Forensic Science and Criminology

Forensic Science and Criminology - BSc (Hons)

Explore the methods of forensic investigation, whilst developing an understanding of how both victims and offenders are considered within the criminal justice system. From gathering evidential traces at a crime scene and analysing DNA to exploring policing and why people commit offences - you will develop the knowledge, analytical skills, methods and techniques to enter a wide variety of rewarding careers.

Year of entry

2023 - for 2024 entry see here - for 2023 entry see here

Course type

Single Honours

Location

Keele University campus

Subject area / School

School of Chemical and Physical Sciences

UCAS code

F4L6

Duration of study

3 years/ 4 years with International Year

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Why study Forensic Science and Criminology at Keele University?

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

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

This programme is recognised by the Chartered Society of Forensic Science. Professional accreditation pathways are available.

Develop your practical and professional skills in our crime scene facilities

Keele pioneered the teaching of undergraduate Criminology in the UK

Course overview

According to the Office of National Statistics, comparison data from 2019 to 2021 shows there was a 12% increase in total crime, driven by a 43% increase in fraud and computer misuse in England and Wales. With criminal incidents on the increase, the study of criminology is integral in helping us to understand, control, and reduce crime. By understanding the motivations which may drive an individual to commit crime, we are able to examine the route causes of criminal behaviour which enables the identification and implementation of effective preventative measures.

Additionally, criminals continue to seek and utilise advancing tools and techniques to commit crime. The role of the forensic scientist is pivotal in identifying and presenting admissible scientific evidence for use in courts of law to support the prosecution or defence in criminal and civil investigations.

Forensic Science and Criminology at Keele

Forensic Science and Criminology at Keele will equip you with an in depth understanding of the motivations of those who commit crime and how science can be applied to solve and understand criminal activities. You will also explore the impact of crime on a range of parties including the victim, the offender and the professional bodies responsible for investigating criminal activity.

You will study the entire forensic process in detail, from evidence collection, analysis and interpretation to court reporting. Throughout your studies you will develop a comprehensive understanding of continuity of evidence and how the crime scene, laboratory and court contribute to the forensic and legal process.

Your studies will be underpinned by a strong focus on the criminal justice system. You will study topics such as the causes of crime and the nature and development of different social responses to crime which includes the policing and operations of the criminal justice and penal systems.

Year one

The first year of the programme introduces many of the basic science topics that underpin the study of forensic science. You will acquire a solid grounding in the principal concepts of basic chemistry, biology, and forensic investigation, whilst gaining hands-on practical experience in a variety of experimental skills and analytical methods through laboratory work.
You will also examine forensic science as a professional discipline, looking at the crime scene, laboratory and the court, why people commit crime and how digital infrastructures, such as the internet are used to facilitate crime.

To introduce you to the discipline of criminology you will look at different ways of measuring crime; the development of various theoretical perspectives in criminology; and the use of those perspectives in understanding crime as a social problem. You will also explore the organisations and individuals who attempt to deliver 'Criminal Justice' and the social history of modern investigative techniques.

Year two

From year two, you will build on the knowledge gained in your first year to develop an appreciation of the key themes in forensic science that are relevant to professional practice. This will include the tools used for identifying individuals by DNA profiling, the role of forensic science in the investigation of drugs and drug-related crime and a range of techniques used for the chemical characterisation of forensic materials.

Within the criminology aspect of the programme you will study topics such as crime and justice in a global context, the development and contemporary practice of policing, mental illness, mental disorder and personality disorder and their relationship to offending behaviour.

Year three

Your final year will culminate with the opportunity to unleash your creativity and apply the knowledge you have acquired throughout your studies by working on a final year criminology dissertation. Under the guidance of an academic supervisor you will have the opportunity to integrate your personal passions and examine them from a criminology perspective.

In addition, you will hone your teamwork and communication skills by working on a forensic science team research project and carry out a forensic examination of a crime scene. You will report on the evidence within the professional context of crime scene examiner, forensic scientist and expert witness.

Forensic science team project titles 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

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.

Study abroad

In between years two and three of your studies you can choose to spend time 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 also benefit from the support of an assigned personal tutor and the dedicated Faculty Student Experience and Support team.

Next Steps

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Related Courses

Accreditation and professional recognition

This programme is recognised by the Chartered Society of Forensic Science. It is accredited by the Chartered Society of Forensic Science if you specialise in Forensic Science. If you choose to specialise in Criminology there is no accreditation available.

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Additional opportunities

Foundation year Learn a language International year Study abroad GCP Elective Pathways 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.

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

BTEC requirements DMM
You must have taken sufficient Chemistry/Biology units, please contact the Admissions team

International Baccalaureate

29 points to include Higher Level Chemistry or Biology at 6 or above.

Access to HE Diploma requirements

Obtain Access to HE 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 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.

Next Steps

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.

Additional information

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

BTEC requirements DMM
You must have taken sufficient Chemistry/Biology units, please contact the Admissions team

International Baccalaureate

29 points to include Higher Level Chemistry or Biology at 6 or above.

Access to HE Diploma requirements

Obtain Access to HE 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 applicant has not had opportunity to sit AS level in England, please contact the Admissions team

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 .

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.

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"One of the big advantages was the extensive time spent in the laboratory getting hands on experience with a range of analytical instrumentation, which related to the theory topics being taught in lectures. It was very helpful to be able to put lecture material into practice and this enabled me to learn the information much more thoroughly. I was impressed by the amount of laboratory time we were given and the variety of instruments available."

Carlie, Forensic Science and Criminology

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"I found the forensics principles laboratories particularly useful as I was able to learn how to collect and interpret forensic evidence. I really enjoyed using Keele's Crime Scene House as this gave me a good opportunity to experience how crime scenes are processed."

Rebecca, Forensic and Analytical Investigation with Integrated Master's

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Your future career

95% of our students are in employment or further study within 15 months of finishing their studies (HESA Graduate Outcomes, 2019/20)

The advanced problem-solving, critical thinking, data interpretation, analytical and communication skills you will acquire on this programme will open up a wide variety of career paths. Joining the Chartered Society of Forensic Scientists (CSFS) may help with keeping up to date with developments in the sector and making valuable contacts.

You may wish to pursue a career in a science-related role such as a forensic scientist or in fields such as crime reduction, offender rehabilitation or community safety. Please note, you may need to take further postgraduate study to enter some of the professions listed below.

Careers that are related to your degree include:

analytical chemist
civil service
community development worker
forensic examiner
forensic scene investigator
intelligence analyst
local government officer
microbiologist
police officer
probation officer
prison officer
quality control scientist
researcher
security analyst
science teacher
scientific laboratory technician
scientific publishing
social worker
toxicologist
youth worker

Enhance your employability

Keele’s Careers and Employability team (Shortlisted for Best University Careers Employment Service - National Undergraduate Employability Awards, 2021), offers 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.

Next Steps

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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

In forensic science we offer a personalised learning experience in an environment where you can feel part of a community. Many of our teaching staff are Fellows or Senior Fellows of the Higher Education Academy, the professional body for teachers in Higher Education. Fellowship provides individuals with recognition of their practice, impact and leadership of teaching and learning.

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:

end of module examinations, open book assessments and case work portfolios
group/ team-work and independent project work
lectures (including those from guest speakers from the profession)
practical laboratory classes
practical simulated crime scene examination (indoor and outdoor)
team-based learning workshops
tutorials and problems classes
use of e-learning/the Keele Learning Environment (KLE) (Blackboard) and MS Teams

In criminology you will be taught by research active staff who adopt diverse teaching methods and different modes of learning and assessments. You will be supported by a personal tutor who will help to guide you throughout your studies and enable you to think independently about your career aspirations.

You will be taught through a range of core modules that provide a foundation of knowledge in criminology as well as optional modules that encourage you to think critically and apply your learning further. These optional modules allow you to tailor your degree programme based on your interests and build confidence in your research abilities.

Your teaching sessions will include lectures, seminars and workshops which will enhance your learning experience, engaging with discussions with academics and peers. This will demonstrate your analytical approach to the subject area and how you present your opinions and findings, with consideration of other perspectives.

Assessment

In forensic science the wide variety of assessment methods used 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

In criminology you will be assessed through methods such as:

case studies
dissertation
essays
examinations
portfolios
presentations
reports/reviews

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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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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.

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 and Criminology 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-00263	Foundations of Social Sciences 3	15 credits

Semester two modules

FYO-00269	Advancing Social Sciences	30 credits
FYO-00191	Advancing Chemistry	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 and Criminology with Foundation Year (UCAS code F4L7) 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.

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.

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