Forensic Science BSc (Hons)
University of the West of Scotland
Student rating
This is the overall rating calculated by averaging all live reviews for this uni on Whatuni.
( 4.1) View reviews

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Different course options
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Qualification

Bachelor of Science (with Honours) - BSc (Hons)

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Location

Paisley Campus

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Study mode

Sandwich

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Start date

SEP-25

time
Duration

4 Years

Course info

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Qualification

Bachelor of Science (with Honours) - BSc (Hons)

Location

Paisley Campus

Study mode

Sandwich

Start date

SEP-25

Duration

4 Years

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Subjects

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Forensic Science
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Exam type

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A level
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Scottish Higher
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Scottish Advanced Higher
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UCAS Tariff
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International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
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Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017)
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Pearson BTEC Extended Diploma (QCF)
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Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
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Scottish HNC
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Scottish HND
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T Level
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Location

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England
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Scotland
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Wales
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Northern Ireland
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Channel Islands
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EU
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Rest of World
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Course info

OVERVIEWKick-start your career in the criminal justice system with UWS’s BSc (Hons) Forensic Science programme. You’ll develop expertise in crime scene examination and the scientific examination of recovered materials. This will prepare you for life as a forensic scientist capable of using the latest chemical and biological techniques to analyse materials such as drugs, toxicology samples, trace evidence, DNA and ignitable liquids.PROGRAMME HIGHLIGHTS• This programme will equip you with the ...Read more

OVERVIEWKick-start your career in the criminal justice system with UWS’s BSc (Hons) Forensic Science programme. You’ll develop expertise in crime scene examination and the scientific examination of recovered materials. This will prepare you for life as a forensic scientist capable of using the latest chemical and biological techniques to analyse materials such as drugs, toxicology samples, trace evidence, DNA and ignitable liquids.PROGRAMME HIGHLIGHTS
• This programme will equip you with the skills and knowledge required to work as a forensic scientist in a lab or crime scene.
• You’ll work with simulated crime scenes to identify, record and collect evidence in a realistic manner.
• Learning is consolidated through site visits, workshops, role-play and presentations.
• Guest lectures from industry professionals, industry-based projects and work placements will increase your employability.
• This programme is accredited by the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences.
• Upon completion of this degree, you’ll be eligible to apply for Associate Membership of the Royal Society of Chemistry (AMRSC).PROGRAMME DETAILS This programme will provide you with a practical understanding of the techniques used in Forensic Science, which are also used widely in all areas of analytical science.The chance to present evidence in mock court scenarios and group projects will help you develop the presentational, time management and IT skills sought after by employers.As a graduate of UWS’s BSc (Hons) Forensic Science programme, not only are you equipped with the specific knowledge and skills associated with forensic science and the wider scientific community, but key transferable skills required by employers.CAREERSAs a BSc (Hons) Forensic Science graduate, you’ll have expertise in both chemistry and biology – making you suitable for further academic study or employment in fields including pharmaceutical research, environmental protection, distilling and brewing, chemical analysis and policing. Recent UWS graduates have secured roles, including:
• Crime scene examiner
• Environmental forensic scientist
• Counterfeit whiskey investigator
• Pharmaceutical researcher
• Alzheimer’s disease researcher

Key stats

CUG Subject Ranking
CUG Subject Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2025
16th
CUG Ranking
CUG Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2025
128th
Forensic and Archaeological Sciences
Drop-out rate
Drop-out rate
The percentage of students who didn't finish the course.
Calculated by 100% - (% of students continuing course + % of students completed course)
100 - 95 = 5% Drop-out rate Source: UNISTATS, 2019
5%
Employment rate
Employment rate
The percentage of students in full-time work 6 months after finishing their course.
Source: UNISTATS, 2019
100%
Average salary
Average salary
Source: UNISTATS, 2019
Forensic and Archaeological Sciences graduate salary at this uni
£18,000
UK Forensic and Archaeological Sciences graduate salary
£20,000
What students say
SR
Student Reviewer
14 Jan 15

run down. needs new facilities. amazing staff and students. could do with restructuring of courses. staff left and not been replaced putting both students and staff under..Read more

SR
Student Reviewer
04 Apr 14

Paisley uni is awesome & I love it here at uni. Really like my IT course to & others in my classes seem to be enjoying it also. Would recommend for sure,..Read more

Modules

Modules (Year 1)
Modules (Year 2)
Modules (Year 3)
Modules (Year 4)
IDP Connect

Entry requirements

Exam type

A level

A level:

CCD Grades / Points required

Scottish Higher:

BCCC Grades / Points required

Scottish Advanced Higher:

CCD Grades / Points required

UCAS Tariff:

90 Grades / Points required

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme:

24 Grades / Points required

Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017):

H3,H3,H3,H4 Grades / Points required

Pearson BTEC Extended Diploma (QCF):

DDM Grades / Points required

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016):

MMM Grades / Points required

Scottish HNC:

Pass Grades / Points required

Scottish HND:

Pass Grades / Points required

T Level:

M Grades / Points required

Including ChemistryFor year 2 entry, BCC including Chemistry and either Biology or Human Biology

Including Chemistry, plus National 5 Maths/Applications of Maths and English at Grade C or above

including Chemistry and Biology/Human Biology

Including Chemistry

including Chemistry or BiologyFor year 2 entry, 28 points required including Chemistry and Biology

Including Chemistry

For year 2 entry

in relevant subject

Entry to Year 2 with a HNC in Applied Science or relevant science-based title

Entry to Year 3 with HND in a relevant subject

For year 2 entry, in relevant subject

Tuition fees

Students living in

England

£9,250 per year

This information comes from UCAS, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: fees do vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from England

This is the fee you pay if you live within England. Please note, this is subject to change. Please confirm the most up to date fee with the individual institution.

This is the fee you pay if you live within England. Please note, this is subject to change. Please confirm the most up to date fee with the individual institution.

£1,820 per year

This information comes from UCAS, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: fees do vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from Scotland

This is the fee you pay if you live within Scotland. Please note, this is subject to change. Please confirm the most up to date fee with the individual institution.

This is the fee you pay if you live within Scotland. Please note, this is subject to change. Please confirm the most up to date fee with the individual institution.

£9,250 per year

This information comes from UCAS, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: fees do vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from Wales

This is the fee you pay if you live within Wales. Please note, this is subject to change. Please confirm the most up to date fee with the individual institution.

This is the fee you pay if you live within Wales. Please note, this is subject to change. Please confirm the most up to date fee with the individual institution.

£9,250 per year

This information comes from UCAS, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: fees do vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from Northern Ireland

This is the fee you pay if you live within Northern Ireland. Please note, this is subject to change. Please confirm the most up to date fee with the individual institution.

This is the fee you pay if you live within Northern Ireland. Please note, this is subject to change. Please confirm the most up to date fee with the individual institution.

£9,250 per year

This information comes from UCAS, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: fees do vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from Channel Islands

This is the fee you pay if you live within Channel Islands. Please note, this is subject to change.

This is the fee you pay if you live within Channel Islands. Please note, this is subject to change.

£18,000 per year

This information comes from UCAS, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: fees do vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from EU

This is the fee you pay if you live within the European Union. Please note, this is subject to change. Please confirm the most up to date fee with the individual institution.

This is the fee you pay if you live within the European Union. Please note, this is subject to change. Please confirm the most up to date fee with the individual institution.

£18,000 per year

This information comes from UCAS, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: fees do vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from International

This is the fee you pay if you are an International student. Please note, this is subject to change. Please confirm the most up to date fee with the individual institution.

£18000 Per year

UCAS/IDP Connect

Latest reviews

Latest Forensic Science (Non-Medical) reviews

Forensic Science (Non-Medical)
Forensic Science (Non-Medical)
SR
Student Reviewer
14 Jan 15
run down. needs new facilities. amazing staff and students. could do with restructuring of courses. staff left and not been replaced putting both students and staff under...
Read more
SR
Student Reviewer
04 Apr 14
Paisley uni is awesome & I love it here at uni. Really like my IT course to & others in my classes seem to be enjoying it also. Would recommend for sure,...
Read more
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How Forensic Science (Non-Medical) students rated:

Student rating
( 4.1) 37 reviews
5 star
41%
4 stars
38%
3 stars
17%
2 stars
2%
1 star
2%

How all students rated:

Student rating
( 4.1) 610 reviews
5 star
32%
4 stars
50%
3 stars
14%
2 stars
3%
1 star
1%
Search reviews that mention

Uni info

University of the West of Scotland
High Street Paisley Renfrewshire PA1 2BE United Kingdom
Nearest train station: Paisley Canal  0.2 miles away
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