Crime Scene Science

Crime scene science applies the methods and knowledge of several scientific disciplines, including forensic biology, chemistry, and analytical science, to the investigation of crime through the examination and interpretation of physical evidence at crime scenes and in laboratory settings. It is a discipline that requires both scientific rigour and an understanding of the legal and investigative contexts in which forensic evidence is used. This four-year full-time degree at Teesside University includes a foundation year entry route, a sandwich placement year, and embedded work placement experience.

You will develop scientific knowledge and practical laboratory skills in areas relevant to crime scene investigation, including the analysis of biological, chemical, and trace evidence, and you will build an understanding of how forensic science contributes to criminal investigations and the legal process. The programme engages with contemporary questions in the field, including how large datasets and digital evidence are analysed and interpreted, the ethical dimensions of forensic practice, and how scientific findings are communicated in court. The foundation year provides an accessible entry point for students who need to build scientific and academic foundations before entering degree-level study, and the sandwich year gives you extended professional experience in a relevant setting.

A typical entry tariff of 104 UCAS points reflects an inclusive admissions approach to a practically focused scientific programme. Graduates from crime scene science programmes move into careers in forensic laboratory science, crime scene investigation, police scientific support, environmental forensics, and analytical science in a range of regulatory and commercial contexts. Some continue to postgraduate study in forensic science or related disciplines.