Course content

You will be taught by a range of academics and forensic professionals using state-of-the-art facilities in our modern laboratories using industry standard equipment. We have a dedicated Crime Scene House that allows you to put the theory into practice. Forensic Science at Keele is ranked No. 1 in England by the Complete University Guide 2020.

Studying this course will allow you to cover the entire forensic process from the collection of evidence at the crime scene to its presentation in court. 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 a wide variety of evidence types. 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.

This course is accredited by the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences.

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 Human Biology
• Forensic Science and Medicinal Chemistry
• Forensic Science and Neuroscience
• Forensic Science and Physics
• Forensic Science and Psychology

Keele has been ranked as the No.1 University in England to study Forensic Science (The Complete University Guide, 2020).

Detailed course content

Year One

During your first year, you will be introduced to key forensic skills and the core chemistry required for the course. These will be complemented with modules providing a context for crime from different perspectives and an understanding of digital infrastructures, such as the internet, and how these are used to facilitate crime.

Other core modules focus on the key spectroscopic techniques used by the forensic scientist in the analysis of trace evidence and the statistical methods needed for data analysis and interpretation of results. You will also be introduced to the biological aspects of forensic science including the study of protein biology, DNA, genetic markers and an introduction to biological sample preparation and analysis.

Year Two

In the second year, the focus is to develop the core themes within the forensic discipline that are directly relevant to professional practice and related evidence types. This will include expanding your understanding of chemical separation techniques such as Gas Chromatography – Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS), investigating decomposing and skeletal remains to determine identity, time and cause of death and the interpretation of DNA profiles from biological material.

These topics will be complemented with modules covering the analysis of questioned documents and digital material, the chemistry and effect of illicit drugs on the body and how we investigate marks and impressions left at the crime scene such as blood spatter patterns and fingerprints.

Year Three

In your third year, you will undertake a year-long team research project and an individual dissertation under the direct supervision of a member of staff in an area of forensic science that is of interest to you. You will also get to experience the entire ‘forensic process’ from the collection of evidence at the crime scene to its presentation in court alongside studying topics such as pharmacology, toxicology, explosives, arson, ballistics and forensic geoscience.

Entry requirements

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 BBC
  
• A level Chemistry or Biology at grade B or above.

If you don't think you'll meet the entry requirements specified, you may be able to gain entry to this course with 64 UCAS points via a Foundation Year.

GCSE requirements

• Maths at C (or 4) 
• English Lang/Lit at C (or 4)

BTEC

• BTEC requirements DDM
• You must have taken sufficient Chemistry/Biology units, 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 with 64 UCAS points via a Foundation Year.

International Baccalaureate

• 30 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

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.

Foundation year

You may choose to study this course via foundation year.

If you’re returning to education following a break, wish to study a new subject or don’t have the grades or sufficient equivalent experience for direct entry to this course, a foundation year may be a good option for you.

Following successful completion (including any additional progression requirements) of the foundation year you can progress on to this course.

For more details visit our foundation year webpages.

Fees and funding

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.

Career prospects

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

Our teaching strategy is designed to enable you to become an independent scientist who will have a great deal to offer prospective employers.

Our graduates have entered careers in a range of professional forensic science sectors, including DNA profiling to digital forensics, or as analytical scientists and researchers within the broader business sector, such as chemical analytical consultancies, pharmaceuticals or environmental monitoring.

Some of our graduates also undertake postgraduate qualifications such as an MSc, PGCE or PhD qualification prior to entering employment.

Recent employers

• 2030 Labs LTD
• Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board
• North Yorkshire Police
• Sandwell and Dudley Hospital
• Nottinghamshire Health

Jobs that a graduate of this course could go on to do:

• Forensic Scientist
• Scene of Crime Officer
• Toxicologist
• Microbiologist
• Scientific Laboratory Technician
• Analytical Chemist
• Police Officer
• Prison Officer
• Environmental Health Officer
• Researcher
• Scientific Publishing

Regardless of which career you pursue after Keele, employers will want evidence of the range of skills and personal qualities you possess and which are required for the job. Your degree is clearly important in this respect but don’t forget the extra-curricular activities, positions of responsibility, jobs and voluntary work you may have been engaged in while studying at Keele. These activities allow you to demonstrate the skills and personal qualities required by employers and will be vital in your attempts to secure graduate employment.

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