Criminology and Forensic Science BSc (Hons)

Northumbria University

United Kingdom, Newcastle upon Tyne

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Northumbria University

United Kingdom , Newcastle upon Tyne

Key Facts

Program Level

Bachelor

Study Type

Full Time

Delivery

On Campus

Course Code

MF94

Campuses

Newcastle

Program Language

English

Start & Deadlines

Next Intake DeadlinesSeptember-2026

Apply to this program

Go to the official application for the university

Duration 3 year(s)

Tuition Fee

GBP 20,950 / year(s)

Next Intake September-2026

Criminology and Forensic Science BSc (Hons)

About

Combining theory with evidence.

Our Criminology and Forensic Science degree is taught by research-active criminologists and experienced former forensic practitioners and will give you an insight into the study of crime and its investigation within the criminal justice system.

The course has two distinct themes – the criminological theme covers the theory of crime, how society is policed and the issues and alternatives to custodial sentencing. The forensic science theme addresses the scientific theory and practical techniques that are used in crime scene examination and the laboratory to allow you to locate, examine and interpret evidential material for the courtroom. In doing so you will be provided with significant hands-on laboratory experience in, for example, analytical chemistry, blood pattern interpretation, DNA analysis and fibre examination. You will have the opportunity to undertake a one-year placement within the scientific field after the second year of study.

Supporting your future.

This degree is designed to support and inspire you to high achievement and professionalism in your future career. Building on fundamental knowledge and laboratory skills, you will develop into an independent graduate who can tackle complex problems with confidence, skill and maturity.

Why choose Northumbria to study Criminology and Forensic Science BSc (Hons)?

Forensic Science at Northumbria is ranked 3rd in the UK by the Complete University Guide for 2025.
Forensic Science at Northumbria is ranked top 20 in the UK for Forensic Science (Guardian University League Table, 2025.
The course is accredited by the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences.

What is Criminology and Forensic Science?

Criminology and forensic science are two distinct but interconnected fields that focus on different aspects of crime and criminal justice. Criminology is the social scientific study of crime and harm. It is principally concerned with understanding their causes, but also how society reacts and responds to crime and harm and how these change over time. It is a multifaceted field of study and some of the area’s students might engage with include criminal justice, criminological theory, extreme forms of violence, and mentally disordered offenders to name but a few. Forensic science is the application of science to law and involves using science to investigate crime and collect, preserve, examine, interpret the findings and present evidence.

Register for Criminology and Forensic Science Course Updates

See other similar courses you may be interested in: Criminology, Forensic Science BSc, Criminology and Sociology BSc

Requirements

Entry Requirements

Entry Requirements 2025/26

Standard Entry

112 UCAS Tariff points

From a combination of acceptable Level 3 qualifications which may include: A-level, T Level, BTEC Diplomas/Extended Diplomas, Scottish and Irish Highers, Access to HE Diplomas, or the International Baccalaureate.

Find out how many points your qualifications are worth by using the UCAS Tariff calculator: www.ucas.com/ucas/tariff-calculator

Northumbria University is committed to supporting all individuals to achieve their ambitions. We have a range of schemes and alternative offers to make sure as many individuals as possible are given an opportunity to study at our University regardless of personal circumstances or background. To find out more, review our Northumbria Entry Requirement Essential Information page for further details www.northumbria.ac.uk/entryrequirementsinfo

Subject Requirements:

There are no specific subject requirements for this course.

GCSE Requirements:

Applicants will need Maths, English Language and a Science at minimum grade 4/C, or an equivalent.

Additional Requirements:

There are no additional requirements for this course.

International Qualifications:

We welcome applicants with a range of qualifications which may not match those shown above.

If you have qualifications from outside the UK, find out what you need by visiting www.northumbria.ac.uk/yourcountry

English Language Requirements:

International applicants should have a minimum overall IELTS (Academic) score of 6.0 with 5.5 in each component (or an approved equivalent*).

*The university accepts a large number of UK and International Qualifications in place of IELTS. You can find details of acceptable tests and the required grades in our English Language section: www.northumbria.ac.uk/englishqualifications

English Program Requirements

International applicants should have a minimum overall IELTS (Academic) score of 6.0 with 5.5 in each component (or an approved equivalent*).

Career

How does this course support your future?

The course has a strong industry-related focus. It includes an optional one-year work placement, STEM ambassador activities, volunteering activities within the local communities, work-based learning and/or study abroad. We offer an innovative approach to work-based learning with an emphasis on problem-solving. The curriculum has been specifically designed to enhance your subject knowledge and practical skills while providing opportunities for personal and professional development.

Your positive attitude, ethics and approach is developed through team working, independent learning, professional practice and volunteering opportunities. You will graduate able to articulately and effectively communicate with a wide range of audiences through a variety of platforms.

Why study a Criminology and Forensic Science BSc (Hons) at Northumbria?

The fundamental practices and procedures of criminology and forensic science, together with logical thinking, attention to detail and a questioning mind, establish transferable skills to a range of careers and disciplines. Confidence, developed through intellectual curiosity, practical and theoretical problem solving, enables criminology and forensic science graduates to respectively interact in professional arenas.

Many of our recent alumni now work in roles within the police, forensic science laboratories and analytical chemistry laboratories, criminal justice and social work settings, or in varied careers in teaching, research, local and national government and third sector employment. Others have moved on to postgraduate study.