BSc (Hons) Forensic Investigation

Course details

On this course you will be taught by a range of staff with relevant expertise and knowledge appropriate to the content of the unit. This will include senior academic staff, qualified professional practitioners, demonstrators, technicians and research students. You will also benefit from regular guest lectures from industry.

Field trips are an important part of this course, to ensure you are exposed to as many real-world situations as possible - click on the tab for more information about the places you might visit. The laboratory work is varied and includes science labs, IT labs and crime scene reconstruction within a dedicated crime scene teaching lab.

Contact hours and assessment

Details of the assessment methods and contact hours for each unit of the course can be found in the programme specification. Please note that the programme specification is being updated and will be added shortly.

Download the foundation year programme specification (pdf 338kb) Download the programme specification (pdf 386kb)

Why study BSc (Hons) Forensic Investigation at BU?

• Forensic investigation is a wide-ranging and compelling subject, drawing from scientific methods and practical training within criminal investigation, taught by professional practitioners and guest speakers who are experts in their fields
• Covering biological and analytical science, the degree provides an understanding and knowledge of key concepts in relevant law, professional skills, crime scenes and forensic sciences
• Carried out in a variety of stimulating environments, including science labs, IT labs, field trips, and dedicated crime scene teaching labs in used for crime scene reconstruction
• Year one is shared with students taking BSc (Hons) Forensic Science, with the option to switch degrees at the end of the year
• Gain valuable work experience on your placement if you choose to take one and springboard into a career as a forensic investigator post-graduation
• Within fifteen months of finishing the course, 88% of graduates are in employment or further education.

Find out more about the content of this course.

You can find details of the international qualifications we accept, and what level of study they apply to, on our entry requirements for non-UK students' page.

Please see below some examples of the qualifications for entry onto Year 1 for September 2024 and September 2025 entry:

• China: Chinese Senior High School Graduation Certificate (Huikao) average 80%, or Gaokao 61-71%. Grade depends on the course
• France: Baccalaureate with 11.5–12.5 overall or 10.5-11.5 (international option)
• Hong Kong: HKDSE Diploma (4,4,3 to 4,4,4 from three subjects). Grade depends on the course
• India: All India Senior School Certificate Examination (Standard XII) 60-70%
• Spain: Titulo de Bachillerato with 6 - 7. Grade depends on the course
• Turkey: Devlet Lise Diplomasi/Lise Bitirme Diplomasi 3.5/5.0 or 70%

We offer a number of preparatory programmes through Bournemouth University International College. These courses offer you progression from High School in your home country to a Bachelor’s degree at BU.

Options include:

• Foundation Certificate in Science

English language requirements

If English is not your first language, you will need to provide evidence that you can understand English to a satisfactory level. English language requirements for this course are normally:

For September 2024 and September 2025 entry: IELTS (Academic) 6.0 with minimum 5.5 in each component, or equivalent.

View further information about our English language requirements.

If you do not meet the English language requirement for your degree then why not join our Pre-Sessional English course? Successful completion of our Pre-Sessional English course will meet your English language requirement.

For September 2024 and September 2025 entry: IELTS (Academic) 6.0 with minimum 5.5 in each component, or equivalent.

View further information about our English language requirements.

If you do not meet the English language requirement for your degree then why not join our Pre-Sessional English course? Successful completion of our Pre-Sessional English course will meet your English language requirement.

Costs and fees

All fees are quoted in pounds sterling and are per year. Your tuition fees will be the same for each year of your course. You can find full information about funding your studies and paying your fees in our undergraduate fees and funding section. That’s also where you’ll find information about the scholarships and bursaries on offer.

Fees quoted are for tuition only unless stated otherwise, and we’re committed to ensuring there are no hidden extra costs while you’re at university – that’s why we’re clear about what you can expect us to cover, and what your cost of living will be. You’ll also find you could benefit from a range of discounts as a student.

Find out more about budgeting and living expenses