Forensic Science and Psychology

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

2023

Course type

Combined Honours

Location

Keele University campus

Subject area / School

School of Chemical and Physical Sciences

UCAS code

FC48

Duration of study

3 years / 4 years with international or placement year

Enquire about this course Book an open day Chat to students

Why study Forensic Science and Psychology at Keele University?

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

Gain highly transferable employability skills to pursue careers in forensic investigation, business, service, education and caring professions

Professional recognition or accreditation pathways are available

Develop your practical and professional skills in our crime scene facilities

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

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 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

forensic science students

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.

Psychology equipment

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 first and second year, 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.

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

As a university, 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.

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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

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Additional opportunities

Foundation year Placement year International year Study abroad 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 BBB/ABC
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 DDM
You must have taken sufficient Chemistry/Biology units, please contact the Admissions team.

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 122 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

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

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"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. "

Rian, Forensic Science

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"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."

Naomi, Psychology

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Modules

Modules for Forensic Science and Psychology

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.

COMPULSORY MODULES

Introduction to Developmental and Social Psychology

This module will allow you to explore a range of topics in developmental, individual differences and social psychology.You will learn about how psychologists have carried out research to better understand human behaviour and thought from expert staff with experience of working in these areas.

Introduction to Biological and Cognitive Psychology

You will learn about how psychologists have carried out research to better understand human behaviour and thought. Typical topics could include the structure and function of the brain, neuronal impulses, how we make sense of sensory stimuli, memory, higher level cognitive processes such as problem solving, and the ways in which genes and hormones influence our behaviour.

Answering Questions with Qualitative Data

In this introductory module to qualitative research design and data collection you will learn how you can research human experiences and behaviour using a variety of qualitative data such as interviews and social media. Stepping into the world of qualitative research you will also explore the theoretical and philosophical underpinnings of methods as well as reflect on the ethics of various qualitative research designs.

Answering Questions with Quantitative Data

In this introductory module to qualitative research design and data collection you will learn how you can research human experiences and behaviour using a variety of qualitative data such as interviews and social media. Stepping into the world of qualitative research you will also explore the theoretical and philosophical underpinnings of methods as well as reflect on the ethics of various qualitative research designs.

COMPULSORY MODULES

Developmental and Social Psychology

Classes in developmental psychology will cover topics such as parenting, emotional development, peer relationships, language development. Classes in social psychology will cover core topics, such as attitudes, social identity, group and intergroup behaviour.

Biological and Cognitive Psychology

This module builds upon and extends your knowledge and understanding of key issues in the study of cognitive processes and the biological basis of behaviour. Cognitive topics include processes such as perception, attention, human learning, and memory. Biological topics are related to the central nervous system in normal and pathological conditions.

Qualitative Research Methods

This module aims to advance your understanding of qualitative research methods and analyses used in Psychology and builds on the content of the first-year research methods modules. You will gain an understanding of a variety of methods, such as interviewing, focus groups, world cafes, etc. as well as a variety of analysis techniques, such as thematic analysis, discourse analysis, interpretative phenomenological analysis, etc.

Statistics for Psychology

This module will cover commonly used advanced research methods in psychology, ranging from classical tests through to statistics at the forefront of Psychology. These include factorial ANOVA, regression, and an introduction to Bayesian analysis. Additionally, you will be provided with hands-on experience working on your own research projects.

COMPULSORY MODULES

Forensic Science

Psychology

Final Year Project (Double) - ISP

During your Final Year Project, you will conduct an independent and substantive piece of empirical psychological research under supervision. You will also have the opportunity to develop a research question and hypotheses, design a research project, and submit an application to gain ethical approval.

Grand Challenges in Psychology

The Grand Challenges in Psychology module will enable you to extend your appreciation of the ways in which psychology and psychological science have developed culturally and historically to get us to where we are now. The topics covered invite you to think critically about current debates and future challenges in a wide range of areas of Psychology such as consciousness and cognition in human and non-human animals, the use of psychology for manipulation and control and community action and change.

OPTIONAL MODULES

Forensic Science

OPTIONAL MODULES

Psychology

Psychology in Education

Psychology in Education is designed to develop your understanding of psychological theory, research and practice in education. The sessions will introduce theories and research and then ask you to put this into practice in a variety of ways for a variety of audiences. Indicative topics may include Bullying, Social skills training and Diversity in the classroom.

Health and Disease

In this module indicative topics include prevention of illness, health promotion, behaviour change and community approaches to health. In the second half of the module, indicative content includes patient and health care professional perspectives regarding becoming ill and diagnosis with diseases such as cancer.

Vulnerabilities in the Criminal Justice System

This module will discuss vulnerabilities in the criminal justice system, covering a range of individual factors such as age, gender, ethnic and cultural background, and mental health issues which can render certain populations more vulnerable in the criminal justice system.

Psychology of Climate Change

Taking a historical and contemporary perspective through a psychological lens, this module will provide an in-depth understanding of human areas impacting the climate negatively, as well as discussing short- and long-term human impacts fighting the climate change.

Investigative Forensic Psychology

Explores some of the psychological processes relevant to eyewitness testimony. How effectively are people able to describe or recognise a suspect? How accurate is our memory for details of a crime and how can psychological research help us improve the testimony witnesses provide? These questions and more will be considered during the module.

SPECIALISE IN FORENSIC SCIENCE

If you specialise in Forensic Science you will study:

SPECIALISE IN PSYCHOLOGY

If you specialise in Psychology you will study the third-year compulsory Psychology modules. You will also choose from the third-year Psychology optional modules in addition to those listed below:

Models of Cognition

This module will develop not only your understanding of key issues in cognitive psychological models but also your capacity to reason and evaluate as a scientist. Indicative topic areas include models of attention, memory, task switching and judgment and decision making.

Psychosocial Engineering

Psychosocial engineering is the application of social-psychological techniques to solve problems related to human behaviour. The sessions will teach you up-to-date social psychological theories of behaviour and attitude change, along with case studies of their application to tackle real-world problems.

Cognitive Development

When do new-born infants recognise their mother? Can chimpanzees take others' perspectives? Are human infants moral creatures? This module will advance your understanding of key areas of cognitive development. You will discuss studies focusing on developmental populations in human and non-human primates.

Illness and Coping

This module will give you knowledge and skills in health psychology, focusing on illness and how people cope with a range of health conditions. You will explore the psychological effects of these conditions on all those living with them, including patients, family and carers.

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"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. "

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)

You will graduate with a strong set of analytical, data interpretation, scientific and research skills suited to a wide variety of careers. You may also wish to further your knowledge by progressing to postgraduate study.

Careers and fields related to this degree include:

Analytical chemist
Clinical psychologist
Counselling psychologist
Educational psychologist
Forensic examiner
Forensic psychologist
Further education teacher
Health psychologist
High intensity therapist
Intelligence analyst
Microbiologist
Neuropsychologist
Occupational therapist
Primary care graduate mental health worker
Psychological wellbeing practitioner
Quality control scientist
Researcher
Science teacher
Scientific laboratory technician
Security analyst
Sport and exercise psychologist
Toxicologist

Please note you may need to take further postgraduate study to enter some of the professions listed above.

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.

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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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Teaching, learning and assessment

Teaching and assessment

In forensic science we offer a personalised learning experience in an environment where you can feel part of a community. To ensure you receive a high-quality learning experience, teaching will be delivered through a blend of in-situ and digital approaches.

Methods of teaching include:

Group/ team-work and independent project work
Lectures (including those from guest speakers from the profession)
Mini-projects and extended research projects
Practical laboratory classes
Practical simulated crime scene examination (indoor and outdoor)
Problem-based learning workshops
Team-based learning workshops
Tutorials and problems classes
Use of e-learning/the Keele Learning Environment (KLE) (Blackboard) and MS Teams

In psychology teaching is by a combination of lectures, practical classes, and seminars, supplemented by individual meetings and supervision. To ensure you receive a high-quality learning experience, teaching will be delivered through a diverse range of methods including:

Lectures and tutorials
Seminars
Laboratory classes and workshops
Independent study
Web-based learning

Assessment

The wide variety of assessment methods used on the forensic component of the programme reflects the broad range of knowledge and skills that are developed as you progress through the degree programme.

Assessment methods include:

Class tests
Court expert witness statements
Crime scene investigation reports
Cross-examination assessment
Dissertation and research paper literature critical reviews
End of module examinations, open book assessments and case work portfolios
Essays
Laboratory diaries, proformas, reports and examination forms
Oral, digital and poster presentations
Problems sheets and data analysis exercises
Project plans, team project interviews and viva examinations
Technical leaflets

The psychology component of the programme includes a range of assessments to develop both academic and employability skills. These include:

Coursework
Tests
Essays
Journal article critique
Laboratory reports (individual or group)
Personal blogs
Presentations

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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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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.

Forensic Science house

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

psychology equipment

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.

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

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

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. 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.

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, what you will study, and how to apply for a Foundation Year. 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 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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