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Huddersfield University Campus

Chemistry with Forensic Science BSc(Hons)

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Start Dates

21 September 2026

Duration

3 years full-time 4 years inc. placement year

UCAS Tariff

104-112

Recent Awards For Excellence

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About this course

Overview

Why choose Huddersfield for this course?

  • We’re ranked 1st in Yorkshire and the Humber for Forensic Science in the Complete University Guide 2026.
  • Graduates can pursue careers in crime scene investigation, forensic pathology, toxicology, or analytical chemistry.
  • We’ve designed this course around practical experiments so you graduate ready to hit the ground running.

Accreditation and Professional Links

Recognised connections to give you an extra edge when you graduate. Read More

Keen to get involved in a real, crime-scene investigation? Or perhaps you’re intrigued by how science can be applied to support the legal system? Our Chemistry with Forensic Science BSc(Hons) degree may give you the chance to explore both these areas of the subject. You’ll see chemistry in action, building a broad range of skills – including critical thinking and observational skills - for a potentially rewarding career ahead.

Why study Chemistry with Forensic Science BSc(Hons)

In our purpose-built facilities and labs, you’ll have the opportunity to get to grips with a range of instruments, with the aim of becoming skilled in chemical and forensic analysis. You could have the chance to try out spot tests for blood, drugs, and firearm residues, for example, or you might find yourself identifying glass and paint fragments and examining microscopic hairs and fibre.

This Royal Society of Chemistry-accredited course includes:

  • a range of modules, covering organic and inorganic chemistry, physical chemistry, analytical science, and practical forensic science
  • a placement year in industry or research in year three, giving you an opportunity to put your knowledge to the test and to help boost your employability post-graduation.

Career opportunities after the course *

Data Analysts

Analytical Chemists

Laboratory Analysts

Development Chemists

Chemistry Technicians

*Lightcast

Who can apply?

Entry Requirements

BBC-BCC at A Level with a minimum grade C in Chemistry. The endorsement for practical work is an essential part of Science A Level study, and is a requirement for entry to our degree course.
DMM in BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Applied Science.
112-104 UCAS tariff points from a combination of Level 3 qualifications including a minimum grade C in Chemistry at A Level.
Access to Higher Education Diploma with 45 Level 3 credits at Merit with 21 credits in Chemistry.
Merit at T Level in Science
112-104 UCAS tariff points from International Baccalaureate qualifications, including Higher Level Chemistry at grade 5.

If you do not have the appropriate qualifications for direct entry to this degree you may be able to apply to our Science Extended Degree (BCF0).

If your first language is not English, you will need to meet the minimum requirements of an English Language qualification. The minimum for IELTS is 6.0 overall with no element lower than 5.5, or equivalent. Read more about the University’s entry requirements for students outside of the UK on our International Entry Requirements page.

Other suitable experience or qualifications will be considered. For further information please see the University's minimum entry requirements.

What will you learn?

Course Details

This module introduces you to the chemistry of the elements. Starting with the earliest known chemical events in the universe, this module discusses the elements, their origin, structure and properties before looking at the structure and bonding in and reactions of chemical compounds and encompasses a number of areas of (mostly) main group chemistry including, but not limited to, the constituents of the earth's crust and the chemistry of the atmosphere.

This module teaches you to recognise a range of functional groups and to name systematically compounds that contain them. Structure and bonding in organic compounds are discussed, as are the concepts of the octet rule, orbital hybridisation, formal charge, bond polarisation and resonance. The importance of molecular geometry is introduced and the basic principles of molecular conformation and of stereochemistry are covered. In preparation for the chemistry to follow, an integrated treatment of the 'language of chemical change' is presented. The ideas of mechanism and reaction intermediates are met, together with the curly arrow symbolism which chemists use to represent the electron movement inherent in chemical reactions. In the second half of the module, the chemistry of the principal functional groups is considered, using the ideas developed earlier. The lecture programme is reinforced by regular tutorials in which problems are worked. Running parallel to the lecture programme is a continuously assessed practical course that introduces you to the basic techniques of preparative organic chemistry.

This module covers four areas of physical chemistry: Units, Conversions and the Properties of ideal and non-ideal Gases, Solution Chemistry of Acids, Bases and Salts, Reaction Kinetics and Catalysis, and Introductory Thermodynamics

This module aims to introduce students from diverse backgrounds to the range of skills required in modern analytical science and illustrate how analytical methodology underpins scientific investigation across the conventional discipline boundaries. The module will build on and develop your prior knowledge of analysis whilst not assuming any particular area of expertise and will also endeavour to improve your numerical, IT and communication skills by illustrating analytical methodology in the context of these key skill areas. This module also aims to develop your ability to obtain and interpret a wide range of spectroscopic data in a systematic and logical fashion. In this way you'll be taught to apply your knowledge to a wide range of new problems and in so doing develop your general problem solving skills. The module will be taught primarily by lectures and tutorials with illustrative practical work to highlight salient points from the lecture material.

This module is an introduction to basic forensic techniques and the scientific principles underlying them. Techniques used include fingerprint development (chemical and physical), spot tests for blood stains, identification of glass fragments by density, refractive index and x-ray fluorescence, microscopic examination of hairs and fibres and methods for determining alcohol and drugs in the blood. Practical work is supported by lectures on forensic awareness and how forensic scientists interact with the police force and other bodies.

This module provides an introduction to the use of computers for scientific data handling and networking. It will also consolidate the mathematical ability of students entering the course from a variety of backgrounds and provides the essential groundwork in this subject area together with an introduction to probability and statistics.

This module provides coverage of the more important methods of forming carbon-carbon single and double bonds. Following on from year 1 carbonyl chemistry, some more advanced aspects of carbonyl chemistry will be discussed. Main-group elements and their role in synthesis will also be considered. Retrosynthetic analysis will be introduced in the context of carbonyl chemistry and will be developed to enable you to plan some complex multistep syntheses. The synthesis and reactions of the main classes of simple heterocyclic compounds will be covered. The chemistry of other biologically-important compounds such as carbohydrates amino acids will also be detailed. More advanced aspects of stereochemistry are covered, and the relationship between conformation and reactivity is explored. The module has a practical component which focuses on the use of more advanced techniques for the preparation, isolation and analysis (IR and NMR) of target molecules. A part of the practical session is devoted to the isolation of stereochemically pure products.

In this module you'll have the opportunity to consolidate the interpretative skills learnt in the module Analytical Science 1 and extend these to the analysis of spectra from more complex organic molecules. The majority of samples encountered in analytical science are mixtures, you'll be introduced to the basics of the most widely used forms of chromatography and a number of application areas of each will be described including the application of combined separation and spectroscopic techniques. Additionally you'll be introduced to a selection of instrumental analyses including atomic spectroscopy, thermal methods and electrochemical techniques, and statistical methodology which provide solutions to many of the analytical problems which are encountered in modern society. This module aims to develop your abilities in these directions to enable you to design an analytical process whilst further developing your IT, communication and numerical skills.

This module will build on the theory covered in the module Inorganic Chemistry 1, looking primarily at the chemistry of transition metal (d-block) elements. The concepts of coordination chemistry and the bonding in complexes will be introduced, and how the optical and magnetic properties demonstrated by complexes can be explained by Crystal Field Theory. More advanced aspects of coordination chemistry will be introduced, including chelates, macrocycles, organometallic and supramolecular species. The behaviour of solid materials will also be discussed, focussing on band theory to explain semiconductor properties, the effect of defects on properties, and basic crystal structures. The practical component of the module incorporates techniques for the synthesis and characterisation of metal complexes.

This module covers six topics: equilibrium and dynamic electrochemistry, phase equilibria, colloids and colloidal suspensions, colligative properties, kinetics of composite reactions and quantum theory – basic principles and simple applications. With the exception of quantum theory, material in the other areas builds on that presented in year 1.

This module builds upon the concepts and techniques introduced in the module Practical Forensic Science 1. Emphasis will be placed on practical problem solving, clear recording of work performed and both statistical and critical analysis of results. The module will introduce further instrumental techniques including chromatography and mass spectrometry. Samples studied will include poisons, restricted drugs and explosive residues.

An overview of commonly encountered evidence types at crime scenes will be provided, with a focus on crime scene specific issues, such as location, recovery, packaging contamination, health and safety. In addition, the forensic significance of the evidence will be discussed reflecting the new roles of the crime scene practitioner in formulating submission strategies, as well as crime scene management. Crime scene examination strategies will be covered, along with strategies to preserve the continuity and integrity of the evidence and information obtained, as well as photography. An introduction to the legal system will be provided along with report production and defending witness statements in a mock court of law. A series of practical will also be provided where the students place the theory in to practice. You will also be introduced to Digital Forensics and Cyber Crime.

The supervised work experience (SWE) is normally a 48 week placement in a suitable organisation. The actual content of the placement will vary depending on the specific background and demands of individual students and the opportunities available within differing employing organisations. Placements are available both within the UK and abroad and assistance is provided to help find a suitable position. You'll be visited up to twice a year by your University tutor. The SWE provides an opportunity for you to experience employment within organisations related to your chosen pathway and at the same time improve your technical and social skills.

A chemically-based independent research programme. Supervisors will outline the aims of the project and direct you to the most recent literature. Before undertaking experimentation, you'll be expected to undertake a comprehensive review of the literature related to your project. You'll have the opportunity to plan your project in light of the current state of the field of research. You'll be given advice from your supervisor on research methods. Your projects will involve advanced laboratory and instrumental techniques. It will be open ended and you'll be expected to review progress regularly and modify research plans accordingly. You'll then be required to present your results in a thesis and in a talk at the end of your project

This module is designed to develop advanced practical skills across the main core disciplines of chemical sciences and to demonstrate the combination of skills needed to undertake research projects, from initial conception and planning, to undertaking practical work, reviewing results and reporting results. The practical classes will provide an opportunity to use sophisticated experimental techniques in organic, physical, inorganic and analytical science. The module is constructed to provide you with experience of extended exercises, working both individually and in small groups. The sessions will involve experimental design, evaluation and interpretation of results, presenting and reporting results.

This module draws together the basic concepts of synthesis and reaction mechanisms in the context of providing methods for designing suitable synthetic routes to target compounds and also extends the range of reaction types to include pericyclic reactions. The module introduces contemporary preparative methods for the synthesis of organic compounds. Further aspects relating to designing a synthesis and the connection between design and retrosynthetic principles are covered. The selectivity of reactions and the concepts of regio-, chemo-, stereo- and enantioselectivity are developed as are the rules governing pericyclic reactions. The reaction mechanism component draws together concepts in both physical and mechanistic organic chemistry. This section provides techniques that can be used to differentiate between mechanistic types. The use of product analysis, activation parameters, linear free energy relationships and isotope effects to determine reaction mechanisms are described.

This module covers various aspects of advanced physical chemistry. The properties of surfaces and the interaction of gas molecules with surfaces will be discussed. Different theories of adsorption will be compared. The kinetics of surface reactions will be related to the mechanism of the reaction. The application of surface science type measurements in developing an understanding of how atoms and molecules adsorb on surfaces will be covered. Central to chemistry is being able to relate observation made in the laboratory to behaviour at the atomistic level and equally to use the interaction of atoms and molecules to derive quantities that can be measured at the macro-level. Thus statistical thermodynamics will be introduced and used to derive fundamental properties. Atomistic modelling also provides a view into the molecular world and after reviewing the fundamentals of quantum mechanics the methods for approximating multi electron systems will be introduced and the applications in computational chemistry explored. One important application of quantum mechanics which is used routinely throughout chemistry is spectroscopy. We will therefore show how the quantum definitions of the allowed vibrational and rotational energy levels of a simple harmonic oscillator and a rigid-rotor can be used to derive the observed IR and microwave spectra of diatomic molecules and introduce other related aspects of the theory relating to atomic and molecular spectroscopy.

You will also choose two optional modules in this year. The current optional modules are:

This module covers the forensic investigation of evidence building on material delivered in the second year modules. The material covered will also include general forensic science principles and how they are applied to investigations. Such principles include Bayesian Inference and these will also be applied to biological and non-biological evidence types such as forensic genetics, body fluid identification, taphonomy, impressions, drugs and toxicology.

The relationship between the forensic scientist and the justice system will be explored with a view to addressing aspects of criminal and civil law. Aspects of presentation of evidence as well as the role and responsibility of the expert witness will also be explored. The requirements of quality systems will be considered within context of presenting robust evidence; as well as the considerations of ethical practice. Quality Assurance procedures and importance of standard operating procedures in relation to accreditation will be explored (i.e. ISO17020 and ISO17025).

In this module the basic description of separation science provided earlier in the course will be expanded and extended. Recent developments in the subject will be discussed in terms of basic chromatographic theory. The application of separation methods to the identification and quantification of drugs and their metabolites in toxicological samples will be discussed. The metabolism of drugs, in so far as this process impinges upon the analytical methodology employed in toxicological analysis, together with the effects of sample type and their storage will be highlighted.

This module comprises of a series of specialist workshops incorporating both theoretical and practical aspects in the more specialist forensic science disciplines, not covered elsewhere in the course.

For more information on when and how we update our modules please see the ‘Legal Information’ section below.

Teaching and Assessment

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Global Professional Award

At Huddersfield, you’ll study the award-winning Global Professional Award (GPA) alongside your degree* — so you’re ready for the career you want, whatever subject you choose.

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Interested in a placement?

Placements

In the third year of this course, you’ll get the chance to step out of the classroom and into the real world on an optional placement year working for an organisation related to your areas of interest. This is when you’ll really be able to see your knowledge in action, pick up invaluable skills for your future career and boost your employability to help you hit the ground running after graduation.

You could stay to do your placement in the UK or experience a new culture and work abroad for one year. Where could this year take you?

Previous students in the Chemistry subject area have undertaken placements with Arxada, Barentz, Chemfix, Thornton & Ross and University of Huddersfield. Previous students in the Forensic Science subject area have undertaken placements with Brenntag, Concept Life Sciences, Q3 Academy Great Barr, Thornton & Ross and University of Huddersfield.

Placement information
During my placement year, I had the opportunity to work with an amazing group of technicians that taught me the value of teamwork. My confidence grew massively, and I learnt so many new skills that I will carry with me forever.

- Orica Taylor-Cameron
Forensic and Analytical Science BSc(Hons) student on placement at Huddersfield Uni as a Lab Technician.

Where could this lead you?

Your Career

As a graduate of this course, you may consider a career in crime scene investigation, forensic pathology, toxicology, clothing damage analysis, bloodstain pattern analysis, forensic technology or forensic anthropology, as well as roles in chemistry and analytical chemistry within sectors such as pharmaceuticals, food and drink manufacturers or health.

Previous graduates from courses in this subject area of Forensic Science have gone on to work in roles such as Analytical Scientist at Minerva Scientific Ltd, Offshore Chemist at Benchmark Animal Health, Scientist at Broughton Nicotine Services and Analytical Scientist at RB (Reckitt Benckiser).**

**LinkedIn.

80-90%
80-90% of students were employed or in further study within 15 months after graduation.

* HESA Graduate Outcomes 2021/22, UK Domiciled

5th
In Chemistry, we ranked fifth in the country for academic support.

* National Student Survey (NSS), 2025

Top 10
In Chemistry, we ranked in the top 10 for assessment and feedback and teaching on my course.

* National Student Survey (NSS), 2025

I'm enjoying working in an industrial lab, preparing and testing nicotine containing aerosols. The analytical techniques I learnt during my course such as hplc and gc-ms have the provided knowledge and experience required for this role.

- Humera Kouser
Graduated Forensic and Analytical Science MSci, now a Scientist at Broughton Nicotine Services.

How much will it cost?

Fees and Finance

£9,790 per year

This information is for Home students applying to study at the University of Huddersfield in the academic year 2026/27.

Please note that tuition fees for subsequent years may rise in line with inflation (RPI-X) and/or Government policy. 

From January 2027 the UK government is launching a new student funding system for people starting university education. Read more about the Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE).

For detailed information please visit https://www.hud.ac.uk/study/fees/

£17,600 per year

This information is for international students applying to study at the University of Huddersfield in the academic year 2026/27.

Please note that tuition fees for subsequent years may rise in line with inflation (RPI-X) and/or Government policy. 

For detailed information please visit https://www.hud.ac.uk/international/fees-and-funding/

Home

The tuition fee for a placement year is £1000. If you go on work experience or work placement, you will need to fund your own travel and/or accommodation costs to and from the placement.  Please be aware that if your placement is outside of the UK, you will still be responsible for your travel and living expenses and may need to consider issues like health care and insurance costs.

International

The tuition fee for a placement year is £3,300. If you go on work experience or work placement, you will need to fund your own travel and/or accommodation costs to and from the placement.  Please be aware that if your placement is outside of the UK, you will still be responsible for your travel and living expenses and may need to consider issues like health care and insurance costs.

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If you have any questions about Fees and Finance, please email the Student Finance Team.

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See below for a glimpse at some of our facilities.

Forensic Science Laboratory

Forensic Science laboratory

Chemistry students in laboratory

Chemistry students in laboratory

Applied Sciences Students' Hub

Applied Sciences students' Hub

Chemistry laboratory

Chemistry laboratory

Applied Sciences Joseph Priestley building

Applied Sciences Joseph Priestley building

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Why Hud

Explore the unique opportunities and resources that make our institution a top choice for students seeking a well-rounded and future-focused education.

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Explore Huddersfield

Make Huddersfield your home. A Yorkshire town, surrounded by beautiful countryside, with easy access to neighbouring cities; Leeds, Manchester and Sheffield. You’ll find plenty of places to eat, drink, shop and socialise, there’s ambitious plans for future development. Our campus is situated next to the town centre - making your commute a breeze.

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Your Student Experience

Get involved in great opportunities helping you to make friends from all across the world and create lifelong memories. Join one of over 100 societies with the Students’ Union, experience new cultures through global events, earn whilst you learn and build your skills via our Global Professional Award.

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Budget Friendly

Huddersfield is not only one of the friendliest towns, it also offers you a lower cost of living than most big cities. This means you could have more money to spend, making your uni experience even better. On campus you’ll also find plenty of facilities and services to help you budget and make your money go further.

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Sustainability Matters

We’re committed to sustainability and aim to be carbon neutral by 2030. Our plan includes reducing emissions, enhancing biodiversity, and improving wellbeing through sustainable buildings. We’re investing in digital solutions, low-impact travel, and embedding sustainability into teaching and research, investing over £1m in carbon reduction.

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Committed to Your Future

Since 2015, we’ve invested £198 million to create spaces where you can learn, collaborate and thrive. We’re continuously investing in our campus with your wellbeing in mind—adding features that make our buildings healthier, more supportive and better places for you to succeed.

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Careers support

We know you’re coming to university to study on your chosen subject, meet new people and broaden your horizons. However, we also help you to focus on life after you have graduated to ensure that your hard work pays off and you achieve your ambition.

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Student support

At the University of Huddersfield, you’ll find support networks and services to help you get ahead in your studies and social life. Whether you study at undergraduate or postgraduate level, you’ll soon discover that you’re never far away from our dedicated staff and resources to help you to navigate through your personal student journey.

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Teaching Excellence

Great teaching is engaging and inspiring — it helps you reach your full potential and prepares you for the future. We don’t just teach well — we excel — and we have the awards and recognition to prove it.

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Inspiring Academics

Our researchers carry out world-leading work that makes a real difference to people’s lives. Staff within the Department of Physical and Life Sciences may teach you on this course.

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Research Excellence

You’ll be taught by staff who want to support your learning and share the latest knowledge and research.

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Accommodation

Looking for student accommodation? Huddersfield has you covered. HudLets has a variety of accommodation types to choose from, no matter what your preference. HudLets is the University’s approved accommodation service, run by Huddersfield Students’ Union.

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Further Study

If you want to continue your learning beyond your undergraduate degree, there is a range of financial support available for postgraduate study, including discounts for Huddersfield graduates.

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Legal information

When you enrol as a student of the University, your study and time with us will be governed by our terms and conditions, Handbook of Regulations and associated policies. It is important that you familiarise yourself with these as you will be asked to agree to them when you join us as a student. You will find a guide to the key terms here, along with the Student Protection Plan.

Although we always try and ensure we deliver our courses as described, sometimes we may have to make changes for the following reasons:

Changes to a course you have applied for but are not yet enrolled on

If we propose to make a major change to a course that you are holding an offer for, then we will tell you as soon as possible so that you can decide whether to withdraw your application prior to enrolment. We may occasionally have to withdraw a course you have applied for or combine your programme with another programme if we consider this reasonably necessary to ensure a good student experience, for example if there are not enough applicants. Where this is the case we will notify you as soon as reasonably possible and if you are unhappy with the change we will discuss with you other suitable courses we can transfer your application to. If you do not wish to transfer to another course with us, you may cancel your application and we will refund you any deposits or fees you have paid to us.

Changes to your course after you enrol as a student

Changes to option modules

Where your course allows you to choose modules from a range of options, we will review these each year and change them to reflect the expertise of our staff, current trends in research and as a result of student feedback or demand for certain modules. We will always ensure that you have an equivalent range of options to that advertised for the course. We will let you know in good time the options available for you to choose for the following year.

Major changes

We will only make major changes to non-optional modules on a course if it is necessary for us to do so and provided such changes are reasonable. A major change is a change that substantially changes the outcomes, or a significant part of your course, such as the nature of the award or a substantial change to module content, teaching days (part time provision), type of delivery or assessment of the core curriculum. For example, it may be necessary to make a major change to reflect changes in the law or the requirements of the University’s regulators or a commissioning or accrediting body. We may also make changes to improve the course in response to student, examiners’ or other course evaluators’ feedback or to ensure you are being taught current best practice. Major changes may also be necessary because of circumstances outside our reasonable control, such as a key member of staff being unable to teach due to illness, where they have a particular specialism that can’t be adequately covered by other members of staff; or due to pandemics, other disasters (such as fire, flood or war) or changes made by the government.

Major changes would usually be made with effect from the next academic year, but may happen sooner in an emergency. We will notify you as soon as possible should we need to make a major change and will consult with affected groups of students and any changes would only be made in accordance with our regulations. If you reasonably believe that the proposed change will cause you detriment or hardship we will, if appropriate, work with you to try to reduce the adverse effect on you or find an appropriate solution. Where an appropriate solution cannot be found and you let us know before the change takes effect you can cancel your registration and withdraw from the University without liability to the University for any additional tuition fees. We will provide reasonable support to assist you with transferring to another university if you wish to do so and you may be eligible for an exit award depending on how far through your course you are.

In exceptional circumstances, we may, for reasons outside of our control, be forced to discontinue or suspend your course. Where this is the case, a formal exit strategy will be followed in accordance with the student protection plan.

The Office for Students (OfS) is the principal regulator for the University.

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