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Forensic Investigation (Including Foundation Year)

Course details
  • BSc (Hons)
  • 4 Years
  • Full-time
  • 21 September 2026
  • Undergraduate
Course location
Pontypridd
Awarded by:
University of South Wales (Prifysgol De Cymru)

Course summary

This course is designed for students who are interested in developing a career where the understanding of forensic techniques and practices are essential e.g. Crime Scene Investigator, Forensic Analyst, careers in the Police Service or wider criminal justice sector.

The course has an integral foundation year at the very start of the course meaning that we will bring you up-to-speed with learning strategies, application of investigative processes, data and information handling, and introduce you to some very basic scientific approaches to allow you to progress to Level 4 and onwards to complete a full Bachelor's degree.

In the foundation year, you will study a blend of subject specific modules including an Introduction to Forensic Investigation and Criminal Justice, Cyber Security and Forensics, and an Introduction to the Forensic Laboratory, as well as core modules which will help you develop as a person, obtaining all the study skills you require to be successful at the higher levels.

From Level 4 onwards, you will follow the exact same curriculum as our main BSc (Hons) Forensic Investigation course, and will study modules in Crime Scene Investigation, the Laboratory Analysis of Evidence, and it's interpretation, evaluation and presentation. Unique to our BSc (Hons) Forensic Investigation course are modules which will allow you to study Food Forensics, Wildlife Forensics, Forensic Engineering and Forensics and Fraud.

Your course will provide a balance of simulated learning in our recently refurbished Crime Scene Training Facility, practical work in our laboratories, and full support from lecturers through formally scheduled lectures and tutorials.

Qualified teacher status (QTS)

To work as a teacher at a state school in England or Wales, you will need to achieve qualified teacher status (QTS). This is offered on this course for the following level:

  • Course does not award QTS

How to apply

Apply by
14 January

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application codes

Course code:
F413
Institution code:
W01
Campus name:
Pontypridd
Campus Code:
A

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Foundation

Open days

Entry requirements

UCAS Tariff 48 points

A level DD

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

Access to HE Diploma D: 0 credits M: 0 credits

Access to HE Diploma with a minimum of 48 UCAS Tariff points

GCSE/National 4/National 5

The University normally requires Mathematics/Numeracy and English at Grade C/4 or above, or their equivalent, but consideration is given to individual circumstances.

T Level Pass (D or E)

Passing the T Level with Pass (D or E in the Core)

Find out more about qualification requirements for this course.

Historical entry grades data

This section shows the range of grades that students who received offers were previously accepted on to this course with (learn more).

It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place.

Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.

Not enough data available

We are unable to show previous accepted grades for this course. This could be because the course is new, it's a postgraduate course, there isn't enough historical data, or the provider has opted out of sharing their entry grades data for this course - learn more.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

Per year tuition fees

LocationFeeYear

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.

Additional fee information

Students have access to a wide range of resources including textbooks, publications, and computers in the University’s library and via online resources. In most cases they are more than sufficient to complete a course of study. Where there are additional costs, either obligatory or optional, these are detailed on the University website (on individual course pages). Of course students may choose to purchase their own additional personal resources/tools over and above those listed to support their studies at their own expense. All stationery and printing costs are at a student’s own expense.

Students from Wales and the EU may be eligible for a means-tested Welsh Government Learning Grant. Please visit the University website for full details.

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