Bournemouth University (BU) offers a large number of Forensic degree programmes at both Undergraduate and Masters Level. These cover an extensive variety and varied pathways for progressional routes available for students. At Undergraduate Level we have two Recognised courses:
Our Facilities
All our Forensic degrees centre on providing a strong practical element, giving you the chance to put your learning into action in our state-of-the-art facilities. At BU we have a designated forensics lab which houses a wide range of industry-standard equipment that students will learn to use throughout their course. This provides hands on and real life skills to prepare you for work in the field of forensics in commercial and police laboratories, as well as help you develop analytical skills that will serve you well in any role.
Examples of the equipment we have includes:
- Superglue fuming cabinet - within this cabinet superglue is heated, causing it to fume and adhere to any fingerprints on items inside, enhancing them for forensic investigators.
- Downflow units - there are three of these in the labs and they’re used during fingerprinting and chemical enhancement work.
- Electrostatic detection apparatus (ESDA) - this is used to examine indented writing. We also have an ESDA humidifier that prepares the paper for use with the ESDA.
- Range of fingerprinting powders and kits
- Electrostatic lifting apparatus (ESLA) - this can be used at crime scenes to lift footwear impressions from the dust and ground.
Student Career Progression
These courses provide such a wide, varied skill set of excellent transferable skills that has led our graduates onto roles working for organisations in such capacities as forensic science, within hospital labs, local authority enforcement agencies, crime scene investigation teams, trading Standards, HM Customs and Excise, and The Environment Agency, as well as taking positions in forensic laboratories and private consultancies. Our courses prove to be so successful that 95% of those undertaking a Forensic Science course work or further study within six months of completing their course.
Our Recognised Undergraduate Courses
BSc (Hons) Forensic Biology Forensic Biologists are crucial to crime scene analysis, helping to help identify victims and support criminal investigations. Forensic Biologists also work in the field of endangered species, helping to identify illegal trading of fur and feathers, investigating disease that could threaten animal or human health. Using our sophisticated lab and field equipment, you will collect and analyse biological evidence and write detailed logs and reports, so attention to detail is important. As part of the course you'll take part in invaluable lab and fieldwork experience, including mock crime scenes and disasters and graduate with a broad set of forensic skills and be prepared for the anticipated demand with the sector.
BSc (Hons) Archaeological & Forensic Sciences This course involves applying science in archaeological and forensic contexts. It offers you a distinctive blend of laboratory and field science within a rigorous academic framework, bridging the sciences and humanities. You'll be prepared for a wide range of career opportunities in archaeology, forensics and other applied sciences. You'll be provided with theoretical and practical training covering crime scene science, toxicology, chemistry and molecular biology. The course draws on our expertise in forensic science, archaeology, anthropology, genocide investigation and toxicology. You can also discover how anthropology offers a unique perspective on what it means to be human by choosing relevant option units in your second and third years.
All statistics shown are taken from Unistats, Destination of Leavers from Higher Education (DLHE), BU institutional data and Ipsos MORI (National Student Survey) unless otherwise stated.