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Department of Natural Sciences

Forensic Sciences (BSc)

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Investigating crime scenes, finding traces, analysing samples: Forensics is an exciting and diverse field of work and research. The six-semester Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Forensic Science degree programme at H-BRS prepares you optimally for your future working environment in forensic analysis. The programme provides you with comprehensive basic scientific training, analytical methodological skills and includes a practical semester.

Study Facts

Degree

Bachelor's degree

Standard period of study

6 semesters

Lecture language

German & English

Campus

Rheinbach

Start of study

For the winter semester

Type of study

Full-time

Admission requirements

General or subject-related higher education entrance qualification (Abitur, Fachabitur) or educational qualifications recognised as equivalent by the relevant authorities. Further information can be found on the Student Services website: Admission requirements.

Admission type and application deadline

This degree programme is admission-restricted: Information on the NC and the allocation of study places. You can apply from 15 May to 15 July for the winter semester.

Language skills

The programme is German and Englisch. German language skills at level C1 (CEFR) are required, demonstrated by a German university entrance qualification or the following German language certificates: Deutsch-Sprachzertifikate. In addition, English language skills at level B2 (CEFR) are required. Proof of university entrance qualification is accepted if it demonstrates English language skills at the required level, or an English-language secondary school/university degree or the following English language certificates.

Costs

Only the current semester fee is payable for this degree programme: Semester fees and Administrative fees.

Programme content and qualification objective

In the basic modules, students learn the fundamentals of chemistry, biology and materials science. Building on this, they take In the basic modules, students learn the fundamentals of chemistry, biology and materials science. Building on this, they take courses such as pharmacology and toxicology, forensic biology, forensic material trace analysis and forensic quality assurance. They examine chemical, DNA and material traces using state-of-the-art laboratory methods and learn to classify findings legally and present them according to scientific standards. Half of the modules are offered in English, which opens up international career opportunities. With attractive exchange programmes, H-BRS enables its students to spend one or two semesters abroad at partner universities and, in certain cases, to obtain a degree from the partner university in addition to their H-BRS degree.

Course of study

In the first two semesters, students learn the scientific basics and receive an introduction to crime scene work and forensics. Building on this, advanced modules in chemistry, biology and materials science, law and forensic work methods are integrated in the later semesters. In the fifth semester, students can specialise in elective subjects, for example in forensic disciplines or industry-related subjects. A three-month practical phase and the Bachelor's thesis follow in the sixth semester. The language of instruction is half German and half English.

Prospects and job opportunities

The degree programme opens up a wide range of career opportunities - from forensic work in criminal investigation departments, authorities and private laboratories to analytical laboratories in industry and research (material and chemical analysis, bioanalytics and laboratory diagnostics) or in quality control. The close practical relevance and interdisciplinary training guarantee that graduates' qualifications meet the requirements of the labour market.

Building on the Bachelor's degree programme, H-BRS offers three Master's degree programmes Analytical Chemistry and Quality Assurance, Materials Science and Sustainability Methods and Biomedical Sciences.

Practical relevance and teaching formats

The degree programme offers a foundation-oriented qualification with a broad range of methods. It includes lectures, tutorials, laboratory practicals and excursions. With elective subjects from specialised areas of forensics, research or industry, students can set their own individual focus according to their inclinations, skills and career aspirations. A three-month practical phase serves to consolidate the academic skills acquired in practice and enables students to establish contacts with industry, authorities and research institutions

Study location and learning environment

The Rheinbach campus is located in North Rhine-Westphalia and is easy to reach by public transport from Cologne, Bonn, Düsseldorf or Koblenz. Study and research with us on a modern and manageable campus with excellently equipped laboratories. Small study groups enable good contact with other students and lecturers with practical experience. In our study workshop, students can also close any gaps from their science lessons at the start of their studies.

Study plan

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Studying at the AnNa department

FAQ Inklusion

FAQ for prospective students of the Department of Natural Sciences

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Information for first-semester students

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Practical phase, final thesis and study abroad

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Examination regulations, module handbook & Curriculum

Applying - but how?

The university's application pages provide information on how to apply for a place at H-BRS.

Video explaining the application process

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Online Application at H-BRS (Video with subtitles in English)

Familiarisation offers and news for prospective students

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Study orientation events in spring 2026

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Apply now for a degree programme starting in summer 2026

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UniStem Day 2025: Pupils learn about stem cell research

Good reasons for studying at H-BRS

Modern teaching and research rooms at three locations and intensive personal contact with dedicated teaching staff ensure a high level of student satisfaction at our university!
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About the university

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Facilities and student life

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Study orientation: Choosing and deciding on a degree programme

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University and District Library

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Language Centre

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International Office

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Graduate Institute

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Inclusion at H-BRS

The relevant contact persons for questions

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Questions about application and enrolment can be answered by the Student Services

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Information on course content and progression and (career) prospects can be obtained from the student advisory centres

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The Student Advice Centre provides advice on choosing, starting and completing a degree programme

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Counselling for international students

Accreditation

The degree programme is accredited until 30 September 2029.

Contact points

Course guidance service Bachelor Forensic Sciences

Campus

Rheinbach

Room

I 210

Address

von-Liebig-Str. 20

53359 Rheinbach

Opening hours

We look forward to hearing from you.

Contact to the Student Services

Address

Campus Sankt Augustin: Grantham Allee 20, 53757 Sankt Augustin // Rooms E039 - E040 & E044 - E048

Campus Rheinbach: Egermannstr. 1, 53359 Rheinbach // Rooms 1.304 - 1.305

Opening hours

Telephone consultation hours: Monday - Friday: 10:00 - 12:00

Personal consultations by appointment only

Contact Student Advice Centre

Campus

Sankt Augustin

Room

E029, E031, E034, E035, E041

Address

Grantham-Allee 20

53757 Sankt Augustin

Telephone

+49 2241 865 9656

Opening hours

Telephone hours without appointment

Telephone hours: Monday, Wednesday and Thursday: 10:00-12:00

and Monday: 13:00-15:00

International Office - Rheinbach

Campus

Rheinbach

Room

1.309

Address

Egermannstraße 1

53359 Rheinbach

Opening hours

Please contact us by phone or email for an appointment