) Categorisation of firearms and ammunition Shooting case studies View full module details |
15 |
|
PS381 - Chemical Skills For Forensic Scientists
Laboratory safety: lectures on laboratory safety including safe handling of chemicals, electrical supplies, solvents and gases both within and outside fume cupboards, safe disposal of chemicals, CoSHH and risk assessment, accident prevention. Laboratory skills: the completion of a set of experiments in a lab environment within the safety structure as laid out by lab risk assessments. To include: fundamental organic chemistry methodology, chemical handling, use of equipment (including calibration and accuracy), infra-red spectroscopy, analytical chemistry and titrations, colorimetry, gravimetric analysis, solvent extraction. Data presentation methods: the correct and succinct planning and preparation of scientific reports, correct referencing, data manipulation and presentation, literature searches and library catalogues, academic integrity and referencing styles. Periodic table and inorganic chemistry: Periodic trends in the periodic table: chemical properties, reactivity and compounds across periods 1 and 2, introduction to diagonal relationships; hydrogen and its compounds; Group 1 – the alkali metals, their compounds and reactivity; Group 2 – the alkaline earth metals, their compounds and reactivity; introduction to redox chemistry; the p-block: Group 13 elements, their properties and reactivity, the inert pair effect, the chemistry of boron; Group 14 elements, properties, compounds and reactivities, carbon and its allotropes; Group 15: the chemistry of the pnictogens, nitrogen, phosphorus and its allotropes; Group 16: the chemistry of the chalcogens; Group 17: the chemistry of the halogens; extension to MO and VSEPR theory; introduction to groups 12 and 18. Molecular graphics: use of MarvinSketch to represent and draw chemical structures and calculate molecular properties, using J-mol and J-ice to present molecular and crystal structures graphically, use of HULIS software to calculate energy levels from Hückel theory. Maths for physical scientists: basic mathematics and functions used in physical sciences, curve sketching and plotting simple functions, differentiation and integration, examples of physical science applications including chemical reaction rates. View full module details |
30 |
Teaching and assessment
There are approximately eight one-hour lectures each week, laboratory classes, project work and problem-solving seminars.
Assessment is by a combination of written examinations, continuous assessment and other assignments. You must pass the Stage 1 examinations in order to go on to Stage 2. Coursework assessments include incident analysis, evidence preservation, presentation skills and expert witness testimony.
Please note that you must pass all modules of the foundation year in order to progress onto stage 1.
Contact Hours
For a student studying full time, each academic year of the programme will comprise 1200 learning hours which include both direct contact hours and private study hours. The precise breakdown of hours will be subject dependent and will vary according to modules. Please refer to the individual module details under Course Structure.
Methods of assessment will vary according to subject specialism and individual modules. Please refer to the individual module details under Course Structure.
Programme aims
The programme aims to:
- Instil enthusiasm for forensic science, an appreciation of its application in different contexts.
- Provide a broad and balanced foundation of the science and law that underpins forensic practice and methodology in a modern society.
- Develop knowledge of the key skills, concepts, theories and practice that underpin forensic science in order to prepare you for stage one of the undergraduate programme.
- Develop the ability to apply knowledge and skills to the solution of forensic problems.
- Teach you the use and understanding of a variety of scientific and quantitative techniques applied to forensic science problems.
- Provide a knowledge and skills base from which you can proceed to further studies in the forensic and scientific area or in aspects of chemistry, physics or bioscience that are relevant to forensic and related practices.
- Provide a stimulating, research-active environment for teaching and learning.
- Provide an understanding of scientific methodology and the ability to undertake and report on an experimental investigation.
- Generate an appreciation of the importance of forensic science and its practice in a judicial, industrial, economic, environmental and social context, and of the importance of chemistry in an industrial, economic, forensic, and social context.
Learning outcomes
Knowledge and understanding
You gain knowledge and understanding of:
- Core and foundation scientific physical, biological, and chemical concepts, terminology, theory, units, conventions, and laboratory methods in relation to forensic science.
- Areas of chemistry as applied to forensic analysis, and areas of bioscience, including cells, biochemistry, human DNA.
- Numeracy, forensic investigation and interpretation and apply them to forensic examination and analysis.
- Incident investigation, evidence recovery, preservation, and presentation as an expert witness within the judicial environment.
Intellectual skills
You gain intellectual skills in how to:
- Demonstrate knowledge, understanding and application of essential facts, concepts, principles and theories relating to the subject to find the solution of qualitative and quantitative problems.
- Recognise and analyse novel problems and plan strategies for their solution by the evaluation, interpretation and synthesis of scientific information and data by a variety of computational methods.
- Recognise and implement good measurement science and practice and commonly used forensic laboratory techniques.
- Write essays and present scientific material and arguments clearly and correctly, in writing and orally, to a range of audiences including legal contexts.
- Communicate complex scientific argument to a lay audience.
Subject-specific skills
You gain the following subject-specific skills:
- Safe handling of chemical materials, taking into account their physical and chemical properties, including any specific hazards associated with their use and to risk assess such hazards.
- Conduct of standard laboratory procedures involved in analytical work and in the operation of standard forensic instrumentation.
- Competence in the planning, design and execution of investigations, from the problem-recognition stage through to the evaluation and appraisal of results and findings.
- Safe handling of firearms, ammunition, and propellants; analysis of forensic evidence related to firearms, firearm discharge, and ballistic theory; collision analysis: mathematical interpretation, field application and reconstruction.
- Ability to interpret data derived from laboratory observations and measurements, and to present such data to an examining body in the role of expert witness.
Transferable skills
You gain the following transferable skills:
- Communication skills covering both written and oral communication.
- Self-management and organisational skills with the capacity to support life-long learning.
- Problem-solving skills, relating to qualitative and quantitative information.
- Information-retrieval skills, in relation to primary and secondary information sources.
- IT skills.
- Interpersonal skills.
- Time-management and organisational skills.
- Study skills needed for continuing professional development and preparation for employment as a practicing forensic scientist.
- Ability to plan and implement independent projects at degree level.
Careers
Graduate destinations
Forensic skills are used in a range of professions and industries, for instance at disaster scenes, within archaeology and in the food and pharmaceutical industries.
Our graduates go into areas such as:
- government agencies
- forensic service providers
- consultancies
- emergency services
- local authorities
- contract laboratories
- research or further vocational training.
Some of our graduates have gone on to work at the Forensic Explosives Laboratory, which is part of the Ministry of Defence and provides scientific support to the Police and Crown Prosecution Service.
Career-enhancing skills
You graduate with excellent forensic skills, including:
- scene-of-crime skills
- laboratory skills
- document examination
- criminal law and forensic expert witness skills.
In addition, you develop the key transferable skills that graduate employers look for, including:
- excellent communication skills
- teamworking
- the ability to analyse problems
- time management.
You can also enhance your degree studies by signing up for one of our Kent Extra activities, such as learning a language or volunteering.
Help finding a job
The University has a friendly Careers and Employability Service which can give you advice on how to:
- apply for jobs
- write a good CV
- perform well in interviews.
Entry requirements
Choosing Kent as your firm choice for this programme could result in a lower tariff offer than those listed below. Please contact the School for more information at spsadmissions@kent.ac.uk.
All applications for the Foundation Year will be considered individually, however evidence of previous level 3 (i.e. A level, BTEC, etc.) relevant scientific study is required.
Home/EU students
The University will consider applications from students offering a wide range of qualifications. Typical requirements are listed below. Students offering alternative qualifications should contact us for further advice.
It is not possible to offer places to all students who meet this typical offer/minimum requirement.
New GCSE grades
If you’ve taken exams under the new GCSE grading system, please see our conversion table to convert your GCSE grades.
| Qualification | Typical offer/minimum requirement |
|---|---|
| Access to HE Diploma | The University will not necessarily make conditional offers to all Access candidates but will continue to assess them on an individual basis. If we make you an offer, you will need to obtain/pass the overall Access to Higher Education Diploma and may also be required to obtain a proportion of the total level 3 credits and/or credits in particular subjects at merit grade or above. |
| BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma (formerly BTEC National Diploma) | The University will consider applicants holding BTEC National Diploma and Extended National Diploma Qualifications (QCF; NQF;OCR) at 120 credits or more, on a case by case basis. Please contact us via the enquiries tab for further advice on your individual circumstances. |
International students
The University welcomes applications from international students. Our international recruitment team can guide you on entry requirements. See our International Student website for further information about entry requirements for your country.
However, please note that international fee-paying students cannot undertake a part-time programme due to visa restrictions.
If you need to increase your level of qualification ready for undergraduate study, we offer a number of International Foundation Programmes.
Meet our staff in your country
For more advice about applying to Kent, you can meet our staff at a range of international events.
English Language Requirements
Please see our English language entry requirements web page.
Please note that if you are required to meet an English language condition, we offer a number of 'pre-sessional' courses in English for Academic Purposes. You attend these courses before starting your degree programme.
General entry requirements
Please also see our general entry requirements.
Fees
The 2019/20 annual tuition fees for this programme are:
| UK/EU | Overseas | |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time | £9250 | £19000 |
For details of when and how to pay fees and charges, please see our Student Finance Guide.
For students continuing on this programme, fees will increase year on year by no more than RPI + 3% in each academic year of study except where regulated.*
Your fee status
The University will assess your fee status as part of the application process. If you are uncertain about your fee status you may wish to seek advice from UKCISA before applying.
General additional costs
Find out more about accommodation and living costs, plus general additional costs that you may pay when studying at Kent.
Funding
University funding
Kent offers generous financial support schemes to assist eligible undergraduate students during their studies. See our funding page for more details.
Government funding
You may be eligible for government finance to help pay for the costs of studying. See the Government's student finance website.
Scholarships
General scholarships
Scholarships are available for excellence in academic performance, sport and music and are awarded on merit. For further information on the range of awards available and to make an application see our scholarships website.
The Kent Scholarship for Academic Excellence
At Kent we recognise, encourage and reward excellence. We have created the Kent Scholarship for Academic Excellence.
The scholarship will be awarded to any applicant who achieves a minimum of AAA over three A levels, or the equivalent qualifications (including BTEC and IB) as specified on our scholarships pages.
The scholarship is also extended to those who achieve AAB at A level (or specified equivalents) where one of the subjects is either mathematics or a modern foreign language. Please review the eligibility criteria.