Reviewed on Jul 23, 2025(Enrolled 2021)
What Students Say
Likes
- Comprehensive syllabus and innovative teaching methods
- Hands - on training with real - time crime scene simulations
- Highly qualified and supportive faculty
Dislikes
- Many classes had to be conducted online due to COVID-19
- Fewer opportunities for on-campus activities and events
- No in person court room session due to Covid
Course Curriculum
10
- It was comparatively a difficult course. It was something where you had to study every day to keep up with the curriculum. It was more practically based, which was really helpful. But every class and practical was made enjoyable by the faculty.
- Positive aspects would be the vast course structure, friendly and helpful faculty, well-equipped labs and mainly the availability of staff anytime. The only negative aspect was that theory classes in the first semester were online due to COVID which thankfully was changed to offline the next semester.
- We had only one class a day for three days a week and two practical sessions for the other two days.
- There were approx. 70 students in my class and there were about 10-12 Indian students.
Admission Experience
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I had applied only to 3 universities.
- University of Strathclyde
- University of Dundee
- Nottingham Trent University
- I had actually applied only to the University of Strathclyde initially because that was my dream university, as it is no. 1 in the UK for Forensic Science. Only after receiving an offer letter from Strath did I apply to other Universities just to have some options if something goes wrong.
- I got accepted into all three on a conditional basis, which was to provide an LOR from college and a letter from college stating I was taught in English.
- I did not receive any rejection.
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I researched a lot about Universities in the UK. I had only three criteria.
- Best for Forensic Science
- Good Faculty with well-equipped labs
- Overall a good University for international students
- I spoke to people on LinkedIn and University chat and not to forget IDP's guidance.
- So, the University of Strathclyde matched my criteria perfectly, followed by the University of Dundee and Nottingham Trent University. The University of Strathclyde also stands as the No. 1 University in the UK for Forensic Science, which was definitely a major plus point.
- About the admission process, I applied through IDP which was a very smooth process. I had to keep my SOP ready along with my passport and other documents. Everything will be mentioned on the University website that makes things easier. First I got a conditional offer letter where I had three conditions:
- To pay a deposit of 2 lakhs, which later would be deducted from the tuition fee or would be reimbursed if the application were withdrawn
- LOR's from previous college or workplace
- Letter from college stating English was my first language and that I was completely taught in English.
- Once these were done, I got my unconditional offer letter, and within a month's time, I received my CAS as well. After which I was eligible to apply for my Visa.
- IELTS is required for admission to my college but it can be waived off if your 12th English mark is good according to the university and the letter from the college that I've mentioned above. Therefore, IELTS was waived for me.
- About the overall admission process, again, IDP made it really easy for me. If you have all the documents ready and a good SOP, the process is very smooth. Also the University is very helpful. They reply to mail within 24 hours and they're very friendly. Not only with applications, but they also help us with the tuition fee by extending dates or even providing installment options, which I couldn't find in other Universities. They were also going to pay 2 lakhs for Quarantine and also free cab service from the airport to your stay. Therefore, there wasn't a time where you felt lost because everything was so organised.
- I applied for the September intake in 2021. I applied a little late due to COVID as well, because of which I couldn't even get a scholarship from the University.
- Usually you should get a reply from the University within 3 weeks, but I got mine in 2 days. As mentioned earlier, I got a conditional offer letter first. Once that was done, I got my unconditional offer letter in 2 months time and CAS in the next two months. Later for VISA, I chose the priority option and got it in a week. So overall it was a 9-month process, right from application in December to visa acceptance and travelling in September. It could have been a little less if not for COVID or the delay in bank procedures.
Faculty
10
- We had one faculty for each theory module and two faculty for each practical module. Like mentioned earlier, there was no problem with student-faculty interaction. They were the most helpful and would cater to each student's needs and doubts.
- The course was vast and time-consuming, but the teaching approach was really good. It was always interactive, along with guest lectures every week, fun activities and quizzes that made the classes more fun. It definitely prepares you for securing jobs in your field.
- They do provide references to students.
- I like all my faculties but my Forensic Biology professor, Ms. Laura, was particularly my favourite. Her teaching style, the way she helped me during my dissertation and most importantly being very considerate and understanding.
Campus Life
10
- There were different campuses for different courses, like Forensic Science, Business School, Engineering, Pharmacy, Degree college and a few more. I really don't remember the exact count.
- We have library, Sport Facilities, Medical services, Student Union and cafes.
- I'm not into extra curricular activities so I wouldn't want to share about something I don't know much about.
Part Time Jobs
- Only the University website can answer this, as it keeps changing according to each post.
- On-campus jobs are available to students in the library or union cafes. Again, hourly wages change every year and according to the post.
- Part-time workers can work up to 20 hours per week and full-time workers up to 40 hours per week.
- It all depends on your CV and how good you are at it.
- Back in 2021 it was 9 pounds per hour, which obviously would have changed by now. It is quite easy to find part-time jobs, as most are in food joints or supermarkets. But again, it depends on each individual's capacity to get a job. The process is the same as how you do it for a full-time job, like applying directly on the website or through job portals. There's no particular procedure for applying for jobs except that you should have your National Insurance number.
Placement
8
- Since most Forensic jobs are government-based. Not all of us get a job that easily. It is still a little easier for UK citizens but for international students to be sponsored for a forensic job, you should've lived in the UK for at least 5-8 years. But if you're ready to work in labs or pharmaceutical companies, you do have good opportunities.
- It's always better to find jobs from job boards or through networking because references work really well.
- Some of my classmates have joined companies like Cellmark.
Accommodation
Off Campus
10
- I found my accommodation through one of my friends.
- It was an Off-campus living space only for students. An ensuite room with a shared kitchen with 4 other students. The facilities included were study rooms, a laundry room, a movie room, a gym, a gaming area, and a party room, all with good security. I paid approximately 45000 rupees per month.
- Personally I didn't face any challenges while finding an accommodation because:
- 1. you always can choose University accommodation but it's a little expensive than private accommodation
- 2. It is easier to find private accommodations on any social media platform, and even the University could help you.
- It is always better to Join university groups and Facebook groups to know better and always talk to previous students through your social media or LinkedIn. They can help you way better than anybody when it comes to accommodation.
- My accommodation was a 5-minute walk from the University. Most Indian students stayed in such Living spaces and were not more than a 15 minute walk from the University.
Exams
- IELTS is required but GRE is also sometimes accepted.
- Documents required are: Statement of Purpose, Letter of Recommendation, a CV, and a Letter from previous college stating you were taught in English. 10th mark card, 12th mark card, Degree marks card of each semester and degree certificate, passport and IELTS marks/certificate if mentioned.
- There was no interview for my application.
Fees
- My University fee was approx. 25 lakhs (tuition fee + lab fee), Hostel fee was 6 lakhs for a year (ensuite student accommodation), and other than that, there were your usual living costs like groceries and other stuff, which differ for each individual. I spent a total of 35 lakhs for the whole year; that is including all the above-mentioned.
- Fees can be paid at your own convenience; that is, you can choose if you want to pay all at once or semester-wise. I paid it at the start itself so that I'll know how much money I could use for the rest of the things.
- It used to be 60000 per month, including rent, transportation, groceries and other regular expenses. It can fluctuate based on your lifestyle but also there are a lot of offers for students so make sure to make use of those.
Scholarship
- I did not receive any scholarship, as I was late with the application. Every international student can apply for a scholarship that would be mentioned on the University website. They'll be awarded an amount between 3 and 5 lakhs based on their SOP written for the same purpose. Yes, my friends received 3 lakhs and 4 lakhs, respectively. There's no average count of students receiving scholarships until you apply on time and your SOP stands out.
