Forensic Science and Psychology - BSc (Hons)
Analyse the science behind a crime scene and explore the fascinating complexity of the human mind to gain the practical, analytical, problem-solving and quantitative skills to pursue a science-based career in a variety of sectors.
Year of entry
- 2024
Course type
- Combined Honours
UCAS code
- FC48
Duration of study
- 3 years / 4 years with international or placement year
Why study Forensic Science and Psychology at Keele University?
Course overview
Our Forensic Science and Psychology BSc will provide you with a breadth of knowledge and wide range of skills across two fascinating subject areas.
The forensic science element of the course focuses on the entire forensic process, from evidence collection, analysis and interpretation to court reporting. Initial modules will build your understanding in the key topics underpinning the subject, including forensic chemistry, forensic biology and criminalistic science. You will also gain valuable laboratory and crime scene experience to help you stay ahead in this fast-moving science. Teaching will take place in Keele's state-of-the-art Central Science Laboratories and our dedicated crime scene facilities.
The programme will culminate with the opportunity to unleash your creativity and apply the techniques you have acquired throughout your studies by completing a final year forensic science team research project.
Final year project topics in Forensic Science from previous students include:
- Analysis of post-mortem bone trauma
- Analysis of trace evidence - Identification of drugs in latent fingerprints
- Long-term geophysical monitoring of simulated clandestine graves of murder victims
- Wildlife forensics – Assessment of presumptive tests on non-human blood
- Forensic odontology -bite marks
- Investigating the appearance of aged fingerprints
Psychology will equip you with a well-rounded education and in addition to studying the principal areas specified by the British Psychological Society (BPS) curriculum, you will have the opportunity to tailor your degree to reflect your career aspirations and interests.
Principle areas of psychology include: biological, cognitive, social and developmental psychology as well as individual differences and historical issues. You will gain fundamental scientific skills in research design, statistics, qualitative and survey methods. With this knowledge, you will learn how to conduct research and critically analyse that of others.
In your final year you will have the opportunity to work with one of our expert academics to carry out and report an investigation of a research topic that aligns with your career aspirations or personal interests.
Final year project topics from previous Psychology students include:
- Cognitive control and depression
- Experiences of disabled students in Higher Education
- Sleep and mental health
- Detecting deception in others
- Victims and forgiveness
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.
Work placement year in psychology
You will have the opportunity to spend a year in industry with a relevant placement provider. This will help prepare you for the workplace by becoming familiar with the professional working environment and having the opportunity to draw upon psychological principles, skills, theories, or methods. This is a valuable, character-building experience where your will develop both personally and professionally, enhancing your career prospects.
Please note: If you choose to opt for a Placement Year, this will be with the School of Psychology.
Engage with real-world projects
During your degree programme, you may have the opportunity to work on research, led by staff, PhD and master's students in the School of Psychology. This is a fantastic opportunity for you to learn about research methods and gain insight into the diversity of research carried out within the School of Psychology.
Summer research assistantship scheme
The School of Psychology hosts a summer research assistantship scheme which is a paid opportunity during your second or third year that enables you to work alongside a member of staff on a research project. The experience and skills you will gain, such as data analysis, can help you stand out from the crowd when applying for employment or postgraduate study. Please note there is an application process for this scheme and the number of projects available will vary each year.
Committed to equality, diversity and inclusion
We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. This means we aim to create a diverse and inclusive culture in which you can thrive. Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) agenda is embedded throughout our curriculum, and the School of Psychology are proud to have been recognised for our activities in this area by holding The Athena SWAN bronze award.
International year
In between years two and three of your studies you can choose to spend a year 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 on a regular basis. You will benefit from the support of an assigned personal tutor and Keele's dedicated Faculty Student Experience and Support team.
Accreditation and professional recognition
This programme is recognised by the Chartered Society of Forensic Science and accredited by the British Psychological Society.
If you specialise in your final year, you will only be eligible for the accreditation aligned to the subject you have chosen to specialise in.
Related Courses
Additional opportunities
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
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.
Typical offer
Please ensure that you read the full entry requirements by selecting your qualifications from the dropdown menu below. This will include any subject specific, GCSE/Level 2 Maths, and English Language requirements you may need.
Please select your qualification from the drop-down list below for the full entry requirement information
A Level
BBB in three A Levels including B in Chemistry or Biology.
You will also need: 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
BTEC Extended Diploma / National Extended Diploma
DDM in any of the following BTEC Extended Diplomas / National Extended Diplomas:
Applied Science
Forensic and Criminal Investigation
You will also need: 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
BTEC National Diploma / Diploma
Distinction and Merit in any BTEC National Diploma / Diploma and B in Chemistry or Biology A Level, or Distinction and Merit in Applied Science or Forensic and Criminal Investigation BTEC National Diploma / Diploma and B in any A Level.
You will also need: 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
BTEC National Extended Certificate / Subsidiary Diploma
T Level
Merit in any of the following T levels:
Health
Healthcare Science
Science
You will also need: 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
International Baccalaureate Diploma
555 in three Higher Levels including 5 in Chemistry or Biology, or 30 points including 5 in Higher Level Chemistry or Biology.
You will also need: 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, or 3 in IB Middle Years Maths, or 3 in IB Diploma Standard Level Maths (any), plus an English language qualification (see below)
International Baccalaureate Careers Programme
We encourage applications with the IBCP but recognise that your combination of qualifications may differ depending on where you are studying.
If you are taking a BTEC National Diploma / Diploma with one or more Higher Levels, your offer will be similar to our BTEC + A Level offer (see 'BTEC National Diploma / Diploma') but with an HL requirement of 6 for A, 5 for B, or 4 for C.
For any other combination, please contact the University Admissions Team for advice.
Access to HE Diploma
122 UCAS points in an Access to HE Diploma with Chemistry or Biology related content, including Distinction in at least 30 Level 3 credits. Please contact the University Admissions Team for advice on whether your chosen course would qualify.
You will also need: 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
Welsh Baccalaureate / Bagloriaeth Cymru
The Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate is equivalent to one full A Level at the same grade and can be included alongside 2 other A Levels in a standard A Level offer for this course (see A Level). All subject specific requirements will still need to be met.
Scotland - Highers and Advanced Highers
BBBCC in five Highers including Chemistry or Biology Higher, or CC in two Advanced Highers and CC in two Highers including Chemistry Higher or Advanced Higher, or CCC in three Advanced Highers including Chemistry Advanced Higher.
You will also need: C in National 5 Maths, or 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)
If you have B or higher in the EPQ and are studying A Levels, BTEC, the International Baccalaureate Diploma, or an Access to HE Diploma, you will typically receive an alternative offer which will be lower than the standard offer. Please see 'Alternative and contextual offers' below.
Core Maths
If you have B or higher in Core Maths and are studying A Levels, BTEC, the International Baccalaureate, or an Access to HE Diploma, you will typically receive an alternative offer which will be lower than the standard offer. Please see 'Alternative and contextual offers' below.
Ireland - Leaving Certificate
H3, H3, H4, H4, H4, H4 in the Irish Leaving Certificate including H4 in Chemistry, Physics and Chemistry (combined) or Biology.
You will also need: O4 / H6 in Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
China - Gaokao
73% in the Gaokao including 70% in Chemistry or Biology.
You will also need: 60% in Senior Secondary School or Gaokao Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
India - Standard XII
Average of 70% from four subjects including 70% in Chemistry or Biology in the ICSE, CBSE or Western Bengal Standard XII, or average of 75% from four subjects including 75% in Chemistry or Biology in any other Standard XII.
You will also need: 6 or C2 in Secondary School Examination Maths, or Pass in Standard XII Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
Germany - Abitur
2.2 overall average in the Abitur including 12 in Chemistry or Biology.
You will also need: 10 in Maths in the Abitur, plus an English language qualification (see below)
France - Baccalaureate
12.5 in the French Baccalaureate including 13 in Chemistry /Physics or Biology, or 12 in the International Option Baccalaureate including 12 in Chemistry / Physics or Biology.
You will also need: 10 in Maths in the Baccalaureate, plus an English language qualification (see below)
Hong Kong - Diploma
444 from two electives and one core subject in the HKDSE including 4 in Chemistry or Biology.
You will also need: 2 in HKDSE Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
Spain - Bachillerato
Overall average of 7.4 in the Título de Bachillerato including 8 in Chemistry or Biology.
You will also need: 5 in Graduado en Educación Secundaria (GES) Maths or 6 in Título de Bachiller Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
Italy - Diploma di Esame di Stato
80% in the Esame di Stato including 8 in Chemistry, Biology or Natural Science.
You will also need: 5 in Maths in the Diploma, plus an English language qualification (see below)
Cyprus - Apolytirion
18 / 86% in the Apolytirion including 18 in Chemistry or Biology.
You will also need: 14 in Maths in the Apolytirion, plus an English language qualification (see below)
Portugal
Overall average of 15.5 in a Secondary Certificate including 16 in Chemistry or Biology.
You will also need: 10 in Secondary Certificate Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
Canada - Diploma
65% / BBBCC in five courses in the Grade 12 Diploma including 70% in Chemistry or Biology.
You will also need: 50% in Grade 11 Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
Kenya - KCSE / Diploma
We do not accept the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education for direct entry. However, you can apply to study an International Foundation Year at Keele University International College. On successful completion, you can progress to an undergraduate degree at Keele.
We may accept a two year Diploma. Please contact the University Admissions Team for advice.
Nigeria - Senior School Certificate / OND
We do not accept the Senior School Certificate (WAEC or NECO) for direct entry. However, you can apply to study an International Foundation Year at Keele University International College. On successful completion, you can progress to an undergraduate degree at Keele.
We may accept an Ordinary National Diploma with GPA of 2.5 or a Merit / Lower Credit. Please contact the University Admissions Team for advice.
USA - Advanced Placement
444 from three Advanced Placement subjects including 4 in Chemistry or Biology.
You will also need: C in Grade 12 High School Diploma Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
Ghana
We do not accept the West African Senior School Certificate Examination for direct entry. However, you can apply to study an International Foundation Year at Keele University International College. On successful completion, you can progress to an undergraduate degree at Keele.
Sri Lanka - Advanced Level
BBB in three Advanced Levels including B in Chemistry or Biology.
You will also need: C in O-level Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
Malaysia - STPM
BBB in three subjects in the STPM including B in Chemistry or Biology.
You will also need: C in SPM Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
Pakistan - Secondary School Certificate
We do not accept the Secondary School Certificate for direct entry. However, you can apply to study an International Foundation Year at Keele University International College. On successful completion, you can progress to an undergraduate degree at Keele.
Singapore - A Levels (H2)
BBB in three H2 Levels including B in Chemistry or Biology.
You will also need: C in O-level Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
European Baccalaureate
72% overall with 7 in Chemistry or Biology (4 period).
You will also need: 6 in European Baccalaureate Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
English Language Requirements
All of our courses require an English language qualification or test. For most students, this requirement can be met with a 4 or C in GCSE English. Please see our English Language guidance pages for further details, including English language test information for international students. For those students who require an English language test, this course requires a test from Group A.
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.
"There was a good split between lecture based theory work and practical labs. The facilities in the labs were above and beyond. Additionally all the lecturers and staff at Keele were really supportive, very knowledgeable on their subjects and wanted you to succeed. "
"Psychology has enhanced my employability by offering countless opportunities to enhance my skills and knowledge, including voluntary work in labs and talks from academics. I believe I will stand out when applying for further study and jobs because of these experiences."
"I found it beneficial to be able to use a range of analytical systems such as Chromatography, NMR and Mass spectrometry as a knowledge of such systems is often of interest to employers which has helped me to secure employment in a research laboratory. "
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.
Central Science Laboratories
Develop your practical skills in Keele's state-of-the-art Central Science Laboratories
Facilities
In forensic science, practical classes will take place in Keele's state-of-the-art, multi million pound Central Science Laboratories and our custom-built crime scene facilities.
Central Science Laboratories
In order to teach to the highest of standards, we utilise the latest laboratory space and equipment. You will benefit from transformational teaching in a space designed to encourage and enable collaborative and interdisciplinary working.
Our Central Science Laboratories house computational teaching facilities and multiple analytical suites that include industry standard equipment used in the analysis of forensic evidence. Forensic equipment includes: Video Spectral Comparators, comparison microscope, AFIS, micro spectrophotometer, Raman spectrometer, NMR spectrometers, ICP-OES, GCs, GC-MS, UV Vis spectrometers, fluorimeters and FT-IR spectrometers.
The CSL laboratory will also make a significant contribution to the Global Health Initiative at Keele, and will be home to researchers working on neurological disorders including Parkinson’s disease, spinal injury, oncology, viral infections and carbohydrate biochemistry.
Crime Scene House
Keele's purpose-built crime scene house (equipped with CCTV, vehicles and blood pattern analysis room) enables you to gain hands on experience in recovering evidence from a variety of realistic criminal settings. It also helps to provide context to your learning and gives you experience in a typical environment encountered by a forensic scientist. Simulated crime scenes will provide you with the skills to critically assess the issues around the acquisition of forensic evidence at a crime scene with particular attention to control, continuity, contamination, quality assurance and record-keeping.
School of Psychology
In the School of Psychology, you will have access to our laboratories that house advanced equipment for research involving adults and children. This includes:
- EEG equipment to detect electrical activity in the brain
- Eye-tracking software to gain deeper understanding of cognitive processes, such as problem solving and decision making
- Virtual reality headsets to perform controlled laboratory studies of large-scale human exploratory behaviour
- Video observation suites to watch, record and collect research data
- Brain stimulation equipment to research links between brain organisation and behaviour
- Suite of laboratories for qualitative research
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 in this Foundation Year section is for UK/Home applicants. Where an international Foundation Year is available, please see the 'Information for international students' tab.
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.
The Keele University 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 and Psychology degree. For example, the Foundations of Psychology module introduces you to the principles and concepts of psychology in a theoretical context, while also demonstrating the application of concepts to everyday life. You'll discover how psychology as a science studies human behaviour. In addition, 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-00201 | Foundations of Psychology | 15 credits |
| FYO-00189 | Foundations of Chemistry | 15 credits |
Semester two modules
| FYO-00191 | Advancing Chemistry | 30 credits |
| FYO-00203 | Advancing Psychology | 30 credits |
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.
- 56 UCAS points including at least one Level 3 qualification (such as an A Level, BTEC, Access Course, or T Level).
- Plus C in GCSE English / Level 2 Functional Skills English and C in GCSE Maths / Level 2 Functional Skills Maths
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. You will be contacted to confirm your second subject by a member of our team.
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.
The information in this Foundation Year section is for UK/Home applicants. Where an international Foundation Year is available, please see the 'Information for international students' tab.
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.