You will cover key forensic areas such as genetics, anthropology, toxicology, ballistics and arson, alongside newer fields such as digital forensics.

You will also develop your analytical science skills, so that you are able to analyse any piece of evidence you should encounter. This is complemented by additional emphasis on professional practice and an understanding of the roles of the crime scene investigator and the forensic scientist as an expert witness in the court.

You are able to study abroad for a semester or year at one of our partner universities and we also include a visit to the world renowned ‘body farm’ at the University of Tennessee. This visit will allow you to gain anthropological experience on human material which is not possible in the UK. You can also extend this programme to an Integrated Master’s.

Combinations

Forensic Science is also available as a Combined Honours degree. It can be studied in the following combinations:

• Forensic Science and Astrophysics
• Forensic Science and Biology
• Forensic Science and Chemistry
• Forensic Science and Computer Science
• Forensic Science and Criminology
• Forensic Science and Human Biology
• Forensic Science and Law
• Forensic Science and Medicinal Chemistry
• Forensic Science and Neuroscience
• Forensic Science and Physics
• Forensic Science and Psychology

Course structure

Our degree courses are organised into modules. Each module is usually a self-contained unit of study and each is usually assessed separately with the award of credits on the basis of 1 credit = 10 hours of student effort. An outline of the structure of the programme is provided in the tables below.

There are three types of module delivered as part of this programme. They are:

• Compulsory modules: a module that you are required to study on this course;
• Optional modules: these allow you some limited choice of what to study from a list of modules;
• Elective modules: a free choice of modules that count towards the overall credit requirement but not the number of subject-related credits.

A summary of the credit requirements per year is as follows, with a minimum of 90 subject credits (compulsory plus optional) required for each year.

Year	Compulsory	Optional		Electives
		Min	Max	Min	Max
1	90	0	30	0	30
2	120	0	0	0	0
3	120	0	0	0	0

Year 1 (Level 4)

Compulsory modules	Credits	Optional modules	Credits
Chemical Science principles	15	Investigating Crime: Criminological Perspectives	15
Forensic Science principles	15	Punishment: Beyond the popular imagination	15
Understanding Crime	15
Cybercrime	15
Forensic Analysis	15
Forensic Identification	15

Year 2 (Level 5)

Compulsory modules	Credits	Optional modules	Credits
Spectroscopy and Advanced Analysis	15	None
Forensic Genetics	15
Forensic Document Analysis	15
Criminalistic Methods	15
Drugs of Abuse	15
Digital Forensics	15
Forensic Anthropology	15
Forensic Taphonomy	15

Year 3 (Level 6)

Compulsory modules	Credits	Optional modules	Credits
Forensic Toxicology	15	None
Evaluation of Evidence: Explosives and Arson	15
Forensic Geoscience	15
Advanced Topics in Forensic Science	15
Forensic Science Team Project	15
Interpretation, Evaluation and Presentation of Evidence	30
Forensic Science Dissertation	15

For further information on the content of modules currently offered please visit: www.keele.ac.uk/recordsandexams/az

The entry grades outlined in this section indicate the likely offer or range of offers which would be made to candidates along with any subject specific requirements. This is for general information only. Keele University reserves the right to vary offer conditions depending upon a candidate’s application. Read more about our undergraduate entry requirements for United Kingdom, European Union and International students.

A Level requirements

• A Level requirement ABC / BBB
• A level Chemistry or Biology at grade B or above. A Pass in Science Practical will be required if applicant is taking A level Biology or Chemistry (England) **

GCSE requirements

• Maths at C (or 4) 
• English Language at C (or 4)

BTEC

• BTEC requirements DDD
• You must have taken sufficient Science units, please contact us for advice

International Baccalaureate

• 32 points to include Higher Level Chemistry or Biology at 6 or above.

Access to HE Diploma requirements

• Obtain Access to Higher Education Diploma with 122 UCAS Tariff points including a minimum of 30 Level 3 credits at Distinction. You must have taken sufficient Chemistry/Biology credits, please contact us for advice.

Please note

*     Reformed GCSE grades for England are stated in brackets
**   Science practical only required from applicants taking reformed A level Biology, Chemistry or Physics in England
*** If applicant has not had opportunity to sit AS level in England, please contact the Admissions team

View our money advice and guidance section for information on tuition fees.

Going to university can be a daunting as well as an exciting experience. It can be difficult to understand the true costs of being a student, as well as the financial support that is available to help you meet those costs.

We can help you to manage your funds, create a budget and ensure that you receive any funding for which you may be eligible. We also offer financial support such as the Keele University Hardship Fund and emergency loans.

For more information visit our money advice and guidance section.

Equipped with key scientific skills, practical experience and vital communication, team working and problem-solving abilities, you will become an independent scientist who will offer a great deal to prospective employers. Graduates have progressed to a range of different careers, including, within the forensic science sector, analytical laboratories, and teaching.