Accredited Forensic Science Course
The University of the West of England offers undergraduate forensic science students a well-rounded and in-depth view of the different disciplines in forensic investigation.
Teaching and Learning. Teaching is delivered by a team of very knowledgeable and enthusiastic staff with a wide-range of expertise and practitioner experience, including world-leading researchers in biosciences and analytical chemistry. In addition to relevant, exciting aspects of these sciences, students study specific forensic science topics and receive training on presenting scientific evidence in court. Our extensive interactions with the Law department, including joint student exercises with trainee Barristers, were commended by the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences in our latest accreditation.
After being introduced to major themes in Year 1, students can choose to continue with a balance of subjects or to specialise in biological or chemical aspects in Year 2. We also offer students the opportunity to apply to study their second year at Virginia Commonwealth University. In Year 3 specialist optional modules in diverse topics such as Cancer Biology, Advanced Analytical Science, Environmental Forensics and Pathophysiology, guest lectures from industrial professionals and the research project really allow students to focus on their interests and career aspirations.
Successful undergraduate students have published their research in peer reviewed journals and a UWE graduate won The Fingerprint Society Haque and Bose Prize for their project in 2012. Students are encouraged to become members of the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences and Associate Members on graduation. Students also have the opportunity to join the excellent Forensic Science Club. Depending on module options, graduates can also become Associate Members of the Royal Society of Chemistry or the Society of Biology.
We are genuinely student-focused and this resulted in a 100% score for 'Overall Satisfaction' for the Forensic Biology course in the 2011-12 National Student Survey. The programme team is used to supporting and challenging students from a wide range of subject and qualification backgrounds and are dedicated to helping all students achieve their potential.
Siobhan Taylor, winner of the 2012 Society's 'Most Meritorious Student on an Accredited Undergraduate Forensic Course Award', speaks very positively about her time at UWE:
"My experience at UWE studying on the Forensic Science course exceeded my expectations. The forensic staff have an in-depth knowledge and are always willing to give help and support. Due to an unfortunate accident a short way into my final year, which meant I had to take time out extending my course from three to four years, I was overwhelmed by the support I got from the forensic staff. Without this outstanding support, I believe I wouldn't have been able to achieve my goals."
Study Facilities
The Forensic Science students benefit from a specially modified 'house' that can be adapted to mimic the conditions typically found at a variety of crime scenes.
The programme team are extremely proud to have received commendations from the Society on their "extensive range of analytical equipment for use by the students" and the "excellent" crime scene facility as well as for the garage facilities. As you would expect from this, the UWE programme has a strong focus on practical work. Students often work in small groups with support from multiple staff, ensuring a really excellent practical experience, which greatly enhances student employability. There is also extensive computer-based support accessible off campus for student learning.
I chose UWE because I knew it had a good forensics course. I looked at a few others but after I saw the equipment and met the lecturers at an Open Day, I knew I wanted to come here.
James Davis receiving his the 2011 FSSoc's 'Most Meritorious Student on an Accredited Undergraduate Forensic Course Award' award from Steve West, Vice-Chancellor, UWE, Bristol
Futures
Recent graduates from the forensic science course have gained employment as Forensic Analysts, Casework Administrators and with the police service in a range of roles including Crime Scene Investigators. Many graduates have also chosen to undertake further study and destinations include a PhD in Alzheimer's Research, MSc Anthropology and Archaeology and MSc Entomology. For students wishing to build on the knowledge base of their accredited degree, UWE also offers an MSc in Advanced Forensic Analysis. As well as specialist forensic careers, graduates are employed in many different types of laboratories and a significant number have become science teachers. The scientific problem-solving, numerical and communication skills gained in the degree enable graduates to enter many other spheres from financial services to the legal profession. In 2011-12 every graduate of the Forensic Science programme was successful in securing either employment or further study.
To help ensure that the graduates meet the needs of industry, a Strategic Employers Group incorporating members of the Police Service and local and national forensic providers inform course developments. Students also come into direct contact with key employers in the areas of DNA and chemical analysis through STEM (a national Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics group) employment project initiative.
Graduate Profile
Claire is just one of many successful graduates from 2012. She was successful in securing employment with a large forensic science provider as a Search and Recovery Scientist, after proving herself to be the best candidate in her laboratory skills assessment, out-performing over 100 other candidates and impressing the panel with her "outstanding depth of knowledge." She had this to say about her experience:
Thank you to the staff at UWE for giving me the knowledge I needed to pursue what I really want to do, and get a job as a Forensic Scientist. Everything I said and did on the interview day was what you taught me at UWE.
Claire
Further Information
Would you like to find out more? Please contact the Programme Manager, Sarah Bateman or come to visit us on an Open Day.