Forensic Science

Forensic science is the application of scientific knowledge and methods to the investigation of crime and to the legal processes that follow. It draws on chemistry, biology, physics, and statistics to analyse physical evidence ranging from trace fibres and fingerprints to DNA, digital data, and toxic substances, providing findings that can be used to establish the facts of a case in criminal proceedings. The discipline demands rigorous scientific method, scrupulous attention to evidence integrity, and the ability to communicate complex findings clearly to legal professionals and courts.

At Nottingham Trent University you will study this three-year full-time programme, which includes a year abroad, giving you the opportunity to experience forensic science education and potentially forensic practice in a different national context. The year abroad broadens your scientific perspective and develops the adaptability that is increasingly valued in a profession that works with international cases, cross-border crime, and global scientific standards. Across the programme you will study the major areas of forensic investigation, including forensic chemistry and toxicology, biological evidence and DNA analysis, scene examination, fingerprint science, questioned documents, and digital forensics.

The legal framework within which forensic science operates is also a core part of the curriculum, ensuring you understand how scientific evidence must be gathered, preserved, and presented to be admissible in court. The typical entry tariff is 136 points.

Forensic science graduates work in police forensic units, independent forensic laboratories, the Forensic Science Regulator's oversight framework, the National Crime Agency, and scientific support roles within the criminal justice system. Some graduates move into forensic pathology or toxicology with further qualifications. Others find that the analytical and scientific skills developed during the degree open careers in environmental science, pharmaceutical quality control, and research.

Further study in forensic science, analytical chemistry, or criminology is a route taken by those seeking to specialise or move into research.