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    Forensic Science - BSc (Hons)

    Year of entry
    2022 - for 2023 entry see here
    Course type
    Single Honours
    Duration of study
    3 years/ 4 years with International Year
    Location
    Keele University campus
    Subject area / School
    School of Chemical and Physical Sciences
    UCAS code
    F415
    • Entry requirements

      • Keele Undergraduate Enquiries Form

      Please submit your question in the form below and a member our enquiries team will be in touch with you shortly.











      Upon submitting this form, your enquiry will be forwarded on to our enquiries team who will contact you  to answer your question and provide further details about the course that you are interested in.

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    Course overview

    ‌Gain an in-depth understanding of forensic science. Taught by academics and forensic professionals, providing valuable lab and crime scene experience, helping you to stay ahead in this fast moving science.

      Keele Undergraduate Enquiries Form

      Please submit your question in the form below and a member our enquiries team will be in touch with you shortly.











      Upon submitting this form, your enquiry will be forwarded on to our enquiries team who will contact you  to answer your question and provide further details about the course that you are interested in.

      Your Preferences




      What we’re going to do with your data and why?

      We will securely store your data and send you essential information (examples include updates on an application or booking confirmations for events such as Open Days).

      We would also like to send you useful information about studying at University (particularly Keele) and/or the courses that you have shown an interest in. To do this we need your consent and information on which communication channels you would like to hear from us on (please see opt-in boxes above).

      We will never sell your data to a third party. We only ever share data with companies involved in helping us communicate with you or helping us to manage your data (examples include; Online forms, Printers, Postal services, other University partners etc).

      How long are we keeping it?

      We will keep your data for the year that you first enquire with us plus 6 subsequent years. This is to ensure that you are legally protected should you have any issues with the use of your data.

      Unsubscribe

      By selecting no to the preferences above you will have unsubscribed, however, this does not mean that your data has been deleted. If you would like to invoke your right to be forgotten please refer to the section below.

      What to do if I change my mind?

      To change your preferences after you have closed this form, simply reopen the link to this page. For further information about how your data is held, including your right to be forgotten, please contact dpa@keele.ac.uk

    No. 1

    in England for Forensic Science Complete University Guide 2022

    Accredited

    By the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences

    Top 10

    in England for Overall Student Satisfaction, (broad-based public universities) National Student Survey, 2021

    Student testimonials

    Max Cordon

    Max Cordon, 2nd year BSc Forensic Science Student

    "If you want to experience one of the best forensic science programmes in the country, Keele is the place to do it." - read more about Max Cordon, 2nd year BSc Forensic Science Student

    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." - read more about Richard Bridgett, BSc Biology and Forensic Science

    Carlie Whiting, BSc Forensic Science and Criminology

    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." - read more about Carlie Whiting, BSc Forensic Science and Criminology

    BSc Forensic Science and Neuroscience

    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." - read more about Katherine Gorman, Reporting Forensic Scientist - BSc Forensic Science

    Course content

    You will be taught by a range of academics and forensic professionals using facilities in our modern laboratories with industry standard equipment. We have a dedicated Crime Scene House that allows you to put the theory into practice.

    Studying this course will allow you to cover the forensic process from the collection of evidence at the crime scene, to its presentation in court. You will explore 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.

    Forensic Science is also available as a Combined Honours degree. It can be studied in the following combinations:

    You may also be interested in:

    Our Course Information Documents (CIDs) are designed to give you all of the details you need to make an informed decision about what and where to study.

    Download Forensic Science 2022-23 CID

    Variations to 2020/21 courses

    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

    Keele is committed to ensuring equality of opportunity to all our applicants with the potential and motivation to succeed, regardless of background. On that basis we operate a range of 'alternative offer' schemes with clear eligibility criteria.

    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 BBC
    • 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

    International Baccalaureate

    • 29 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

    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.

    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.

    The foundation year offers September starts across all subjects, and January starts across all science, humanities, social sciences and business routes.

    The January intake excludes the Veterinary Medicine and Surgery degree with Foundation Year and other health-related foundation Year degree

    For more details visit our foundation year webpages.

    Foundation year

    Foundation Year Overview

    If you do not meet the requirements for direct entry into the BSc (Hons) Forensic Science course our Foundation Year can provide an alternative route into your degree.

    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 community from the outset, and you will have access to a range of support.

    Read on to find out about:

    • Foundation Year indicative modules for the September intake
    • Foundation Year entry requirements
    • How to apply
    • UCAS code for this course

    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.

    This 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 degree. For example, 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-00189 Foundations of Chemistry 15 credits
    FYO-00197 Foundations of Life Sciences 15 credits

    Semester Two  Modules

    FYO-00199 Advancing Life Sciences 30 credits
    FYO-00191 Advancing Chemistry 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 for United Kingdom, European Union and International students.

    • 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

    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.

    Information for International Students

    International students who do not meet the entry requirements for this integrated foundation year course may be eligible to study an International Foundation Year stand alone programme.

    Please visit the International Foundation Year pages for information on how to apply, entry requirements and course details.

    Information for students returning to education

    We are interested in a broad range of qualities, not just your points on entry. We would like to learn more about you, your interests, experiences and motivation to study.

    We would be delighted to talk to you about your work experience (paid or voluntary) and qualifications, and help you to explore your options for study with us.

    Contact us via admissions@keele.ac.uk

    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 (HESA, 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.

    Previous 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

    (Please note that some of these roles may require further qualifications or training.)

    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.

    Facilities

    You will be taught in our Central Science Laboratories and Crime Scene House using modern analytical instrumentation which can be viewed on our Facilities and Equipment webpage.

    We have short videos to give you a flavour of the facilities and equipment you will have access to. These can be accessed via the links below:

    • CSL First Floor: This is our laboratory space used for fume hood experimental work. This facility contains modern equipment for a range of forensic science work required to detect, and process evidence, for example analytical balances, centrifuges, rotary evaporators and UV viewing cabinets used in areas of forensic chemistry

    • CSL Dark Rooms: On the ground floor of the Central Science Laboratories building are our imaging suites, these dark room facilities are used for enhancement techniques, for example imaging of latent fingerprints enhanced with fluorescent powders using an alternate light source (Crime-lite light source)

    Additional opportunities

    Foundation year Learn a language International year Study abroad GCP Elective Pathways Explore more

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