Considering a Foundation Year for Forensic Science?

Hi! I'm thinking about studying forensic science and have been advised to consider a foundation year, especially since I'm finding A-Level Chemistry quite challenging.

I'm looking at universities near London or within a reasonable distance that offer strong support systems and hands-on learning experiences. I've come across options like London Metropolitan University and London South Bank University, but I'd love to hear from anyone who has experience with these programs or others in the area.

How beneficial is a foundation year for someone struggling with chemistry? Any insights on the student support services at these universities would be super helpful too!

Thanks so much for your advice!

Reply 1

McGinger

If you find Chemistry 'challenging' at A level, is a degree and career where its an essential element really the best idea?

Reply 2

jazlovesjollibee

True but I do enjoy the Chemistry despite me not being the best at it. Also I do Applied Science which I’m better at probably because of the practical aspects. I was thinking of an apprenticeship but there’s hardly any so idk.

Reply 3

McGinger

Original post

by jazlovesjollibee

Keep checking for apprenticeships all year - opportunities change all the time
Search apprenticeship – Find an apprenticeship – GOV.UK

Reply 4

McGinger

And there are other ways of working in this area
Crime Scene Investigator | Join The Police
BSc (Hons) Criminology & Forensic Investigation | University of Portsmouth

Reply 5

jazlovesjollibee

Original post

by McGinger

And there are other ways of working in this area
Crime Scene Investigator | Join The Police
BSc (Hons) Criminology & Forensic Investigation | University of Portsmouth

Thanks

Reply 6

Kingston Jenifer

Official Rep

Original post

by jazlovesjollibee

Hi! I'm thinking about studying forensic science and have been advised to consider a foundation year, especially since I'm finding A-Level Chemistry quite challenging.
I'm looking at universities near London or within a reasonable distance that offer strong support systems and hands-on learning experiences. I've come across options like London Metropolitan University and London South Bank University, but I'd love to hear from anyone who has experience with these programs or others in the area.
How beneficial is a foundation year for someone struggling with chemistry? Any insights on the student support services at these universities would be super helpful too!
Thanks so much for your advice!

Hi there,

I found A-Level chemistry challenging too - but this was because I was not supported well enough in high school. During my first year of uni, my grades shot up to a grade A because the support was substantially better. May I ask why you are finding it challenging - are you sufficiently supported enough, or, do you find it difficult regardless?

I would recommend a foundation year because it will help you with the chemistry aspects. Forensic science will have a lot of chemistry in it, so it is good to reflect if you like it and your passion for it.

Kind regards, Jenifer (Kingston rep)

Reply 7

jazlovesjollibee

Original post

by Kingston Jenifer

Hi there,
I found A-Level chemistry challenging too - but this was because I was not supported well enough in high school. During my first year of uni, my grades shot up to a grade A because the support was substantially better. May I ask why you are finding it challenging - are you sufficiently supported enough, or, do you find it difficult regardless?
I would recommend a foundation year because it will help you with the chemistry aspects. Forensic science will have a lot of chemistry in it, so it is good to reflect if you like it and your passion for it.
Kind regards, Jenifer (Kingston rep)

Hiya, thanks for the advice! I think I struggle with the maths and equations in exam questions and the content, but a foundation year might be good for me. Also what is the workload and teaching style like at Kingston?

Reply 8

LSBU

Official Rep

Original post

by jazlovesjollibee

Hi! I'm thinking about studying forensic science and have been advised to consider a foundation year, especially since I'm finding A-Level Chemistry quite challenging.
I'm looking at universities near London or within a reasonable distance that offer strong support systems and hands-on learning experiences. I've come across options like London Metropolitan University and London South Bank University, but I'd love to hear from anyone who has experience with these programs or others in the area.
How beneficial is a foundation year for someone struggling with chemistry? Any insights on the student support services at these universities would be super helpful too!
Thanks so much for your advice!

Choosing a foundation year can be a smart step if you’re finding A-Level Chemistry challenging, particularly when aiming for a subject like forensic science. At London South Bank University (LSBU), the foundation year is designed to strengthen your knowledge in chemistry, biology, and academic skills, ensuring you are fully prepared for the main degree. The programme also develops transferable skills such as research, critical thinking, and report writing, all of which are vital for success in forensic science and highly valued by employers across a wide range of fields.

One of LSBU’s major strengths is its focus on hands-on, practical learning, delivered through excellent facilities. The university has its own dedicated crime scene labs, where you can practise evidence recovery, fingerprinting, and scene analysis in realistic environments. In addition, you will benefit from access to a wide variety of specialist science laboratories equipped with modern forensic and analytical instruments. This approach ensures that your learning is not limited to theory; instead, you will gain valuable experience working in professional-standard labs, helping you develop the practical skills and confidence required for a career in forensic science.

Alongside these facilities, LSBU offers a strong network of student support services. These include academic support tutors, drop-in workshops, and the Skills for Learning Centre, which provides guidance with writing, research, and study skills. For wellbeing and personal support, there is a dedicated student services team, while the Employability Service helps you explore work experience opportunities such as placements, volunteering, and graduate roles in the forensic and criminal justice sectors. To find out more, LSBU is hosting Open Days on Saturday 4th October 2025 and Saturday 15th November 2025: a fantastic chance to tour the labs, meet staff and current students, and experience LSBU’s supportive and practical environment for yourself. You can book your place here: [LSBU Open Day Link].

Reply 9

Kingston Jenifer

Official Rep

Original post

by jazlovesjollibee

Hi there,

I think a foundation year will certainly help you with confidence and of course knowledge. While my background is Medical Biology, I did share modules with forensic science students. I would say that the teaching style depends on the lecturer. We use a platform called Canvas where content is uploaded, and you can have a glance at slides before the lesson starts. I found that support was really good at Kingston, my chemistry grade went from an E/D to a grade A in my first year of uni (designed to bring everyone up to scratch, covers your A-Levels essentially). This is where i realized that support was why I did not score as well at my A-Levels.

Regarding workload, I cannot really say much as I did not do Forensic science, but generally, having good time management skills is key to managing lectures, practicals and tests revision plus coursework or group work. The teaching style is lecture format, with some seminars or tutorials for practicals.

Kind regards, Jenifer (Kingston rep)

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