Overview
Forensic science, combining science and the law, is an exciting and rewarding career path to go down, with many different routes and areas of specialisation. Highly skilled, well-trained, and qualified Forensic Scientists and Technicians are constantly sought-after by employers around the globe.
This one-year Level 4 qualification in Forensic Science is an advanced, technical qualification co-developed with London South Bank University (LSBU) and employers, delivered in a supportive Technical College environment with contemporary facilities.
Gaining this industry-led qualification not only provides you with a direct route to Higher Education, including direct entry to London South Bank University’s second year Forensic Science Bachelor of Science degree, but also equips you with the specialised scientific knowledge and skills needed to fast-track your career progression in Forensic Science and related disciplines such as health sciences.
Please note: this course is subject to final awarding body approval and validation. Please apply as normal. For more information contact Lambeth College.
Why Forensic Science at LSBU?
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- Study this course at the new London South Bank Technical college (LSBTC) in Nine Elms, London’s buzzing Zone 1.
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- This is a practical, work-based course designed in partnership with businesses across London and co-developed with London South Bank University.
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- You will be taught in a realistic work environment with access to industry-driven laboratories and digital learning spaces and get to perform experiments with real-world applications, using industry-standard equipment, and be taught how to scientifically analyse your results.
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- You can visit local projects and workplaces as part of your course as well as benefit from wider services and support at London South Bank University.
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- On successful completion of the course, you can gain direct entry on the BSc (Hons) Forensic Science degree at London South Bank University.
| ModeFull-time | Duration1 year | Start dateSeptember | Application code5820 | Application method Direct to LSBU |
| ModeFull-time | Duration1 year | Start dateSeptember | Application code004F | Application method UCAS |
Location
Entry Level Requirements
Want to start your course this September? call 0800 923 8888 for entry requirements.
You will need the following:
- 5 GCSE qualifications at grade A*-C or 9-4 (to include Maths and English and science related subjects), and
- A Levels CC, in science related subjects (64 UCAS points) or,
- BTEC Extended National Diploma MPP or,
- Access to HE Diploma 48 credits or,
- Level 3 Apprenticeship in related subject or,
- Equivalent level 3 qualification (64 UCAS points)
If you do not meet the entry criteria above, we also review any previous skills, knowledge or experience you have gained outside of your education and are happy to talk through any extenuating circumstances you feel relevant.
If English is your second language and you have not undertaken your final two years of schooling in English, you must demonstrate capability in English at a standard equivalent to IELTS 5.5; Reading and Writing must be at 5.5 or equivalent.
Visit UCAS for guidance on the tariff.
Choose your country
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Missing English and Maths qualifications?
If you do not have the required English and Maths qualifications needed to satisfy the entry requirements for this programme, we have courses available at our partner College that you can take to upskill in these areas. Find out more at South Bank College.
Advanced entry
If you have already completed some studies at another university, we may be able to consider you for advanced entry. Please see our advanced entry page for more information.
United Kingdom
£7500
Tuition fees for home students
International
£
Tuition fees for international students
Tuition fees are subject to annual inflationary increases. Find out more about tuition fees for Undergraduate or Postgraduate courses.
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Full-time
full-time
Higher National Certificate in Applied Sciences (LSB Technical College) (FT) - Year 1
UK fee: £7500 International fee: £ AOS/LSBU code: 5820 Session code: 1FX00 Higher National Certificate in Applied Sciences (LSB Technical College) (FT) - Year 1
UK fee: £7500 International fee: £ AOS/LSBU code: 5820 Session code: 1FX01 Higher National Certificate in Applied Sciences (LSB Technical College) (FT) - Year 1
UK fee: £7500 International fee: £ AOS/LSBU code: 5820 Session code: 1FX02
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| Mode Full-time | Duration 1 year | Start date September | Application code 5820 | Application method Direct to LSBU |
| Mode Full-time | Duration 1 year | Start date September | Application code 004F | Application method UCAS |
The course offers students a broad introduction to the forensic science and professional laboratory science via mandatory units, while allowing for the acquisition of specialist skills and experience through specialist forensic science modules. Students will gain a wide range of sector knowledge tied to practical skills gained in evidence-based practice, personal research, self-study, directed study and workplace learning and experience.
You will study core units:
- Fundamentals of Laboratory Techniques
- Scientific Data Handling Approaches and Techniques
- Regulation and Quality in the Applied Sciences
- Cell Biology
- Fundamentals of Biochemistry
- Criminal investigation
- Anatomy and Human Physiology
- Analytical Chemistry
Careers
What to expect from your career
This course could lead to direct employment in a variety of science-related industries and roles (influenced your selected pathway), including Laboratory Technician, Research Technician, Technical Support Chemist / Biologist, Quality Support Technician, Manufacturing Technician, Science Technician, Technologist, Instrumentation Technician and Product Development Technician; or give you the opportunity to progress straight to Higher Education.
After successfully passing the Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Applied Sciences, you may wish to consider progressing to Higher Education, including direct entry to the second year of London South Bank University’s Forensic Science degree. You may also consider one of London South Bank University’s other degree courses (additional qualifications may be required).
Typical salaries
After a few years' experience forensic scientists can be called to court as a reporting officer. This means you need to concisely and confidently explain to the court what you have found. Salaries after three years' experience are usually around £25,000-£30,000, with senior roles paying around £50,000 (Prospects).
Teaching and Assessment
Assessment
Assessment is continuous throughout the course, with a combination of written assignments, external examination, practical tasks (both in the laboratory and in the field), presentations, time constraint assignments.
The assessment is criterion-referenced, and all units will be individually graded as ‘pass,’ ‘merit’ or ‘distinction.’
Both oral and written feedback will be provided during your course to help improve and monitor performance.
