Forensic Science

Forensic Science - BSc (Hons)

Analyse the science behind a crime scene to identify and present admissible forensic evidence to uphold justice and make a difference in people's lives. From gathering evidential traces at a crime scene to analysing DNA, you will develop the knowledge, analytical skills, methods and techniques to enter a rewarding science-based career in a variety of sectors.

Year of entry

2023

Course type

Single Honours

Location

Keele University campus

Subject area / School

School of Chemical and Physical Sciences

UCAS code

F415

Duration of study

3 years/ 4 years with International Year

Enquire about this course Book an open day Chat to students

Why study Forensic Science at Keele University?

No.1 in England for Forensic Science (Complete University Guide, 2022)

Use a wide variety of industry-standard instrumentation in Keele's state-of-the-art Central Science Laboratories

This programme is accredited by the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences

Develop your practical and professional skills in our indoor and outdoor crime scene facilities

Course overview

Forensic science is a critical element of the criminal justice system. As criminals continue to use ever advancing tools and techniques to commit crime, the field of forensics is integral in producing scientific evidence for use in courts of law to support the prosecution or defence in criminal and civil investigations.

Our Forensic Science BSc is an interdisciplinary applied science course that focuses on the entire forensic process, from evidence collection, analysis and interpretation to court reporting. The core curriculum includes key topics in forensic chemistry, forensic biology and criminalistic science. Throughout your studies you will develop an understanding of continuity of evidence and how the crime scene, the laboratory and the court contribute to the forensic and legal process. You'll also explore specialist branches of forensic science, including anthropology, fire investigation and toxicology.

Year one

The first year of the programme is carefully designed to introduce many of the basic science topics that underpin the study of forensic science. You will acquire a solid grounding in the principal concepts of basic chemistry, biology, and forensic investigation, whilst gaining hands-on practical experience in a variety of experimental skills and analytical methods through laboratory work. To provide a wider understanding of the subject, you will also examine forensic science as a professional discipline, looking at the crime scene, the laboratory and the court, why people commit crime and how digital infrastructures, such as the internet, are used to facilitate crime.

Year two

From year two, you will build on the knowledge gained in your first year to develop an appreciation of the key themes in forensic science that are relevant to professional practice. This includes the tools used for identifying individuals by DNA profiling, forensic analysis of counterfeits, fakes and forgeries, the techniques used to build a biological profile using forensic anthropology and the role of forensic science in the investigation of drugs and drug-related crime.

Year three

Your studies will culminate with the opportunity to unleash your creativity and apply the knowledge and techniques you have acquired throughout your studies by working on a final year extended project. This will enable you to integrate your personal passions and examine them from a forensic perspective and further develop your expertise, teamwork and communication skills required for a career within the field. You will also carry out the forensic examination of a crime scene and report on the evidence within the professional context of crime scene examiner, forensic scientist and expert witness.

Final year dissertation topics from previous students include:

The influence of animal scavenging on forensic casework
Bite mark evidence in court
Identification of burnt remains: Are tattoos a reliable source?
The role of forensic science in the fight against global wildlife smuggling/poaching
Detection and prevention of counterfeit drinks

To add breadth to your learning, you will also study a variety of advanced forensic science topics. These include forensic fire investigation, forensic geoscience, toxicology, ballistics and advanced analysis of specific trace evidence such as paint, glass, fibres - with particular emphasis on examination of evidence in court.

Learn from our campus - our own 'living and natural laboratory'

From recovering evidence in our indoor and outdoor crime scene facilities to replica skeletal remains within the grounds of Keele woods, our unique 600-acre campus offers a fantastic environment to apply your theoretical knowledge to real-life scenarios you may encounter within forensic investigation. These practical experiences will also provide you with the opportunity to develop and refine the methods and techniques that are integral to work within the field.

Study abroad

In between years two and three of your studies you can choose to spend time studying abroad. This exciting opportunity enable you to understand your field from different cultural perspectives and to establish international networks. It also shows you have the personal attributes to embrace new experiences which can enhance your employability. We offer exchange opportunities with a wide variety of partner institutions.

Student support

We offer a multi layered student support structure to help you meet your academic and personal needs. Our open-door policy enables you to engage with us directly, meaning you can seek support, gain feedback or discuss any matters relating to your course on a regular basis. You will also benefit from the support of a academic mentor and Keele's Student Experience and Support team.

Next Steps

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Related Courses

Accreditation and professional recognition

This programme is accredited by the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences. A professionally accredited forensic science degree ensures programme content remains relevant to the latest developments in the sector and is recognition that the programme meets the standards set by the chartered society.

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Additional opportunities

Foundation year Learn a language International year Study abroad GCP Elective Pathways Explore more

There are a range of additional opportunities available when studying this course.
Please note, undertaking one may impact upon the availability of another.

Entry requirements

Keele strives to be a place where learning, living and working is a positive experience for our entire community, and we're committed to ensuring equality of opportunity to all our applicants with the potential and motivation to succeed, regardless of background. That's why we operate a range of 'alternative offer' schemes with clear eligibility criteria, including contextual offers, offers for those studying within the Keele region, and recognising a range of additional qualifications in your offer.

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 and International students.

A Level requirements

A Level requirement BBC
A level Chemistry or Biology at grade B or above.

GCSE requirements

Maths at C (or 4)
English Language / Literature at C (or 4)

BTEC

BTEC requirements DMM
You must have taken sufficient Chemistry/Biology units, please contact the Admissions team

International Baccalaureate

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

Access to HE Diploma requirements

Obtain Access to Higher Education Diploma with 112 UCAS Tariff points including a minimum of 30 Level 3 credits at Distinction in Chemistry and/or Biology related units. Please contact the Admissions team

Please note

Reformed GCSE grades for England are stated in brackets
If the applicant has not had opportunity to sit AS level in England, please contact the Admissions team

If you don't think you'll meet the entry requirements specified, you may be able to gain entry to this course via a Foundation Year.

Preparation programmes for international students

International students who do not meet the direct entry requirements for this course have the opportunity to study an International Foundation Year programme.

These courses are designed to prepare international students to enter into Keele University undergraduate degrees.

Next Steps

Entry requirements

The following section details our typical entry requirements for this course for a range of UK and international qualifications. If you don’t see your qualifications listed, please contact us to find out if we can accept your qualifications. If you don't think you'll meet the entry requirements specified, you may be able to gain entry to this course via a Foundation Year.

Additional information

A Level requirements

A Level requirement BBC
A level Chemistry or Biology at grade B or above.

GCSE requirements

Maths at C (or 4)
English Language / Literature at C (or 4)

BTEC

BTEC requirements DMM
You must have taken sufficient Chemistry/Biology units, please contact the Admissions team

International Baccalaureate

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

Access to HE Diploma requirements

Obtain Access to Higher Education Diploma with 112 UCAS Tariff points including a minimum of 30 Level 3 credits at Distinction in Chemistry and/or Biology related units. Please contact the Admissions team

Please note

Reformed GCSE grades for England are stated in brackets
If the applicant has not had opportunity to sit AS level in England, please contact the Admissions team

If you don't think you'll meet the entry requirements specified, you may be able to gain entry to this course via a Foundation Year.

Read more about our undergraduate entry requirements for International students.

English Language Requirements

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Alternative and contextual offers

We're committed to ensuring equality of opportunity to all our applicants with the potential and motivation to succeed, regardless of background. That's why we operate a range of alternative offer schemes with clear eligibility criteria, including contextual offers, offers for those studying within the Keele region, and recognising a range of additional qualifications in your offer.

General information

The entry grades outlined in this section indicate the typical offer 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.

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"My experience on the forensic science course has been brilliant due to the commitment of the lecturers and lab staff in providing me with the necessary tools to pursue a career in forensic science. I particularly enjoy the practical lab sessions where we get hands on experience with techniques used in the field such as fingerprint enhancement and identification, DNA, blood spatter, and chemical analysis using the newly added equipment and lab spaces contained within the CSL building."

Max, Forensic Science

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"I found it beneficial to use a range of analytical systems such as Chromatography, NMR and Mass spectrometry, as knowledge of such systems is often of interest to employers. My experience in using these systems has helped me to secure employment in a research laboratory. "

Rebecca, Forensic and Analytical Investigation with Integrated Master's

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Your future career

96% of Keele graduates were in a job or further study within six months of graduating (HESA, 2017)

From forensic scene investigator to working in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries, the advanced problem-solving, data interpretation, analytical and communication skills you will acquire on this programme will open up a wide variety of science-related careers. Joining the Chartered Society of Forensic Scientists (CSFS) may help with keeping up to date with developments in the sector and making valuable contacts. Please note you may need to take further postgraduate study to enter some of the professions listed below.

Roles that are related to your degree include:

analytical chemist
forensic examiner
forensic scene investigator
intelligence analyst
microbiologist
quality control scientist
researcher
scientific laboratory technician
science teacher
toxicologist

Enhance your employability

Keele’s Careers and Employability team (Shortlisted for Best University Careers Employment Service - National Undergraduate Employability Awards, 2021), offer a variety of personal and career development opportunities to enhance your employability. From mock interviews, careers guidance and CV advice, to careers fairs, alumni mentoring and networking events, along with helping you find part-time and graduate employment - the team will support you throughout your studies and beyond.

Find out more about our careers and employability services, including career planning, alumni mentoring, jobs, internships, starting your own business and much more.

Next Steps

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Guest Speakers

Throughout the programme you will have the opportunity to learn from a number of guest lecturers from the profession who contribute either a single or short series of lectures, workshops or practical classes in a range of forensic science topics. This will enable you to gain valuable insight into today's industry and network with potential employers, colleagues and mentors.

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Central Science Laboratories

Develop your practical skills in Keele's state-of-the-art Central Science Laboratories

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Foundation year

Our Foundation Year provides an excellent alternative route to Keele, providing a unique opportunity to better prepare for your chosen degree, and with guaranteed entry onto your undergraduate course once you successfully complete your Foundation Year.

This extra year of study can improve your academic skills, expand your subject knowledge, give you a better understanding of higher education and, perhaps most importantly of all, build your confidence.

Keele University is consistently ranked among the top universities for student satisfaction, and we have over 70 years' experience of teaching a foundation year to students. On the Keele Foundation Year, you'll study on campus, joining our undergraduate community from the outset, with access to all the facilities and support that you'd get as an undergraduate student at Keele.

The information within this page is for students wishing to start their studies in September. If you would like to start this course in January, please visit our January pages for further details.

Course content

Our Foundation Year allows you to develop your critical thinking, academic reading, writing, and communication study skills along with subject-specific knowledge and skills which will be invaluable in your academic studies and beyond. Upon meeting the progression criteria and successfully completing our Foundation Year, you will automatically progress into your Keele undergraduate degree with the confidence that you have the skills, and knowledge needed to successfully complete your course.

This Foundation Year is a two-semester programme which provides a tailored pre-degree programme of study to better prepare you for the BSc (Hons) Forensic Science degree. For example, the Advancing Chemistry module aims to increase your knowledge and understanding of the principles and concepts of chemistry in a theoretical context, while also demonstrating the application of concepts in a practical environment. Course content has been developed in collaboration with degree teaching teams, so that by the time you begin Year 1, you will be ready to excel at your studies, as the majority of our Foundation Year students do.

Find out more about the Keele Foundation Year, including information about teaching and assessment methods by visiting the Foundation Year homepage.

Course structure

The module details given below are indicative, they are intended to provide you with an idea of the range of subjects that are taught to our current students. The modules that will be available for you to study in future years are prone to change as we regularly review our teaching to ensure that it is up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods. The information presented is therefore not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules available in any given year.

Semester one modules

FYO-00185	Practical and Academic Skills in Science	15 credits
FYO-00211	Foundations in Numerical and Quantitative Methods for Scientists	15 credits
FYO-00189	Foundations of Chemistry	15 credits
FYO-00197	Foundations of Life Sciences	15 credits

Semester two modules

FYO-00199	Advancing Life Sciences	30 credits
FYO-00191	Advancing Chemistry	30 credits

Entry requirements

Between 40-56 UCAS points from at least 1 A level/level 3 qualification or equivalent, or
Relevant work experience

AND

GCSE English Language at grade 4 (C), or Level 2 Functional Skills, or
IELTS 5.5 (with 5.5 in all subtests)

AND

GCSE Mathematics at grade 4 (C) or above

How to apply

Students will need to apply for BSc (Hons) Forensic Science with Foundation Year (UCAS code F410) through UCAS at www.ucas.com

Direct entry students

If you already have your qualifications, are not expecting any further results and only wish to apply to Keele, please contact the Admissions Office directly.

We also offer a January start for some of our Foundation Year courses. Adopting a blended learning approach, the January start is particularly useful for students wishing to return to education following time out of studying, or who are seeking a flexible approach to their Foundation Year studies. Our January start is available across most of our Science, Humanities, Social Science and Business courses.

Whilst still being a full-time course, our blended delivery model combines live teaching sessions - both online and on-campus - with self-directed study, enabling you to predominantly study at a time that suits your lifestyle. You will benefit from weekly online taught sessions which encourage you to engage with your teachers and peers.

In addition to online study there will be a series of full study days that you will be required to attend throughout each semester. These sessions may include lab-based activities, group work, review of course and assessment materials studied online. They will emphasise opportunities for you to deepen your knowledge and understanding of your chosen route.

Please refer to the September start tab for more information about the entry requirements and what you will study. The modules that you will take on a January start Foundation Year will be similar to those for the September start, but in a slightly different order and pattern.

For more information, including fees, the UCAS code for this course, how to apply, and how you will be taught, please visit our January Start Foundation Year webpage.

Our International Foundation Year is delivered on campus through Keele University International College (KUIC). Find out more about the International Foundation Year options on the KUIC website.

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