**OVERVIEW**
The BSc Criminal Justice and Forensic Science degree helps you kick-start your career in the criminal justice system by developing expertise in criminal justice and the forensic examination of evidence.
This unique degree offers an opportunity to study criminal justice theory, research and policy alongside the forensic science vital to modern investigations. It draws on learning and expertise from two existing and successful degrees (BA Criminal Justice and BSc Forensic Science) and it covers the study of:
// the concepts, theories, structures, org...
**OVERVIEW**<br/>The BSc Criminal Justice and Forensic Science degree helps you kick-start your career in the criminal justice system by developing expertise in criminal justice and the forensic examination of evidence.<br/><br/>This unique degree offers an opportunity to study criminal justice theory, research and policy alongside the forensic science vital to modern investigations. It draws on learning and expertise from two existing and successful degrees (BA Criminal Justice and BSc Forensic Science) and it covers the study of:<br/><br/>// the concepts, theories, structures, organisations, processes and practices involved with the prevention, investigation and prosecution of crime, the workings of the criminal law and criminal court system and the treatment of offenders<br/>// crime scene examination, drugs, alcohol and evidence interpretation<br/><br/>This degree will prepare you for a career in the criminal justice system in policing, criminology or as a forensic examiner capable of analysing and interpreting evidence from crime scenes. Throughout your studies, you will gradually develop your scientific knowledge and research and inquiry skills applicable to the interface between criminal justice and science.<br/><br/>**PRACTICAL FOCUS**<br/>The course is practical in nature and your learning is re-inforced through site visits, workshops, laboratories, role-play and presentations. <br/><br/>Guest lectures from practitioners and real-world case-based projects form an important part of the course. <br/><br/>After Year 3 you will also have the option to undertake a 12-month paid work experience as part of the Honours sandwich programme. These placements could be spent working in a laboratory or in a criminal justice related setting.<br/><br/>**CAREER PROSPECTS**<br/>**Jobs**<br/>As a BSc (Hons) Criminal Justice and Forensic Science graduate, you’ll have expertise in both criminal justice and science giving you a wide range of career possibilities. Graduates of this programme will be well prepared for careers in areas such as: Crime scene examination / Police and prison services / Courts and restorative justice / Drug and alcohol services / Customs and excise.<br/><br/>**Further Study**<br/>Our graduates can go on to further academic study leading to Master of Science (MSc), Master of Research (MRes), Master of Philosophy (MPhil), or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in areas such as Forensic Science, Education, Criminology, Alcohol and Drugs and Bioscience.
Some courses vary and have tailored teaching options, select a course option below.
Course Details
Information
Study Mode
Full-time
Duration
4 Years
Start Date
08/09/2025
Campus
Paisley Campus
Application deadline
Provider Details
Codes/info
Course Code
F420
Institution Code
U40
Points of Entry
Year 1, Year 2, Year 3, Year 4
A levelC,C,D plus GCSE Chemistry or Biology at Grade 4 above, OR triple Science at Grade 4 UCAS Tariff90 including Chemistry or Biology Scottish HigherB,C,C,C plus National 5 Chemistry or Biology/Human Biology at Grade B, and National 5 Maths/Applications of Maths and English at Grade C International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme24 including Chemistry or Biology Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)MMM Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017)H3,H3,H3,H4 Including Chemistry Scottish HNCEntry into Year 2 with HNC Applied Science, or other relevant science-based title with appropriate criminology background Scottish HNDEntry into Year 3 with HND Applied Science or other relevant science-based title with appropriate criminology background T LevelPass (C and above) For year 1 entry |
Find more courses from University of the West of Scotland with our undergraduate course search.
Region | Costs | Academic Year | Year |
---|---|---|---|
Scotland | £1,820 | 2024/25 | Year 1 |
England, Northern Ireland, Wales, Channel Islands, Republic of Ireland | £9,250 | 2024/25 | Year 1 |
EU, International | £18,000 | 2024/25 | Year 1 |