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Forensic Chemistry MChem (Hons)
- Level(s) of Study: Undergraduate
- Typical Offer: 120 - 128 UCAS tariff points
- UCAS Code(s): F1F7 (full-time); F1F8 (sandwich)
- Start Date(s): September 2025
- Duration: Four years full-time / five years with placement
- Study Mode(s): Full-time / Sandwich
- Campus: Clifton Campus
Introduction:
In an era of increasingly intricate crimes, the significance of forensic chemistry is growing and playing a crucial role in advancing the quest for justice. Applying chemistry principles to forensic analysis of evidence means that forensic chemists often play a key role in criminal investigations.
You’ll build a robust knowledge of chemistry by focusing on the fundamental concepts before applying it to areas such as illegal and illicit substances, toxicology and forensic casework. You won't just be confined to the classroom. We offer exciting opportunities for work placements and study abroad experiences, allowing you to apply your knowledge in real-world settings and gain a global perspective on forensic analysis.
Our award-winning teaching brings a wealth of expertise and you’ll benefit from opportunities to learn from prestigious guest speakers who are leaders in the forensic chemistry field.
Join us on this thrilling journey where theory meets practice, and knowledge transforms into a powerful tool for forensic analysis.
Staff and student community
Whatever the support you need – whether it’s support around your studies or university life in general – you can be sure we’ve got you covered. On the academic and practical side of things you’ll get the support of your lecturers, personal tutors and technical staff, so there’s always someone to turn to. They will get to know you during your course and can help you target support where you need it most.
Our mentoring scheme gives you support from other students on your course. They can give you practical advice on how to tackle a particular part of your studies or more general guidance on life as a student. They’ve been there and can give you a students’ perspective.
What’s the difference? BSc vs MChem
- The BSc (Hons) is a three-year undergraduate course — or four years if you choose to complete a work placement. If your academic performance is strong enough over the first two years, we’ll automatically offer you a place on the MChem course.
- The MChem (Hons) is a four-year course that leads to a single postgraduate qualification. The first two years are the same as the BSc course, with advanced, Masters-level study then spread across the third and fourth years.
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Through group work and the Professional Practice module you’ll start designing your own experiments and trying things out. Developing problem-solving skills by testing and learning are valuable skills for any chemist to have and we make sure you get this experience right from the start of your course. We’ve also embedded employability skills in the course so you are not only learning theory and skills, but you know where to find your dream job and how to apply for it. -
Through module options in Year Two and Three you can personalise your learning in the areas of materials, environment and medicinal chemistry. You can choose to continue studying these areas of chemistry in your final year project to deepen your knowledge further. -
94% of chemistry students were positive about the academic support on their course. National Student Survey 2024.
What you’ll study
Who will teach me?
We have a passionate team of experts who are committed to providing you with all the skills and experience you need to build a successful career in industry or in research. We are proud to have won awards and recognition for our high levels of teaching and student satisfaction. As a student here, you will not only have the full support of your tutors, but you’ll also work with a highly skilled technical team who are on hand to help you throughout your studies.
Organic Structure and Function (20 credit points)
Learn about the bonding and structure in organic molecules and functional group chemistry, with an emphasis on reactivity and mechanism.
Inorganic Bonding and Solid-State Materials (20 cp)
Learn the fundamental concepts of theoretical and practical chemistry as well as aspects such as inorganic complexation reactions, indicator theory and acid-base systems.
Physical States of Matter (20 cp)
Study physical chemistry including kinetic theory of gases, reaction kinetics, thermodynamics, electrochemistry, phase equilibria and distillation processes.
Spectroscopic and Chromatographic Analysis (20 cp)
Learn basic chemical principles including chromatography, applied optical spectroscopy, statistical tests, electroanalytical techniques, and appropriate specialist methods.
Professional Development (20 cp)
Engage with real-life examples of how chemistry works, and understand the influence of social, economic or environmental factors on the way chemical sciences operate.
The Forensic Process (20 cp)
Develop your professional awareness of forensic science and the English legal system. Examine the role of the forensic scientist and law enforcement agencies, and even experience live trials.
Core modules
Organic Chemistry (20 cp)
Learn more advanced concepts in synthetic organic chemistry, organic reaction mechanisms and reactivity, as well as advanced structural analysis through organic spectroscopic techniques.
Inorganic Chemistry (20 cp)
Develop the concepts introduced in Year One and learn about structural chemistry in relation to chemical behaviour, functionality, reactivity and identification of inorganic molecules.
Physical Chemistry (20 cp)
Learn about the basic principles of surface and colloid chemistry, heterogeneous catalysis and concepts of heat and mass transfer associated with industrial processes.
Analytical Chemistry (20 cp)
Builds on Year One with a focus on interfering sample matrices, quantitative and qualitative identification of multicomponent samples and measurements under non-ideal conditions.
Forensic Casework Examination (20 cp)
Develop an awareness of the application of laboratory examination methods in forensic science, enabling practical application of relevant techniques to casework problems.
Optional modules - choose one
Crime Scene Investigation and Forensic Photography (20 cp)
Learn about crime scene investigation and its role within the forensic process, leading onto forensic image processing and the procedures and legislation attached to these areas.
Introduction to Suspicious Death Investigation (20 cp)
You’ll consider the range of specialist practitioners needed to investigate an unexplained death in different circumstances and learn the techniques and methods used. Examine bio-deterioration (including decay and degradation of bodies under different environmental conditions) through scenario-led practical sessions.
We’re moving on to advanced topics and you’ll start to work more independently, carrying out research for your final year project. You’ll have more input in deciding which modules you study this year, depending on your own interests and career aspirations.
Core modules
Advanced Chemistry (20 cp)
Study advanced topics across the spectrum of chemistry including heterocyclic chemistry, reaction mechanisms at metal centres, and molecular self-assembly and polymer chemistry in solution.
Advanced Chemical Analysis (20 cp)
Develop through advanced topics in the theory and practice of chemical analysis, including method development from first principles through to final presentation, method validation, and group work.
Drugs of Abuse (20 cp)
This module focuses on drugs of abuse and illustrates the forensic applications of a range of analytical techniques. Learn about the legislation covering substances and their classifications.
Optional modules - choose one
Advanced Inorganic Chemistry (20 cp)
Study a range of topics including bioinorganic chemistry, magnetochemistry, and the chemistry of lanthanides and actinides, to name a few.
Advanced Organic Chemistry (20 cp)
Builds on previous concepts presented in organic chemistry, and introduces you to concepts of total synthesis, asymmetric synthesis and advanced theories in pericyclic reactions.
Advanced Physical Chemistry (20 cp)
Study the principles of surface and colloid chemistry, heterogeneous catalysis and concepts of heat and mass transfer associated with industrial processes.
Optional modules - choose one
Advanced Topics in Forensic Science (20 cp)
You’ll look at current aspects of research in forensic science and tackle current issues facing the forensic community.
Advanced Crime Scene Investigation (20 cp)
Managing a crime scene is explored in detail in this module and you’ll learn how to deal with major and serious crime scenes and consider contamination issues. Blood pattern analysis is also studied and you’ll develop an understanding dynamics of blood interpretation and its use as evidence in investigations.
Core modules
Analytical Toxicology (20 cp)
Develop working knowledge of various drug separation and detection techniques and the application of analytical approaches to detect and quantify drugs and metabolites in biological fluids and tissues. You’ll review the use and abuse of substances used as both medicines and poisons.
Drug Detection Analysis and Screening (20 cp)
Develop concepts of analytical chemistry applied to the detection and analysis of drugs and drug containing materials by standard methods.
Project (60 cp)
Develop plans and carry out a substantial independent research project of publishable quality. Understand the principles of analytical work and the limitations of experimental design.
Optional modules - choose one
Organic Synthesis and Characterisation of Biologically Active Compounds (20 cp)
Active Compounds Builds your knowledge and skills for effective design and implementation of the synthesis of relatively complex organic molecules.
Inorganic Chemistry - Beyond the Molecule (20 cp)
Beyond the Molecule Learn about the use of the biomimetic and supramolecular approaches in materials chemistry.
Physical Properties of Materials (20 cp)
To provide a masters level training within the fields of solid-state and nanocomposite materials chemistry.
Don’t just take our word for it, hear from our students themselves
How you’re assessed
The course uses a variety of assessment methods to enable you to demonstrate your learning. Subject knowledge and understanding is mainly assessed by exams, short answer tests, laboratory reports, presentations.
Careers and employability
Excellent placement opportunities
NTU is one of the most employment-focused universities. Increasingly, employers want to recruit graduates who have real-world work experience. That’s why all of our courses, across every subject area, offer you a work experience opportunity. Our experts help build and support your future with a range of career programmes and events.
On this course, after your second year, you will have the opportunity to take a year's work placement (sandwich placement). This will give you the chance to gain vital experience and put your knowledge into practice. You're also twice as likely to secure a graduate job within six months if you take a work placement.
Our recent Chemistry students have taken placements across a wide range of companies including Scott Bader, Alpha Analytical Laboratory, AkzoNobel and Institute Medical Research. They secured varied roles such as Research Assistant, Trainee Ink Chemist and Logistics Analyst.
You'll be supported and assessed throughout your placement year and will write a reflective report and diary at the end of your placement. When you successfully complete your placement, you will be eligible to receive an additional award of a Diploma in Professional Practice.
Beyond graduation
This course is designed for students aiming for a career in Forensics, Quality Control or Analytical Services. But as with all our Chemistry courses, graduates have excellent employment prospects as they possess a wide range of transferable skills that are suited to a broad range of roles and industries. Over the years we have developed strong links with some of the biggest names in the industry and many of our students have secured work placements and careers with these companies.
Our recent chemistry graduates have secured roles at companies including:
- AstraZeneca
- NHS
- Birds Eye
- Pirelli Tyres
- Boots
- British Standards Institute
- Infineum
- Novartis
They have gone into a wide variety of job roles including:
- Analytical Chemist
- Chemist
- Laboratory Assistant
- Product Development Technologist
- Technical Chemist
- Research Chemist
Many graduates also choose to go on to further study on MPhil and PhD research degrees.
NTU Enterprise
You'll also have the opportunity to turn your ideas into a viable business with help from NTU Enterprise, NTU's purpose-built Centre for Entrepreneurship and Enterprise, a support centre to help students create, develop and grow their own businesses.
Campus and facilities
You cannot fail to be impressed with the Chemistry and Forensic Science facilities on-campus. We have worked hard to create a stimulating and creative environment that will give you the knowledge and skills to put you ahead of the graduate crowd. Take our virtual tour and see our facilities for yourself.
Take a virtual tour of our Chemistry facilities
Take a virtual tour of our Forensic Science facilities
Our first-class facilities support our high quality teaching and world-leading research across subjects and disciplines. You will have access to the:
- Rosalind Franklin laboratory facility including our SuperLab and Analytical Suite
- Interdisciplinary Science and Technology Centre (ISTeC)
- on-campus crime scene training facility
- Specialist Forensic Science labs
Outside of our science facilities, we have a dedicated teaching and learning building which is home to lecture theatres and innovative teaching spaces. The Clifton Pavilion sits at the heart of the campus and provides a contemporary study and social space, where you can relax, grab a coffee, and work on projects independently or in groups.
Entry requirements
- Standard offer: 128 UCAS Tariff points from up to four qualifications including A-level equivalent Chemistry grade C
- Contextual offer: 120 UCAS Tariff points from up to four qualifications including A-level equivalent Chemistry grade C
Contextual offers
A lower offer may be made based on a range of factors, including your background (such as where you live and the school or college you attended), your experiences and individual circumstances (you may have been in care, for example). This is called a contextual offer and we get data from UCAS to make these decisions. NTU offers a student experience like no other and this approach helps us to find students who have the potential to succeed here but who may have faced barriers that make it more difficult to access university. Find out how we assess your application.
Other qualifications and experience
We may also consider credits achieved at other universities and your work/life experience through an assessment of prior learning. This may be for year one entry, or beyond the beginning of a course where applicable, for example, into year 2. Our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy outlines the process and options available for this route.
Meeting our entry requirements
Hundreds of qualifications in the UK have UCAS tariff points attached to specific grades, including A levels, BTECs, T Levels and many more. You can use your grades and points from up to four different qualifications to meet our criteria. Enter your predicted or achieved grades into our tariff calculator to find out how many points your qualifications are worth.
Getting in touch
If you need more help or information, get in touch through our enquiry form
- 128 UCAS Tariff points from up to four qualifications including A-level equivalent Chemistry grade C
International qualifications
We accept qualifications from all over the world – check yours here:
English language entry requirements
You can meet our language requirements by successfully completing our pre-sessional English course for an agreed length of time, or by submitting the required grade in one of our accepted English language tests, such as IELTS:
Undergraduate preparation courses (Foundation)
If you don’t yet meet our entry requirements, we offer Foundation courses through our partner Nottingham Trent International College (NTIC), based on our City Campus:
Advanced standing (starting your undergraduate degree in year 2 or 3)
You may be able to start your undergraduate course in year 2 or 3 based on what you have studied before. This decision would be made in accordance with our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy.
Would you like some advice on your study plans?
Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.
- Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.
Fees and funding
Preparing for the financial side of student life is important, but there’s no need to feel anxious and confused about it. We hope that our fees and funding pages will answer all your questions.
Getting in touch
For more advice and guidance, you can contact our Student Financial Support Service on telephone +44 (0)115 848 2494.
What do the course fees cover?
Your course fees cover the cost of studies, and include loads of great benefits, such as the use of our library, support from our expert Employability team, and free use of the IT equipment across our campuses.
Library books
Most study modules will recommend one or more core text books, which most students choose to purchase. Book costs vary and further information is available in the University’s bookshop. Our libraries provide a good supply of essential text books, journals and materials (many of which you can access online) – meaning you may not need to purchase as many books as you might think! There may also be a supply of second-hand books available for purchase from previous year students.
Field trips
All essential field trip costs will be included in your course fees. There may be the opportunity to take part in optional field trips, which do incur additional costs.
Placements
If you're undertaking a placement year, you'll need to budget for accommodation and any travel costs you may incur whilst on placement. Many of our placement students do earn a salary whilst on placement which can help to cover these living costs.
Print and copy costs
The University allocates an annual printing and copying allowance of £20 depending on the course you are studying. For more details about costs for additional print and copying required over and above the annual allowance please see the Printing, photocopying and scanning information on the Library website.
Students will also be required to pay additional costs for printing, poster preparation and final dissertation copies in their final year - estimated costs approximately £20 - £30.
A deposit is required for laboratory lockers (approximately £5)
Tuition fees
Tuition fees are payable for each year that you are at the University. The level of tuition fees for the second and subsequent years of your undergraduate course may increase in line with inflation and as specified by the UK government. Visit our fees page for more information.
Scholarships
We offer scholarships of up to 50% of your tuition fee. You can apply for your scholarship when you have an offer to study at NTU.
Living costs
Get advice on the cost of living as an international student in Nottingham and how to budget:
Paying fees
Find out about advanced payments, instalment plan options and how to make payments securely to the University:
Would you like some advice on your study plans?
Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.
- Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.
What do the course fees cover?
Your course fees cover the cost of studies, and include loads of great benefits, such as the use of our library, support from our expert Employability team, and free use of the IT equipment across our campuses.
Library books
Most study modules will recommend one or more core text books, which most students choose to purchase. Book costs vary and further information is available in the University’s bookshop. Our libraries provide a good supply of essential text books, journals and materials (many of which you can access online) – meaning you may not need to purchase as many books as you might think! There may also be a supply of second-hand books available for purchase from previous year students.
Field trips
All essential field trip costs will be included in your course fees. There may be the opportunity to take part in optional field trips, which do incur additional costs.
Placements
If you're undertaking a placement year, you'll need to budget for accommodation and any travel costs you may incur whilst on placement. Many of our placement students do earn a salary whilst on placement which can help to cover these living costs.
Print and copy costs
The University allocates an annual printing and copying allowance of £20 depending on the course you are studying. For more details about costs for additional print and copying required over and above the annual allowance please see the Printing, photocopying and scanning information on the Library website.
Students will also be required to pay additional costs for printing, poster preparation and final dissertation copies in their final year - estimated costs approximately £20 - £30.
A deposit is required for laboratory lockers (approximately £5)
How to apply
How to apply
Ready to join us? Then apply as soon as you can. Just click the Apply button at the top of the page and follow the instructions for applying. Make sure you check the entry requirements above carefully before you do.
Writing your application and personal statement
Be honest, thorough and persuasive in your application. Remember, we can only make a decision based on what you tell us. So include all of your qualifications and grades, including resits or predicted grades.
Your personal statement is a really important part of your application. It’s your chance to convince us why we should offer you a place! You’ve got 4,000 characters to impress us. Make sure you use them to show how your skills and qualities are relevant to the course(s) you’re applying for. For more hints and tips, take a look at our page on how to write a good personal statement.
Keeping up-to-date
After you’ve applied, we’ll be sending you important emails throughout the application process so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.
You can get more information and advice about applying to NTU on our Your Application page. Good luck with your application!
You can apply for this course through UCAS. If you are not applying to any other UK universities, you can apply directly to us on our NTU applicant portal.
Application advice
Apply early so that you have enough time to prepare – processing times for Student visas can vary, for example. After you've applied, we'll be sending you important emails throughout the application process – so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.
Writing your personal statement
Be honest, thorough, and persuasive – we can only make a decision about your application based on what you tell us:
Would you like some advice on your study plans?
Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.
- Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.
The University's commitment to delivering the educational services advertised.