Forensic scientists provide impartial evidence in criminal investigations through their scientific expertise. They work in laboratories, at crime scenes, and in courtrooms, utilising their highly developed biology and chemistry skills. Their highly detailed work encompasses elements of chemistry and biology applied in areas such as toxicology, DNA analysis, and trace evidence.
The BSc (Hons) Forensic Science degree is designed to help students develop the skills and knowledge required by forensic scientists in order to apply scientific expertise in criminal investigations. The degree aims to develop skills and knowledge in a range of forensic science tasks, including crime scene investigation, physical evidence collection, sample analysis, and defence of testimony. This academically challenging course combines a broad spectrum of subjects, including advanced chemical and biological analysis, forensic toxicology, and crime scene management.
Subject area ranked 1st overall in the UK*
Links with law enforcement, and forensic science providers and consultants
Accredited by the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences
Optional overseas field course
Focus on professional practice to improve career prospects
Opportunities to engage with staff on research projects
*Guardian University Guide 2025 (out of 25 ranking institutions).
In years one and two, students are introduced to the principles of forensic science and crime scene investigation alongside key aspects of biology and analytical sciences. The final year offers students the chance to study specialist areas of forensic science and to develop their skills in the presentation of evidence.
The third year also offers students the opportunity to take part in an optional overseas field trip. Previous destinations have included Guatemala and New York. Students who choose to participate in the optional overseas field trip must pay for their own flights and some general living costs. Accommodation is provided by the University.
Teaching methods include conventional lectures (which cover the core subject material), practical classes, and field visits (which cover the technical and vocational skills of forensic science). These are supported by tutorials and seminars.
† Some courses may offer optional modules. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed. Optional module selection may also be affected by staff availability.
We want you to have all the information you need to make an informed decision on where and what you want to study. In addition to the information provided on this course page, our What You Need to Know page offers explanations on key topics including programme validation/revalidation, additional costs, contact hours, and our return to face-to-face teaching.
Between your second and final years, you may have the opportunity to gain experience through a work placement. A Placement Year Fee is payable to the University of Lincoln during this year for students joining in 2025/26 and beyond. Students are expected to cover their own travel, accommodation, and living costs.
Most modules on this course are assessed using a mixture of examinations and coursework. Coursework includes practical reports, project work, oral presentations, and written submissions.
The weighting given to each assessment method may vary across each academic year. The University of Lincoln aims to ensure that staff return in-course assessments to students promptly.
This programme has full accreditation from the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences, meaning students are eligible for associate membership. The Society is the main professional body for individuals working as forensic practitioners, academics, and researchers and in related professions in the UK, and is considered to be the ‘international voice of forensic science’.
An optional overseas field course gives you the opportunity to experience first hand the work of the forensic specialist. This module is designed to introduce you to laboratory and field work within an international context while developing a global perspective of forensic science. You can also familiarise yourself with the professional skills required to carry out this type of work. Previous destinations have included Guatemala, New York, and Toronto. Students who choose to participate are required to pay for their own flights and general living costs. Accommodation is provided by the University.
My time at the University of Lincoln can be summed up in on word...incredible! I learnt so much in my three years. The modules and content were interesting, informative, and inspiring. The lecturers are amazing at explaining things and staff also go the extra mile to support you.
James Gridley
BSc (Hons) Forensic Science
The University has working relationships with the Metropolitan Police, Lincolnshire Police, the European Network of Forensic Science Institutes, and private sector forensic science providers and consultants. Practitioners such as JC Fire are key contributors to the programme, and may offer students access to training and real-world case studies.
This course is designed to enable you to develop the advanced practical and analytical skills beneficial to a range of careers. Graduates may go on to roles in law enforcement organisations including police forces, HMRC, environmental health, private sector investigatory agencies, and in laboratories in the forensic, pharmaceutical, and food sectors. Opportunities also exist in teaching and research. Previous students have started careers as DNA analysts, crime scene investigators, analytical chemists, and reporting forensic practitioners.
104 UCAS Tariff points from a minimum of 2 A Levels or equivalent qualifications including 32 points in Biology, Chemistry, or Applied Science.
BTEC Extended Diploma in Applied Science or Forensic Science*: Distinction, Merit, Merit.
(*dependent on modules studied. Please contact our Admissions team for further information admissions@lincoln.ac.uk)
T Level in Science: Merit.
Access to Higher Education Diploma: 45 Level 3 credits with a minimum of 104 UCAS Tariff points, including 32 points from 15 credits in Biology or Chemistry.
International Baccalaureate: 28 points overall to include a Higher Level 4 in Biology or Chemistry.
GCSE's: Minimum of three at grade 4 or above, which must include English and Maths. Equivalent Level 2 qualifications may also be considered.
The University accepts a wide range of qualifications as the basis for entry and do accept a combination of qualifications which may include A Levels, BTECs, EPQ etc.
We may also consider applicants with extensive and relevant work experience and will give special individual consideration to those who do not meet the standard entry qualifications.
Non UK Qualifications:
If you have studied outside of the UK, and are unsure whether your qualification meets the above requirements, please visit our country pages for information on equivalent qualifications.
https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/studywithus/internationalstudents/entryrequirementsandyourcountry/
EU and Overseas students will be required to demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.0 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in each element. For information regarding other English language qualifications we accept, please visit the English Requirements page.
If you do not meet the above IELTS requirements, you may be able to take part in one of our Pre-sessional English and Academic Study Skills courses.
For applicants who do not meet our standard entry requirements, our Science Foundation Year can provide an alternative route of entry onto our full degree programmes:
If you would like further information about entry requirements, or would like to discuss whether the qualifications you are currently studying are acceptable, please contact the Admissions team on 01522 886097, or email admissions@lincoln.ac.uk
Going to university is a life-changing step and it's important to understand the costs involved and the funding options available before you start. A full breakdown of the fees associated with this programme can be found on our course fees pages.
For eligible undergraduate students going to university for the first time, scholarships and bursaries are available to help cover costs. To help support students from outside of the UK, we are also delighted to offer a number of international scholarships which range from £1,000 up to the value of 50 per cent of tuition fees. For full details and information about eligibility, visit our scholarships and bursaries pages.
Our Crime Scene House facility in the Think Tank is used by Forensic Science students, during their course for training, exploring aspects of crime scene investigation, recovery of evidence, and experiments for things like bloodstain pattern analysis.
