Forensic Science

Why study Forensic Science at Liverpool John Moores University?

• Opportunity to undertake a year's industrial placement

• Option to focus on biological or chemical aspects of analysis

• £6 million investment in teaching facilities, including specialist forensic analysis and scene-of-crime labs

• Opens up careers in the police, analytical laboratories, insurance or legal firms, independent forensic laboratories and the teaching sector

• Accredited by the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences

• This degree is available to study following a foundation year

• International Foundation Year course available offering direct progression onto this degree programme - visit LJMU's International Study Centre to find out more

About your course
You will spend a large proportion of your time in the lab, carrying out drug spot tests, analysing fingerprints, processing crime scenes and analysing DNA while studying the BSc (Hons) Forensic Science at Liverpool John Moores University.

Over the past 50 years the analytical methods employed by forensic scientists have become very powerful indeed and have made a significant impact on conviction rates. Forensic science is all about using the power of scientific analysis to resolve legal disputes. It requires a sound knowledge of the analytical methods of biology and chemistry combined with training in crime scene investigation, as well as a basic knowledge of law and how to assess the value of evidence. You will be expected to have an attention to detail that is second to none for the microscopic analysis of hairs and fibres, DNA profiling and drug analysis.

This is a practical, hands-on course in which you will spend a large proportion of your time in the lab, carrying out spot tests for drugs, fingerprint and footwear analysis, crime scene processing, DNA analysis and forensic microscopy.

Throughout this professionally-accredited course you will be supported by our team of experts, with additional input from external speakers from all areas of forensics. There will also be plenty of opportunities for you to gain experience through work-based learning and/or on an optional sandwich placement.

Please visit the Liverpool John Moores University website for detailed module information.

Assessment varies depending on the modules you choose, but will usually include a combination of exams and coursework.

We acknowledge that all students perform differently depending on the way they are assessed. This is why we use a range of assessment methods and a combination of exams and coursework for each module, though some practical modules are assessed by coursework only.

- Exams may include multiple choice, short answer, interpretative, problem-based learning and essay questions
- Coursework may be in the form of phase tests, fieldwork/practical reports, data handling, oral presentations, poster presentations, podcasts, online or real-time group discussions, essays or practical skills evaluations

Some assignments are done in groups. Your final year research project will be assessed by literature review and scientific report plus an oral presentation.

Feedback is normally provided within three weeks of submission and may be via Canvas, face-to-face or as written comments. This is a vital part of the assessment process, as it gives you a chance to identify your successes and areas that may need further attention.

Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.

• Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences