Forensic Toxicology, BSc Hons
With purpose-built facilities and links to local emergency and counter-terrorism services, choosing Greenwich for a forensics degree is the best decision you will make for your forensics future.
Our degree in Forensic Toxicology will prepare you for many exciting careers spanning forensic science, whether you are interested in working for a forensic science provider, hospital or research laboratory. With millions of chemicals in existence, there is little wonder why it is important to understand the effects of these substances on the body and the methods capable of their detection. The relevance of drug use and abuse in forensic casework can be illustrated by statements such as "the drug made me do it" which is a very common defence argument leading to more lenient sentencing and reduced culpability.
In the words of Paracelsus, "it's the dose that makes the poison" so you will graduate with strong quantitative and analytical skills. Among many topics, you will learn about many different types of drugs, how they act on the human body, how they are detected, how to report evidence of drugs, and defence arguments used in the court of law. You will also gain an appreciation of topics such as crime scene sciences, biology, chemistry and physiology.
Whether you are interested in a career involving clinical toxicology or are enticed by research involving novel crossover specialisms such as entomotoxicology, anthrotoxicology, ecotoxicology and pharmacogenetics, this course will prepare you for your career of choice.
UCAS points
104 (full requirements below)
Course/institution codes
F400 M BSc/FT
School
Location
Duration
- 3 years full-time
- 4 years sandwich
Start month
September
Home/international fees 2024/25
£9,250 /£17,000
What you should know about this course
What you will study
About the course team
We are a dedicated team with academic, research, pharmaceutical and forensic practitioner experience. Trained postgraduate researchers also contribute to teaching. Our teaching is informed by research and state-of-the-art analytical techniques.
Come and meet us
We are offering virtual events so that you can still experience how Greenwich could be the right university for you.
Next Open Days
Got a question?
To find out more about our Open Days and Campus Tours or if you need any assistance, please email opendays@gre.ac.uk.
Entry requirements
- 104 UCAS Tariff points which must include one of the following:
- A Level: a relevant Science subject, such as, Biology, Chemistry or Physics, at grade C.
- BTEC National: Extended Diploma in Applied Science.
- A Level and BTEC National: Extended Certificate in Applied Science and an A Level in a relevant Science subject, such as, Biology, Chemistry or Physics, at grade C.
- International Baccalaureate: 26 points overall including Higher Level Science at grade 5.
- Access to Higher Education Diploma: Science.
- T Level: Science (Laboratory Sciences) at grade Merit.
- In addition, you will need: GCSE Mathematics, GCSE English Language/Literature and GCSE Science all at grade 4/C. Equivalent qualifications may be considered.
We make Contextual offers to this programme. Applicants that meet specific eligibility criteria will be made a contextual offer with a reduced tariff of up to 16 UCAS Tariff points. Other entry requirements such as GCSEs, Interview, etc., will still need to be met. For further information, please see our Contextual Admissions policy.
For more information, contact courseinfo@greenwich.ac.uk or 020 8331 9000.
You can also read our admissions policy.
Available to overseas students?
Yes
Can I use Prior Learning?
Find out more on our Recognition of Prior Learning pages.
How you will learn
Teaching
Learning takes place through a combination of timetabled learning and independent study.
You can view more information about how each module is taught within our 'What you will study' section.
Seminars and workshops enable you to discuss and develop your understanding of topics covered in lectures in smaller groups. You will also be able to meet your personal tutor. Timetabled learning may fall between 9am and 9pm depending on your courses and tutorials.
Class sizes
Our forensic science courses allow close student and staff interaction, we pride ourselves on this level of familiarity. Some of our more generic first year modules may have larger group sizes, for example up to 100 in lectures. However, it is more usual for our subject-specific modules in that year to be much smaller, with 30-40 students per class. In the second and third years there may still be some larger groups but as students start to specialise this figure is typically reduced to 15-25 students per class.
Independent learning
At university, you must develop the ability to work more independently than you have done before. In the early stages of the degree, you will receive a higher level of support from module leaders and personal tutors. In years 2 and 3, you will need to demonstrate an increasing ability to build upon material delivered in lectures and laboratories through independent reading. Greenwich graduates should be able to think and work independently, analytically and creatively to solve problems.
Overall workload
If you are studying full-time, you should expect the workload to be similar to a full-time job. For part-time students, this will reduce in proportion with the number of courses you are studying.
Assessment
Students are assessed through a combination of assessment methods depending on the modules chosen.
You can view how each module is assessed within our 'What you will study' section.
Each course has formal assessments which count towards your grade. Some courses may also include 'practice' assignments, which help you monitor progress and do not count towards your final grade.
Feedback summary
University policy is to give feedback on assignments within 15 working days of the coursework submission date. Examination results will be available within 28 days.
Dates and timetables
The academic year runs from September to June.
Full teaching timetables are not usually available until term has started. For any queries, please call 020 8331 9000.
Official statistics on Discover Uni
Full time
Fees and funding
Your time at university should be enjoyable, rewarding, and free of unnecessary stress. Planning your finances before you come to university can help to reduce financial concerns. We can offer advice on living costs and budgeting, as well as on awards, allowances and loans.
| Full time | Part time | Distance learning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home | £9,250 | N/A | N/A |
| International | £17,000 | N/A | N/A |
Accommodation costs
Whether you choose to live in halls of residence or rent privately, we can help you find what you're looking for. University accommodation is available from £126.35 per person per week (bills included), depending on your location and preferences. If you require more space or facilities, these options are available at a slightly higher cost.
Funding your study
There is a range of financial support options available to support your studies, including the Aspire@Greenwich award for study resources that many full-time students will receive.
EU students may be eligible for a bursary to support their study. View our EU bursary to find out more.
Discover more about grants, student loans, bursaries and scholarships. We also provide advice and support on budgeting, money management and financial hardship.
Safety equipment
Science students are provided with lab coat and safety glasses free of charge. You'll be expected to pay for prescription safety glasses (approx. £90+) if you choose to purchase them.
Field trips
The cost of field trips is activity dependant. Some are free, while others may require a contribution. You are not obliged to pay for field trips in order to complete your course.
Professional memberships
The standard professional memberships attached to accredited courses are covered by your tuition fees. You are welcome to take up additional professional memberships at your own cost.
Resources
Course texts and other study resources are available from the Drill Hall Library. You may wish to purchase your own copies. You also receive an allowance for printing costs, which you can top up if required.
Careers and placements
Will I have a work placement?
Students go to a range of companies and organisations of varying sizes for their placements, including large multi-national firms, government agencies, the NHS and small to medium sized companies engaged in research, analytical services and manufacturing.
- Previous students have worked in: GCHQ, Cellmark, Metropolitan Police, Northrop Grumman Corporation, Kent Police, KPMG, EY, PWC and in boutique penetration testing companies such as NTA Monitor.
- We have a dedicated team to search for and inform students about relevant opportunities and help students prepare for interviews.
How long is my placement?
Students can undertake a summer placement for between 6 weeks to a maximum of 3 months which can be related to a credit rated course at level 6, or can be undertaken for work experience, acknowledged by a Certificate of Industrial Experience. Students are also encouraged to apply for sandwich placements lasting between 9-12 months which sit between the second and third year of the degree.
What are the financial arrangements?
The Faculty expectation is that students are as far as possible treated like other employees of the company or organisation. It is expected that students on sandwich placements will be paid throughout their time with the company. In some cases, students on summer placements have had expenses only covered by the company. Students on sandwich placements are required to pay a reduced fee to the University for their placement year.
What sort of careers do graduates pursue?
Graduates pursue careers in private and public companies, government and non governmental organisations.
Are internships available?
Interns can gain valuable employment experience within the faculty – subject to resources. Personal tutors will be able to advise students on where to access course internships.
Do you provide employability services?
We have a team dedicated to enhancing student employment outcomes. This includes an Employer Partnerships Manager, who works with companies to provide placement and employment opportunities.
Our team will also help you understand the jobs market, produce effective CVs, and prepare for a graduate job and placement applications in your final year.
Support and advice
Academic skills and study support
We are ambitious for all our students and we want you to make the most of your time with us. You can access support to improve your study skills through your tutor, our subject librarians and our online academic skills centre.
We have a Learning Skills Coordinator and a writing Fellow, both of whom support students in improving their writing skills. Additional Maths support is also available through the Drill Hall library. All students are allocated a personal tutor throughout the duration of their studies. The academic support available will enhance student performance.
Support from the department
Students within the Faculty of Engineering and Science have a Retention and Success Officer (RSO) whose role is to provide an additional layer of support for student engagement, and provision for extenuating circumstances, withdrawals and interruptions, Faculty level resit and Personal Development Planning enquiries.
The University wide STAART (AccessAbility Retention and Transition) course encourages and supports students with a disability, providing support for disabled students.
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