Course content

For the Forensic Science element of the course, you will gain an in-depth understanding of forensic science, taught by academics and forensic professionals, as well as gaining valuable lab and crime scene experience, helping you to stay ahead in this fast-moving science. You will be taught in our modern laboratory facilities and have access to state of the art equipment and our dedicated Crime Scene House. Our forensic science combined honours programmes are recognised by the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences.

This course will provide you with a broad education in the core areas of forensic science. Your studies will focus on key topics in forensic chemistry, analytical science, forensic biology and criminalistics science. You will develop your analytical science skills, enabling you to analyse a variety of forensic of evidence. 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 may be able to study abroad for a semester (dependant on subject scheduling) or year at one of our partner universities.

The Psychology element of the course, which is accredited by the British Psychological Society enables you to explore why humans think, feel, communicate and act in the ways that they do. At Keele you will find out what the latest research tells us about human behaviour and learn how to design and conduct your own psychological studies in our well-equipped labs using a range of techniques.

The course is taught by staff who are actively engaged in research with specialisms in social psychology, developmental psychology, cognition and neuropsychology, biological psychology health and wellbeing and a range of applied areas. The emphasis of the course is on understanding how psychology impacts on everyday life; from developing a sense of self and negotiating personal relationships to influencing judgments about matters of global significance, such as climate change. At Keele we aim to produce psychology graduates who are ready to use their psychology skills and knowledge to make a real difference.

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 ABC/BBB
  
• A level Chemistry or Biology at grade B or above.

GCSE requirements

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

BTEC

• BTEC requirements DDM
• You must have taken sufficient Chemistry/Biology 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
**   If applicant has not had opportunity to sit AS level in England, please contact the Admissions team

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)

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 of Forensic Science have progressed to a range of different careers, including, within the forensic science sector, analytical laboratories, and teaching.

By completing a Psychology degree from Keele, you are taking the first step towards becoming a Chartered Psychologist and a requirement for further study and training for a career in psychology. You could take up any number of very interesting careers in psychology, perhaps working as a neuropsychologist or as a clinical, counselling, educational, forensic, occupational or sports psychologist.

Recent employers

• 2030 Labs LTD
• Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board
• North Yorkshire Police
• Sandwell and Dudley Hospital
• Nottinghamshire Health
• Aiming High
• Brighter Futures
• NHS
• Civil Service
• HMP
• Mercedes Benz
• NSPCC
• Nuffield Health
• RSPCA
• Local Government

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
• Clinical Psychologist
• Counselling Psychologist
• Educational Psychologist
• Forensic Psychologist
• Occupational Psychologist
• Research Psychologist
• Sport and Exercise Psychologist
• Neuropsychologist

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.

It is estimated that 60% of jobs are open to graduates of any discipline. This demonstrates the flexibility of many graduate employers when setting out their academic requirements and that students are not necessarily restricted to careers related to their degree.

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