Forensic Science and Psychology

Course overview

At Keele, studying a combined honours degree will include some modules from both of the single honours degrees. In this case, your programme will be made up of a combination of modules from both Forensic Science and Psychology.

Key facts

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BSc Biology and Forensic Science student quote

Richard Bridgett, BSc Biology and Forensic Science

"After initially graduating I spent time working for the forensic investigations unit of Cheshire Police and for a global pharmaceutical company where I utilised the instrumental skills I acquired through study of chemical analysis."

Carlie Whiting, BSc Forensic Science and Criminology

"I definitely feel that the degree course I studied at Keele provided me with an excellent advantage when applying for this job due to the amount of instrumentation we were able to use and the breadth of information we were taught."

Katherine Gorman, Reporting Forensic Scientist - BSc Forensic Science

"A forensic course is a perfect opportunity for you to explore the different disciplines within forensic science and gain an understanding about which path is right for you. The facilities and knowledge available at Keele is excellent and would provide a great foundation for a career in this industry."

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.

Forensic Science 2nd in Complete University Guide

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.

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.

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