The University of Wolverhampton offers three Forensic programmes. BSc (Hons) Forensic Science has full accreditation in the three main component standards; Interpretation, Evaluation and Presentation of Evidence, Laboratory Analysis and Crime Scene Investigation. The course is also endorsed by Forensic Skillsmark. We were one of the first three Universities to receive both full accreditation by the Chartered Society and endorsement by Forensic Skillsmark. In addition, we run one course that has recognition by the Chartered Society, the BSc (Hons) Forensic Science course has recognition for demonstrating that students are given extensive and thorough tutoring in all aspects of forensic science.
When the BSc was recently re-accredited, the Society team commended several aspects of the course:
• Students were extremely appreciative of the openness, approachability and support offered by both full-time and external staff.
• Use of external experts and practitioners provides currency to the curriculum and enhances the specialist networks which benefit both teaching and research.
• Allocation of students to final year projects is novel, interesting and exemplary. Students have to provide an up to date curriculum vitae and a covering letter tailored to the project they are interested in. This is good practice for making a formal job application, building employability via the project selection process.
• The teaching staff on the course have excellent research and forensic casework experience. Several are former employees of the West Midlands Police or the Forensic Science Service. We also employ the services of many visiting lecturers from forensic service providers, to give a great deal of enrichment to the course in such areas as fire investigation, ballistics, document analysis and digital forensics. We also have excellent links with forensic providers in the region, such as the West Midlands Police, Key Forensic Services Ltd. and Orchid Cellmark.
There is also an option to study at a partner University in the European Union as part of the Erasmus exchange programme. This can allow you study within the EU for a semester in your second year in either Ireland (Galway) or the Netherlands (Breda). The EU offers financial support for transnational study.
Successful undergraduate students have had their Honours project research published in peer reviewed journals and frequently win prizes for presenting work at the Forensic Institute Regional Network annual conference. Students are encouraged to become Associate Members of the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences on graduation.
The University has dedicated facilities for Forensic Science students, with crime scene investigation exercises taking place in “Locard House”. The new £25 million Rosalind Franklin Building, opened in Autumn 2014, is home to new state of the art teaching and research facilities and modern instrumentation such as an ABI 3500 genetic analyser for DNA profiling, HPLC and GC/MS for toxicology, ICP and XRF for elemental analysis, ESDA and VSC apparatus for document analysis and a dedicated microscopy suite, including SEM, for investigation of the ultrastructure of samples.
About the course
BSc (Hons) Forensic Science is a three year programme, with the option of a sandwich year between years 2 and 3.
In year 1, you are introduced to the world of the forensic scientist and crime scene investigator, in addition to learning the science that you will need to become a practising forensic analyst. These include key topics in chemistry, biochemistry genetics and cell biology, together with an introduction to the legal system within which forensic scientists work. The course will deliver introductory modules in methods of forensic analysis and the role of forensic science in modern society.
In year 2 you will engage with the major subject areas within forensic science, including the considerations of evidence gathering at crime scenes. The use of DNA and anthropology in forensic work will be covered, as will the examination of chemicals as evidence. The information that insects can tell us are also important aspects covered by the course. In addition, you will be introduced to methods for analysing handwriting, soil, bloodstains, weapons and bullets found at scenes of crime. You will have regular opportunities to put theory to practise in an extensive range of practical sessions, including crime scene investigation in our dedicated crime scene house.
There is the option for a work placement in year 3, or you move directly to your final year where you will study the science behind the work of forensic pathologists and toxicologists, examine in more detail many of the analytical techniques used by forensic scientists and experience the application of your knowledge and skills in the court room environment. We prepare you for working in a laboratory environment and for management roles in that sector by considering issues associated with laboratory management. Your Honours project will consist of a thorough piece of scientific research investigating an important area of forensic science.
BSc (Hons) Forensic Science also provides the option of progressing to the four year MSci programme as well. The MSci is identical to the BSc, with the addition of a fourth year of study at MSc level. This involves a year-long research project an
d a selection of modules taken from our various Forensic Science MSc courses. As this is a new award, it does not yet have CSFS accreditation, but we are seeking to gain this once we have a complete cohort of students progressed through this award.
Graduates from the forensic science course have excellent employability. Last year, 90% of graduates were in w ork and/or further study. With 45% in professional occupations, this means we are one of the best universities for Forensic Science. Our graduates have gained employment in a variety of roles; as Forensic examiners, crime intelligence analysts, lab technicians and technical support scientists, casework administrators, amongst other roles. Some have gone into teaching as their preferred career. Some have even completed their PhD’s and are University lecturers themselves!
What our students say about us
I really enjoyed my studies at the University of Wolverhampton
The course gave me a broad knowledge about different aspects of this large field
Throughout my time at the University of Wolverhampton I was provided with a high standard of education delivered by some obvious experts in their chosen field.
A strong academic support network was in place, allowing and encouraging independent thought to develop
With the constant support and guidance of the academic staff I was able to expand my knowledge
Facilities and equipment offered by the university were excellent and extremely useful throughout my studies and allowed me to delve into a specific area of interest in my final project
You feel part of a great institution and this is reflected in the work and research being produced in a great breadth and depth of subjects across the university
The course provided me with the knowledge and analytical skills that have become very useful in my current postgraduate course at the University of London
I feel really lucky to have studied Forensic Science at the University of Wolverhampton!