The University of the West of Scotland (UWS) is a modern and vibrant institution located in Scotland. It was formed in 2007 through the merger of the University of Paisley and Bell College. With a history dating back to 1897, UWS has a rich heritage of providing education and training to students from across Scotland and around the world. Today, UWS is one of Scotland's largest universities, with four main campuses located in Paisley, Hamilton, Ayr, and Dumfries. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in areas such as business, engineering, health, education, and the arts, and is known for its innovative and student-centered approach to learning.

This programme will provide you with a practical understanding of the techniques used in the forensic examination of evidence, including material from crime scenes, drugs and DNA evidence.

The chance to present evidence in moot court scenarios and group projects will help you develop the presentational, time management and IT skills sought after by employers.

As a graduate of Criminal Justice and Forensic Science from UWS, not only are you equipped with the specific knowledge and skills associated with the criminal justice system and the wider scientific community, but key transferable skills required by employers.

Science @ UWS
Science courses at UWS have been developed in collaboration with industrial, professional and educational partners. Underpinned by research that is internationally leading, our degrees enable students to make a real-world impact.

Our students graduate ready for a successful career or further study in their chosen scientific field.

Year 1
In year 1 you will study the differences between deviant and criminal behaviour, the foundations of criminal law, and the way in which the criminal justice system operates.

You will also cover core forensic science, data analysis and biomolecular science. Forensic topics introduced include drink driving, drugs, fingerprint development, explosions and crime scene investigation.

Laboratory work is an important part of your studies, practical exercises include microscopy, biochemical tests, forensic anthropology, fingerprint development and CSI.

Other activities will develop transferable skills, these include writing a report on a high-profile case, making a poster presentation, participating in a mock court and giving a presentation on a crime scene.

Learning and teaching will involve scheduled lectures, workshops, laboratory classes as well as independent study. Extensive use is made of the virtual learning environment Moodle, to deliver teaching materials and complete assessments.

Year 2
In Year 2 the theoretical underpinnings for understanding policing and contemporary perspectives on crime are studied.

Science study will build your knowledge of topics important to forensic science such as statistical evaluation of DNA evidence, drug analysis and pharmacology. Laboratory and crime scene skills are also developed. Practical skills are key for careers in forensic science and they are further developed with a range of practical activities that reflect the diverse work of forensic scientists.

Year 3
In year 3 crime scene expertise is developed with topics such as contamination prevention, trace evidence recovery and presumptive tests for blood and drugs. Laboratory classes will focus on trace evidence identification and drug analysis.

Criminal justice studies include policing communities and prisons and penology.

Normal teaching schedules are supplemented by a variety of activities such as group work, guest speakers from industry and employability activities.

Following-on from your Year 3 studies, there is the option to undertake a 12-month, paid, work experience placement.

Optional 12-month Work Placement
After Year 3 you will also have the option to undertake a 12-month paid work experience as part of the Honours sandwich programme.

This is could be spent working in a laboratory or in a criminal justice related setting.

Year 4
In year 4 specialist modules will deepen your understanding how physical and biological evidence is recovered and examined. You will carry out a major crime scene investigation activity and present the results in a mock court. The effect of crime on society and victims is studied and there are options to study topics such as global security.

A major part of your studies will be a supervised research project relating to forensic science and/or criminal justice in a topic of your choice. To assist our students in their research they have access to excellent computing facilities with the latest software for crime scene investigation, statistical analysis of evidence and research literature searching.

Teaching and Assessment
You will be taught through a combination of lectures, tutorials and workshops.

You will also have the opportunity to take part in group work and independent learning to develop your transferable skills such as research, presentation, communication and working as part of a team.

Extensive use is made of the Moodle virtual learning environment as well as the latest software packages.

This degree is assessed using a variety of assessment methods including:

Written examinations
Coursework
Practical assessment
Learn a language (Optional)
This course also gives you the option of taking a language module, which can count towards your degree. These modules cover multiple language.

Course structure
Find out more about the structure, learning outcomes, compulsory and optional modules in this course.

BSc (Hons) Criminal Justice and Forensic Science course structure

• The University of the West of Scotland (UWS) is a vibrant and dynamic institution located in Scotland. Founded in 2007, UWS was formed through the merger of the University of Paisley and Bell College. With a history dating back to 1897, the university has a rich heritage of providing education and training to students from across Scotland and around the world.
• UWS is one of Scotland's largest universities, with four main campuses located in Paisley, Hamilton, Ayr, and Dumfries. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in areas such as business, engineering, health, education, and the arts. UWS is also known for its innovative and student-centered approach to learning, which includes a focus on practical, real-world experiences and hands-on learning opportunities.
• UWS is officially ranked by Times Higher Education in the top 150 of universities worldwide under 50 years old (2022 Young University Rankings). In the recent Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021, 90 percent of research at University of the West of Scotland was classed as world-leading, internationally excellent, or recognised internationally. UWS was also crowned Higher Educational Institution of the Year 2022 (The Herald Higher Education Awards).
• One of the standout features of UWS is its commitment to providing students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in today's rapidly changing job market. The university offers a wide range of programs that are designed to meet the needs of students from all backgrounds, and its experienced faculty is dedicated to helping students reach their full potential.
• In addition to its strong academic programs, UWS also offers a wealth of extracurricular activities and student services. The university has a vibrant student life, with numerous clubs and organizations, as well as sports teams, volunteer opportunities, and cultural events. There is also a well-established student support network that provides guidance and assistance to students on a wide range of topics, from academic support to personal and financial advice.
• Another key aspect of UWS is its strong commitment to research. The university has a growing reputation as a center of research excellence, and its faculty and students are working on a wide range of cutting-edge projects in areas such as engineering, health, education, and the arts. This research is not only helping to advance knowledge in these fields, but it is also helping to create new opportunities for students and improve the lives of people around the world.
• In conclusion, the University of the West of Scotland is a dynamic and forward-thinking institution that is dedicated to providing its students with the education, skills, and experiences they need to succeed in today's rapidly changing world. With its strong academic programs, vibrant student life, and commitment to research, UWS is the perfect place for students who want to get the most out of their college experience.

You will need to book the accommodation after you have been accepted.

You can choose to live on campus or off campus in private accommodation.

• Make a booking online after you have been accepted (in this case please let us know your choice when you apply).
• Register when you arrive - its not possible to reserve a room before arriving. You can arrive a few days before and book it